The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20 - Here there be Dragon(flies) - Creatures of Aquatic Habitats Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

Dragonflies are usually found around or near water such as lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Join us as we talk with Mitch Haag, a Wildlife Operations Specialist at Three Rivers Park District and founding board member of Minnesota Dragonfly Society to learn more on the importance of aquatic habitats and where you can find these beauties on the wing or in the water.

Episode 19 - Here there be Dragon(flies) - The Transformational Journey Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

Summer is here and with it you likely have spent time near water, a local lake, pond, or river, which means you have also undoubtedly watched the aerial antics of dragonflies. But did you know that dragonflies live dual lives, their young are aquatic and then transform into a colorful, flying adult. Wander with us and discover this unique life cycle that spans across both land and water.

Episode 18 - A Day on the Water - 1800's and Today Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

We are joined by Zach Mohlis, from The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, who shares with us how people used the Minnesota River when Europeans first settled the area. We discuss how farming practices have changed since them, their impact on the river, and what we can learn from the 1800's to help our waters today. Nick Sacco from our Outdoor Recreation department shares with us many of the water based activities you can in Three Rivers, and we debate whether or not log rolling is a paddle sport.

Episode 17 - A Day on the Water - Testing Our Watersheds Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

Join us as a member of our Water Quality department, John Hess, shares some of the challenges our waterways face, how he monitors them, and actions people can take at home to help keep our rivers and lakes healthy.

Episode 16 - A Day on the Water - Too Many Vitamins Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

Wander with us as we dive into water and the issues that face it. How are nitrates and phosphates like vitamins? What is the difference between blue green algae and algae? What impacts does this have on our lakes? Do polar bear livers really have any connection to this? How is Damon and the rest of Three Rivers' maintenance staff changing salt use in the winter to help our water? Join Brandon and Angela as we find out.

Episode 15 - Flower Medicine and Taking Photos - April Showers, May Wildflowers May 01, 2019

Show notes

Wander with us as we talk with Pauline Bold from The Landing. She shares with us some of the ways people used early spring wildflowers, including uses as medicine and food. Disclaimer, do not try to use these as food or medicine yourself. Listen to the podcast to learn why. Laura Jarriel shares her photography expertise to help us take photos of spring wildflowers with our phones.

Episode 14 - Earthworms, Buckthorn, and Flowers, Oh My - April Showers, May Wildflowers May 01, 2019

Show notes

Do earthworms help or hinder flowers in the forest? How are invasive species like buckthorn impacting spring wildflowers? Join us as we talk to Missy Anderson, the Invasive Species Coordinator for Three Rivers Park District, and Alex Roth from Friends of the Mississippi to get the dirt on invasives and flowers, and discuss how you can help native flowers.

Episode 13 - Growing While It's Snowing - April Showers, May Wildflowers May 01, 2019

Show notes

How can plant's grow while there is snow on the ground? Can a plant really produce its own heat? Tune in to this episode to find out as Angela and Brandon discuss the difference between a Spring Ephemeral and a Spring Wildflower, then investigate how tiny plants can grow and flower at a time when other plants dare not even show their leaves.

Episode 12 - Calls of Spring – Monitoring Frogs in the Dark Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

To determine status, distribution, and long-term population trends of frogs, citizen scientists participate in surveys in which they listen and record calling frogs. In this episode we are joined by a current volunteer, Dianne Rowse, to shed some light on this unique experience.

Episode 11 - Calls of Spring – Start of a Journey Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

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