The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 270: Say What? Plants and Fungi Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Peter Kennedy from the University of Minnesota joins us to discuss the latest research on the relationships between plants and fungi. From tree socks to research exchange markets, the interaction between plants and fungi is complicated. What does research really say about this research and what has reporting on this research sensationalized?

Episode 269: Say What? Talking Plants Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Do plants really talk? Not like we do, but Dr. Simon Gilroy, Professor of Botany at the University of Wisconsin Madison, shares the research he and others have done that has shed light on how plants communicate. From leaves hearing and the plant responding, to the smell of fresh cut grass alerting other plants of distress, wander with us as we explore plant communication.

Episode 268: Say What? Animal Communication Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Wander with Brandon and Ellen as they explore how animals communicate. From communication that is obvious to us like sound, to communication we may not have considered such as electricity, animals have complicated ways of sharing information.

Episode 267: Big Year of Rivers - The Once and Future Mississippi Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Dr. John Anfinson, one of the leading experts on the Mississippi River in our area joins us to talk about the past, present, and future of the Mississippi. He tells us stories of the Mississippi as people tried to navigate the gorge, how its unique geology created the Twin Cities, and why the Mississippi between the Twin Cities was changed into a series of lakes. He also discusses the potential future of the Mississippi River and how you can learn about it and join in the conversation about what the Mississippi should be.

Episode 266: Big Year of Rivers - A Three Hour Tour Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

In July, 2025 we had a special Wandering Naturalist rafting trip on the Mississippi River with Brandon. Several participants wore microphones and we recorded the whole experience. Raft with us as we talk to Paula Suchy from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park about how the rafting programs work and why they are so important to her as we listen to audio from our rafting trip.

Episode 265: Big Year of Rivers - Three Rivers Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

We start a new season with a new co-host, Ellen, and a new Big Year to celebrate- Big Year of Rivers! Ashley Levoir, joins us to discuss how a big anniversary for the Mississippi River inspired this year's Big Year, plays trivia with Brandon and Angela about the three rivers our park district are named after, and how you can protect our rivers even if you don't live near one.

Episode 264: The Next Generation Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Every season must come to an end so a new season may begin. A warm and engaging nature expert whose voice we've enjoyed for seven seasons is signing off, ushering in a new era of The Wandering Naturalist. Wander with us as we talk about this big change and what's in store for the podcast for season eight. New and exciting journeys are ahead!

Episode 263: Stories in the Snow - Deer Guts Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Grace Milanowski, Coordinator, Offal Wildlife Watching Project (with UMN Extension) and Dr. Ellen Candler from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, talk to us about the project they are doing in partnership with Minnesota hunters to see what visits gut piles from deer. Hunters are participating in citizen science by putting trail cams by their deer gut piles and sending the photos to the Offal project. Grace Milanowski and Dr. Candler discuss some of their findings, including some surprising scavengers of deer guts.

Episode 262: Stories in the Snow - Connecting to Lakota Knowledge Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Michael Kurtz, enrolled member from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, shares how he taught himself to read animal signs and photograph them. He talks about the experiences with animals he has had following animal signs and how it connects him to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of his ancestors.

Episode 261: Stories in the Snow - Reading the Stories Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Adrian Iacovino, Education Program Coordinator at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and professional animal tracker, wanders with us as he recounts how he learned to read the stories left by animal tracks and signs. He shares some of his favorite stories, the community behind tracking, and how listeners can learn to read animal stories. He also discusses how reading animal signs helps him spot preconceived notions in other parts of his life.

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