The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 290: Life is a Flyway - Local Impacts Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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 Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

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? Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

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 Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

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 Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

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