FVCC Nature Journal

Join host, John Fraley, in an exploration of fun aspects of the natural world: interesting bird and wildlife species, other fauna, and flora, much of which we can find on the FVCC Campus. The podcast features interviews with naturalists and wildlife professionals and students doing interesting projects, as well as funny and unusual aspects of nature and wildlife management. Listeners can learn about nature in their own backyard (or campus). John's experience includes hosting a wildlife and nature radio show for more than 20 years on local radio stations KJJR and KALS.

Episode 77 - Caribou in Montana?

A study just completed by Biologist Taylor Rose shows that habitat in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness could be suitable for re-introduction of this ghostly member of the deer family. Join us for this episode of the Nature Journal as we discuss this possibility, and learn of Taylor’s long comprehensive study which began at FVCC and has now led to his Masters Degree and paper through the University of Idaho.

08-24
15:07

Episode 76 - Montana State Record Fish with Dillon Tabish of FWP

There are about 91 species of fish in Montana. Some are small, like the pygmy whitefish only a few ounces, some grow large like the Paddlefish at 142 pounds. Join us on today’s Nature Journal podcast with FWP’s Dillon Tabish as we learn all about Montana’s state record fish!

07-25
12:43

Episode 75 - More Birds With Bird Expert, Denny Olson

Denny Olson may be the world’s greatest bird vocalist. In this episode, we will listen to some of Denny’s favorite bird songs. Denny, also known as Doc Wild, can mimic over 200 bird calls! Credit to the Audubon Society's Audubon Field Guide for the Aleutian Tern calls heard in the intro of this episode: Aleutian Tern, Calls #3 - Audubon Field Guide

06-28
13:50

Episode 74 - Birds, Birds, Birds with Denny Olson

If you thought you knew a lot about birds, get ready to learn a lot more. Join us in the episode with Naturalist Denny Olson, also known as Doc Wild.

06-13
10:37

Episode 73 - American Pine Marten: The Villain in Velvet

The beautiful pine marten is a rarely seen member of the weasel family with a sable-like coat of fur. People have treasured this elusive furbearer for thousands of years. Come along with marten enthusiast, Heather Fraley, and learn all about this "villain in velvet!" And stay tuned until the end for an important announcement!

11-23
13:31

Episode 72 - Montana’s Little Brown Bat!

The little brown bat faces a lot of challenges, including some negative public attitudes towards bats, and a disease known as white nose fungus. Join us today along with FVCC student, Annabella Amsweller, to learn all about Montana’s most common bat!

11-09
10:49

Episode 71 - Attack of the Beavers!

The beaver is an important part of the stream ecosystem.  Beavers are known for slapping their flat tail to warn colony members. They sure are cute, but they are one of most common species in damage complaints. Come along today to learn all about North America’s largest rodent!

10-26
11:05

Episode 70 - The Volcano in Yellowstone

The Yellowstone super-volcano is one of our planet's restless giants. Could it erupt in our lifetimes? Come along with FVCC Professor and geothermal expert, Adam Wenz, as we learn all about this little-known Yellowstone volcano.

10-13
12:12

Episode 69 - Jewel Above the Flathead: Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park, one of our most popular, is truly a jewel in the hills above the Flathead. Join long time Parks Manager, Brian Schwartz, as we learn about this incredible park, and maybe uncover a few of its secrets too! The song that plays in the background from 8:22 to 10:22 is a portion of Woods by Hawkin.

09-29
10:52

Episode 68 - "Ask a Game Warden" with Ben Chappelow

Have you ever had a question for a game warden but were afraid to ask? Join us on the show as the singing game warden, Ben Chappelow, tells us about grouse hunting, bear safety, and what it’s like to patrol the back country!

09-14
11:38

Episode 67 - All About Montana Fish With Wade Fredenberg

Join Wade Fredenberg and John Fraley as they talk about fun aspects of fish, and a great place to take a kid fishing in Montana.

08-31
12:22

Episode 66 - Crazy Fish Names: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Join us today as fisheries biologist, Wade Fredenberg, talks about crazy fish names, what they mean, their origins, and the crazy fish that go with them.

08-11
11:56

Episode 65 - Flathead Lake Fisheries with Biologist, Kenny Breidinger

Flathead Lake is perhaps the most beautiful and valuable natural lake in Montana, and maybe the entire west. Join us today as fisheries biologist, Kenny Breidinger, talks about managing this complex water body and its native fishery of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in light of complex challenges.

07-21
11:36

Episode 64 - Birds and People Part 2: Critterman and his Work With the Audubon Society

Join educator, Audubon Society conservationist, and performer, Denny Olson as he mimics his way through the bird world and talks about how important birds are to the natural world and our society! You can find Denny Olson with the Flathead Audubon Society at https://flatheadaudubon.org/

06-29
13:18

Episode 63 - Birds and People with Denny Olson

You may not realize how important birds are to people and society. Join the famous educator, performer and bird mimic Denny Olson as we explore the world of some our most important bird species! You can find Denny Olson with the Flathead Audubon Society at https://flatheadaudubon.org/

06-09
12:23

Episode 62 - Challenges Facing the Ponderosa Pine in the Flathead

The Ponderosa Pine is Montana’s state tree. It is a magnificent conifer with long, well ordered needles. Recently hail damage and disease have challenged Ponderosa Pine in the Flathead area. Come along with FVCC’s Christina Relyea as we talk about a new project to find out more about this towering monarch.

05-18
12:48

Episode 61 - Springtime in Glacier with Chris Peterson

Glacier National Park is emerging out of winter and into spring. The critters are waking up and a few trails are available for hiking. Join Glacier Park expert, Chis Peterson, editor of the Hungry Horse News, as we talk about springtime in our nearby gem of a national park.

04-20
11:47

Episode 60 - Attack of the Flickers!

They may be pretty, but Northern Flickers like nothing better than to pound a hole in your house! Come along on today’s podcast, as we learn all about this fascinating woodpecker, and explore some ways to discourage them from setting up shop on the side of your home.

04-07
12:53

Episode 59 - Fish North of the Arctic Circle with Alaska Fisheries Scientist, Kevin Fraley

Fish like Dolly Varden and Arctic Grayling face challenges in the dark cold environments north of the Arctic Circle. Join Alaska fisheries scientist, Kevin Fraley, as he takes us on a tour of these unique fisheries of the far north.

03-23
13:01

Episode 58 - Montana’s Fire Lookouts

The Northwest Montana Lookout Association is an organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic fire lookouts. Come along on this episode of the Nature Journal for a fun tour and great views among the peaks with Board Member, Kjell Petersen.  Northwest Montana Lookout Association website: https://www.nwmt-ffla.org/ Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwestmontanalookouts

03-09
12:35

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