Joshua Tree National Park

How FDR's Depression-Era 'Tree Army' Built America's National Parks

In 1933, with 25% of Americans out of work and the land itself in crisis, FDR launched one of the most ambitious — and successful — programs in American history: the Civilian Conservation Corps. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the CCC — how it was created in just 10 days, how 3 million young men were put to work across America's most iconic landscapes, and how the structures they built with their own hands still stand in our national parks today. We cover: → The twin crises of the Great Depression and environmental collapse that forced FDR's hand → How Congress approved the CCC in just 10 days — the fastest peacetime mobilization in U.S. history → What daily life was really like in CCC camps: $30/month wages, Army discipline, and raging homesickness → The monumental work done in Shenandoah, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and beyond → The "NPS Rustic" architectural style the CCC spread to hundreds of parks nationwide → The complicated story of race, segregation, and the 250,000 Black men who served → The stories, poems, and personal accounts left behind by the men themselves If you've ever hiked a trail, crossed a stone bridge, or stood at an overlook in a national park — you've likely seen the work of the CCC. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Protecting Big Bend + Honoring a President

In this episode of Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks, we cover TWO powerful stories connected by one theme: protecting the places and values that matter most. 🎥 PART 1 — THE RIVER AND THE WALL FILM SCREENING We attended a special community event hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Keep Big Bend Wild, Latino Outdoors, the San Antonio River Foundation, and the Big Bend Conservation Alliance at Confluence Park in San Antonio, TX. The evening featured a panel discussion with regional wildlife and conservation experts followed by an outdoor screening of the award-winning 2019 documentary "The River and the Wall." The film follows five friends — including conservation filmmaker Ben Masters, NatGeo Explorer Filipe DeAndrade, ornithologist Heather Mackey, and river guide Austin Alvarado — on a 1,200-mile journey by horse, mountain bike, and canoe from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico. Their mission: document the wild Texas borderlands and explore what a border wall would mean for Big Bend National Park, wildlife migration, the Rio Grande, and the communities that call this region home. If you care about Big Bend, the Rio Grande, or wild public lands in Texas — this film is essential viewing. 🏛️ PART 2 — JIMMY CARTER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK | Plains, Georgia We then take you to one of America's most personal and underrated National Park Service sites — FREE to visit and rich with history. From a Nobel Peace Prize to a boyhood peanut farm, Plains, Georgia tells the story of the 39th President of the United States and the rural Southern values that shaped him. 📍 Event Location: Confluence Park, San Antonio, TX 📍 Park Location: Plains, Georgia 🎟️ Park Admission: FREE 🥜 Don't skip: Peanut butter ice cream at Plains Peanuts! 🌿 Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks explores the intersections of culture, history, and the natural world — with a special focus on National Park Service sites and local hidden gems. New episodes drop regularly! #TheRiverAndTheWall #BigBend #KeepBigBendWild #NPCATexas #LatinoOutdoors #SAriverFoundation #BigBendNationalPark #RioGrande #ConservationMatters #PublicLands #BorderWall #TexasWildlife #JimmyCarterNationalPark #NPS #NationalParks #PlainsGeorgia #TwoChicksWithHikingSticks #HikingOver50 #WomenWhoHike #TexasTravel #NationalParkService #FreeNationalParks #OutdoorWomen #GeorgiaTravel #PresidentialHistory #ConfluencePark #SanAntonioEvents #DocumentaryFilm #NatureConservation #ProtectOurParks ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Pullman National Historic Park

What happens when one man tries to build the perfect world — and his workers say enough is enough? Welcome to Pullman, one of the most fascinating and layered history destinations in the entire United States. In this episode, we're diving deep into Pullman National Historical Park on Chicago's far South Side, a place where utopian dreams, brutal corporate control, a nation-shaking labor strike, and the roots of the African American Civil Rights Movement all collide in one remarkable neighborhood. We cover everything you need to know before you visit: ✅ The story of George Pullman and his ambitious "model town" built for railroad workers in 1880 ✅ What daily life was REALLY like inside this company-controlled community ✅ The explosive Pullman Strike of 1894 — how 250,000 workers across 27 states brought the national rail system to its knees 🥾 FREE to visit | Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10AM–4PM | 610 E. 111th Street, Chicago, IL ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Joshua Tree National Park

Join Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks as we explore the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park where two deserts collide to create one unforgettable adventure. In this episode, we break down what to see, where to go, and essential travel tips for making the most of your visit. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just curious about this iconic national park, we’ve got you covered with practical advice, a little history, and plenty of real talk. From the Mojave Desert’s famous Joshua trees to the Colorado Desert’s wide-open, rugged beauty, we’ll guide you through the park’s unique ecosystems, must-see stops, and beginner-friendly hikes perfect for all experience levels. Whether you're here for the hiking, the views, or the stargazing, Joshua Tree offers a one-of-a-kind experience and we’re here to help you enjoy it without the rookie mistakes. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along as we explore more National Park Service sites and hidden gems across the country. Hashtags: #JoshuaTree #NationalParks #TravelGuide #HikingLife #DesertAdventure #ExploreMore #OutdoorTravel #Over50Travel #ParkTips #TwoChicksWithHikingSticks ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Exploring Shenandoah National Park

Welcome back to Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks! In this episode, we takes you on a deep dive into one of the most beloved national parks on the East Coast: Shenandoah National Park in northwestern Virginia. Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, this episode covers EVERYTHING: •      ✅ Key facts and history — from the 1926 congressional authorization to the CCC to President Hoover's wilderness retreat •      ✅ The natural world — ancient Blue Ridge geology, over 860 wildflower species, black bears, and the rare Shenandoah salamander •      ✅ The cultural and historical story — the displaced mountain people, the CCC, the civil rights history of Lewis Mountain 📍 Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Along the Blue Ridge Mountains | ~75 miles from Washington D.C. 🎵 Stick around for the end-of-episode quiz questions! Test your Shenandoah knowledge in the comments below. 👍 If you love exploring National Parks and hidden gems with us, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode. And remember — HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.