The Texas Horned Lizard population has dramatically declined in recent decades. Learn from Wildlife Diversity Biologist Nathan Rains of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about current efforts to help this Texas icon regain a foothold. The study, currently targeted at a limited geographic area, aims to assess if the species can be successfully reintroduced to areas from which it has disappeared.

We are taking a brief break for the holidays! In this episode, staff of the Library's Business, Science & Technology unit chat about some of the highlights from our initial round of episodes, and an intriguing topic for an upcoming episode.

To forage is to gather wild food, and this pastime has been growing in popularity across Texas. Join us in a phone interview with Dr. Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen, author of Foraging (Idiot's Guide) as we wade through the weeds for delightful morsels of knowledge on where, what and how to forage for wild, edible plants.

This week we talk with conservation biologist Tania Homayoun who has been overseeing urban programs for Audubon Texas.

Curious about bats? Myths and misunderstandings aside, these winged mammals still retain the capacity to intrigue us. Urban Biologist Rachel Richter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department describes bat biology and behavior, and tells about Texas nature tourism opportunities that feature bats.

Join us for an insightful understanding about pollinators influence on city life. Learn how the City of Dallas improves pollinator productivity inside city limits in this week's episode with Urban Biologist, Brett Johnson. (Picture courtesy Dallas Parks & Rec)

Listen as we discuss wild pigs and their impact within Dallas city limits with Urban Wildlife Biologist, Brett Johnson. Learn about what makes this invasive species a challenge for land managers as we separate fact from fiction. *image: Dallas Trinity Trails

In this episode, Urban Biologist Brett Johnson of the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department talks with us about local wild relatives of our pet dogs and cats.

In part two of this two-part episode, we resume our conversation with local prairie expert Dr. Tim Dalbey, zeroing in on specific prairie locales in Dallas and the surrounding area.

In part one of this two-part episode, local prairie expert Dr. Tim Dalbey takes listeners on a journey through the world of prairies, focusing on the soils, native grasses and forbs, and animals of the “Blackland Prairies” ecoregion covering much of North Texas.