The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 60: Mexico to Minnesota: Piecing Together the Monarch Migration Aug 05, 2020

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One of the most recognized insects in the world sparks curiosity of its great multi-generational migration, the Monarch butterfly. Join Angela and Brandon to learn how and why this mighty flyer make the trips back and forth between Mexico and Minnesota.

Episode 59 - Minnesota's Agriculture: From the Past to the Future - Sustainability Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

Join us as we talk with Tim Reese and Mellissa Hochstetler of Gale Woods Farm about what practices they use to make their farm sustainable and how you as a consumer can help farmers transition to more climate friendly farming practices.

Episode 58 - Minnesota's Agriculture: From the Past to the Future - The Rise of Dairy Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

Elise Bushard of Lowry Nature Center and Historical Interpretation Supervisor Bill Walker join us to tell the story of how one man created the dairy industry in the Midwest. Wendalin Grimm bred the first winter hardy alfalfa, making commercial dairy in the Midwest profitable. Listen to learn why you should thank him for Packers' cheese hats, butter sculptures, and cheese curds.

Episode 57 - Minnesota's Agriculture: From the Past to the Future - Learning from Native Elders Jul 01, 2020

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Brandon and Angela sit down with Seneca Elder Hope Flannigan to learn how Native farming was practiced before Europeans reached Minnesota. Hope explains the difference between the wild plants and domestic plants, how Dream of Wild Health is using Native farming techniques today, and what we can learn from Native farming to make a more sustainable future.

Episode 56 - A Light in the Dark - Citizen Science and Fireflies Jun 08, 2020

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Climate change may increase the number of species of fireflies in Minnesota as our growing season gets longer, but habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide use are all making the number of fireflies decrease. Learn how to help scientists collect data on this as we discuss the Citizen Science project Firefly Watch with one of its founders, Don Salvatore.

Episode 55 - A Light in the Dark - You Can't Handle the Truth! Jun 08, 2020

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Professor Sara Lewis shares some of the knowledge she has gained from studying fireflies for over 30 years. We discuss a female firefly nicknamed a vampire that deceives male fireflies. Professor Lewis shares some of her latest research on firefly conservation and what you can do to help.

Episode 54 - A Light in the Dark - Fireflies 101 Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

Angela and Brandon are joined by Miranda Jones, resident firefly expert at Eastman Nature Center. Join us as she lights up our world with facts about firefly biology, why they glow, and where you can find them.

Episode 53 - Are you my Mother? Historical and Cultural European Childcare May 06, 2020

Show notes

Learn how early European settlers in the 1800s navigated childcare by listening to guest Jayne Becker from The Landing. How was the diaper invented? What games were played? Listen to find out!

Episode 52 - Are you my Mother? Historical and Cultural Ojibwe Childcare May 06, 2020

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Childcare among humans has advanced across history within many cultures, but it has never been easy. Michelle Defoe of the Red Cliff Ojibwe tells us about traditions she has reclaimed after they were lost or suppressed during the Boarding School area and how she feels they have helped her in raising her children.

Episode 51 - Are you my Mother? Farm Babies May 06, 2020

Show notes

Time to visit Gale Woods Farm with supervisor Tim Reese to talk all things farm babies. Tim highlights volunteer project Lamb Watch and other farm babies you may encounter on a visit to the farm. Listen to learn more about this unique working farm and what to expect on your spring trip to Gale Woods Farm.

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