On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss big changes coming to the podcast, and ask the listeners to voice their thoughts on the changes. Also, water safety and Kevin went to the Outdoor Magazine event in Denver Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob w…

They say the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas... but what about the middle of the day? Not just any day—in this episode, we experience the recent total solar eclipse at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and discover how the history of this Hill Country ranch connects it to the night sky and the heyday of the U.S…

On this week's podcast, Bob's guest us author and adventurer Kevin Fedarko. They talk about his newly released book "A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon". The book details his and photographer Pete McBride's attempt to hike the entire length of the canyon, from east to west. Also, they discuss how ov…

On this week's podcast, Bob sits down for a chat with Colorado Springs' Richard Skorman. Skorman is a a former city councilor, a small business owner, outdoor advocate, civic leader and water conservation activist. They talk about his newest initiative of getting volunteers to help clean up trash in sensitive areas and neighborhoods, the scarcity o…

On this week's podcast, Bob provides an update on the shuttle and reservation system on Pikes Peak. Also, interesting facts around the proposed Fox Run Park Nature Center, a new feature on the COTREX app and website, and Bob is selling one of his cameras. Pikes Peak season/annual passes: https://tinyurl.com/tz94b427 COTREX wildfire alerts: https://…

As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation about their experience as ne…

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin discuss master plans projects underway for Colorado Springs' Fishers Canyon Open Space and El Paso County's Jones Park. Also, a discussion about timed-entry reservation requirement for Pikes Peak, and a new shuttle system that leaves out recreational users. Fishers Canyon Master Plan: https://tinyurl.com/3ndbv8…

On this week's podcast, Bob takes a short hike while interviewing Sheila Doherty a/k/a "Hiking Unlimited" on social media. An expert based in Phoenix, she gives advice on hiking in the desert Southwest, chats with Bob about her favorite trips and hikes, and also her future plans. Along on the hike was Sheila's friend, Michelle, a new hiker who was …

At first glance, American Samoa feels like an idyllic, tropical South Pacific paradise where life has changed very little in the past century. But residents have been struggling with the pronounced effects of climate change and other serious challenges. Samoan beaches are visibly eroding, heat and salt water are affecting residents’ ability to grow…

On this week's podcast, Bob is joined by co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf and they catch up on what Kevin has been doing since he was last on the show. They also discuss people behaving badly on trails, a rescue due to people being woefully underprepared, and if you want to hike to the popular Hanging Lake, you will need to prepare carefully and far…

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Jolie NeSmith, the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI). They talk about her first year at the helm, including challenges and accomplishments, and then move on to discuss the 2024 work season. The review the projects RMFI will be working on, with an update on the multi-year Devils Pl…

Bob chats with Luis Benitez, the author of "Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World". The first head of Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, he talks with Bob about the need to change how outdoor recreation in the United States is funded and managed, and how he…

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what …

This week's podcast is all about feet and how to take care of them. Bob is joined by frequent guest Physical Therapist and "Healthy Hiker" Alicia Filley, for an enlightening talk about feet. From common injuries, to how to decipher pain, to socks and shoes, they cover almost anything you'd want to know about feet and hiking. The Healthy Hiker websi…

The Colorado River flows through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest, provides drinking water to more than 40 million people, and is one of the most important sources of water for U.S. agriculture. But access to the river has never been fair, and now, water levels are at historic lows after decades of extreme drought. Photojour…

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin discuss trail projects at two of Colorado Springs' most popular parks; one master plan is being finalized while another is starting. Also Cheyenne Mountain State Park has new Terrain Hoppers for visitors with accessiblity issues; will you able to see the April solar eclipse from Colorado? And finally, in the af…

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Wild Westendorf discuss the latest developments with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. Also, winter driving, choosing the right hiking footwear and Kevin has another medical scare. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking…

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin talk about Daylight Saving Time, the hubbub over some appointments to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, and why are some hikers and cyclists harrassing construction workers? Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob webs…

March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’r…

On this week's podcast, Bob flies solo! He discusses his next major "bucket list" trip, hiking in the desert, where are the best behaved hikers and cyclists. Also, the master plan process is ending for one Colorado Springs park and starting for another one, controversy with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and more. Fishers Canyon Master …

On this week's podcast, Bob talks with Dr. Jason Herbert, the Tribal Liaison with the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC). Dr. Herbert, the first person to hold this position with the PSICC, talks about his previous experiences working with Native American tribes in the southern U.S. prior to worki…

In the late 1970s, only three national park sites out of 300 had specifically been created to interpret women’s history. Judy Hart, then a chief ranger for legislation in the National Park Service’s Boston office, knew she wanted to improve that number, but she wasn’t sure how. Hart’s determination took her to Seneca Falls, New York, as well as Cap…

This week's podcast goes back out into the field, as Bob tries out cross-country skiing for the first time. Michael Brothers from the Woodmoor Nordic Cross-Country skiing center gives Bob a quick lesson on how to ski and afterwards, they talk about how well Bob did - or didn't - do. They also discuss the history of the skiing center, and what is av…

Co-host Kevin returns for this week's podcast, and he and Bob catch up on recent events. They also discuss winter hiking etiquette, and avalanche danger, mountain lion management, a new El Paso County nature center, movie suggestions and more. CPW SE Region Mountain Lion Management meetings: http://tinyurl.com/mr3wbfpc CAIC: https://avalanche.state…

We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partnership, Bobcat has extended five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects across the country. Today, we’re excited to learn m…

On this week's podcast, Bob chats with El Paso County Parks Department Director Todd Marts. They discuss the accomplishments of the department in 2023, and what's ahead for 2024 and beyond. Items discussed include the success of the departments "Trailability" program, Paint Mines Park, the proposed Fox Run Park Nature Center, how the parks are reco…

On this week's podcast, Bob chats with Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Director Britt Haley. They discuss the signifcant accomplishments of the department in 2023, and what's ahead for 2024, including e-bikes, Blodgett and Fishers Canyon master plans, and more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! V…

In the 1950s and ’60s, Alabama was a battleground for voting equality. White elected officials had long denied Black citizens their constitutional right to vote, and thousands of activists faced violent opposition from white residents and officials. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery march made history, galvanizing the nation and leading to the passa…

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Ashlee Sack from Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR), based in Canon City, CO. The discuss the short history of FAR, and their work to build new trails in the Canon City area, and also build awareness of the outdoor recreation opportunities in the Fremont County. FAR website: http://www.joinfar.org/ Please cons…

As you may know, January is National Mentoring Month, and all month long, NRPA has been sharing content around how mentoring through parks and recreation is helping youth develop positive connections with trusted and caring adults, which we know can support their long-term success. National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread awarene…

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin talk about why it was more than 20 degrees warmer 4,000' higher in elevation; new trail map for the Town of Green Mountain Falls; and how is it possible to violate someone's "air space" while hiking (someone is literally making a Federal case out of it). "air space" amicus brief: https://bitly.ws/39U3J …

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss winter hiking, including how to prepare and where to go. Also, why now is the time to buy gear for next winter, the podcast's return to the Studio 809 group, why a road in a popular local park is closed, how many miles Bob hikes in 2023 and much more. Please consider becoming a patron of this po…

Season two of Open Space Radio begins today! For the next year, we will focus on conversations around the 2024 NRPA annual theme, “Where You Belong,” and we’re so excited to kick off this season with a wonderful conversation. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks a…

It's the New Year, and Bob and Kevin look back at 2023 and forward to 2024. What did they do (or didn't do) last year, and what is ahead for them this year? Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://w…

After a long break while Bob was doing interviews, Kevin returns to the podcast. He and Bob discuss the holidays, winter gear and when is the best time to buy, donating to the Give Campaign and other organizations, how to recycle your Christmas tree, first day hikes, and more. Give campaign: https://givepikespeak.org/ Care and Share: https://carean…

In the last of a series with groups particpating in the 2023 Give Pikes Peak campaign, Bob talks with Heather Graves, the Executive Director of the Catamount Institute They discuss the work the Catamount Institute does to introduce school age children to the outdoors, and how the can also prepare them for outdoor-related careers. They discuss how t…

It's time for the annual Give Pikes Peak campaign, and on this week's episode, Bob talks with Teri Peisner from the Friends of Monument Valley Park They discuss the work the group has done over the years to protect and restore the many old stone structures in Monument Valley Park, many of which go back to Colorado Springs' founder, General Palmer. …

It's time for the annual Give Pikes Peak campaign, and on this week's episode, Bob talks with Calla Balliett from the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) They talk about the work RMFI does on trails and in parks in the Pikes Peak region and how support during the Give campaign can help them continue their work. Give campaign: https://givepikespea…

Back in October at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, there was a session that really piqued our interest – so much so, that we wanted to turn it into a two-part podcast episode, with today’s episode being part one (and part two coming in Spring 2024!). The session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces: Insights from Park and Recreation Professio…

Paleontologists have long explored Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the border of Arizona and Utah for its fossils, notably its prolific dinosaur tracks — but few bones have ever been found there. But last March, after watching the waters at Lake Powell drop, scientists made a calculated hunch to investigate areas of the lakebed that hadn’t …

It's time for the annual Give Pikes Peak campaign, and on this week's episode, Bob talks with Kristie Nackord from the Palmer Land Conservancy. They talk about what the Palmer Land Conservancy does to secure land for not only recreation, but also for farming and ranching in the southern Colorado, and how support during the Give campaign can help th…

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin talk about who they are thankful for in their pursuit of outdoor recreation. Also, taking care of yourself and others, mentally and physically, and more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com…

It is our next to last episode of 2023, and we’re so thrilled to chat with our guest today, as she is someone who we’ve been hoping to get on the podcast for a while, someone who is a true leader in the profession, and someone who a lot of our listeners may know. Dr. Tiffany Johnson — or Dr. J., as she’s known in many circles — is not only one of t…

On this week's podcast: Wild Westendorf talks about an acute health scare he had over the weekend, and discuss taking better care of ourselves. Also, Bob talks about a movie that does a great job telling the story of a real-life incident. They also talk about the Give Pikes Peak campaign, and what plans they have made for next year. Give campaign: …

It's time for the annual Give Pikes Peak campaign, and on this week's episode, Bob talks with Trails and Open Spaces Coalition (TOSC) executive director Susan Davies. They talk about what TOSC accomplished with the funds raised during last years Give campaign, and what they hope to do in 2024 with funds raised this year. Also, they discuss what wil…

I’m really excited for today’s episode because I am joined by my colleagues and new co-hosts, Christina High, NRPA’s marketing specialist, and Cara Myers, NRPA’s marketing and engagement manager. I’m really looking forward to this new era of Open Space Radio, and as many of you know, it’s been a while since I’ve had co-hosts. So, we thought it woul…

On this week's podcast, Bob spends a day riding along with a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer in the Pikes Peak Ranger District in Colorado's Pike National Forest. Find out what it's like to be responsible for protecting one of our countries most valuable resources. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.pa…

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in America and a storied waterway where the Atlantic Ocean meets a series of rivers. It’s the place where Algonquian Chief Powhatan met with early English settlers in the 1600s; where the first enslaved people were brought to America; where Harriet Tubman was born and emancipated herself and many others; an…

On this week's podcast, Bob announces that this podcast has been named the "Best Podcast for 2023". Find out by whom, and how it decided... Also, the Colorado Springs "Discover COS" calendar for 2024 has been released; the current status of the Blodgett Open Space Master Plan and the Fox Run Park Nature Center; Bob's recent trip to the east coast, …

Earlier this month I joined nearly 9,000 other people who are passionate about parks and recreation in Dallas at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. It was a week full of inspiration, networking and fun — and for me, a chance to celebrate not only all the good work happening in local parks and recreation, but also see the culmination of my NRPA collea…