Jessica Bowser

As the host of Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast, Jessica shares her love and appreciation for parks with a large audience and encourages others to experience their own adventures in a Virginia State Park. “As a podcaster, I have a unique opportunity to share stories that reflect the diversity and beauty of our state from Virginians who have a strong connection with the outdoors,” says Jessica.

A former fourth grade teacher, Jessica’s interest began while teaching the Virginia Studies curriculum, which included regional geography, culture, industry and history. “I was teaching my students about unique geologic features, such as Natural Tunnel, the role it played in westward expansion, and the role it continues to play in our economy. My jaw dropped when I first laid eyes on the tunnel at Natural Tunnel State Park. History came to life for me at that moment and I continue to experience these moments at state parks across Virginia.”  

Jessica is an avid outdoors enthusiast and conservation advocate. Her favorite activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, camping, birding and nature photography. “What I love about Virginia State Parks is that I can incorporate many activities and interests into one visit, regardless of the season. There’s so much to do, whether I am hiking up a mountain or curling up with a good book next to a roaring fire in a cabin.”

As an advocate for Virginia State Parks, Jessica is active in the Friends of Mason Neck State Park group as well as the Virginia Association for Parks. By participating in these organizations, Jessica can actively engage in activities that support the parks such as volunteering, event planning, fundraising, and lobbying legislators for the policies and funding needed to ensure our parks continue to thrive.

When Jessica is not visiting a state park, she is engaged in conservation advocacy through her service as a Fairfax County Tree Commissioner, a member of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, and as the founder and chair of the Kingstowne Cares Conservation Club in Kingstowne, Virginia. Jessica is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Volunteerism and Service and the Vice Chair of the Virginia Service Foundation. Both organizations support the AmeriCorps program that places dozens of AmeriCorps members in state parks who dedicate their time and skills through volunteer service.

Jessica lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two flat-faced felines. The clan of four have spent many memorable holidays in a cabin at a Virginia State Park.

Follow Jessica Bowser on Instagram or on the web. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podcast Addict, Amazon Music, and anywhere podcasts are available.