Wild Ideas...the Podcast - The Wilderness Center

Joann and Gary talk with Dr. Chuck Knapp of the Shedd Aquarium about his work studying Rock Iguanas in the Bahamas.

While fighting Garlic Mustard, Gary heard a Veery—turns out those 2 things are related! Meteorologists are predicting an el Nino, so Joann investigates the global effects.

Does light pollution have an effect on plants, too? We talk with Eric Vandernoot of Florida Atlantic University to find out.

Explore the science of climate change and welcome The Wilderness Center's new Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Corney.

Joann and Gary talk with Melissa Amarello, cofounder of Advocates for Snake Preservation, about her work with Arizona Black Rattlesnakes and their social interactions.

Brightly-lit night skies not only keep us from seeing the stars, they affect animals and plants. Gary and Joann interview Cheryl Ann Bishop of the International Dark-Sky Association about light pollution and how all of us can help.

Joann saw the first Coltsfoot of the season…at last! Gary spotted the punk rocker of the bird world, Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Joann is closing in on the hunt for "spring" Robins. Gary saw an American Kestrel kiting.

We have a wide-ranging conversation with Brooke Langston, Advisor to the Ministry of Fijian Affairs. In Fiji!

We have a very special guest this week! Gordon returns to talk about Wood Storks. Joann is looking at the first spring flower, Speedwell. Gary hears Eastern Bluebirds singing. Our repeat interview is with Susan Clayton of the College of Wooster about conservation psychology.

Joann waits for the first Robin of spring—American or European? Gary found some Fairy Shrimp. Our repeat interview is with Mark Baldwin of the Roger Tory Institute, about nature journaling.

Joann's crosswordese leads us to the Anoa this week; Gary's thinking about shorebird migration and the importance of habitat—Horseshoe Crabs. Our repeat interview is with Theresa Crimmins of the USA National Phenology Network.

Joann's crosswordese leads to confusion—what is an eft? Gary talks about the Red-spotted Eft/Eastern Newt. Our repeat interview is with Richard Allen of the Encyclopedia of Life.

Gary delves into the plastisphere. Joann researches crosswordese: Ernes. The interview is the second half of our talk with Jake Owens about the Bioko Island Drill.

Gordon's thinking about Sundews, Gary is already listening for Wood Frogs, and Joann suggests you try a Messier Marathon. Our interview is with Jake Owens about the Bioko Island Drill. This is Gordon's last podcast as a regular host—join us in wishing him a happy retirement!

The Question Show: Gordon, Joann and Gary answer listener questions about invasive, naturalized and non-native species; tarantulas, grassland birds, Blue Jays, Dandelions, Flycatchers, and more.

Katie Gillies from Bat Conservation International talks about “bat bunker” hibernacula and White-nose Syndrome. Gordon actually likes Copperheads. Gary is fascinated by Comb Jellies and Joann explains Snowy Owl invasions.

Warning! Creep factor with House Centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata. Dark-eyed Juncos—the Snow Bird. The interview is fun with science comedian Tim Lee who made the move from Biology Ph.D. to Standup Comedy!

Gordon lines up true north and magnetic north. Gary explains leaf packs in streams. Joann seeks the smallest mammal — Bumblebee Bat or Etruscan Shrew. We interview Harry Peachy from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium about Elephants.

Gary discusses fisheries ecology. Joann finds good news and bad news in cold snaps. Gordon awaits migration of Ring-billed Gulls. Interview with Lincoln Brower about the challenge of Monarch Butterfly conservation.