Podcast on Natural Dallas (The P.O.N.D.)

Greg Browder is a founding member of the P.O.N.D. podcast and after serving the City of Dallas and the Dallas Public Library for 21 years, he's hung up his headphones to enjoy retirement! This episode takes a listen back through some of Greg's highlights during his time hosting the P.O.N.D.

Would you like to grow beautiful, healthy trees in your North Texas yard? Who better to take advice from than “The Dirt Doctor” Howard Garrett? An arborist, landscape architect, nationally syndicated organic gardening talk show host, and author of such books as Howard Garrett’s Texas Trees and Plants of the Metroplex, Howard shares his expertise in the form of an informal Q&A in this episode of The P.O.N.D.

What do hawks, owls, vultures, kites, and falcons have in common? They are all raptors, of course! Join us as the staff members of the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center tell us all about their work with raptors, from education and rehabilitation to conservation and preservation.

Chris Runk, one of Dallas’s top birders and a reviewer for the eBird app, stops by for a conversation about this popular hobby/citizen science activity. Among the topics Chris shares his thoughts on are the appeal of birding, when and where to see birds in Dallas County, and what he as a reviewer is looking for when bird sightings are reported on eBird.

The presence of a frog can elicit a variety of reactions from people, ranging from squeamishness to curiosity to delight. Listen in as herpetologist and Texas Master Naturalist Jessie Crowley chats with us about frogs, and IDs a few of our local frogs and toads from the calls they make.

Cities are increasingly recognizing the benefits of having an urban forest. In this episode Karen Woodard, Forester for the City of Dallas, joins us via Zoom to discuss initiatives in Dallas to expand our tree canopy.

We sat down with Texas Parks and Wildlife's Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick in early March 2020 for a chat about the annual Challenge, scheduled for Friday, April 24th thru Monday, April 27th. While the bioblitzes and other group activities referenced in the interview will no longer occur due to COVID-19 concerns, City Nature Challenge lives on as a non-competitive, citizen science collaboration! Tune in to learn why our observations matter, and be ready come April 24th to capture photos from whatever outdoor space you can permissibly access. Observations of "wild things" photographed in backyards or from apartment patios contribute too!

Big Spring is considered to be one of Dallas's natural treasures. Join us for a conversation with Ben Sandifer, Texas Stream Team's 2019 "Citizen Scientist of the Year" and champion of the spring.

Texas Wildlife Association's Gwen Eishen explores the wonderful and minute world of mosses and lichens.

Master Naturalist Amy Martin spent years turning a human-impacted country property into a wildlife haven. Listen in for how she did it.

Join Gwen Eishen with Texas Wildlife Association for insight into the often overlooked and hidden lives of armadillos and opossums.

Learn about the the world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation from veteran rehabbers Brandi and Mario Nickerson, who run the DFW-area nonprofit Nature's Edge Wildlife and Reptile Rescue.

Discover the complexity and incredible value that our soils harbor in this episode with Texas Wildlife Association's L.A.N.D.S. Educator, Gwen Eishen.

In this episode The P.O.N.D. looks at a section of urban wilderness along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, and a local nonprofit's efforts to improve and maintain it's ecological health and its beauty. We are joined by Aaryaman Singhal and Megan Davis of Groundwork Dallas, an organization recently recognized as D CEO's Magazine's 2019 nonprofit "Organization of the Year, Midsize" for their efforts in championing our city's urban wilderness.

It's that time of year again! The Dallas/Fort Worth area is locking horns with other cities around the world to see who can make the most nature observations. Jill Nugent, Associate Dean of Science at Southern New Hampshire University, shares insight into this friendly competition and how we can all help.

Reptiles and amphibians aren't always the most popular members of the animal kingdom, but they do have a strong following. Join us for a conversation with avid "herper" Michael Smith, co-author of the 2018 book "Herping Texas : The Quest for Reptiles and Amphibians", as we learn about the pursuit of these intriguing creatures in the field.

Join us as we learn about local fossils and the geological formations in the DFW area with Dr. Ignacio Pujana, a professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Texas has 29,000 species of insects! Join our conversation with entomologist, Mike Merchant, of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension for more insight on some of our unique insects.

Join us for a conversation with local artist Cynthia Mulcahy about her hand-painted fly-poster "Field Guide," the centerpiece of a current exhibit at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Listen in as we talk gardening with horticulture expert Megan Proska of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Ms. Proska currently serves as Horticultural Manager of the Arboretum’s Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden and Trials Garden. The benefits of gardening and growing tips are among the topics discussed. We also get a glimpse at what the Arboretum and Botanic Gardens offers gardeners and others who enjoy gardens.