The Ground Between Us

What does conservation have to do with conservatism? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with David Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, about the history of conservation in the conservative tradition and why protecting our natural resources should be a responsibility shared across political differences.

David draws on American political history, faith, economics, and his own experiences outdoors to make the case for responsible stewardship. From Theodore Roosevelt and the conservation legacy of earlier Republican presidents to today's political divisions over climate and energy, the conversation examines how conservation became such a partisan issue.

Eli and David also explore the practical and economic value of protecting natural resources. They discuss wetlands and their role in flood control and water filtration, renewable energy and market competition, the hidden costs of pollution, and how communities can suffer when short-term resource extraction takes priority over long-term economic and environmental health.

At its heart, this is a conversation about responsibility, common ground, and the obligation to leave the world in good condition for the generations that follow us.

Subjects covered include:

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Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship and its mission

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The history of conservation in the conservative tradition

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Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan

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Political tribalism and the changing politics of environmental protection

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Faith, the carbon cycle, and responsible resource use

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Wildlife, predators, healthy ecosystems, and hunting

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Why climate change became a partisan issue

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Wetlands and the natural services they provide

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Renewable energy, market competition, and electricity costs

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Pollution and the polluter-pays principle

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Public lands, outdoor recreation, and local economies

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The resource curse and the long-term consequences of extraction

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Alaska's fishing and tourism economies

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Grassroots engagement and bipartisan conservation

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Finding common ground through civil conversation

Learn more about Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship:
https://conservativestewards.org/

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Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

What did the eastern United States look like before its wild landscapes were transformed by settlement and industry? And what does it take to bring native wildlife back?

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Andrew Moore, author of The Beast of the East: The Rise and Fall of America's Eastern Wilderness, about the history of eastern wildlife and the ongoing efforts to restore species and ecosystems across the region.

Andrew and Eli explore a past when bison, elk, wolves, mountain lions, and extensive old-growth forests shaped the eastern landscape. They discuss how Indigenous land stewardship influenced ecosystems, how European settlement and commercial exploitation transformed wildlife, and how modern conservationists are working to recover some of what was lost.

The conversation follows several major restoration stories, including elk in Kentucky, bison and prairie restoration in Illinois and Indiana, and red wolf recovery in the Southeast. Along the way, they examine the complicated relationship between habitat restoration and industrial damage, the importance of people like Doug and Dot Wade in conservation history, and the challenges of recovering wildlife in a landscape shaped by private property and human development.

This is a conversation about the history of eastern wilderness, the complexities of rewilding, and what it means to make room for wild species in the places we call home.

Subjects covered include:

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The eastern United States before European settlement

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Andrew Moore's The Beast of the East

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Indigenous land stewardship and humans as a force in shaping ecosystems

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The transformation of wildlife through settlement and commercial exploitation

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Kentucky elk restoration and the legacy of mountaintop removal mining

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Bison reintroduction and native prairie restoration

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Doug and Dot Wade and the discovery of rare prairie remnants

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Women and overlooked figures in conservation history

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Red wolf recovery, captive breeding, and the Endangered Species Act

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Coyote hybridization and the challenges facing red wolves

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Wildlife restoration on private lands

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The relationship between industrial development, habitat, and conservation

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What it takes to coexist with wild species in the modern East

Get the book: The Beast of the East

Find Andrew Moore's book through Bookshop.org:
https://bookshop.org/beta-search?bkshp-astro=t&keywords=beasts+of+the+east

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Email: thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

Want to try fly fishing but aren't sure where to start? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Christa Clasgens, owner of Silver Hen Flyco, about the gear, techniques, and skills that help beginners get started.

Christa brings her experience guiding anglers across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia to a practical conversation about everything from choosing a first fly rod and understanding different types of flies to learning how to cast and read a stream. They also explore why fly fishing can be such a welcoming and therapeutic hobby, along with the responsibility anglers have to handle fish carefully and protect the waters they depend on.

Whether you're completely new to fly fishing or transitioning from conventional tackle, this episode offers a foundation for getting out on the water and learning as you go.

Subjects covered include:

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Why people start fly fishing and what makes the community special

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The mental and physical benefits of fly fishing

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Rods, reels, fly line, leaders, and tippet explained

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Choosing a beginner rod and getting started without overspending

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Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers

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Essential accessories, including waders, nippers, hemostats, and nets

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Roll casts, overhead casts, and common casting mistakes

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Natural drifts, line mending, and fly presentation

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Beginner rigging setups, indicators, and dry droppers

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Reading streams and finding seams, riffles, rocks, and current breaks

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Catch-and-release fish handling and protecting trout

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Water temperatures, fishing regulations, and conservation ethics

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Respecting fishing spots and learning from local anglers

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Stream cleanups and ways to support conservation

Learn more about Christa and Silver Hen Flyco:
https://www.silverhenflyco.com/

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Email: thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Olivia Miller, Interim Executive Director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, about her deep connection to West Virginia’s Highlands and the long history of protecting the state’s wild places.

Olivia grew up in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, surrounded by the mountains, forests, streams, and public lands that shaped her understanding of conservation. She and Eli talk about her family’s history in the Highlands, her journey back to West Virginia, and the work of an organization that has spent decades fighting to protect some of the state’s most important landscapes.

The conversation covers the history behind places like Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness, the challenges of managing heavily visited public lands, the Roadless Rule, mining and impacts to sensitive habitats, Corridor H, data center development in Tucker County, and the broader question of how West Virginians balance economic development with protecting the natural resources that make the state special.

Subjects covered include:

• Olivia’s connection to West Virginia’s Highlands
• Growing up in the Monongahela National Forest
• Family history and public lands
• The history of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
• Protecting Dolly Sods, Otter Creek, and other wilderness areas
• Stewardship challenges in heavily visited public lands
• The Roadless Rule
• Mining and impacts on public lands and waterways
• The Candy Darter and its habitat
• Corridor H
• Data center development in Tucker County
• Economic development and conservation
• Local control and community involvement
• The importance of West Virginia’s mountains and headwaters
• The future of conservation in West Virginia

Learn more about the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy:
https://www.wvhighlands.org/

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Email: thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Corey Fisher, public land policy director at Trout Unlimited, about roadless areas, public lands, hunting, fishing, and the conservation work happening on the ground.

A quick note on production quality: We experienced some technical issues during this recording that affected both the audio and video quality in parts of the episode. We apologize for the less-than-ideal production quality and appreciate you bearing with us.

Corey explains what Trout Unlimited does as a nationwide grassroots conservation organization and how its network of roughly 400 chapters and 300,000 members and supporters works to protect and restore waters and fisheries across the country. The conversation explores why roadless areas matter, how healthy public lands support clean water and wildlife, and why hunters and anglers have an important role to play in conservation.

Subjects covered include:

• Corey's role as Trout Unlimited's public land policy director
• How Trout Unlimited's grassroots network works across the country
• The connection between public lands, clean water, and healthy fisheries
• Why roadless areas create opportunities for adventure and access to wild places
• Corey's early outdoor experiences hunting and fishing in southern Michigan
• A memorable roadless elk hunt in southwest Montana
• Why conservation organizations can be force multipliers for water and wildlife conservation
• The importance of hands-on conservation work
• The roadless rule and current public land policy
• Travel management plans and public land access
• Why public participation matters in the policy process
• The role hunters and anglers can play in conservation

Corey's perspective highlights how conservation happens both on the ground and through public engagement — from restoring streams and protecting habitat to participating in the decisions that shape America's public lands.

The USDA is currently proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which established protections for inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands.

If you want to learn more about the proposal or leave a public comment, visit the Federal Register:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/20/2026-16965/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation

Whether you support or op

Take Action: Roadless Areas

What do public lands mean to you?

Land Tawney joins The Ground Between Us for a conversation about public lands, conservation, hunting, fishing, and the experiences that connect people to the outdoors.

We talk about Land's conservation background, the importance of public lands, the role of grassroots engagement, and the policies that shape how these places are managed. Land also shares personal stories about how time outdoors can build character and discusses some of the challenges facing public lands, including the future of the Roadless Rule, climate change, wildfire, and forest health.

Subjects covered include:

• The importance of public lands for conservation and outdoor recreation
• Hunting, fishing, and character development
• Land's conservation background and work in conservation
• Grassroots activism and public engagement
• The "three D's": defund, dismantle, and divest
• Public-land policy and legislation
• The history and significance of the Roadless Rule
• Climate change, wildfire, and forest health
• Conservation funding and innovative funding mechanisms
• The future of America's public lands

The USDA is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which established broad restrictions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. The public comment period has been extended through October 6, 2026.

You can review the proposal and submit a public comment through the Federal Register:

Roadless Area Conservation proposal and public comment page

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Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

Roadless Rule Public Comment

Public lands belong to all of us, but protecting them takes more than simply caring about them. It takes people willing to speak up.

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Adam Kramer, founding executive director and CEO of Outdoor Alliance, and Nicole Brown, Outdoor Alliance's communications and public engagement manager, about public lands, the roadless rule, and why advocacy can still make a difference.

Outdoor Alliance brings together outdoor recreation communities from across the country, including climbers, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Adam and Nicole explain how that coalition works and why bringing different communities together can create a stronger voice for public lands and waters.

Subjects covered include:

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Adam and Nicole's personal paths into the outdoors

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How Outdoor Alliance was formed

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Bringing climbing, biking, skiing, paddling, and other communities together

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Why public lands are a public trust

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Public lands as places of recreation, stewardship, and democracy

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The recent push to sell millions of acres of public land

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The public response to those proposals

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What the Roadless Rule actually does

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Why roadless areas matter for habitat, recreation, clean water, and clean air

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The debate over roads and wildfire management

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The history of the Mining Law of 1872

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The Legacy Restoration Fund and repairing existing infrastructure

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Access for people with disabilities

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Why public comments and contacting elected officials can matter

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The importance of local organizing

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How people can get involved in public-land advocacy

The conversation ultimately comes back to a simple idea: public lands are only truly public when people participate in the decisions that shape them.

These issues were not discussed in this episode. I'm including them because they are current public-land policy developments that I want listeners to be aware of and active on.

Roadless Areas: The Forest Service has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The proposal would return more management decision-making for inventoried roadless areas to local Forest Service officials. The public comment deadline is September 21, 2026.

If roadless public lands matter to you, read the proposal and submit a thoughtful public comment. The Forest Service says timely comments will be considered in developing the final rule.

Read the Roadless Area Conservation proposal and submit a comment

National Forest Travel Management: The Forest Service has also proposed changes to its travel-management regulations for National Forest System lands. If you care about public access, roads, recreation, and national forest management, read the proposal and consider submitting a public comment.

Read the Travel Management proposal and submit a comment

These proposals are separate from the conversation with Adam and Nicole, but they're part of the larger ongoing conversation about how America's public lands are managed.

Stay informed, participate in the public process, and make your voice heard.

Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

Current Public Land Issues

Public lands don't have to be sold to become effectively privatized. In this episode, John Leshy explains how changes in law, leasing, resource extraction, and land management can reshape who controls America's public lands, even when the land itself remains publicly owned.

John Leshy joins The Ground Between Us to unpack how America's public lands were created, why they matter, and how the fight over them has evolved. Leshy is an emeritus law professor at UC Law San Francisco and former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, bringing decades of experience in public-land law, federal policy, conservation, and land management.

The conversation looks at the 2025 effort to sell millions of acres of federal land, why that proposal ultimately failed, and why Leshy believes the larger story goes beyond a traditional land sale. We explore "functional privatization," where long-term leases, statutory mandates, and changes to land-management policy can create increasingly durable private interests in publicly owned resources.

Subjects covered include:

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The history of America's public-land system

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Why public lands represent shared ownership and access

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John Leshy's career in public-land law and federal service

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The Colorado Plateau, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Grand Canyon

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The history and legacy of the Mining Act of 1872

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The 2025 proposal to sell millions of acres of federal land

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Why the proposed land sale generated broad political opposition

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The concept of "functional privatization"

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How long-term leases can create property-like interests

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The role of federal agencies in managing public lands

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Logging, mining, leasing, and other forms of resource development

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Tribal stewardship and the history of America's public lands

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Why understanding public-land history matters when evaluating current policy

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How people can stay informed and participate in the public process

The following issues were not discussed in this episode. I'm including them because they are current public-land policy developments that I want listeners to be aware of and active on.

Roadless Areas: The Forest Service has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which provides protections for inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. The public comment period closes September 21, 2026.

If you care about roadless public lands, take the time to read the proposal and submit a public comment. Your voice can become part of the official rulemaking process.

Read the Roadless Area Conservation proposal and submit a comment

National Forest Travel Management: The Forest Service has also proposed changes to its travel-management regulations for National Forest System lands. These rules can affect how roads, trails, motorized access, recreation, and other uses are managed on national forests.

If these issues matter to you, read the proposal and consider submitting a public comment.

Read the Travel Management proposal and submit a comment

These proposals are separate from John's conversation, but they are part of the larger question of how America's public lands are managed. If you care about these places, stay informed, participate in the public process, and make your voice heard.

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

📸 Instagram

📘 Facebook

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Remember y'all, we're all standing on the same ground.

Current Public Land Issues

What makes a fish native to one place but introduced somewhere else? And how can moving a few fish in a bait bucket have consequences that spread throughout an entire watershed?

In this episode, I sit down with Cam Layne, a West Virginia fish biologist and Midwest Vice Chair of the Native Fish Coalition, to explore the incredible diversity of Appalachian fish and the complicated relationship between species, landscapes, and conservation.

Cam shares how his interest in fish began in Northeast Ohio and eventually led him into a career studying and protecting native fish. We talk about why Appalachia is such an important freshwater biodiversity hotspot and how elevation, geology, and drainage divides create distinct fish communities across West Virginia.

The conversation also explores what it actually means for a fish to be native. A species can be native to one watershed while being introduced in another, making geography and historical range much more important than simply looking at state boundaries.

Subjects covered include:

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Why Appalachia and Northeast Ohio are freshwater biodiversity hotspots

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How geology, elevation, and watersheds shape fish communities

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The difference between native, introduced, wild, and stocked fish

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Why drainage divides matter when determining a species' native range

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West Virginia's unique fish species and aquatic biodiversity

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The history of brook trout in West Virginia

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How logging, canopy loss, and sedimentation changed trout habitat

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The importance of riparian forests, hemlocks, and red spruce

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Climate change and the future of brook trout

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How bait bucket introductions can alter entire watersheds

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Hybridization and the threat to rare species like the candy darter

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The diamond darter and other Appalachian endemic fish

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How waterfalls can isolate fish populations and drive speciation

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Using museum specimens and historical records to reconstruct lost fish ranges

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How genetics can help scientists distinguish closely related species

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The complicated role of stocked sport fish in conservation

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Why anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish

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The work of the Native Fish Coalition

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How learning to identify fish and other species can deepen our connection to the places around us

Throughout the conversation, Cam makes a compelling case that understanding the fish in our streams means understanding the places those fish evolved in. Conservation isn't just about protecting individual species. It's about protecting the relationships between species, watersheds, and the landscapes that support them.

The episode closes with a reminder that learning the natural world around us is itself a form of stewardship. The more we understand the fish, birds, plants, and ecosystems in the places we call home, the more meaningful those places become and the more invested we become in protecting them.

Connect with Cam and the Native Fish Coalition

Native Fish Coalition:
https://nativefishcoalition.org/

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Public lands are more than places to hunt, fish, hike, and explore. They are shared resources that depend on people being willing to advocate for them.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Kearns, a board member of the West Virginia chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, to talk about the importance of public land, public water, habitat, and access. Matt shares how his own connection to hunting and the outdoors led him to become involved with BHA and explains the organization's work to bring outdoor communities together around conservation.

We discuss the pressures facing public lands in West Virginia, the relationship between access and habitat protection, the Roadless Rule, wildlife management, and the role that state and federal policy plays in determining how these places are managed.

But this conversation is also about community. From volunteer projects and local events to building coalitions among hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, Matt explains why protecting public lands requires more than simply enjoying them. It requires people who are willing to show up and advocate for the places they care about.

If you value public lands and waters, this episode is an invitation to learn more, get involved, and become part of the community working to protect them.

Learn more about Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

🌲 Website:
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/

📍 West Virginia Chapter:
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/west_virginia

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 Guest inquiries:
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Some of the most important conservation work in America isn't happening in famous national parks. It's happening quietly, one property at a time.

In this episode, I sit down with Turner Provost, Executive Director of Captina Conservancy, to discuss the organization's mission to protect the forests, streams, and wildlife of eastern Ohio. We explore how conservation easements help landowners preserve their property forever, why the Captina Creek watershed is such an ecological treasure, and the remarkable history found within Belmont County's old-growth forests.

Turner also shares stories about ancient tulip poplars, the unique biodiversity of Captina Creek, the challenges posed by increasing development, and how local communities can play an active role in protecting the landscapes that make their region unique.

If you've ever wondered how conservation happens beyond public lands, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people and partnerships working to ensure these places remain wild for future generations.

Connect with Captina Conservancy

🌿 Website
https://captinaconservancy.org/

📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CaptinaConservancy

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/captinaconservancy

Connect with The Ground Between Us

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The Endangered Species Act has shaped wildlife conservation in the United States for more than 50 years, helping prevent extinctions and guiding the recovery of countless species. But how did this landmark law come to be, how does it actually work, and what challenges does it face today?

In this episode, I sit down with renowned conservation biologist Dr. Stanley Temple, Senior Fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation, to unpack the history and evolution of the Endangered Species Act. We discuss the science, ethics, and legal principles behind species protection, the role of habitat conservation, and the ongoing debate over balancing conservation with economic and political interests.

Dr. Temple also shares stories from his decades-long career working with endangered species, reflects on conservation successes and setbacks, and explains why informed citizens continue to play a critical role in protecting biodiversity.

If you've ever wondered how endangered species are protected or why these laws matter for the future of wildlife and public lands, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible look at one of America's most important conservation tools.

Connect with Dr. Stanley Temple

🦅 Aldo Leopold Foundation
https://www.aldoleopold.org/

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Enjoy this episode of TGBTU Revisited, where we revisit some of our favorite conversations!

How do you turn a passion for fly fishing into a business—and a movement? In this episode of The Ground Between Us (TGBTU), we sit down with Christa Clasgens, founder of Silver Hen Fly Co, to talk about fly fishing, guiding, and empowering women in the outdoors.Christa shares her journey from beginner to guide, and how she built a brand centered around community, education, and confidence on the water. We dive into practical fly fishing tips for beginners, the importance of public lands in Appalachia, and why more women are finding success in the sport through finesse, patience, and technique.Whether you're new to fly fishing or looking to deepen your skills, this conversation offers insight into both the technical side of fishing and the bigger picture of building a welcoming outdoor community.Learn more & connect:🌐 Silver Hen Fly Cohttps://silverhenflyco.com📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/silverhenflyco📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/silverhenflyco👍 Subscribe for more conversations about the outdoors, conservation, and the people shaping these spaces.----------------------------------------SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE:* Christa’s journey into fly fishing and guiding* The role of women in outdoor sports* The importance of public lands in Appalachia* Fly fishing tips and techniques for beginners* Why finesse and balance matter in fly fishing* Building a community around outdoor education* Turning a passion into a purpose-driven business----------------------------------------📩 Questions or guest inquiries:mailto:thegroundbetweenus@gmail.comFollow The Ground Between Us📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee----------------------------------------#flyfishing #womenintheoutdoors #appalachia #outdoorcommunity #fishingtips

In this episode, I sit down with Georgia State Herpetologist Daniel Sullenberger to discuss the growing challenge of invasive Argentine black and white tegus and what their spread means for native wildlife. Drawing from his work with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Daniel explains how these remarkable reptiles became established in Georgia, why they're so difficult to manage, and what's being done to protect the state's ecosystems.

Together, we explore the biology of tegus, their impact on native birds and reptiles, the realities of invasive species management, and the role the public can play in reporting sightings and supporting conservation efforts. Daniel also shares insights into emerging research, new technologies, and why long-term management requires collaboration between scientists, landowners, and the public.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the science of invasive species management and the people working every day to protect native wildlife.

Subjects covered include:

•

Argentine black and white tegus

•

Invasive species biology

•

Wildlife management

•

Native turtle and bird conservation

•

Georgia ecosystems

•

Citizen science

•

Wildlife research

•

Conservation technology

•

Public involvement

•

Protecting native biodiversity

Connect with Daniel Sullenberger

🐢 Georgia Department of Natural Resources

https://georgiawildlife.com/

🦎 Report Tegu Sightings

https://georgiawildlife.com/tegus

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 Guest inquiries:
thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Remington Bracher to discuss how Indigenous perspectives on hunting, wildlife, and land stewardship can inform the future of conservation. Drawing from his Cree heritage and professional experience in wildlife management, Remington shares how cultural traditions, community relationships, and respect for the natural world continue to shape conservation efforts today.

Together, we explore the role of fire stewardship, buffalo restoration, Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and the importance of combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. We also discuss mentoring the next generation, strengthening partnerships between Indigenous nations and conservation organizations, and why healthy ecosystems begin with healthy relationships between people and the land.

This conversation is an invitation to see conservation through a broader lens, one that values collaboration, respect, and the wisdom carried across generations.

Subjects covered include:

•

Indigenous land stewardship

•

Cree perspectives on hunting and wildlife

•

Respect and reciprocity in hunting traditions

•

Fire stewardship and ecosystem health

•

Buffalo restoration and the Buffalo Treaty

•

Traditional ecological knowledge

•

Wildlife conservation partnerships

•

Indigenous youth engagement

•

Conservation leadership

•

Building a shared future for wildlife and public lands

Connect with Remington Bracher

💼 LinkedIn

𝕏 Twitter / X

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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Shepherd of the Wildward Institute to explore why spending time outdoors is about so much more than recreation. From developing resilience and confidence to building a lifelong conservation ethic, Scott shares how meaningful experiences in nature can shape both individuals and the future of our public lands.

Drawing from his work in outdoor education and conservation at the Wildward Institute, Scott explains how today's approach to connecting people with nature is evolving. We discuss the importance of curiosity over instruction, helping young people become comfortable with challenge and uncertainty, expanding access to outdoor experiences, and using technology as a tool to deepen our understanding of the natural world. Throughout the conversation, Scott offers practical insights for parents, educators, guides, and anyone who wants to inspire a lasting appreciation for the outdoors.

This episode is a reminder that conservation begins with connection. The more people experience the outdoors, the more likely they are to value it, care for it, and protect it for generations to come.

Subjects covered include:

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Outdoor education and youth development

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Building resilience through outdoor experiences

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Public lands and conservation

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Helping the next generation connect with nature

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Curiosity, exploration, and experiential learning

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Expanding access to the outdoors

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Technology's role in environmental education

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Using tools like iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID

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Hope for the future of conservation

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Stewardship and protecting wild places

Connect with Scott Shepherd

🌿 Wildward Institute:
https://www.wildwardinstitute.net/

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wildwardinstitute/

💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-shepherd-m-ed-979815b7/

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 Guest inquiries:
thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus

📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus

🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: ECMVUU9K35XVZRPU

In this episode, I sit down with Liz Crandall to explore how a passion for wilderness can grow into a lifelong commitment to conservation and public lands advocacy.

Liz shares the experiences that shaped her connection to the outdoors and led her to dedicate her career to protecting public lands. From her work in Yellowstone to her advocacy for places like Dolly Sods, we discuss the importance of stewardship, the challenges facing public lands, and the responsibility we all share in preserving these landscapes for future generations.

This conversation is about more than conservation policy. It's about developing a deeper relationship with the natural world, finding purpose through service, and understanding why wild places are worth fighting for.

Subjects covered include:

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Public lands conservation and advocacy

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Wilderness stewardship

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Yellowstone and Dolly Sods

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Building a career in conservation

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Environmental education and outreach

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Connecting people with nature

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Stewardship and outdoor ethics

•

Protecting wild places for future generations

Connect with Liz Crandall

🌐 https://rangersofthelostpark.com/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/rangersofthelostpark/

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

📸 https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus

📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus

🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus

Music licensed through Soundstripe.
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In this episode, I sit down with my dad, Scott Henderson, and my pap, Marty Henderson, to revisit decades of deer camp memories, hunting traditions, and the stories that helped shape our family's connection to the outdoors.

Together, we reflect on a very different era of hunting, from snowy mornings in homemade blinds and long tracking jobs through steep hollows to the unforgettable characters who made deer camp feel like a second home. Through stories spanning multiple generations, we explore how hunting culture has evolved, the lessons learned from old-school woodsmanship, and the importance of preserving the traditions that connect us to both the land and each other.

More than a conversation about deer hunting, this episode is a tribute to family, friendship, and the enduring bonds forged in the woods. It's about the stories we inherit, the memories we create, and the hunting heritage that continues to shape who we are.

Subjects covered include:

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Deer camp traditions and hunting heritage

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Family stories spanning multiple generations

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Hunting in the 1960s through the 1990s

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Old-school woodsmanship and deer tracking

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Memorable camp adventures and mishaps

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Hunting gear and techniques through the decades

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Camp characters, traditions, and storytelling

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The evolution of hunting culture

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Friendship, community, and camp life

•

Preserving outdoor traditions for future generations

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 Guest inquiries:
thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus

📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus

🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: ECMVUU9K35XVZRPU

In this episode, I sit down with John Mikolajcik, creator of Public Land Advocate, to discuss the importance of America's public lands, the challenges they face, and why protecting these places matters for future generations. From hunting and fishing to hiking, camping, and wildlife conservation, public lands play a vital role in our outdoor traditions and our connection to the natural world.

John shares how his passion for the outdoors led him into advocacy and why he believes conservation requires people from all backgrounds to work together. We explore current debates surrounding public land management, the Roadless Rule, wildfire prevention, traditional ecological knowledge, resource extraction, and the growing need for informed stewardship. Along the way, we discuss the value of community involvement, responsible use of natural resources, and practical ways people can help protect the places they love.

Whether you're a hunter, angler, public land user, or simply someone who values wild places, this conversation offers an important look at the future of conservation and outdoor access in America.

Subjects covered include:

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The cultural and ecological importance of public lands

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Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation on public lands

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Public land advocacy and conservation policy

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Legislative threats to public lands

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The Roadless Rule and forest management

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Traditional ecological knowledge and prescribed fire

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Wildfire prevention and habitat management

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Resource extraction and land-use debates

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Wildlife conservation and biodiversity

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Native plants and ecological restoration

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Building support for public lands across communities

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Connecting future generations to the outdoors

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Practical ways to engage in conservation advocacy

Connect with John Mikolajcik / Public Land Advocate

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/publiclandadvocate/

Resources Mentioned

🎙️ Wild Origins Podcast Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-origins-could-should-hunting-come-back-to-india/id1543788045?i=1000635773062

📱 Seek App:
https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app

Connect with The Ground Between Us

📧 Guest inquiries:
thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus

📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537

📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus

🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: ECMVUU9K35XVZRPU

In this episode, I sit down with Meg Carney, writer, environmental advocate, and creator of Outdoor Minimalist, to explore the future of public lands, conservation, and what it means to build a more sustainable relationship with the outdoors.

We talk through the complexity of public land management in the United States, from policy shifts and environmental regulation to the real-world impacts these decisions have on ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who use these landscapes. Meg also shares her perspective on stewardship, outdoor ethics, and how everyday choices can shape the long-term health of our natural spaces.

This conversation is ultimately about learning how to better understand the land beneath our feet—how it functions, how it changes, and how we can engage with it more thoughtfully as hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Public lands and conservation in the United States
• Environmental policy and regulatory change
• Stewardship and outdoor ethics
• Climate and ecosystem impacts on recreation
• Wildlife and habitat management
• Outdoor minimalism and reducing environmental impact
• The role of hunters, hikers, and anglers in conservation
• Freshwater ecosystems and land use

🌐 https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist
📸 https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/
📘 https://amzn.to/4vpY5Xz
🎙️ Outdoor Minimalist Podcast

📧 thegroundbetweenus@gmail.com
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus
📘 https://www.facebook.com/thegroundbetweenus
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus

Subjects covered include:Connect with Meg CarneyConnect with The Ground Between Us