Journey south of the Equator to explore one of the most remote and culturally rich gems in the National Park System. In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with PT Lathrop, the Superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, to dive into what makes this park a true bucket-list destination.

Spanning three islands—Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta'ū—this park preserves the only paleo-tropical rainforest in the United States and some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world. From "Big Mama" (one of the largest known corals on Earth) to the majestic Samoan flying foxes (fruit bats with three-foot wingspans), PT shares the incredible biodiversity that calls these islands home.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Birthplace of Polynesia: Why American Samoa is considered the cultural heart from which the Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori cultures grew.
• A Unique Partnership: How the park operates on land leased directly from the Samoan people, ensuring the preservation of the fa’asamoa (the Samoan way of life).
• The "COVID of Corals": The conservation challenges facing the reefs, including Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease and the impact of terrestrial development.
• Planning Your Journey: Practical tips for visiting, including the best months for whale watching, navigating the outer islands, and why you should pack your own snorkel gear.
• Innovative Interpretation: A look at the park’s new pilot program that allows visitors to request customized tours based on their interests and schedules.

Whether you're an avid hiker looking for rope-ladder adventures on the Fatifati Trail or a marine enthusiast dreaming of the turquoise waters of Ofu, this episode is your guide to the 50th National Park.

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