The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 10 - Calls of Spring – The Racket of Frogs Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

The signs of spring are near and you may be hearing the calls of frogs, even with snow still on the ground. Fresh out of hibernation, join Brandon and Angela, as they journey through the biology of frogs and toads to answer what is making all that noise in spring.

Episode 9 - Wandering the Sugar Bush - Cooking with Maple Syrup Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

Discover the secrets to cooking with maple syrup as Andi Anderson from Gale Woods Farm joins us to help us in the kitchen. We discuss how to substitute syrup for sugar in recipes. We also help you uncode the meaning of Grade A and Grade B syrup.

Episode 8 - Wandering the Sugar Bush - The Science of Syruping Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

We talk with our Forestry Supervisor Dan Comerford about the unique structure of maple trees that allow us to turn its sap into syrup. Explore with us as we discover the science behind maple syruping and learn how climate change will impact our maple trees.

Episode 7 - Wandering the Sugar Bush - A Native Perspective on Maple Syrup Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

Join us as we talk with Ojibwe students about their personal perspective and experience with maple syrup. We discuss how they maple syrup today both on a reservation and in the middle of the cities; how today's techniques differ from their ancestors; and what maple syruping means to them individually as well as culturally.

Episode 6 - Strange Calls in the Night - Owl Ambassadors Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

Join us as Interpretive Naturalist Adam Barnett explains why nature centers' keep owls as ambassadors for their wild kin. He recounts his time working with the Raptor Center, shares some of the joys and challenges of working with captive owls, and shares with us what to do if an injured owl is found.

Episode 5 - Strange Calls in the Night - Tracking Owl Nests Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

Do you know where owls nest? Hear how volunteer Paul Schlick coordinates a group of volunteers to track and document owl and other raptor nests in Elm Creek Park Reserve. Paul explains why this project is important, some of the challenges they have faced, and the opportunities for partnership with the Raptor Center that his data has created.

Episode 4 - Strange Calls in the Night - Super Ears and Keen Eyes Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

Join Brandon and Angela as they explore how owls can not only survive the winter, but raise their young when the rest of us are hunkered inside waiting for spring. Find out if owls have super-hearing like superman, how their eyes help them see at night, and what makes owl feathers special. Discover the adaptations that help these owls thrive in the cold.

Episode 3 - Snow and its History with Minnesota Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

How did humans interact with snow before the advent of modern heating and insulation amenities? Learn all about it as hosts Brandon and Angela talk with an expert on this issue from The Landing.

Episode 2 - Snow and its Relationship with Plants Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

In the second part of this series on snow, Angela and Brandon talk about the advantages and challenges snow brings to plant life.

Episode 1 - Snow and its Relationship to Animals Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

In this first episode of The Wandering Naturalist, hosts Brandon and Angela provide some insight on the science of snow and how it impacts the animals who depend on the subnivean layer.

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