A phenomenon called "thermonasty" causes rhododendron leaves to curl up when it’s really cold out. This adaptation allows these broad-leaved evergreens to thrive in the doubly-challenging conditions of damp soil and freezing temperatures.

Something Wild: How cold is it? Check the rhododendron!

Something Wild has been exploring the wonder of the landscape that surrounds us in New Hampshire for over 20 years!

From the many birds that call our state home, to the trees around New Hampshire that have been granted "Big Tree" status, to stone walls that punctuate the state, we explain the behavior and science behind what we see and hear (and might take for granted) in our backyards.

Something Wild is hosted by Dave Anderson and Chris Martin, and is produced by Jessica Hunt. This program is made by New Hampshire Public Radio, in partnership with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and the New Hampshire Audubon.

Science

Spring peepers spend the winter under leaf litter in a state of suspended animation. Once overnight temperatures are regularly in the 40s, they start thawing out and begin singing.

Something Wild: Peepers, The Unmistakable Sound of Spring

With spring migration underway, scientists are eager to study how birds, and wildlife in general, will react to this year’s total eclipse. Research from the 2017 eclipse suggests some things to look for in N.H. on April 8, 2024.

Something Wild: How will animals react during the total solar eclipse?

Cold, clear lakes require the winter reset provided by long-lasting winter ice. Beyond the winter tourism of ice-fishing and pond hockey, ice is a crucial part of the ecological health of our living lakes.

Something Wild: Why our lakes need ice

As little as six minutes of listening to bird song has been shown to reduce anxiety. No wonder an estimated 50 million people enjoy feeding feathered friends at a bird feeder. But who really benefits from feeding birds?

Something Wild: Are birdfeeders for the birds - or us?

Listening to as little as six minutes of bird song has been shown to reduce anxiety. No wonder an estimated 50 million people enjoy feeding feathered friends at a bird feeder. But who really benefits from feeding birds?

Something Wild: How cold is it? Check the rhododendron!

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