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The Wandering Naturalist

Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District
Minnesota
Slime Molds
Neonicotinoids
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Fishers
Wild Rice
University Of Minnesota
Mississippi River
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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes281Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScienceEarth Sciences

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Artwork for The Wandering Naturalist

Latest Episodes

For many people, their connection to fish isn't through research, it's through fishing! For our final episode of the month we talk to Trey Fails from Dreaded Outdoors on creating a welcoming culture in fishing and outdoor recreation.

How many fish is too many fish? Or- wait- how many fishes is too many fishes? Find out in this episode with Dr. Kassandra Ford, the Bell Museum's Curator of Fishes and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota! We get to the bottom of myster... more

We are halfway through the Big Year of Rivers and what species is more closely connected to our rivers than the many native species of fishes in Minnesota! In this episode Ellen and Brandon sit down with Jenna Nelson, a freshwater ecologist with Thre... more

What is Minnesota doing for its rivers and floodplains? Andrea Fish, from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources talks to us about how soil and water quality are connected, the work they do with watershed districts to benefit rivers and farm... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Darryl Batzer
Researcher, vernal pool expert
Not specified in transcript
Episode: Episode 275: The Vernal Pool Parade - Who's With the Band?
Mark Hansen
Researcher, vernal pool expert
Not specified in transcript
Episode: Episode 275: The Vernal Pool Parade - Who's With the Band?
Mark Hanson
Researcher with Minnesota DNR focused on vernal ponds and landscape-scale influences
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Episode: Episode 274:The Vernal Pool Parade - A Deeper Dive
Darold Batzer
Professor of entomology, University of Georgia; wetland ecologist with extensive publications on vernal pools
University of Georgia
Episode: Episode 273: The Vernal Pool Parade - A Dip into the Pool
Devin Ashley Brown
Avid paddler and adventurer attempting to kayak the Mississippi River solo
Episode: Episode 271: Women and Waterways - Kayaking the Mississippi
Jade Ryerson
Historian with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Episode: Episode 271: Women and Waterways - Kayaking the Mississippi
Peter Kennedy
Professor in the Department of Plant Microbial Biology at the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Episode: Episode 270: Say What? Plants and Fungi
Dr. Simon Gilroy
Professor of Botany at the University of Wisconsin Madison
University of Wisconsin Madison
Episode: Episode 269: Say What? Talking Plants
Dr. John Anfinson
Environmental historian of the Mississippi River with over 30 years of experience.
National Park Service
Episode: Episode 267: Big Year of Rivers - The Once and Future Mississippi

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 States4 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
#91
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#37
Israel/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 273: The Vernal Pool Parade - A Dip into the Pool
Q: Why is the drying phase important for wetland plants and animals?
The drying phase triggers processes like seed germination for many plants and creates ecological niches for organisms that tolerate desiccation and rely on periodic drying to complete life cycles.
Episode 273: The Vernal Pool Parade - A Dip into the Pool
Q: What exactly is a vernal pool, and how is it different from other ponds?
Dr. Batzer explains that a vernal pool is defined by its hydroperiod—the seasonal flooding and drying pattern—rather than by a fixed location, and that these dynamics shape which organisms can persist there.
Episode 269: Say What? Talking Plants
Q: Are plants conscious based on their ability to process information and respond to stimuli?
The discussion explores the complexities of defining consciousness, proposing that while plants can respond to their environment, claiming consciousness is complicated due to our definitions being influenced by human perspectives.
Episode 269: Say What? Talking Plants
Q: What other senses has research shown that plants have?
Plants can respond to touch, smell, and vibrations, indicating they can sense their environment in various ways.
Episode 267: Big Year of Rivers - The Once and Future Mississippi
Q: What are the upsides of removing the dams?
Removing the dams could significantly improve biodiversity, bring back native fish species, and enhance recreational opportunities.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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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Which podcasts are similar to The Wandering Naturalist?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Wandering Naturalist:

1. Outside/In
2. Hidden Brain
3. In Defense of Plants Podcast
4. 1A
5. MARGARET ROACH A WAY TO GARDEN

How many episodes of The Wandering Naturalist are there?

The Wandering Naturalist launched 7 years ago and published 281 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. Darryl Batzer
2. Mark Hansen
3. Mark Hanson
4. Darold Batzer
5. Devin Ashley Brown
6. Jade Ryerson
7. Peter Kennedy
8. Dr. Simon Gilroy

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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