How are overwintering birds able to survive and even thrive in Minnesota's cold temperatures? In this episode, we talk with John Loegering, Extension wildlife specialist and bird ecologist, about bird behavior and adaptations for living in the "deep freeze." You can also download a transcript of this podcast episode. Learn more about John's researc…

Complex environmental issues can be controversial when people have differing opinions about causes and solutions, and there are no clear right answers. To address these kinds of issues, it is important to communicate with and listen to understand others. In this episode, Andrea Lorek Strauss, an Extension Educator with the Minnesota Master Naturali…

How can we help protect the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and other pollinators this autumn? In this episode, Jill Utrup, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, talks about why it’s worthwhile to “leave your leaves” on yards and gardens and then take other actions in the spring and summer to support the endangered rusty…

Do you have an idea for improving the natural environment in your community? If so, the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) may be able to help you make it happen. In this episode, we talk with Molly Zins, Executive Director of the Central Region RSDP about how this unique part of the University of Minnesota Extension helps connect…

Hybrid poplar is a fast-growing tree that might help us tackle climate change, pollution, and provide a feedstock for a variety of bioproducts. In this episode, we talk with Extension Educator, Jeff Jackson, about the University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute's research to develop and utilize hybrid poplar as part of the new Midw…

Camera traps or game cameras are a great way to learn about and see the beauty of your natural surroundings. In this episode, we talk with naturalist and photographer, Ryan Pennesi, about how and why camera trap photography is worth exploring and trying. Download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

How can you learn to lead and help in restoring habitat on degraded lands? In this episode, we talk with Julia Bohnen about Extension's Ecological Restoration Training Program. Download a transcript of this episode.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

How can we design our yards, boulevards, and other home landscapes as pollinator habitats? In this episode, we talk with James Wolfin from Metro Blooms about bee lawns, boulevard bioswales, and other turf alternatives that can provide pollinator forage and improve water quality. Download a transcript of this episode.…

Learn how you can get involved in a one-day volunteer event to search for for aquatic invasive species on hundreds of Minnesota lakes. In this episode, Megan Weber and Pat Mulcahy from our Extension Aquatic Invasive Species team talk about Starry Trek. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.…

How can farming help with restoring natural habitat? In this episode, we learn from Erik Hagen of the Savanna Institute about their work to understand and use agroforestry farming practices to strengthen oak savanna habitat. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program has a new team member! In this episode, we talk with Britt Forsberg about her exciting new role with the program. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

It's International Biological Diversity Day on May 22nd! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Caitlin Potter about the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a globally recognized source of research about biodiversity and ecosystems. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.…

It's the end of Citizen Science Month! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lucy Fortson from the University of Minnesota about Zooniverse, a website where millions of people participate in citizen science research. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

Let's turn toward spring! In this episode, we talk with Gary Wyatt from Extension's Forestry Team and Julie Weisenhorn from Extension's Horticulture Team about tips for your spring tree, yard, and garden care. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

What can we learn from bugs in winter? In this episode, we talk with Len Ferrington and Rebecca Swenson from the University of Minnesota’s Bugs Below Zero Project about new research to understand the lifecycle of tiny flies, known as “non-biting midges,” that are vital to the winter diet of trout in our Minnesota streams. You can also download a tr…

Why is winter so important and worth exploring in MN? In this episode, Joe Walewski from the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center shares his interest for natural history in the deep freeze. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

In this episode, we talk with Amy Rager from the University of Minnesota Extension’s Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Program about how the team is adapting courses and other meetings for ongoing pandemic circumstances, and the 12 Weeks of Winter activities you can try in your local surroundings while the weather is still wintery. You can also…

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

You can also download a transcript of this interview.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

Managing volunteers for a planned event can be a difficult challenge. For this episode of The Naturalist, we get some tips and tricks on how to do just that from Extension Educators Andrea Strauss and Angela Gupta.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

Forest restoration on the North Shore of Lake Superior is a long and complicated process. Climate change, wildlife, and stakeholder interest are only a few of the factors that come into play. Learn more about what it takes to develop a project on this scale.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

This past summer Becky Meyer, and Educator with University of Minnesota Extension took part in the first run of Water Watchers, a program aimed at introducing youth to the world of aquatic invasive species. For this episode, we sit with Becky and discuss the development of the program and its future.…

Deer can have a major impact on a variety of things. Some of which you might not directly think about. Join us as we dig into this complex topic with Extension Educators Matt Russell and Johanna Desprez.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

On this episode of the Naturalist we get a chance to sit down and discuss bee populations in Minnesota with Extension Educator, Elaine Evans, and Bee Atlas Program Coordinator, Britt Forsberg.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

On this episode of the Naturalist, we get a chance to talk phenology with Staff Phenologist John Latimer from KAXE Community Radio in Grand Rapids and Associate Extension Professor Eli Sagor.Autor: University of Minnesota Extension

For this episode, we get a chance to talk to John Geissler and Nick Wagner from Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center about the challenges associated with running an 18,000-acre center with a two-person staff. Also, we talk to Angela Gupta, an Extension Educator/Forester, about a pest by the name of Emerald Ash Borer and the potential impacts …