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Episode 21 - Here there be Dragon(flies) - Cultural Fascination to Research
Subjects
July 3, 2019
With over 149 dragonfly and damselfly species in Minnesota there is much to learn and observe. Dragonfly scientist Ami Thompson joins on this episode to talk about her study subject, the Common Green Darner, as she works towards a PhD in...
Dragonflies are usually found around or near water such as lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Join us as we talk with Mitch Haag, a Wildlife Operations Specialist at Three Rivers Park...
Summer is here and with it you likely have spent time near water, a local lake, pond, or river, which means you have also undoubtedly watched the aerial antics of dragonflies. But did you know that dragonflies live dual lives, their young are...
We are joined by Zach Mohlis, from The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, who shares with us how people used the Minnesota River when Europeans first settled the area. We discuss how farming practices have changed since them, their impact on the...
Join us as a member of our Water Quality department, John Hess, shares some of the challenges our waterways face, how he monitors them, and actions people can take at home to help keep our rivers and lakes healthy.
Wander with us as we dive into water and the issues that face it. How are nitrates and phosphates like vitamins? What is the difference between blue green algae and algae? What impacts does this have on our lakes? Do polar bear livers really have any...
Wander with us as we talk with Pauline Bold from The Landing. She shares with us some of the ways people used early spring wildflowers, including uses as medicine and food. Disclaimer, do not try to use these as food or medicine yourself. Listen to...
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Episode 14 - Earthworms, Buckthorn, and Flowers, Oh My - April Showers, May
Wildflowers
May 1, 2019
Do earthworms help or hinder flowers in the forest? How are invasive species like buckthorn impacting spring wildflowers? Join us as we talk to Missy Anderson, the Invasive Species Coordinator for Three Rivers Park District, and Alex Roth from Friends...
How can plant's grow while there is snow on the ground? Can a plant really produce its own heat? Tune in to this episode to find out as Angela and Brandon discuss the difference between a Spring Ephemeral and a Spring Wildflower, then investigate how...
To determine status, distribution, and long-term population trends of frogs, citizen scientists participate in surveys in which they listen and record calling frogs. In this episode we are joined by a current volunteer, Dianne Rowse, to shed some...
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...
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.
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...
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;...
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...
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...
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...
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.
In the second part of this series on snow, Angela and Brandon talk about the advantages and challenges snow brings to plant life.