Melissa Carter speaks with Claire Mills, a wildlife technician at Chattahoochee Nature Center. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature, the fascinating behaviors of vultures, the cycle of bird reproduction, and the role of birds in inspiring children. Claire shares her journey from a law career to working with wildlife, emphasizing the healing power of nature and the importance of community involvement. The conversation highlights the need for awareness of human impact on wildlife and encourages listeners to observe and appreciate the natural world around them.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Chapters

00:00 Connecting with Nature: The Mission of CNC
03:02 Understanding Vultures: Nature's Clean-Up Crew
06:12 The Role of Birds in Nature: Observations and Insights
08:52 The Cycle of Bird Reproduction: Nature's Timing
12:00 Inspiring the Next Generation: Kids and Nature
14:45 From Law to Nature: Claire's Journey to CNC
18:02 Finding Purpose: The Importance of Community and Learning
21:07 Birds as a Source of Comfort: Nature's Healing Power
23:51 Advice for Aspiring Birders: Starting Your Journey
27:01 Human Impact on Nature: A Call for Awareness

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meryl Rivett shares her journey as a volunteer at Chattahoochee Nature Center, discussing her lifelong love for animals and the importance of education in wildlife conservation. She explains the role of a docent, describes her daily activities at the wildlife clinic, and emphasizes the significance of observing nature. Meryl also highlights the impact of human actions on wildlife and the importance of native species, while sharing personal stories about her pets and encouraging others to connect with nature.

Chapters

00:00 Meryl's Journey to Volunteering at the Nature Center
02:52 Understanding the Role of a Docent
06:06 A Day in the Life at the Wildlife Clinic
08:55 Observing Nature and Its Lessons
12:00 The Importance of Native Species
15:14 The Impact of Human Actions on Wildlife
18:04 Cherished Pets and Their Influence
20:48 Encouraging Connection with Nature
24:05 The Value of Education in Nature
26:57 Final Thoughts on Volunteering and Nature

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Carter and Kathryn Fidati discuss the profound impact of isolation on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and introduces the concept of forest bathing as a therapeutic practice to reconnect with nature. She shares her personal experiences and insights on how nature can alleviate stress, anxiety, and chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in the healing process. The discussion highlights the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature and encourages listeners to embrace mindfulness and presence in their daily lives.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Isolation on Mental Health
07:56 Reconnecting with Nature: The Concept of Forest Bathing
16:03 Forest Bathing and Chronic Illness: A Personal Journey
23:58 Community and Nature: Healing Together

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 'Your Place on the River,' host Melissa Carter speaks with Kathryn Dudeck, the Wildlife Director at Chattahoochee Nature Center, about the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and the common misconceptions people have when trying to help animals in need. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on wildlife awareness, the role of wildlife rehabilitation, and provide practical advice for safely assisting wildlife. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and professional care in wildlife interactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education
02:52 Understanding Wildlife Behavior and Human Interaction
06:08 Common Misconceptions About Baby Animals
09:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Wildlife Awareness
12:04 Turtle Behavior and Human Intervention
14:56 Advice for Helping Wildlife Safely
17:46 The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitation
21:01 Common Wildlife Calls and Seasonal Trends
23:54 Changes in Public Attitudes Towards Wildlife
27:11 The Importance of Professional Wildlife Care
30:02 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned in Wildlife Care
32:50 Conclusion and Resources for Wildlife Assistance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 'Your Place on the River,' host Melissa Carter discusses the intrinsic connection between children and nature with Sam Leaf, the Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator at Chattahoochee Nature Center. They explore the importance of unstructured play in nature, the natural curiosity of children, and how to overcome fears associated with outdoor experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness and presence in nature, as well as the role of parents in fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors in their children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nature and Childhood Memories
05:18 The Importance of Unstructured Play in Nature
10:11 Overcoming Fear of Nature
15:27 Mindfulness and Connection to Nature
16:45 Encouraging Lifelong Curiosity and Learning

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Melissa Carter on this episode of 'Your Place on the River' as she chats with CNC Naturalists Alina Ruiz and Bea Hatcher, a Certified Interpretive Guide. Together, they explore how connecting children with nature can spark curiosity, build resilience, and transform lives. Discover the unique role naturalists play in fostering a deeper bond with the outdoors and how outdoor exploration programs help break down barriers to nature access.

This thoughtful discussion dives into the healing power of nature and why encouraging curiosity and connection with the natural world is vital for future generations. Whether you're passionate about education, environmental stewardship, or simply love the outdoors, this episode is rich with insights and inspiration to nurture a better, greener world.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting People with Nature
01:00 The Role of a Naturalist
05:14 Journey to Becoming a Naturalist
10:13 The Impact of Nature on Children
16:49 Experiencing Nature with Kids
20:28 Bringing Kids to the Nature Center
25:11 Understanding Our Connection to Nature
30:36 Overcoming Fears of Nature
35:16 Nature for All Ages

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 'Your Place on the River,' Larry and Scott chat with Helen Tapp and Rick Hirsekorn from Chattahoochee Nature Center. They discuss the importance of environmental mediation, community engagement, and the growth of the Nature Center. The conversation highlights personal journeys, the significance of listening to diverse stakeholders, and the center's commitment to sustainability and inclusion. They also explore future aspirations for the center, emphasizing the need for improved visibility and financial stability post-COVID.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chattahoochee Nature Center
01:00 The Role of Environmental Mediation
05:48 Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds
12:00 Growth and Development of the Nature Center
18:10 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement
23:52 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa and Meg Krueger explore the impact of the Paralympics on disability awareness and the importance of adaptive equipment and mindset in outdoor activities. They highlight how community efforts can create inclusive outdoor experiences and emphasize the significance of representation in these activities. The conversation also touches on the pyramid of outdoor engagement and the healing power of nature.

Wilderness Inquiry has been a key partner in promoting accessibility. For over five years, they have collaborated with CNC to bring canoes to our grounds and guide visitors on river outings. These 10-day fall stretches have allowed hundreds to thousands of people to experience the river, furthering our mission to make nature accessible to everyone.

www.wildernessinquiry.org

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of the Paralympics on Disability Awareness
02:59 Adaptive Equipment and Mindset in Outdoor Activities
05:47 Creating Community Through Outdoor Engagement
09:13 The Importance of Representation in Outdoor Activities
11:56 The Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement
14:59 The Healing Power of Nature
18:00 Inspiration from Diverse Outdoor Experiences

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Visitor Engagement Director Farah McIntyre for an inside look at the beloved Butterfly Encounter, explore the wonders of the Nature Exchange with Naturalist Lori Watterson, and get a hands-on snake tutorial from Wildlife Technician Jeremy Maneyapanda.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Chapters

01:08 Introducing Farah McIntyre
01:42 Butterfly Encounter and Enchanted Woodland Wonders
07:39 Nature Exchange with Lori Watterson
21:37 Snakes and Legless Lizards with Jeremy Maneyapanda
24:25 Venomous vs. Non-Venomous Snakes
48:36 Snake Behavior and Identification
49:39 Snake-Friendly Practices and Misconceptions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about the Native Americans who thrived on the Chattahoochee River. Then, discover the history of their relationship with the plants found on the river with Cherokee elder Tony Harris.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Chapters

01:06 Native American Groups along the Chattahoochee River
03:56 Settlements and Resource Utilization
06:27 Gender Roles and Language in Native American Communities
09:01 Trading and Plant Usage
10:32 Introducing Cherokee Elder Tony Harris
11:36 Cherokee Gardens and Plant Medicine
13:56 Cherokee Culture and Relationship with Nature

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.