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[Episode 112] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is about the parallels between social workers and superheroes. I spoke with John Vassello. John is the Associate Director of Field Education and Admissions in the Binghamton University Department of Social Work. He also serves as the Continuing Education Coordinator. John and I talk about an innovative approach to marketing the University of Binghamton's social work program AND the buzz he creates at conferences and recruitment events, all with squishy little superhero stress dolls. John connects the dots between superheroes (origin stories, secret identities, costumes, code of ethics, and more) and the life and times of social workers. Although John is not the first to talk about the social worker as a superhero (see  Dean Anna Scheyett's excellent 2015 TED Talk on Social Workers as Superheroes) , he is the first to create an action figure that brings to life so many aspects of social work. You can purchase a complet

Three Ways to Explore Payson's American Gulch End of American Gulch South Trail American Gulch is a tributary gorge of the East Verde River that encompasses an area of juniper-studded hills and riparian corridors on the west side of Payson. Replete with natural springs, stock tanks and a maze of dirt roads, the rugged terrain offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Juniper-shaded South Trail Three disjointed but thematically cohesive trails---all named American Gulch--- explore this strip of high desert and chaparral. The American Gulch North, South and Loop Trails anchor the western edge of the 20-plus-mile Payson Area Trails System ( PATS) network of interconnected city and forest service paths.  Together, the name-sharing threesome are like a flyover of the area's natural history and the town's efforts to restore and protect its sensitive fringe habitats.  North Trail follows Forest Road 508 All three can be easily hiked in an afternoon and a good way to ta

BURSERA TRAIL South Mountain Park, Phoenix View of the Sierra Estrella Mountains Twisted in organic, balletic form and smelling like perfume, Bursera microphylla ---better known as the Elephant Tree�lives on the slopes of South Mountain Park. Brush up against one of these squat, red-green-barked trees with swollen, contorted pachyderm-like trunks and a pungent aroma of camphor will waif from its tiny leaves.   Related to the plants that produce frankincense and myrrh, sap from the elephant tree also can be dried and burned as incense. But, don't rush out with a collection bucket�the trees are a protected species in Arizona. Elephant Tree To get an up close look at this plant that grows only in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and parts of southern California and northwestern Mexico, just follow the Bursera Trail which was completed in 2011. The route is simple-to-follow and connects with both the National and Bajada Trails for those who want to add mileage to their hike. Also, becaus

UP NEXT: SEDONA FALL COLOR Oak and maples dominate in Sedona Right about the same time when the aspens of Arizona's mountain climes have passed their fall color prime, the high desert forests around Sedona are just about ready to peak. Although there are dozens of Sedona-area trails with great autumn leaf viewing, the West Fork of Oak Creek gets most of the love. With its sound-bouncing russet canyon walls, cascading water and brilliant stand of maples, it's no wonder hikers make a beeline to this hot spot in October. Although it's arguably the top fall color spot in the state, it will cost you ten bucks to get in and if you arrive later than 8 a.m., you'll probably have to wait around for a parking space. It's worth the money and the wait, so go ahead and get that one out of your system. Then move on to these other Red Rock Country canyons where you can soak up the eye candy in quieter, gentler surroundings. BEAR SIGN TRAIL Bear Sign Trail Unlike some Sedona routes

WILSON MEADOW View of San Francisco Peaks from Wilson Meadow On the western face of Flagstaff�s San Francisco Peaks, vast grasslands of wild roses, ferns and berries lap up against pine-studded slopes beneath an airborne tide of golden aspen leaves. Wilson Meadow This patchwork of wet meadows--collectively known as Hart Prairie--is home to some of the most beautiful, but often overlooked aspen glens in the state. In October, the white-barked forests blaze in a honey-lemon canopy.  Although hikers in search of autumn foliage trails around Flagstaff usually flock to big-name places like Inner Basin or the Kachina Trail where the crowds are as thick as the woodlands, Wilson Meadow offers a smaller, quieter option.  It's signature  open space is populated with clumpy shrubs and thickets of rare Bebb willows surrounded by loosely woven stands of pines, firs and aspens.  The short, simple walk offers an alternative, contemplative experience. Bebb Willows LENGTH:  2 miles roundtrip RATING