When we think of deserts, we tend to think of them as being dry, hot and devoid of life.  But a surprising number of plants and animals are adapted to these harsh conditions.  Learn more about the deserts of the United States, and just a few of the amazing plants and animals that call them home. Includes the song "Saguaro" by the Austin Lounge Lizards (used with permission).  Check them out at Austinloungelizards.com. If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting future episodes by becoming a patron.  You can find our Patreon page at Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest.

When we think of deserts, we tend to think of them as being dry, hot and devoid of life.  But a surprising number of plants and animals are adapted to these harsh conditions.  Learn more about the deserts of the United States, and just a few of the amazing plants and animals that call them home. Includes the song "Saguaro" by the Austin Lounge Lizards (used with permission).  Check them out at <a href="http://Austinloungelizards.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Austinloungelizards.com</a>. If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting future episodes by becoming a patron.  You can find our Patreon page at <a href="http://Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest</a>.

Episode 26: Just Deserts

Nothing beats a perfect summer evening.  Learn more about 2 of the most iconic insects of summer nights: crickets and fireflies - including the dark side of fireflies!  

Nothing beats a perfect summer evening.  Learn more about 2 of the most iconic insects of summer nights: crickets and fireflies - including the dark side of fireflies!

Episode 25: Summer Nights

A micro-animal that can go into suspended animation and survive extreme conditions.  A venomous snail that hunts fish by smell using a poison harpoon.  Another snail with an iron shell.  A crustacean that can punch through aquarium glass.  Sounds like science fiction, but all these animals actually exist!  Come learn about some amazing animals with abilities that will blow your mind!

A micro-animal that can go into suspended animation and survive extreme conditions.  A venomous snail that hunts fish by smell using a poison harpoon.  Another snail with an iron shell.  A crustacean that can punch through aquarium glass.  Sounds like science fiction, but all these animals actually exist!  Come learn about some amazing animals with abilities that will blow your mind!

Episode 24: Stranger than Fiction

Turtles have long been associated with longevity due to their long life spans.  They are also the only animal whose pelvic girdle is on the inside of their ribcage.  Learn more about these heroes in a half-shell (turtle power!)

Turtles have long been associated with longevity due to their long life spans.  They are also the only animal whose pelvic girdle is on the inside of their ribcage.  Learn more about these heroes in a half-shell (turtle power!)

Episode 23: Turtle Talk

Birds of Prey, or raptors, and humans have a long history together.  Learn about 4 common species of hawk: Red-tailed hawks, Red-shoulder Hawks, Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks.  I'll also tell you about the Sparrow hawk and the River hawk - common names for a couple of raptors that are not, in fact, hawks at all.

Birds of Prey, or raptors, and humans have a long history together.  Learn about 4 common species of hawk: Red-tailed hawks, Red-shoulder Hawks, Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks.  I'll also tell you about the Sparrow hawk and the River hawk - common names for a couple of raptors that are not, in fact, hawks at all.

Episode 22: Hawks...and Not Hawks

Access to green space is extremely important not only for physical health but mental health as well.  Learn some ways to get some wild in your life - either in "your" yard or some other green space you have available.

Access to green space is extremely important not only for physical health but mental health as well.  Learn some ways to get some wild in your life - either in "your" yard or some other green space you have available.

Episode 21: Backyard Wild

There is something mysterious in Chesapeake Bay!  In this episode I'll tell you about "Chessie" - a mysterious creature that has been seen in Chesapeake Bay.  I'll also tell you about Nebraska's Monster of Walgren Lake, and the man behind this creature, John G. Maher - prominent Nebraskan and purveyor of tall tales.

There is something mysterious in Chesapeake Bay!  In this episode I'll tell you about "Chessie" - a mysterious creature that has been seen in Chesapeake Bay.  I'll also tell you about Nebraska's Monster of Walgren Lake, and the man behind this creature, John G. Maher - prominent Nebraskan and purveyor of tall tales.

Episode 20: Lake Monster Mysteries and Hoaxes

Kitty Kitty

Soft kitty, Warm kitty, Little ball of fur. Happy kitty, Sleepy kitty, Purr Purr Purr.   I've talked about North America's wild canids: Wolves, coyotes and foxes, so today I'm telling you about the wild felines: Canada lynx, Bobcat and Mountain lions.  I'll also tell you about the domestication of cats and why you should keep your little ball of fur inside.   If you like the podcast please check out our Patreon Page and consider becoming a patron.  Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest

Soft kitty, Warm kitty, Little ball of fur. Happy kitty, Sleepy kitty, Purr Purr Purr. I've talked about North America's wild canids: Wolves, coyotes and foxes, so today I'm telling you about the wild felines: Canada lynx, Bobcat and Mountain lions.  I'll also tell you about the domestication of cats and why you should keep your little ball of fur inside. If you like the podcast please check out our Patreon Page and consider becoming a patron.  <a href="http://Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest</a>

Episode 19: Here Kitty Kitty!

In Episode 14 I told you about the defensive capability of skunks which got me thinking about other defensively built animals - Armadillos and Porcupines.  Learn about the amazing capabilities of these 2 defensive specialists!

In Episode 14 I told you about the defensive capability of skunks which got me thinking about other defensively built animals - Armadillos and Porcupines.  Learn about the amazing capabilities of these 2 defensive specialists!

Episode 18: Turtle-Rabbits and Thorn Pigs

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal on Earth!  They are also the most widespread raptor, but just 50 years ago they were in danger of going extinct.  Fortunately they are making a comeback, and can be found in some pretty surprising places.  Learn more about this incredibly fast and amazing raptor.   Features an interview with Deb Woracek, member of the Raptor Education Team at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center (www.Fontenelleforest.org)

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal on Earth!  They are also the most widespread raptor, but just 50 years ago they were in danger of going extinct.  Fortunately they are making a comeback, and can be found in some pretty surprising places.  Learn more about this incredibly fast and amazing raptor. Features an interview with Deb Woracek, member of the Raptor Education Team at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center (<a href="http://www.Fontenelleforest.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.Fontenelleforest.org</a>)

Episode 17: Peregrine Falcons

Dispatches from the Forest is all about nature and the natural world.  Hosted by Tim O'Hara, Dispatches from the Forest explores the curious, the interesting and the surprising world of nature - often found right in your own backyard!

While we are officially only halfway through winter, the signs that spring is near are starting to appear.  In addition to warmer weather, here at Dispatches HQ we've got flowers starting to sprout and we're anticipating the emergence of frogs and salamanders any day now!  Find out about some of the other plants and animals that are starting to appear to let you know that, while you may not be completely done with cold weather quite yet, warmer days are on the way!

While we are officially only halfway through winter, the signs that spring is near are starting to appear.  In addition to warmer weather, here at Dispatches HQ we've got flowers starting to sprout and we're anticipating the emergence of frogs and salamanders any day now!  Find out about some of the other plants and animals that are starting to appear to let you know that, while you may not be completely done with cold weather quite yet, warmer days are on the way!

Episode 16: The Signs of Spring

We've talked about wolves and coyotes, in this week's episode we talk about the remaining (and smallest) North American canid species: foxes.  There are 6 species of fox that can be found in North America, and while they share some traits, each of them has something that make them unique - from the insulating coat of the artic fox to the "extra sense" of the red fox, there is even a fox that climbs trees!  Check it out!   And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider becoming a patron at Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest

We've talked about wolves and coyotes, in this week's episode we talk about the remaining (and smallest) North American canid species: foxes.  There are 6 species of fox that can be found in North America, and while they share some traits, each of them has something that make them unique - from the insulating coat of the artic fox to the "extra sense" of the red fox, there is even a fox that climbs trees!  Check it out! And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider becoming a patron at <a href="http://Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon.com/dispatchesfromtheforest</a>

Episode 15: Foxes of North America

In Episode 3 we looked at some overlooked and underappreciated animals.  In this episode we add to that list and take a look at some other animals that, while seldom seen, may be closer than you think:  Deer, skunks, raccoons and groundhogs.  Learn something new about more overlooked critters!

In Episode 3 we looked at some overlooked and underappreciated animals.  In this episode we add to that list and take a look at some other animals that, while seldom seen, may be closer than you think:  Deer, skunks, raccoons and groundhogs.  Learn something new about more overlooked critters!

Episode 14: Overlooked and Underappreciated Too!

Forest fire is often considered to be a bad thing.  And to be certain, an uncontrolled wildfire in a populated area like we saw recently can be dangerous as well as disasterous.  But fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, and for some species, it is a neccessary part of their life cycle.  Properly used, fire can be a tool that helps maintain the health of our forests and grasslands.     Features an interview with Michelle Foss, Director of Stewardship and Research at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue, NE.   To learn more about Fontenelle Forest visit Fontenelleforest.org To become a patron of this podcast visit Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest

Forest fire is often considered to be a bad thing.  And to be certain, an uncontrolled wildfire in a populated area like we saw recently can be dangerous as well as disasterous.  But fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, and for some species, it is a neccessary part of their life cycle.  Properly used, fire can be a tool that helps maintain the health of our forests and grasslands.   Features an interview with Michelle Foss, Director of Stewardship and Research at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue, NE. To learn more about Fontenelle Forest visit <a href="http://Fontenelleforest.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fontenelleforest.org</a> To become a patron of this podcast visit <a href="http://Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon.com/Dispatchesfromtheforest</a>

Episode 13:  Fire! Unnatural disaster?

How do our animal friends survive the winter?  Well, kind of the same way we do: they can stay active, they can migrate, or they can hibernate.  Listen and learn about each of these winter survival strategies and some of the animals that use them.  If that isn't enough, I'll tell you about "butt breathing" - you don't want to miss THAT!

How do our animal friends survive the winter?  Well, kind of the same way we do: they can stay active, they can migrate, or they can hibernate.  Listen and learn about each of these winter survival strategies and some of the animals that use them.  If that isn't enough, I'll tell you about "butt breathing" - you don't want to miss THAT!

Episode 12: Winter Survival Strategies

Once pushed to the brink of extinction for the sake of fashion, beaver are one of our "keystone species".  Secon only to humans in their ability to shape the landscape, beaver are coming back - and doing a lot of good stuff in the process.  Plus I'll tell you about flying beavers - you won't want to miss it!

Once pushed to the brink of extinction for the sake of fashion, beaver are one of our "keystone species".  Secon only to humans in their ability to shape the landscape, beaver are coming back - and doing a lot of good stuff in the process.  Plus I'll tell you about flying beavers - you won't want to miss it!

Episode 11: Beaver in America

Wolves once roamed all of the lower 48 states until being nearly wiped out in the name of safety and prosperity.   But removing this keystone species had many unexpected side effects.  Explore the world of the wolf, and learn how reintroduction of this keystone species in the Yellowstone ecosystem impacted everything from elk to berry growth to water quality!

Wolves once roamed all of the lower 48 states until being nearly wiped out in the name of safety and prosperity.   But removing this keystone species had many unexpected side effects.  Explore the world of the wolf, and learn how reintroduction of this keystone species in the Yellowstone ecosystem impacted everything from elk to berry growth to water quality!

Episode 10: Wolves in America

You've heard of people like John James Audobon, John Muir, Rachel Carlson and Henry David Thoreau, but how much do you know about Olaus and Adolph Murie?  These two brothers from Moorhead, MN - and their wives - had a profound impact on preserving wilderness, expanding many of our national parks and managing the wildlife who live there.

You've heard of people like John James Audobon, John Muir, Rachel Carlson and Henry David Thoreau, but how much do you know about Olaus and Adolph Murie?  These two brothers from Moorhead, MN - and their wives - had a profound impact on preserving wilderness, expanding many of our national parks and managing the wildlife who live there.

Episode 9: Notable Naturalists: The Murie Brothers

Founding father Benjamin Franklin was a big fan of wild turkeys - and not just because they taste good.  Listen to this special Thanksgiving episode to find out why Mr. Franklin was so enamored with this remarkable (and delicious) bird.

Founding father Benjamin Franklin was a big fan of wild turkeys - and not just because they taste good.  Listen to this special Thanksgiving episode to find out why Mr. Franklin was so enamored with this remarkable (and delicious) bird.

Episode 8: Talking (Wild) Turkey

Wait!  Don't squash that spider!  Did you know that spiders can create 7 different kinds of web for different uses?  Or that some spiders use water just like a web?  Sure they give you the “creepie-crawlies” but spiders are also incredibly interesting!  Listen and learn more about these amazing critters that are all around you - whether you like them or not!

Wait!  Don't squash that spider!  Did you know that spiders can create 7 different kinds of web for different uses?  Or that some spiders use water just like a web?  Sure they give you the “creepie-crawlies” but spiders are also incredibly interesting!  Listen and learn more about these amazing critters that are all around you - whether you like them or not!

Episode 7:  The Itsy Bitsy Spider

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