Keeping the Science Conversations Going with an Arboretum-University Educational Partnership via Virtual Podcast Discussions

When physical distancing restrictions went into effect in southeast Pennsylvania, Tyler Arboretum was required to close their gardens and trails. As all their outreach and public programming was onsite, the Arboretum was forced to suspend activities for visitors and members. In order to continue to fulfill their education mission, neighboring Penn State Brandywine faculty and students partnered with the Arboretum to offer virtual podcast discussions every two weeks, from April through July 2020. Similar to a book club and based off the Podcast Brunch Club model, Penn State faculty and students prepared thematic podcast listening lists consisting of six-to-eight podcasts that individuals listened to ahead of time. The listening list topics were focused on nature themes such as water, world biomes, and Sustainable Gastronomy Day. Members of both the Arboretum and the Penn State communities pre-registered to join the biweekly discussions after listening to the podcasts and viewing the list of discussion questions posted on the project website. Several participants returned week after week because, "I enjoyed the last discussion" and "I find these discussions interesting and informative." Interestingly, a question on the registration form revealed that members of this campus-community group previously were not active podcast listeners. By the fifth time the group connected, several participants started asking what they as individuals could do to help with the environmental challenges that were coming up in the podcasts and discussions. For the ninth and final discussion, the organizers shared pathways for advocacy and engagement to benefit Earth's systems. The biweekly sessions ended as the Arboretum was able to open to visitors and the University was preparing for the start of the fall semester. These two organizations view the online program as a new and effective model for science engagement during a time challenged with physical distancing restrictions. The topical listing lists can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/onlinepodcastclub