Natural North Dakota

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Exploring North Dakota's tallgrass prairie Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

There are three types of prairie, and in North Dakota, the tallgrass prairie historically dominated the Red River Valley. As the name implies, the tallgrass prairie was dominated by tall grasses that grow to three feet or more. Historically the tallgrass prairie has been estimated to have covered between 140-170 million acres, but I have seen estimates that only 1-4 percent remains.

How to make the most of North Dakota nature this fall Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

North Dakotans have endless opportunities to get out and enjoy nature, and those opportunities are not restricted to summer.

The sands of glacial Lake Souris Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Most North Dakotans are well aware of the rich soils of the Red River Valley, what was once glacial Lake Agassiz. Although less well known, glacial Lake Souris also has rich soils. It covered much of Bottineau and McHenry counties as well as portions of Rolette and Pierce counties.

Have you seen a bobcat in North Dakota? Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever seen a bobcat? If so, I suspect you are among the few North Dakotans that have. It might come as a surprise to learn that they reside in the state, particularly in the west.

Getting to know the pineapple weed Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

When you look near barnyards, roadsides, or other disturbed areas this time of year, you may notice a low-growing weedy plant with finely divided leaves, and a yellowish-green flower head. I suspect most people dismiss this plant as just another weed, but its common name pineapple weed, or perhaps wild chamomile, indicates something a little different.

This carnivorous plant lives in North Dakota's Turtle Mountains Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

Dveryone has heard of the Venus flytrap, but North Dakota's Turtle Mountains is home to a different carnivorous plant — the round-leaved sundew.

Goldenrods signal the coming of fall Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

The goldenrods are starting to put on their annual floral show. Much as the pasque flowers in bloom serve as harbingers of spring, the goldenrods are harbingers of fall. They are telling us that the days of summer are numbered and fall is fast approaching.

Check the skies on August 12: A meteor shower and partial eclipse will be visible in North Dakota Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

Two noteworthy celestial shows are coming up on August 12. The Perseids meteor shower is expected to peak that evening, and a partial solar eclipse is expected to be visible in parts of the state. So, get ready and hope for clear skies.

The importance of North Dakota's rangelands Aug 01, 2026

Show notes

The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to “honor and raise awareness of the important role these lands play in creating a sustainable environment and economic growth for communities around the world.”

Why snakes shed their skin Jul 25, 2026

Show notes

If you frequently walk through the prairies and woodlands, or perhaps even your own backyard, you may come upon a rather delicate, whitish translucent tube of thin material that’s several inches long and has a scale pattern that resembles the skin of a snake. Well, it probably is a snake skin.

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