Dr. Laurie Graham from Queen's University in Ontario Canada has spent 25 years studying antifreeze proteins. She talks about the evolutionary history of anti-freeze proteins, what life is like in a lab, and how you study creatures that are only 1 mm long. 

Episode 154: Snow Bugs - Antifreeze Chemistry

Dr. Rebecca Swenson and Dr. Corrie Nyquist join us from the University of Minnesota to talk about Minnesota's Bugs Below Zero project. We discuss some Minnesota specific winter active insects, why they are important and how you can help the University of Minnesota study them in a Citizen Science Project. 

Episode 153: Snow Bugs - Bugs Below Zero Project

We thought winter was safe! We were wrong… Brandon and Angela dive into the world of snow bugs, uh, we mean arthropods, to discover how they can survive and thrive on the snow. Dr. Brent Sinclair, a professor in the Biology Department at Western University in Canada shares his research on how insects, spiders, and more can live and move over the snow. 

Episode 152: Snow Bugs - They're Super Cool

Steven Hogg, Wildlife Supervisor for Three Rivers, talks about the Wood Duck program's history in our parks, what has made it successful, and where you can find these ducks in our parks.

Episode 151: The Painted Duck - In Three Rivers Parks

Greg Hoch, author of the book  With Wings Extended: A Leap into a Wood Duck's World. Joins us to talk about the history of Wood Duck conservation, how people can help Wood Ducks even if they don't live by water, and how Wood Ducks were an inspiration  for aircraft carriers in World War 1.

Episode 150: The Painted Duck - A Conservation Story

Jeff Bahls from the National Wood Duck Society joins us to explore the fascinating world of Wood Ducks. How far of a fall can a baby Wood Duck survive? Where do they go in the winter? Why are we talking about Wood Ducks in December? Listen to find out! 

Episode 149: The Painted Duck - Leaping into Wood Ducks

Chris Smith joins us to talk about an app he helped to create, HerpMapper. Designed to document reptiles and amphibians around the world, Chris explains the features that make it safe for the animals being documented and how the app helps conservation.  

Episode 148: The Future of Conservation - There's an App for That

Breanne Black from Working Dogs for Conservation joins us to talk about conservation's best friend, dogs! Working Dogs for Conservation rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to perform conservation work. Whether it is searching for bumblebee nests, keeping habitats safe from invasive species,  protecting rare animals from poachers, or other jobs, dogs have unique traits that help them accomplish these goals. 

Episode 147: The Future of Conservation - Who's a Good Conservationist?!

Wander with us as we explore next and exciting tools being used by scientists in the field of conservation! Wendy Caldwell from Monarch Joint Venture joins us to discuss how drones and remote sensing are becoming an important tool for monarch conservation. 

Episode 146: The Future of Conservation - Drones, Monarchs, and Milkweed Oh My

In recognition of “International Artist Day” Angela and Brandon talk with artist Michelle Davis about her artistic process and how nature inspires the wonderful illustrations she creates for the podcast.

Episode 145: The Art of the Wandering Naturalist

Dr. Dan Peach, “Dan the Mosquito Man”, joins us to talk about his research on mosquitos, and what he calls the secret life of mosquitos. He shares the benefits that mosquitos bring to an ecosystem and why we should think twice before trying to squash one. 

Episode 144: Minnesota's Other State Bird - Good Mosquitos?

Nancy Read from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District explains what the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is, how it evaluates when and where mosquitos need to be controlled, and what methods they use. 

Episode 143: Minnesota's Other State Bird - Mosquito Control District

John Moriarty, Senior Wildlife Manager at Three Rivers Park District, joins us to discuss everyone's favorite insect, mosquitos! We discuss some basic mosquito biology, why some mosquitos drink blood, and what Three Rivers Park District's policy is on mosquito control. 

Episode 142: Minnesota's Other State Bird - Mosquitos 101

John Moriarty, author of the book "Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota" joins us to discuss the salamanders that live in Minnesota, how new species are discovered, and the unique life strategy that several of Minnesota's salamanders have. 

Episode 141: Glowing Amphibians - The Salamanders of Minnesota

Dr. Jennifer Lamb shares her recent discovery she made at St. Cloud State University about salamanders and other amphibians. They glow! Join us as Brandon and Angela geek out over the research and get to discover similar office decorations that Brandon and Dr. Lamb have. 

Episode 140: Glowing Amphibians - Wait, They Glow?

What is a salamander? Why did a famous animated movie use a folklore of salamanders and fire instead of deciding to just let it go? How are salamanders impacting human health care? Find out as Brandon and Angela explore the double lives of salamanders. 

Episode 139: Glowing Amphibians - What is a Salamander?

Why do goldenrods make such great additions to gardens? What kind of goldenrods should you plant? Where should you plant your goldenrods? Bre Bauerly from Minnesota Native Landscapes joins us to answer all of your goldenrod gardening questions.

Episode 138: The Golden Forb - Gardening with Goldenrods

Often wrongly blamed for allergies, goldenrods are a misunderstood flower that are important for many different life stages of a misunderstood group of animals, wasps. Biologist and author Heather Holm wanders with us to explore the connections and dispel the misunderstandings for both goldenrods and wasps.

Episode 137: The Golden Forb - The Misunderstood Club

Wander with Angela and Brandon as they dive head first into botany by exploring patches of goldenrods. Larry Weber, author of the Book "In a Patch of Goldenrod" joins us to discuss the mini-ecosystems these yellow fall flowers create.

Episode 136: The Golden Forb - A Mini-Ecosystem

In part two of our Live Podcast we answer audience questions! Do birds go through puberty? What is the meaning of life? Listen and find out!

The Wandering Naturalist

The Wandering Naturalist

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