Dispatches from the Forest

Episode 16: The Signs of Spring

While we are officially only halfway through winter, the signs that spring is near are starting to appear.  In addition to warmer weather, here at Dispatches HQ we've got flowers starting to sprout and we're anticipating the emergence of frogs and salamanders any day now!  Find out about some of the other plants and animals that are starting to appear to let you know that, while you may not be completely done with cold weather quite yet, warmer days are on the way!

Episode 15: Foxes of North America

We've talked about wolves and coyotes, in this week's episode we talk about the remaining (and smallest) North American canid species: foxes.  There are 6 species of fox that can be found in North America, and while they share some traits, each of them has something that make them unique - from the insulating coat of the artic fox to the "extra sense" of the red fox, there is even a fox that climbs trees!  Check it out!
 
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Episode 14: Overlooked and Underappreciated Too!

In Episode 3 we looked at some overlooked and underappreciated animals.  In this episode we add to that list and take a look at some other animals that, while seldom seen, may be closer than you think:  Deer, skunks, raccoons and groundhogs.  Learn something new about more overlooked critters!

Episode 13: Fire! Unnatural disaster?

Forest fire is often considered to be a bad thing.  And to be certain, an uncontrolled wildfire in a populated area like we saw recently can be dangerous as well as disasterous.  But fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, and for some species, it is a neccessary part of their life cycle.  Properly used, fire can be a tool that helps maintain the health of our forests and grasslands.  
 
Features an interview with Michelle Foss, Director of Stewardship and Research at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue, NE.
 
To learn more about Fontenelle Forest visit Fontenelleforest.org
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Episode 12: Winter Survival Strategies

How do our animal friends survive the winter?  Well, kind of the same way we do: they can stay active, they can migrate, or they can hibernate.  Listen and learn about each of these winter survival strategies and some of the animals that use them.  If that isn't enough, I'll tell you about "butt breathing" - you don't want to miss THAT!

Episode 11: Beaver in America

Once pushed to the brink of extinction for the sake of fashion, beaver are one of our "keystone species".  Secon only to humans in their ability to shape the landscape, beaver are coming back - and doing a lot of good stuff in the process.  Plus I'll tell you about flying beavers - you won't want to miss it!

Episode 10: Wolves in America

Wolves once roamed all of the lower 48 states until being nearly wiped out in the name of safety and prosperity.   But removing this keystone species had many unexpected side effects.  Explore the world of the wolf, and learn how reintroduction of this keystone species in the Yellowstone ecosystem impacted everything from elk to berry growth to water quality!

Episode 9: Notable Naturalists: The Murie Brothers

You've heard of people like John James Audobon, John Muir, Rachel Carlson and Henry David Thoreau, but how much do you know about Olaus and Adolph Murie?  These two brothers from Moorhead, MN - and their wives - had a profound impact on preserving wilderness, expanding many of our national parks and managing the wildlife who live there.