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The Wandering Naturalist

Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District
Minnesota
Slime Molds
Neonicotinoids
Mississippi River
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Fishers
Wild Rice
University Of Minnesota
Environmental Justice
Dragonflies
Aquatic Plants
Community Engagement
Muskrats
Wetland Restoration
Bats
Women In Wilderness
Ecology
Environmental Education

Explore the history and present of over 27,000 acres of park land inside Minnesota's Hennepin County and surrounding areas. Hosts Ellen (interpretive naturalist) and Brandon (interpretive naturalist) guide you through this suburban wilderness managed by the Three Rivers Park District.

PublishesDailyEpisodes287Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureEarth SciencesScience

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Artwork for The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes

Dr. Carrol Henderson is Minnesota's first Non-game Wildlife Program Supervisor. He defined what this position is in Minnesota and nationally. He joins us to talk about one of his favorite projects he worked on, bringing river otters back to the Minne... more

Dr. Caroline DeLong has studied the cognitive ability of animals ranging from goldfish, to orangutangs, river otters, and many others. She joins us to discuss how she measures the cognitive abilities of animals, what she has learned through her tests... more

Bound along with Brandon and Ellen as they investigate river otters. Often viewed as playful, these members of the weasel family are full of adaptations that help them survive. From vibrissae, to unique spines, and the ability to hunt in murky water,... more

Sarah Nassif joins us to talk about the group she created, Art, Water, and Ecology (AWE) Network. Using her past experience as an educator, and her current profession as an artist she connects artists, scientists, and teachers to inspire people to co... more

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Recent Guests

Carrol Henderson
Retired Non-Game Wildlife Program Supervisor, Minnesota DNR
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Episode: Episode 287: River Otters - Bringing Otters Back
Dr. Caroline DeLong
Psychology professor studying animal minds (comparative cognition)
Rochester Institute of Technology (New York)
Episode: Episode 286: River Otters - Are they Intelligent?
Sarah Nassig
Co-founder, AH Network (Art, Water, and Ecology Network)
AH Network
Episode: Episode 284: Rivers Inspiring Art - Art and AWE
Cole Redhorse Taylor
Local artist from Prairie Island Indian Community inspired by Dakota heritage
Dakota artist, Prairie Island Indian Community
Episode: Episode 283: Rivers Inspiring Art - Cultural Connections to Art
Heid Erdrich
Minneapolis' inaugural poet laureate; curator of Once Upon a Shore
Minnesota Marine Art Museum; Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa (Dakota affiliation)
Episode: Episode 282: Rivers Inspiring Art - Poet Laureate and Waterways
Trey Fails
Founder of The Dreaded Outdoors, outdoor educator
The Dreaded Outdoors
Episode: Episode 281: Fishy Business - Let's Go Fishing
Dr. Kassandra Ford
Bell Museum's Curator of Fishes and Assistant Professor
Bell Museum / University of Minnesota
Episode: Episode 280: Fishy Business - Thousands of Jars
Jenna Nelson
Freshwater ecologist at Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District
Episode: Episode 279: Fishy Business - Survey Says...
Eileen Shader
Senior Director of Floodplain Restoration for American Rivers
American Rivers
Episode: Episode 277: Floods and Floodplains - Why Should We Care?

Hosts

Ellen Sheher
Co-host and interpretive naturalist with Three Rivers Park District; guides conversations and introduces guests.
Brandon He
Host and interpretive naturalist; co-hosts episodes and engages in deep-dive discussions on ecology and local nature.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 121 ratings
  • Fascinating and fun

    Intelligent and accessible stories from our environment that help us appreciate nature even more. Level of conversation is perfect for intelligent adults and mature children alike. Cultivate your sense of wonder learning fascinating details about our natural world.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Green Janine
    United States2 years ago
  • Must listen.

    This podcast covers all aspects of nature. It also helps you want to know more about nature and helps you get outside and learn some more about nature.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beet,farm,shruchte
    United States5 years ago
  • Explore 27,000 acres of Beautiful reserves & restored wetlands In the heart of the Twin Cities

    Podcast Addict
    5
    c.shaunnyrun
    5 years ago
  • Love!

    Fantastic podcast with so many interesting topics- just the right length!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jess4984
    United States6 years ago
  • Love!!!!

    I have been bingeing this podcast while taking my Minnesota Master Naturalist classes, and I love how relevant every topic has been, and I’m learning so much more! I think I’m on the second to last episode available at this time, and I’m so sad it’s almost over.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    paint_me_your_song
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate accessible yet thoughtful nature storytelling and practical takeaways for outdoor activities.
The show is seen as a go-to for environmental education and regional nature history.
Many praise the diverse guest mix and locally relevant topics focused on Minnesota parks and rivers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#65
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#75
Israel/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 287: River Otters - Bringing Otters Back
Q: How can listeners support wildlife work like this beyond donations?
Listeners can donate via the non-game wildlife checkoff on the state tax form, which is matched by state funds, and there are broader opportunities to get involved with wildlife conservation careers and programs.
Episode 287: River Otters - Bringing Otters Back
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your role in the otter restoration work?
Carrol Henderson explains his long career with the Minnesota DNR, his leadership of the non-game wildlife program, and how he spearheaded the otter restoration project using donations and partnerships.
Episode 286: River Otters - Are they Intelligent?
Q: Is there any animal you study that you would say is not intelligent by your criteria?
No; under that definition, otters are intelligent and exhibit learning, memory, and problem solving.
Episode 286: River Otters - Are they Intelligent?
Q: How would you define intelligence and do you think otters meet that definition?
Intelligence is when an organism uses perceptual abilities to learn, reason, and solve problems, with the flexibility to adapt to new situations and remember relevant objects, individuals, and locations.
Episode 284: Rivers Inspiring Art - Art and AWE
Q: Welcome, Sarah, can you introduce yourself?
Sarah Nassig describes herself as an independent artist, educator, and consultant who helps people connect to nature through creative experiences; she's also the artist in residence at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization since 2021.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Wandering Naturalist

What is The Wandering Naturalist about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on environmental education rooted in Minnesota's nature and local parks, blending scientific discussion with accessible storytelling. Episodes frequently feature ecologists, historians, and outdoor-education professionals who explore vernal pools, river ecosystems, and wildlife, often tying nature topics to community activities and local parks programs. A standout pattern is collaborative conversations with researchers and park district staff, plus a strong emphasis on citizen science, regional history, and hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for listeners in Minnesota. The format tends to mix expert insight with practical takeaways for enjoying and protecting local ecosystems, making it suitable for listeners who want ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Wandering Naturalist:

1. BirdNote Daily
2. Letters from an American
3. Ologies with Alie Ward

How many episodes of The Wandering Naturalist are there?

The Wandering Naturalist launched 8 years ago and published 287 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Wandering Naturalist?

Recent guests on The Wandering Naturalist include:

1. Carrol Henderson
2. Dr. Caroline DeLong
3. Sarah Nassig
4. Cole Redhorse Taylor
5. Heid Erdrich
6. Trey Fails
7. Dr. Kassandra Ford
8. Jenna Nelson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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