One of the most exciting ways we combine amateur radio and nature is through the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. POTA encourages operators to set up portable stations in national and regional parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas — turning every activation into both a radio challenge and an outdoor adventure.
For us at GMFF, POTA is more than just making QSOs. It’s about:
Promoting conservation by showcasing the beauty of parks and reserves.
Encouraging portable operations with lightweight gear and creative setups.
Building community as hunters and activators connect across the bands.
Every POTA activation brings unique challenges — from unpredictable weather in the Scottish Highlands to the thrill of operating from a windswept island coast. But the reward is always worth it: sharing the magic of radio from these natural settings with hams around the world.
Your support helps us continue to take part in programs like POTA, issue awards, and inspire more operators to bring amateur radio outdoors.
If you’d like to help us keep activating, logging, and sharing these experiences, consider supporting us here on Buy Me a Coffee. Together, we keep the radios alive in the wild!