Little Buffalo State Park: Connecting History and Recreation with Jim Eckert, Park Manager

“People are building memories… We have foundational memories, and that’s what these people are building day in and day out.”Our host, Marci Mowery, speaks with Park Manager Jim Eckert about why Little Buffalo State Park has become one of Pennsylvania’s most approachable outdoor destinations.Jim describes Little Buffalo as a “starter park,” a place where newcomers can comfortably experience the outdoors without feeling overwhelmed by rugged wilderness. From flat lakeside trails and beginner-friendly archery programs to ADA kayak launches, inclusive playgrounds, and accessible picnic areas, the park is designed to welcome families, first-time visitors, and people of all physical abilities.Visitors can explore the working Shoaff's Mill, the Blue Ball Tavern, covered bridges, and historic rail exhibits, while seasonal traditions like the Apple Festival and “Light Up Little Buffalo” introduce new audiences to outdoor recreation.This eclectic collection of events can provide the small “nudge” that sparks a lifelong passion for parks and nature!Jim discusses the value of shared public spaces. Whether it’s hearing wood thrushes at dusk, skating across frozen lake ice, or sharing hamburgers at a summer picnic, the park becomes a setting where families build traditions across generations.Key Topics:Little Buffalo as a “Starter Park” for New Visitors (01:40)Fishing, Birding, and Beginner-Friendly Hiking Trails (04:41)Accessibility Projects and Inclusive Recreation (06:54)Seasonal Traditions: Apple Festival and “Light Up Little Buffalo” (09:53)Hidden Wildlife Gems Around the Lake (14:37)Camping, Cabins, and Making Parks Accessible to All (16:25)Fossils, Geology, and “Touching the Past” (19:31)Resources:Little Buffalo State Park: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/little-buffalo-state-parkLittle Buffalo State Park Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebuffalostatepark/Friends of Little Buffalo State Park: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LittleBuffalo/Little Buffalo Festival: https://littlebuffalofestival.org/Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/tuscarora/wild-and-natural-areasDCNR Events: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau📱 Follow PPFF on:Facebook<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paparksandforests" r