The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 240: Turtle Treks - Shells of the North May 07, 2025

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Listen as Brandon and Angela start local with guest Dr. Tricia Markle from the MN Zoo to explore turtle species of the north, research, and conservation efforts we can all take towards healthy turtle populations such as road crossings.

Episode 239: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Neonics in the Water Apr 02, 2025

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One of thing neonicotinoids are good at is traveling from where they are applied, to new areas by water. This is because it is designed to dissolve in water so seeds can suck it up. The unintended consequence is that it is effectively perpetually in rivers, streams, and other water bodies. Dr. Bill Arnold from the University of Minnesota about how and why he researches neonicotinoid presence in fresh water.

Episode 238: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Backyard Birds Apr 02, 2025

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How is a pesticide that targets insects harming backyard birds? Hardy Kern, Director of Government Relations, Pesticides and Birds Campaign at American Bird Conservancy, joins us to talk about the link that has been established between neonicotinoids and a decline in backyard birds across the country. He also gives us some tips on what we can do to avoid neonicotinoids to help the birds.

Episode 237: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids - Minnesota's Birds and Mammals Apr 02, 2025

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We are joined by Dr. Charlotte Roy from The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to discuss their research to determine if Minnesota birds and mammals are exposed to neonicotinoids. From monitoring simulated seed spills, to driving by farms to look for seed spills, and doing lab work with chickens to see how much neonicotinoids needs to be consumed to be toxic, Dr. Roy's research has answered many questions about wildlife and neonics in Minnesota and she has worked with seed distributors and farmers to make changes based on her findings.

Episode 236: Women and Wilderness – What Was Lost Mar 05, 2025

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Get a taste for hands on experience with land management from prescribed fire and bison introductions with Molly Tranel from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Women stepping into leadership roles has been a welcomed observed change over time and provides a necessary spark for confidence building. Brining awareness early to career opportunities is key for ensuring the future stewards of tomorrow.

Episode 235: Women and Wilderness – Authentic Representation Mar 05, 2025

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Talk story and authentic representation with guest Mary Montes to explore the importance of hands on experience within environmental stewardship. Starting with a Marine Science degree out of Hawaii to joining Conservation Corps in Minnesota, learn how relationships to land can differ. An important reminder that everyone is connected through story as people but also to the land and wilderness.

Episode 234: Women and Wilderness – Forestry Learning Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Starting in forestry and branching into education to engage women specifically with woodland management, Angie Gupta, a Forestry Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota, shares her personal and professional journey. From various learning styles to the importance of family and connection to community there are many ways to make everyone feel welcomed in the outdoors. Ending this interview with space to address eco-anxiety and taking a deep breath.

Episode 233: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats Management Feb 05, 2025

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Our Wildlife Supervisor Steven Hogg joins us to discuss his love for muskrats, their impacts on wetlands, and the balance Three Rivers has to find for managing an animal that is key to wetland health and also has a knack for impacting humans.

Episode 232: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats and Cattails Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Adam A. Ahlers from Kansas State University wanders with us as we discuss his research in Minnesota on muskrats. Through relocation studies, preferred diet studies, and other research he has been working to determine how invasive hybrid cattail and muskrats impact each other.

Episode 231: Ripples in the Wetlands - Muskrats 101 Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

What exactly is a muskrat and why has such a small creature been connected to international trade, World War 2, and the survival of wetlands? Join Brandon and Angela as they follow ripples in history and water and find their source- muskrats.

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