In this episode host Peterson Toscano guides us through an exploration of the role forests play in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, both in urban and rural settings. Six guests provide personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies that will inform and inspire climate advocates. This episode also delves into Pennsylvania's rich forest history, from its old-growth forests to modern-day conservation efforts, highlighting the legacy of sustainable stewardship by its original inhabitants.
Toscano notes, "PA has a legacy of being one of the more heavily-wooded states in the USA... But If you walk through the over 15 million acres of forests in Pennsylvania, only 1% of that is original old growth forest." This fact highlights the dramatic changes our landscapes have undergone and the need for renewed focus on forest conservation.
Creating a Campus Food Forest
If you want to make a difference on your own campus or in your community, students at Allegheny college have an answer for you. A Food Forest. Ashlynn Peachey, Nicholas Waddington, and Katie Mallory, students at Allegheny College talk about their pioneering Food Forest project.  
Ashlynn Peachey: "It really started when one student years ago came to Allegheny College with a passion for permaculture... We like to look around the college landscape and see, not what it is, but what it can be." That student, Sebastian McRae, helped to found a campus Sustainable Design Team. 
Nicholas Waddington, describes their project: "A food forest is a diverse planting... it provides a lot of climate and ecosystem services." He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between different plant species and their collective role in enhancing ecosystem health.
It was at the Northeast Student Farmer Conference held at Penn State University that CCR host, Peterson Toscano attended the students’ breakout group about their successes in building campus support for the Food Forest. During the presentation they explain the steps they took to engage stakeholders, to design the Food Forest and to follow through once the project was approved.  Their story is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts and the importance of gaining community support.
Nicholas Waddington: "From our combined years of engagement with this project, we've really taken away that climate and campus resilience is hugely community-driven... We're stronger and more productive when we work together."
In this episode you will learn about sustainable agriculture and permaculture, (a word Bill Mollison coined,) and how you can replicate their success on your own campus or community.
Raising the Awareness of a Healthy Forest Sustainability Legacy and our Responsibility Today
Former forester and coal miner, Van Wagner, now teaches Agriculture Science at the Area High School in Danville, Pennsylvania. He is also a singer/songwriter and storyteller. Van Wagner offers a historical perspective, emphasizing the longevity of sustainable practices. 
"I laugh when I read in my textbook, and in the textbook it says that the environmental movement began in 1970 with the first Earth Day... That's not when it started. My German ancestors here in the Susquehanna River Valley, they knew about sustainability, you didn't ruin the family farm, you didn't cut all the trees down." -Van Wagner
In order to increase efforts to maintain and protect forests in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Van has committed himself to visiting the highest point in the 67 counties and climbing the tallest tree he can find. Van explains, I'm trying to get the press's attention. And when they stick a microphone in my face, I talk about trees and forestry.”
You can follow his progress on the site Van Wagner Highest Climbs. Also, see him climbing in videos on his YouTube channel. 
Expanding the Legacy of Tree Growing in Small Country Towns and Big Cities
Forests and Climate Change: Urban Renewal and Rural Stewardship
Taylor Lightman grew up