For this special Christmas episode, Nature Cadet Joseph is visited by the Ghosts of Conservation Past, Present and Future which helps realize that all animal life is special and important in preserving our ecosystem. 

Featuring: Mick Sullivan, creator and host of The Past and the Curious podcast and Kate Tannian of Pontchartrain Conservancy.

Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Wyatt discover an opossum in need of help while exploring nature at night. Join in as they learn all about opossum behavior and animal rehabilitation while saving their new friend. 

Featuring: Dr. Greg Rich, of Avian and Excotic Animal Hospital of New Orleans, and Ally Burguieres, local artist and opossum rehabber.  

Ms. Laine turns into a bat?! It’s up to Nature Cadet Reece to save the day. 

Featuring: Dr. Craig Hood, Biology Professor at Loyola University and Professor Leslie Tuttle, Associate Professor of History at Louisiana State University 

Nature Cadet Liam is surprised by a caterpillar while working in the Nature Station garden. Ms. Laine shows him that bugs aren’t so bad with a trip to the Insectarium where the pair learn all about the wonders of metamorphosis.  

Featuring: Zack Lemann, lead entomologist at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and Linda Auld, pest expert (Barber Laboratories) and bug enthusiast. 

In order to keep mosquitos at bay, Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Reece need to find bug repellent before their party starts. Tag along as they learn all about everyone’s least favorite blood-sucker, the mosquito. 

Featuring: Dr. James Ottea and Dr. Kristen Healy, Professors of Entomology at Louisiana State University 

Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Emy come across an alligator nest while out in the swamp. Listen in as they discover what makes mama gators the most fearsome parents in the animal kingdom. 

Featuring: Jeb Linscombe, Alligator Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife and Erin Borgart, Audubon Zoo Zookeeper.

Ms. Laine and Nature Cadets Meredith and Lily make some fuzzy flying friends while enjoying a picnic. Join in as they learn all about curious bee behavior including mutiny and butt-waggling dances. 

Featuring: Robert Williams, local beekeeper, and Thomas O’Shea Wheller, Bee Biologist 

Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Wesley learn about the rich history of the sweetest plant in all of Louisiana. Tag along as they visit a sugar cane mill to witness how plants are turned into sweet crystals and discover how sugar affects one’s body.

Featuring: Kenneth Gravois, Sugar Cane Specialist and Nutritionist, Samatha Farber 

What's the big secret? Stay tuned to find out and get ready for season two of Nature Nerds coming in 2022. 

Each February Americans celebrate Black History Month. Here at Nature Nerds we think it's important to highlight the struggles, triumphs and resiliency of our Black communities past, present and future. In today’s special episode, Ms. Laine sits down with Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, a science professor who makes history each day by inspiring young minds.

To hear our interview with Kiah Williams click here https://anchor.fm/nature-nerds/episodes/Special-Feature-Interview-with-Kiah-Williams-eivid7   Or visit https://www.naturenerdswithlaine.com/resources for additional resources on how to talk to your little ones about racism, prejudice and advocacy.