#95: The Rare 2024 Cicada Double Emergence with Dr. Chris Simon

April 22, 2024

Periodical cicadas emerge on 13 or 17 year intervals, but offset depending on the location. But 2024 features a DUAL emergence, with billions of cicadas coming out at the same time.

How do they know to emerge at the same time? Where will the emerge, and how can you see them? Dr. Chris Simon, the world’s top cicada expert shares all of this and more. … More #95: The Rare 2024 Cicada Double Emergence with Dr. Chris Simon

#93: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant – Carnivore Ecology, Wild Life, and Environmental Justice

March 25, 2024

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, wildlife ecologist, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and author of “Wild Life,” shares her personal journey into wildlife ecology and environmental justice. Her research on bears and mountain lions, including their beach visits, inspires and educates. Her memoir, “Wild Life,” offers suspenseful wildlife encounters and personal struggles, blending adventure and life lessons. … More #93: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant – Carnivore Ecology, Wild Life, and Environmental Justice

#92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

March 11, 2024

Those brightly colored fuzzy ants? Well, they aren’t ants at all! Learn what they are, how to find them, and also a bit about native bees from bee and velvet ant expert Dr. Joseph Wilson. … More #92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

#91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

February 26, 2024

Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas, a forest ecophysiologist, shares insights into tree physiology and how trees adapt to environmental challenges. She discusses scientific tools for studying tree responses to environmental changes, including measuring carbon isotopes. Additionally, she explores how trees may cooperate and share resources during times of stress. … More #91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

#90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz

February 12, 2024

Today’s episode features Allasandra Valdez, a botanist and host of the Happy Botanist podcast. The wide-ranging discussion covers plant physiology, invasive species, and science communication. In the latter part, Dr. Dan Katz discusses allergenic pollen. This episode highlights the work of these scientists and is an opportunity to discover more about botany and nature. … More #90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz

#89: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

January 29, 2024

When we think of wildfire, most of us think of raging infernos burning everything in its path. But historically, this intense type of fire was quite rare. In fact, there used to be more frequent fires, and more acres burned than today – but at low intensity. Learn why this is, and what we can do to restore beneficial fire with Lenya Quinn-Davidson. … More #89: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

#88: BLM Lands Unveiled: A Journey with Josh Jackson into our Forgotten Lands

January 15, 2024

In the midst of the many public lands, it’s easy to overlook a lesser-known hero: the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Josh Jackson, a passionate enthusiast and conservationist, is unveiling the overlooked beauty and value of BLM lands through his journeys and upcoming book. Learn about these lands, why they are important, and how you too can enjoy them. … More #88: BLM Lands Unveiled: A Journey with Josh Jackson into our Forgotten Lands

#87: California Condors with Tiana Williams-Claussen (Golden State Naturalist Crossover!)

January 1, 2024

California Condors are amazing (and used to live in much of western North America). But they are critically endangered despite being keystone species, culturally and in our ecosystems. Tiana Williams-Claussen, who is the director of the Yurok Tribe’s wildlife department, tells us all about their condor reintroduction program and condors in general in this special crossover episode with Golden State Naturalist. … More #87: California Condors with Tiana Williams-Claussen (Golden State Naturalist Crossover!)