Dispatches from the Forest

Episode 32: Who’s there? Just us Owls!

Welcome to spooky season!  In ancient Greece owls were associated with protection and wisdom, but sometime in the Middle Ages in Europe they became associated with witches - probably owing to the fact they were nocturnal and mysterious.  Learn about how these amazing birds and how they have evolved to be masters of the nighttime hunt!

Episode 31: The Toads and Frogs of Dispatches HQ

Meet the toads and frogs that are commonly found right here at Dispatches HQ: American Toads, Fowler's Toads, Green Tree Frogs, Cope's Grey Tree Frogs, Cricket Frogs and Pickerel Frogs.

Episode 30: Wasps: Now that’s a SPICY insect!

Wasps get a lot of hate - primarily because we are afraid of getting stung.  But did you know that of the 4000 species of wasp found in the United States, only 30 - less than 1% - are capable of stinging.  And in addition to being pollinators, wasps provide natural pest control.  Learn more about the fascinating world of wasps on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider becoming a patron.  You can find all the information at Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest.
Question, comment or suggestion?  Email me at dispatchesfromtheforest@gmail.com
 

Episode 29: Take a Hike!

I know I said I was going to talk about wasps, but I had another idea - come along with me as I take a hike at Crow's Nest Natural Preserve Area - a 2872-acre peninsula situated between two tidal creek tributaries of the Potomac River in Stafford County, Virginia.  This property has been used by humans for the last 11000 years and with its mature hardwood forests and freshwater marshes it has a fantastic amount of biodiversity!  What did I see?  Listen and find out!

Episode 28: The Bee Team

About 80% of flowering plants rely on living pollinators to move their pollen between flowers.  In this episode I'll tell you about just a few of those - Honeybees, Bumblebees, Carpenter Bees and Mason Bees.  Fascinating insects that have incredibly important jobs!

BONUS CONTENT! Town Talk Radio Show

What's this?  Bonus content?  That's right!  I had a chance to go on the radio "Town Talk" hosted by Ted Schubel last week (News Talk 1230 WFVA) here in Fredericksburg, VA with my friend and opossum rehabilitator Karen Brace (check her out at awesomepossumz.com and on Instagram @awesomepossumz1).  We talked about what's involved in becoming an animal rehabilitator and why wild animals should not be kept as pets.  Check it out!
 

Episode 27: Venomous Snakes of the United States

Snakes are one of the most feared and misunderstood animals around.   But snakes, venomous or not, generally just want humans to leave them alone.  Over half of all bites from venomous snakes in the United States are completely avoidable.  Snakes occupy a very important place in the ecosystem.  In this episode I'll tell you why snakes - even the ones with medically significant venom - are not nearly as dangerous and scary as most people think - and why they are worthy of your respect.

Episode 26: Just Deserts

When we think of deserts, we tend to think of them as being dry, hot and devoid of life.  But a surprising number of plants and animals are adapted to these harsh conditions.  Learn more about the deserts of the United States, and just a few of the amazing plants and animals that call them home.
Includes the song "Saguaro" by the Austin Lounge Lizards (used with permission).  Check them out at Austinloungelizards.com.
If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting future episodes by becoming a patron.  You can find our Patreon page at Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest.