Winter doesn’t mean nature goes silent—it just speaks more softly.

In this episode of Nature Wanderer, I slow things down and step into the world of winter birding, sharing what it’s like to observe birds during the colder months and why this season offers such a unique connection to nature. I also touch on the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)—what it is, why it matters, and how everyday birders can play a role in long-term conservation simply by paying attention.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or someone who just enjoys noticing who’s still around when the snow falls, this episode is an invitation to wander outside, look up, and listen.

In this episode:

• Why winter is one of the most underrated times to bird

• What the Christmas Bird Count is and why it’s important

• How observing birds deepens your connection to place

• Letting nature guide reflection at the turn of the year

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast—it truly helps keep Nature Wanderer going 🌿

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Thanks!!!

Join us on The Nature Wanderer as we leave behind the mythic North Pole and step into Lapland, the real-world home of Santa Claus — where snow blankets the land, northern lights paint the sky, and wildlife has evolved stunning adaptations to survive one of Earth’s harshest climates.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Lapland is Santa’s actual home — not the North Pole.

• How Arctic animals survive extreme cold, deep snow, and months of darkness.

• The incredible biology of reindeer, from their UV vision to seasonal hooves.

• The life strategies of Arctic foxes, wolverines, lynx, owls, and more.

• The cultural connection between the Sámi people and reindeer herding.

• Real vs. imagined wildlife at the top of the world.

Whether you’re tuning in by a cozy fire or watching from the tropics, this episode unpacks the science, culture, and wonder of life near the Arctic Circle.

Live View:
Watch a real-time glimpse of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland — home to Santa’s village on the Arctic Circle:
🎥 Live @ Santa Claus Village on YouTube Live @ Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi, Lapland)

Topics Covered:

• Arctic Climate & Lapland Landscape

• Reindeer Ecology & Behavior

• Seasonal Adaptations of Wildlife

• Myth vs. Reality of Santa’s Home

• Predator and Prey in the Far North

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

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Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

In this episode, I head out onto the winter trails to talk about one of my favorite topics this time of year: staying safe while hiking in the cold. Winter can be absolutely beautiful — the quiet woods, fresh snow, and crisp air make it one of the best seasons to get outside. But it also brings its own set of challenges, and being prepared makes all the difference.

I share the essential tips I use whenever I venture out in winter: how I layer for changing temperatures, why I always carry extra dry clothing, and the importance of keeping my hands, feet, and face protected from frostbite. I dive into how quickly the body can lose heat, the early signs of hypothermia, and what to do if I or someone I’m with starts showing symptoms.

I also talk about safe pacing in deep snow, staying hydrated even when it’s cold, and why checking the weather and daylight hours is even more important this time of year.

Whether you’re new to winter hiking or just want a refresher, this episode is all about helping you enjoy the season safely and confidently. Join me as I wander through the winter landscape and share what I’ve learned from years of exploring the cold.

Mentioned in this episode are my "Bernie gloves" made for me by Rusted Arrow Creations. Her website can be found at https://rustedarrowcreations.wixsite.com/home

I also mention other winter hiking gear which can be purchased at my Amazon Storefront

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

In this Nature Wanderer episode, I explore how your holiday shopping choices can make a big difference for the planet.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just about supporting your local community — it’s also about protecting the environment.

When you choose to shop small and local, you reduce packaging waste, cut down on shipping emissions, and help businesses that often prioritize sustainability over mass production. From handmade goods to locally sourced foods, your dollars can help nurture both your neighborhood and the natural world.

Join me as I share eco-friendly shopping tips for the holiday season, highlight how local economies strengthen environmental stewardship, and remind us that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How shopping locally reduces your carbon footprint

• The environmental benefits of small-scale production

• Simple ways to make your holiday gifts more sustainable

This season, skip the big-box chaos and wander your local Main Street — your planet will thank you. 🌿💚

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Grab your boots — it’s National Take a Hike Day! In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we’ll explore the history of hiking and how it became a beloved outdoor activity. From the first walking clubs and early conservationists to the countless trails crisscrossing our world today, hiking has always been about more than just exercise — it’s about connection, discovery, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, this is the perfect day to celebrate the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other and seeing where the trail takes you.

Alltrails

The Hiking Project

Trail Link

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Step into the shadows for this special Halloween edition of The Nature Wanderer. Join me as I take a moonlit walk through the woods — where every rustle, hoot, and whisper holds both a mystery and a lesson from nature.

In this immersive storytelling episode, fear and fascination intertwine. As strange sounds echo through the night, you’ll uncover the real creatures behind the myths, learn how nocturnal animals adapt to darkness, and discover why our imaginations run wild under the canopy of night.

So grab your flashlight (and maybe a blanket), and come along for a Halloween hike filled with eerie ambiance, natural wonders, and a touch of the unknown.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why forests feel different after dark

• The science behind fear in nature

• Real animals that inspired folklore and ghost stories

• How your senses heighten when the lights go out

• The beauty and mystery of the nocturnal world

Dare to wander — if you’re not afraid of the dark.

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Join me on a special hike for Indigenous Peoples’ Day as we walk the trail through the lens of Indigenous wisdom. Along the way, we’ll explore how Native peoples used and honored plants, listened to birds as messengers, shaped the land with care, and gave places names that carried memory and meaning. This episode is a journey into gratitude, story, and connection — a reminder that the land is not just scenery, but a living relative.

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Step onto the trail with me as we journey through the vibrant season of autumn. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we’ll explore the crisp air, crunch of fallen leaves, and the dazzling colors that make this time of year so special. Along the way, I’ll share tips for noticing the small seasonal changes in plants and animals, how hiking in autumn can boost your mood, and why this season is the perfect invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re wandering a nearby park or a quiet forest trail, join me in celebrating the magic of autumn hikes.

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Often dismissed as pests or road-crossing nuisances, opossums are actually fascinating and beneficial neighbors. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we uncover the surprising lives of North America’s only marsupial. From their role in controlling ticks to their unique defense of “playing possum,” you’ll discover why these nocturnal wanderers deserve more respect. Join me as we shine a light on the opossum’s hidden world and learn what makes them such remarkable survivors.

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!

Think you know gulls? Most people picture them as noisy beach scavengers stealing french fries, but there’s so much more to these clever and adaptable birds. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we dive into the fascinating world of gulls.

We’ll explore their intelligence, complex social behaviors, surprising nesting habits, and the important ecological role they play along coasts, lakes, and rivers. You’ll also discover the truth behind the name “seagull” and learn why gulls are more than just background noise at the beach.

Join me as we wander into the lives of these resourceful survivors and gain a new appreciation for one of nature’s most misunderstood birds.

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

 Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer 

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page 

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected! 

 www.thenaturewanderer.com

 Instagram 

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates: 

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.  

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature. 

I’ll see you next episode!