In today's episode, we're honored to be joined by a true steward of the forest and a living thread in the history of the Poconos, Richard 'Dick' Cary. Dick is a certified forester with a BS in forestry from Penn State, and an MS in park planning and outdoor recreation from Michigan State, with a minor in wildlife management.

His career began in the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry, offering consulting to private within owners across Warren, Erie and other forest counties. He later joined the Pennsylvania Power Light Company, where he served as a land manager overseeing public recreation facilities including the iconic Lake Wallenpaupack. But Dick's story is more than a resume. It's a legacy. His grandfather managed the Pocono Lake Preserve from 1911 to 1945, followed by his father, who took over in 1945.

Dick grew up immersed in the forest of Pocono Lake, eventually becoming the forest manager at Pocono Lake Preserve himself a role held over 45 years through his consulting firm, Forest Land Consulting. As of June 30th, Dick has officially closed the consulting chapter, marking the end of an era. Today, he joins us to share insight from a lifetime of forest management, a look back at Pocono Pines and a lesson of the forest around us. Let's dive into a conversation with rich history, stewardship and the enduring bond between people and place.