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 wildlife
https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/winter-berries-feed-wildlife
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources information about bird feeding
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/index.html, https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/winter.html

The Minnesota Ornithologists Union
https://moumn.org/

Information about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Cornell Lab information about birds and birding
https://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 Lynch
On Being Wrong, TED Talk by Kathryn Schulz
How 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.html

https://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.