Tag: environmental education

#93: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant – Carnivore Ecology, Wild Life, and Environmental Justice

March 25, 2024

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, wildlife ecologist, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and author of “Wild Life,” shares her personal journey into wildlife ecology and environmental justice. Her research on bears and mountain lions, including their beach visits, inspires and educates. Her memoir, “Wild Life,” offers suspenseful wildlife encounters and personal struggles, blending adventure and life lessons. … More #93: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant – Carnivore Ecology, Wild Life, and Environmental Justice

#92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

March 11, 2024

Those brightly colored fuzzy ants? Well, they aren’t ants at all! Learn what they are, how to find them, and also a bit about native bees from bee and velvet ant expert Dr. Joseph Wilson. … More #92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

#91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

February 26, 2024

Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas, a forest ecophysiologist, shares insights into tree physiology and how trees adapt to environmental challenges. She discusses scientific tools for studying tree responses to environmental changes, including measuring carbon isotopes. Additionally, she explores how trees may cooperate and share resources during times of stress. … More #91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

#90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz

February 12, 2024

Today’s episode features Allasandra Valdez, a botanist and host of the Happy Botanist podcast. The wide-ranging discussion covers plant physiology, invasive species, and science communication. In the latter part, Dr. Dan Katz discusses allergenic pollen. This episode highlights the work of these scientists and is an opportunity to discover more about botany and nature. … More #90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz

#89: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

January 29, 2024

When we think of wildfire, most of us think of raging infernos burning everything in its path. But historically, this intense type of fire was quite rare. In fact, there used to be more frequent fires, and more acres burned than today – but at low intensity. Learn why this is, and what we can do to restore beneficial fire with Lenya Quinn-Davidson. … More #89: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

#84: Dr. Marshall Shepherd – Weather is Your Mood, Climate is Your Personality

November 20, 2023

What are the differences between climate and weather? And how can we trust climate predictions when weather is so hard to forecast just a few days out? Dr. Marshall Shepherd, renowned climate and weather scientist, has answers! … More #84: Dr. Marshall Shepherd – Weather is Your Mood, Climate is Your Personality

#82: Amanda Monthei – Life with Fire

October 23, 2023

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on the fire lines with a wildfire crew? Or what it takes to join a crew? Or the differences between crews, such as engine crews, hand crews, and hot shot crews? And how do they actually manage active wildfires? And where does prescribed and cultural burning fit into the picture?

Today’s guest, Amanda Monthei, helps us get some answers. … More #82: Amanda Monthei – Life with Fire

#80: El Niño (ENSO) and Ocean Temperatures

September 25, 2023

Have you heard of El Niño? Some people call it the single biggest influence on winter weather in North America. But what is it, and how does it work? And we’re in an El Niño event this year, and it’s going to affect our weather (and ecology!)

Today we learn about El Niño and how ocean temperatures impact weather, as well as the ecological impacts. … More #80: El Niño (ENSO) and Ocean Temperatures