The Wandering Naturalist
The Wandering Naturalist explores the history and present-day nature of more than 27,000 acres of park land in Minnesota's Hennepin County and surrounding areas. Hosts Ellen and Brandon, both interpretive naturalists, guide listeners through this suburban wilderness. The podcast is produced by the Three Rivers Park District and highlights the landscapes, wildlife, and stories of the parks it manages.
Episodes
Episode 290: Life is a Flyway - Local Impacts
For the final episode on the Mississippi Flyway, it's time to zoom in with John Lindstrom from Ducks Unlimited. The flyway is thousands of miles of habitat, but here in the park district, Ducks Unlimited has partnered with Three Rivers to improve Lake 2 in Carver Park Reserve. We cover the many steps a restoration project like this takes, and how it's helping our local migrants.
Episode 289: Life is a Flyway - The Economics of Birds
Dr. Wayne Thogmartin from the US Geological Survey joins us in this episode to discuss the economic impacts of birds along the flyway. We cover the prairie pothole region and what threatens it, as well as the many different ways migrating birds impact people.
Episode 288: Life is a Flyway - The Mississippi Flyway
The Mississippi flyway is the name of the route migratory birds take following the Mississippi, Missouri, and Lower Ohio Rivers in the US. In this episode we chat with our coworkers Adrian Iacovino and Michelle Bierma from Mississippi Gateway to talk about all the activity on the river!
Episode 287: River Otters - Bringing Otters Back
Dr. Carrol Henderson is Minnesota's first Non-game Wildlife Program Supervisor. He defined what this position is in Minnesota and nationally. He joins us to talk about one of his favorite projects he worked on, bringing river otters back to the Minnesota River Valley. He shares stories, the challenges and successes, and how the public helped make this a success.
Episode 286: River Otters - Are they Intelligent?
Dr. Caroline DeLong has studied the cognitive ability of animals ranging from goldfish, to orangutangs, river otters, and many others. She joins us to discuss how she measures the cognitive abilities of animals, what she has learned through her tests on River Otters, and whether she believes they are intelligent.
Episode 285: River Otters - Why they are Special
Bound along with Brandon and Ellen as they investigate river otters. Often viewed as playful, these members of the weasel family are full of adaptations that help them survive. From vibrissae, to unique spines, and the ability to hunt in murky water, they are efficient predators that love to eat fish, crayfish, and other water creatures.
Episode 284: Rivers Inspiring Art - Art and AWE
Sarah Nassif joins us to talk about the group she created, Art, Water, and Ecology (AWE) Network. Using her past experience as an educator, and her current profession as an artist she connects artists, scientists, and teachers to inspire people to connect with waterways through art. We discuss how she came up with the idea, the work that has been accomplished, and how you can get involved.
Episode 283: Rivers Inspiring Art - Cultural Connections to Art
Cole Redhorse Taylor talks to us about the art he creates and how he draws on his Dakota ancestors connections to water to inspire him. He discusses his contribution to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, as well as the work he did on the Minnesota Wild's goalie helmet used during its Indigenous Heritage Night.
Episode 282: Rivers Inspiring Art - Poet Laureate and Waterways
Minneapolis' first Poet Laureate, Heid Erdrich joins us to discuss her poetry and how it relates to waterways. She talks to us about why water inspires her, how her Ojibwe culture influences her work, and her work with other artists in the area.
Episode 281: Fishy Business - Let's Go Fishing
For many people, their connection to fish isn't through research, it's through fishing! For our final episode of the month we talk to Trey Fails from Dreaded Outdoors on creating a welcoming culture in fishing and outdoor recreation.
Episode 280: Fishy Business - Thousands of Jars
How many fish is too many fish? Or- wait- how many fishes is too many fishes? Find out in this episode with Dr. Kassandra Ford, the Bell Museum's Curator of Fishes and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota! We get to the bottom of mysteries like when to say fish vs fishes, does the Bell Museum have a secret fish library, and whether or not fish actually exist.
Episode 279: Fishy Business - Survey Says...
We are halfway through the Big Year of Rivers and what species is more closely connected to our rivers than the many native species of fishes in Minnesota! In this episode Ellen and Brandon sit down with Jenna Nelson, a freshwater ecologist with Three Rivers, to hear all about fish surveys in the park district.
Episode 278: Floods and Floodplains - Helping Minnesota's Water
What is Minnesota doing for its rivers and floodplains? Andrea Fish, from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources talks to us about how soil and water quality are connected, the work they do with watershed districts to benefit rivers and farmers, and how you can help water health in your area.
Episode 277: Floods and Floodplains - Why Should We Care?
Join us as we float down the Mississippi and talk to American Rivers. American Rivers is an organization dedicated to protecting waterways. One of their scientists, Eileen Shader, talks with us about why floodplains are so important, both for nature, and for reducing the impacts of flooding in communities around the river.
Episode 276: Floods and Floodplains - Surviving the Flood
What does it take to survive a flood? Brandon and Ellen explore the living things that thrive in a floodplain habitat. From climbing snakes to the fastest growing tree in the United States, floodplains are full of living things that have unique adaptations to live in this important but threatened habitat.
Episode 275: The Vernal Pool Parade - Who's With the Band?
Our final episode this month goes fully into the vernal pool weeds! Brandon and Ellen bring out their favorite stars of this ecosystem. We talk fairy shrimp, fishing spiders, caddisflies, water boatmen, and backswimmers. For creatures so small, this episode is PACKED with interesting information!
Episode 274:The Vernal Pool Parade - A Deeper Dive
In our second episode we sit down with Dr. Mark Hanson to hear about his research on vernal pools during his career with the Minnesota DNR. We zoom out a bit from vernal pools themselves and learn about their impact on what's around them. From bears to ducklings, these innocuous pools play an important role in the lives of many woodland organisms. This leads us to discuss how forest management imp
Episode 273: The Vernal Pool Parade - A Dip into the Pool
Time to get your feet wet in the world of vernal pools! This month's topic zooms in on these often overlooked, but crucially important ecosystems. In our first episode we meet with Dr. Darold Batzer, a professor of entomology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Batzer studies the ecology and environmental biology of wetland invertebrates, and gives us an introduction to vernal pools: Who lives in th
Episode 272: Women and Waterways - Journeys through Time
Jade Ryerson, historian with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, wanders with us through time and she shares stories of women who have connected to the Mississippi River in the past and how that impacts us today. From Dakota women involved with diplomacy, to a court case about slavery that helped escalate tensions leading to the Civil War, to a lamplighter who helped Minneapolis an
Episode 271: Women and Waterways - Kayaking the Mississippi
Wander with us down the Mississippi River as Devin Brown joins us to discuss how her connection to the Mississippi River changed her life. Her first meeting with the Mississippi River happened in Minneapolis as an adult and inspired her to change her career. Since then she has become an avid paddler. More recently she is the first Black woman to attempt to kayak the entire Mississippi River. From
Episode 270: Say What? Plants and Fungi
Dr. Peter Kennedy from the University of Minnesota joins us to discuss the latest research on the relationships between plants and fungi. From tree socks to research exchange markets, the interaction between plants and fungi is complicated. What does research really say about this research and what has reporting on this research sensationalized?
Episode 269: Say What? Talking Plants
Do plants really talk? Not like we do, but Dr. Simon Gilroy, Professor of Botany at the University of Wisconsin Madison, shares the research he and others have done that has shed light on how plants communicate. From leaves hearing and the plant responding, to the smell of fresh cut grass alerting other plants of distress, wander with us as we explore plant communication.
Episode 268: Say What? Animal Communication
Wander with Brandon and Ellen as they explore how animals communicate. From communication that is obvious to us like sound, to communication we may not have considered such as electricity, animals have complicated ways of sharing information.
Episode 267: Big Year of Rivers - The Once and Future Mississippi
Dr. John Anfinson, one of the leading experts on the Mississippi River in our area joins us to talk about the past, present, and future of the Mississippi. He tells us stories of the Mississippi as people tried to navigate the gorge, how its unique geology created the Twin Cities, and why the Mississippi between the Twin Cities was changed into a series of lakes. He also discusses the potential fu
Episode 266: Big Year of Rivers - A Three Hour Tour
In July, 2025 we had a special Wandering Naturalist rafting trip on the Mississippi River with Brandon. Several participants wore microphones and we recorded the whole experience. Raft with us as we talk to Paula Suchy from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park about how the rafting programs work and why they are so important to her as we listen to audio from our rafting trip.
Episode 265: Big Year of Rivers - Three Rivers
We start a new season with a new co-host, Ellen, and a new Big Year to celebrate- Big Year of Rivers! Ashley Levoir, joins us to discuss how a big anniversary for the Mississippi River inspired this year's Big Year, plays trivia with Brandon and Angela about the three rivers our park district are named after, and how you can protect our rivers even if you don't live near one.
Episode 264: The Next Generation
Every season must come to an end so a new season may begin. A warm and engaging nature expert whose voice we've enjoyed for seven seasons is signing off, ushering in a new era of The Wandering Naturalist. Wander with us as we talk about this big change and what's in store for the podcast for season eight. New and exciting journeys are ahead!
Episode 263: Stories in the Snow - Deer Guts
Grace Milanowski, Coordinator, Offal Wildlife Watching Project (with UMN Extension) and Dr. Ellen Candler from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, talk to us about the project they are doing in partnership with Minnesota hunters to see what visits gut piles from deer. Hunters are participating in citizen science by putting trail cams by their deer gut piles and sending the photos to the Offal pro
Episode 262: Stories in the Snow - Connecting to Lakota Knowledge
Michael Kurtz, enrolled member from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, shares how he taught himself to read animal signs and photograph them. He talks about the experiences with animals he has had following animal signs and how it connects him to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of his ancestors.
Episode 261: Stories in the Snow - Reading the Stories
Adrian Iacovino, Education Program Coordinator at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and professional animal tracker, wanders with us as he recounts how he learned to read the stories left by animal tracks and signs. He shares some of his favorite stories, the community behind tracking, and how listeners can learn to read animal stories. He also discusses how reading animal signs helps him spot p
Episode 260: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Basset Creek/ Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ
Before Basset Creek was named Basset Creek it was named by the Dakota and called Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ. Tawnya Stewart, an Ojibwe woman who grew up within a few miles of the creek talks about what it was like growing up in Hennepin County suburbs as a Native person. She explores why the original names of the landscapes are important, why she likes dual naming, and the importance of education when it comes
Episode 259: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Life in the Suburbs
Dr. Kasey Keeler wanders with us to discuss her personal experience and her professional research on life in the suburbs as a Native American in Hennepin County. We discuss what it is like growing up as a Native person in the suburbs, how access to nature can be improved, and why suburbs are often overlooked as Native places.
Episode 258: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox are classic stories in Minnesota culture. Where did these stories originate from? How are they connected to Ojibwe culture and history? How have these stories shaped our views of history? Dr. Deondre Smiles discusses his research on the origin of Paul Bunyon stories and the impacts it has had on Ojibwe life.
Episode 257: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that's Write?!
OK, slime molds don't write. But amazing things have been written about them, allowing us to appreciate their wonder, explore societal ideas, and inspire future scientists. Dr. Lacy Johnson, from Rice University in Texas joins us to discuss why she chose to write a creative writing essay on slime molds and why she views creative writing as essential to science communication.
Episode 256: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that's Intelligent?!
How is intelligence defined? If you define it as learning and applying knowledge, then slime molds are intelligent. How did scientists determine this? How is a single celled organism with no brain or sensory organs able to experience its world and learn from it? Dr. Nirosha Murugan from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario Canada wanders with us to discuss research about slime mold intelligence,
Episode 255: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that Moves?!
What is a slime mold? It is an inconceivable single celled organism that can weigh up to 40 pounds, think and learn, and crawl around the forest floor searching for food. How can a single celled organism be 44 pounds, learn, and move? Matt the Regular Slime Guy joins us to help introduce us to what a slime mold is and how such an inconceivable creature lives its life.
Episode 254: Wonders of Wild Rice - What is it? 1854 Treaty Authority
Darren Vogt, Resource Management Division Director at 1854 Treaty Authority, joins us to discuss what the 1854 Treaty Authority is, how the Ojibwe views on partnership with the land impact how the 1854 Treaty Authority stewards the land and the living things on it, and how wild rice being viewed as a gift by the Ojibwe creates a different perspective on managing it than other organizations might h
Episode 253: Wonders of Wild Rice - Restoring it in Three Rivers
How do you restore wild rice to an area? Steven Hogg, Senior Manager of Wildlife at Three Rivers Park District, talks about the work done to bring back wild rice. From sourcing seeds, to distributing them, and making sure it grows Steven talks about the challenges, what he's learned, and how the restoration is going at Three Rivers.
Episode 252: Wonders of Wild Rice - What is it?
Wild rice can be found in every grocery store, but what is it? Is it a rice? A grain? Find out as we learn about this uniquely North American food that has been in Minnesota for at least 12,000 years. Ann Geisen from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wanders with us as we paddle through that rich history and context around wild rice in Minnesota.
Episode 251: Urban Trees - Preventing Future Ash Borers
Dr. Adam Berland from Ball State University joins us to talk about research on why trees are important for people in an urban environment. He also talks to us about the surprising conclusions from his research in Minneapolis on how urban foresters can plant trees to prevent future large die offs from climate change and invasive species such as we've seen from Ash trees with Emerald Ash Borer, and
Episode 250: Urban Trees - The Next Generation
Laila Bacon and Makayla Freeman started working with Analyah Schlaeger do Santos when they were 14 years old. Seven years later they are still planting trees in Hennepin County were tree deserts exist, and teaching their community how to plant and care for the trees. Join us as they discuss why this work is important to them, the accomplishments and challenges they have faced over the last seven y
Episode 249: Urban Trees - Starting with the Community
Trees provide health, economic, and many other benefits just by being present. However, some suburbs and urban areas in and around Minneapolis and Hennepin County are tree deserts. Analyah Schlaeger dos Santos, Environmental Justice Youth Director & Global Climate Justice Coordinator, MN Interfaith Power and Light, among many other things,. Joins us to talk about work she has done to increase tree
Episode 248: Fisher Facts - THE Fisher Guy
While connecting with fisher researchers Angela and Brandon were told over and over that there was one researcher they had to talk to. Dr. Roger Powell, Professor Emeritus at NC State University in North Carolina has been researching fishers for decades and is considered the expert on them. He shares his insights into fishers, how he raised fishers to learn more about them, and how they fit into,
Episode 247: Fisher Facts - Research in the City
Dr. Michael Joyce of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about why NRRI is researching fishers as they move from the north woods to southern Minnesota. What are the risks and rewards for a fisher living in a Three Rivers Park? How is he studying fishers? How can you help his research? Wander with us to find out.
Episode 246: Fisher Facts - What is a Fisher?
Fishers have been moving from northern Minnesota south and can now be seen in the Twin Cities area. What is a fisher? Join Brandon and Angela as they discuss what makes this large member of the weasel family special, and the special adaptations it has to help it hunt foods from rabbits to porcupines.
Episode 245: Whispers of Wildlife Diseases - Scoop a Poop and More
Why does a scientist want poop mailed to them? Find out as Dr. Dr. Michelle Power joins us all the way from Australia! She has a passion for engaging the public in scientific research using it to help study diseases. We discuss what One Health is and how that impacts wildlife and human health. She also gives advice on what you can do to prevent antibiotic resistance and diseases in animals.
Episode 244: Whispers of Wildlife Diseases - Fish Diseases
Have you ever seen a sick fish? Dr. Isaiah E Tolo, Fish Health Supervisor at the Minnesota DNR, discusses diseases that affect fish, how he monitors for them, and what, if any, impacts they have on us. Learn how to help keep fish healthy as we dive deep into fish diseases.
Episode 243: Whispers of Wildlife Diseases - Minnesota Diseases
Just like humans, animals can get sick too. We wander with Dr. Michelle Carstensen, Wildlife Health Program Supervisor for the Minnesota DNR. How do animals get sick? What are some of the diseases the Minnesota DNR is looking out for in wildlife and how do they monitor for them? How can you help keep animals from getting sick? Wander with us to find the answers.
Episode 242: Turtle Treks - Adapting to a Changing World
Starting their research right here at Three Rivers, Dr. Jeanine Refsnider, shares the journey of being curious about Minnesota's State Threatened, Blanding's turtle, led to having her own lab at University of Toledo. Jeanine shares past and current studies exploring turtle adaptions.
Episode 241: Turtle Treks - Nesting Insight
How do baby turtles manage to wander from their nest to a lake or pond? If turtles are male or female is decided by temperature how will climate change impact them? Do turtle hatchlings coordinate their calendars to leave the nest? Learn all of this and more as Dr. Steve Freedberg, Professor of Biology at St. Olaf College discusses his research on turtles.
Episode 240: Turtle Treks - Shells of the North
Listen as Brandon and Angela start local with guest Dr. Tricia Markle from the MN Zoo to explore turtle species of the north, research, and conservation efforts we can all take towards healthy turtle populations such as road crossings.
Episode 239: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Neonics in the Water
One of thing neonicotinoids are good at is traveling from where they are applied, to new areas by water. This is because it is designed to dissolve in water so seeds can suck it up. The unintended consequence is that it is effectively perpetually in rivers, streams, and other water bodies. Dr. Bill Arnold from the University of Minnesota about how and why he researches neonicotinoid presence in fr
Episode 238: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Backyard Birds
How is a pesticide that targets insects harming backyard birds? Hardy Kern, Director of Government Relations, Pesticides and Birds Campaign at American Bird Conservancy, joins us to talk about the link that has been established between neonicotinoids and a decline in backyard birds across the country. He also gives us some tips on what we can do to avoid neonicotinoids to help the birds.
Episode 237: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Minnesota's Birds and Mammals
We are joined by Dr. Charlotte Roy from The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to discuss their research to determine if Minnesota birds and mammals are exposed to neonicotinoids. From monitoring simulated seed spills, to driving by farms to look for seed spills, and doing lab work with chickens to see how much neonicotinoids needs to be consumed to be toxic, Dr. Roy's research has answered
Episode 236: Women and Wilderness – What Was Lost
Get a taste for hands on experience with land management from prescribed fire and bison introductions with Molly Tranel from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Women stepping into leadership roles has been a welcomed observed change over time and provides a necessary spark for confidence building. Brining awareness early to career opportunities is key for ensuring the future stewards
Episode 235: Women and Wilderness – Authentic Representation
Talk story and authentic representation with guest Mary Montes to explore the importance of hands on experience within environmental stewardship. Starting with a Marine Science degree out of Hawaii to joining Conservation Corps in Minnesota, learn how relationships to land can differ. An important reminder that everyone is connected through story as people but also to the land and wilderness.
Episode 234: Women and Wilderness – Forestry Learning
Starting in forestry and branching into education to engage women specifically with woodland management, Angie Gupta, a Forestry Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota, shares her personal and professional journey. From various learning styles to the importance of family and connection to community there are many ways to make everyone feel welcomed in the outdoors. Ending this interv
Episode 233: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats Management
Our Wildlife Supervisor Steven Hogg joins us to discuss his love for muskrats, their impacts on wetlands, and the balance Three Rivers has to find for managing an animal that is key to wetland health and also has a knack for impacting humans.
Episode 232: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats and Cattails
Dr. Adam A. Ahlers from Kansas State University wanders with us as we discuss his research in Minnesota on muskrats. Through relocation studies, preferred diet studies, and other research he has been working to determine how invasive hybrid cattail and muskrats impact each other.
Episode 231: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats 101
What exactly is a muskrat and why has such a small creature been connected to international trade, World War 2, and the survival of wetlands? Join Brandon and Angela as they follow ripples in history and water and find their source- muskrats.
Episode 230: Echoes of the Woodpeckers - Red-headed Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpeckers are a strikingly beautiful and increasingly rare woodpecker. Join us as Dr. Elena West from the University of Minnesota discusses her research on how to improve habitat to help their populations. From studying fledglings in the nest to determining what kind of trees need to be present around nesting trees, she is providing a roadmap to restoring these woodpeckers.
Episode 229: Echoes of the Woodpeckers - Thriving in the Suburbs
Dr. Jorge Tomasevic, Research Coordinator at Austral University of Chile, joins us to talk about the research he did in Seattle on whether Pileated Woodpeckers can survive in the suburbs or not. He was shocked at how much they thrived. Join us to find out why they can thrive near us and hear stories of Cooper's Hawks, garbage trucks, and other obstacles to his research.
Episode 228: Echoes of the Woodpeckers - From Beak to Toes
Start season 7 off with a bang! Literally, as Angela and Brandon explore how all of a woodpeckers adaptations are connected, allowing them to bang their head 12,000 times a day. Wander with us as we explore why they do that and how they survive.
Episode 227: Dragonfly Festival Live - Audience Questions
Wander with us as our audience asks questions and Angela and Ron answer them. What is one of Ron's most memorable dragonfly experiences? Can we see all of the colors on a dragonfly? Can you make dragonfly habitat at home?
Episode 226: Dragonfly Festival Live!
As season six comes to a close we look back at a summer highlight of the Big Year of Bugs. Join Angela at Eastman Nature Center's Dragonfly Festival as she talks to Ron Lawrenz, founding and current board member of the Minnesota Dragonfly Society, in front of a live audience. Why do Plain's Emeralds live near Eastman? What is the cultural significance of dragonflies? Wander with us to find out!
Episode 225: Getting Squirrely - A Hmong Perspective
Kao Thao, Outreach Naturalist from Fort Snelling State, wanders with us to discuss the history of squirrel hunting in Hmong Culture and why this makes squirrel hunting just as important as deer hunting for them. He shares how squirrel hunting gets the entire family outside, challenges to hunting and some possible answers from technology, and what he hopes for the future. We even get some squirrel
Episode 224: Getting Squirrely - City Squirrels
Why do squirrels do so well in our cities and suburbs? Doctorate student Charlotte Devitz from the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about her research trying to answer this question. From chipmunks realizing her live traps are nice safe shelters to finding squirrels taking food from one house's trash and caching it in another house's mailbox, Charlotte shares her stories of researching s
Episode 223: Getting Squirrely - What is a Squirrel?
Wander with us as we head into the treetops and explore the unique world of tree squirrels! Why are they so good at getting into your bird feeders? Do they really need to keep chewing on things or die? What happens if they fall from a plane? Come with us as we explore the unique adaptations all squirrels have, and some of the specific skills Minnesota's three tree squirrels have as we answer these
Episode 222: Veterans in Nature - A Personal Story
Daniel and Amanda Crawford share their personal story of how the trauma from Daniel's service in the Marine Corp impacted their family, and how 23rd Veteran helped him in living a happier, healthier life. Daniel shares the struggles he went through and what his path to his current life took. Amanda shares what she learned as she supported Daniel through his journey.
Episode 221: Veterans in Nature - 23rd Veteran
Joining us from 23rd Veteran is the Executive Director Mike Waldron and the Program Manager Matt Rosky. They share with us how their personal experiences have shaped 23rd Veteran, how the 14 week program works, and why nature helps veterans living with trauma live happier, healthier lives.
Episode 220: Veterans in Nature - Why Nature Helps Continued
We are back to finish our conversation with Brandon Harding as he talks about the successes, he saw in using nature to cope with trauma. Find out why shared suffering played an important role, and why Brandon prefers the term Combat Stress Injury to PTSD.
Episode 219: Veterans in Nature - Why Nature Helps
Veterans and active-duty military members can struggle with trauma from their service. Former military chaplain Brandon Harding joins us to discuss what inspired him to start using nature as part of the retreats he led to help veterans and active military members cope with that trauma.
Episode 218: Intriguing Bats of Minnesota - Endangered Species
The Northern Long-eared Bat is a Federally Endangered Species. Jill Utrup from USFWS manages the recovery team for the Northern Long-eared Bat. She talks with us about what it takes for a species to be federally listed, how that changes its protections, and the work done to help the species recover.
Episode 217: Intriguing Bats of Minnesota - White-nose Syndrome
Dr. Christine Salomon from the University of Minnesota joins us to discuss her research on controlling white-nose syndrome. Come spelunking with us as we learn what it is, why it is so dangerous, and possible hope for the future.
Episode 216: Intriguing Bats of Minnesota - Not so scary
It's spooky season and Melissa Boman with the MN DNR joins us to talk about the creature of the night, bats! From what bats live in Minnesota, to how they survive winters, and the adaptations that should make you say "cool" instead of "eww" we soar through the night listening for bats.
Episode 215: Sustaining Oaks - From Acorn to Oak
We are joined by Missy Anderson, Propagation Specialist at Three Rivers Park District to talk about how they grow acorns into mighty oak sapling that are planted around the park district. What makes a good acorn? Do mast years have an effect? How do you grow thousands of oaks a year? Wander with us to find out.
Episode 214: Sustaining Oaks - Oaks in our Parks
Dan Comerford, Forestry Supervisor at Three Rivers Park District, walks us through how oak trees are managed in Three Rivers' parks. From dealing with oak diseases to determining where they are planted, learn what goes into caring for the oaks you can walk by in our parks.
Episode 213: Sustaining Oaks - The Most Powerful Plant
Dr. Doug Tallamy, famous author, professor, and more wanders with us to discuss the one plant that can have the biggest impact in your yard, oaks. We discuss why oaks are such a powerful plant for biodiversity and turning your yard into a refuge for wildlife.
Episode 212: The Hopping Orchestra - Minnesota Locust Plagues
A swarm of wings that darkened the sky. Millions of bodies on railroad tracks that kept the trains from moving. Crops, clothes, and anything else organic eating. The Minnesota Grasshopper Plagues of the 1870's devastated the immigrants and settlers in the area. Zack Mohlis from Three Rivers' History Team joins us to discuss the Grasshopper Plagues.
Episode 211: The Hopping Orchestra - Grasshopper Songs
Dr. Hojun Song, from Texas A&M University's Department of Entomology discusses his research on how grasshopper songs have evolved. From cricket calls that evolved before ears to grasshoppers evolving ears to help them swarm, wander with us as we study the hopping orchestra.
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