Explore, Teach, Conserve

How are overwintering birds able to survive and even thrive in Minnesota's cold temperatures? In this episode, we talk with John Loegering, Extension wildlife specialist and bird ecologist, about bird behavior and adaptations for living in the "deep freeze." You can also download a transcript of this podcast episode.Learn more about John's research on migratory birds in an earlier episode of the podcast. John also shared additional online resources where you can learn more about birding, overwintering birds and landscaping for birds:Extension information about winter berries that provide food for wildlifehttps://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/winter-berries-feed-wildlife Minnesota Department of Natural Resources information about bird feedinghttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/index.html, https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/winter.htmlThe Minnesota Ornithologists Unionhttps://moumn.org/Information about the Audubon Christmas Bird Counthttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-countCornell Lab information about birds and birdinghttps://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/, https://ebird.org/home

Complex environmental issues can be controversial when people have differing opinions about causes and solutions, and there are no clear right answers. To address these kinds of issues, it is important to communicate with and listen to understand others. In this episode, Andrea Lorek Strauss, an Extension Educator with the Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Program Team shares her experience and suggestions for teaching and talking with others about controversial issues. You can also download a transcript of the podcast.Visit a few links Andrea suggested where you can learn more about addressing controversial issues in education and outreach.Guidelines for Discussing Difficult Topics, University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning & Teaching How to See Past your Own Perspective and Find Truth, TED talk by Michael Patrick LynchOn Being Wrong, TED Talk by Kathryn SchulzHow to Lead Tough Conversations, TED Talk by Adar Cohen

How can we help protect the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and other pollinators this autumn? In this episode, Jill Utrup, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, talks about why it’s worthwhile to “leave your leaves” on yards and gardens and then take other actions in the spring and summer to support the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and other overwintering pollinators. You can also download a transcript of this episode.You can learn more on the University of Minnesota Extension website about fall cleanup for pollinators, bagging or mulching your leaves, as well as nests and fall cleanup for pollinators. Jill Utrup also shared US Fish and Wildlife Service websites where you can learn more about the rusty patched bumble bee:https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/conservation.htmlhttps://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/pdf/MidwestPlantGuideRPBB.pdf

Do you have an idea for improving the natural environment in your community? If so, the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) may be able to help you make it happen. In this episode, we talk with Molly Zins, Executive Director of the Central Region RSDP about how this unique part of the University of Minnesota Extension helps connect communities and the university to support local sustainability projects. You can also download a transcript of this podcast episode.

Hybrid poplar is a fast-growing tree that might help us tackle climate change, pollution, and provide a feedstock for a variety of bioproducts. In this episode, we talk with Extension Educator, Jeff Jackson, about the University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute's research to develop and utilize hybrid poplar as part of the new Midwestern bioeconomy. You can also download a transcript of this episode.

Camera traps or game cameras are a great way to learn about and see the beauty of your natural surroundings. In this episode, we talk with naturalist and photographer, Ryan Pennesi, about how and why camera trap photography is worth exploring and trying. Download a transcript of this podcast.

How can you learn to lead and help in restoring habitat on degraded lands? In this episode, we talk with Julia Bohnen about Extension's Ecological Restoration Training Program. Download a transcript of this episode. 

How can we design our yards, boulevards, and other home landscapes as pollinator habitats? In this episode, we talk with James Wolfin from Metro Blooms about bee lawns, boulevard bioswales, and other turf alternatives that can provide pollinator forage and improve water quality. Download a transcript of this episode. 

Learn how you can get involved in a one-day volunteer event to search for for aquatic invasive species on hundreds of Minnesota lakes. In this episode, Megan Weber and Pat Mulcahy from our Extension Aquatic Invasive Species team talk about Starry Trek. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

How can farming help with restoring natural habitat? In this episode, we learn from Erik Hagen of the Savanna Institute about their work to understand and use agroforestry farming practices to strengthen oak savanna habitat. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program has a new team member! In this episode, we talk with Britt Forsberg about her exciting new role with the program. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

It's International Biological Diversity Day on May 22nd! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Caitlin Potter about the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a globally recognized source of research about biodiversity and ecosystems. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

It's the end of Citizen Science Month! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lucy Fortson from the University of Minnesota about Zooniverse, a website where millions of people participate in citizen science research. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

Let's turn toward spring! In this episode, we talk with Gary Wyatt from Extension's Forestry Team and Julie Weisenhorn from Extension's Horticulture Team about tips for your spring tree, yard, and garden care. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

What can we learn from bugs in winter? In this episode, we talk with Len Ferrington and Rebecca Swenson from the University of Minnesota’s Bugs Below Zero Project about new research to understand the lifecycle of tiny flies, known as “non-biting midges,” that are vital to the winter diet of trout in our Minnesota streams. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.Funding for Bugs Below Zero was partially provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.

Why is winter so important and worth exploring in MN? In this episode, Joe Walewski from the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center shares his interest for natural history in the deep freeze. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

In this episode, we talk with Amy Rager from the University of Minnesota Extension’s Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Program about how the team is adapting courses and other meetings for ongoing pandemic circumstances, and the 12 Weeks of Winter activities you can try in your local surroundings while the weather is still wintery. You can also download a transcript of this podcast.

You can also download a transcript of this interview.

You can also download a transcript of this interview.

You can also download a transcript of this interview.