Nature Detectives

Meet the Creators of Atlas and Stella

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:39:01 GMT

Meet the creators of Atlas and Stella Save the Reef, author Josie Smeltzer and illustrator Hannah Cooper. Their new kids book is directed to ages 5-8 but all ages will love it.

You can get a copy of their book most places books are sold including:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop

Additional ocean education resources mentioned in the podcast:

Ocean

Oceanographic Society

The Salish Sea School

I hope you've enjoyed our interview and I know you'll enjoy the book.

Photographing Wild Horses

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:41:21 GMT

In this episode, I discuss some tips on photographing wild horses - where to find them, camera settings suggestions, and what to do with your images to help wild horses.

A short bonus video with some images from 2 of the wild herds I've photographed, Onaqui in Utah and Salt River in Arizona, can be viewed on my YouTube page: https://youtu.be/JCbC1UkNaSs

Other mentions in the podcast:

Onaqui Catalogue Foundation: https://onaquicatalogue.org/

Save America's Wild Horses: https://www.saveourwildhorsesandwildlife.org/

America's Wild Horses

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 22:27:52 GMT

I sit down to talk with Linda Greaves from Save America's Wild Horses about these somewhat hidden and more so unknown wildlife. Recent scientific research provides evidence that wild horses are a reintroduced native species that have been vital to humans' way of life, yet now they are facing the threat of managed extinction. I hope you enjoy our conversation and will help out with your investigation and assignment that I suggest at the end of our talk.

Wild Horse advocacy groups you may want to get involved with:

Save America's Wild Horses: https://www.saveourwildhorsesandwildlife.org/

American Wild Horse Conservation: https://www.americanwildhorse.org/

Wild Horse Education: https://wildhorseeducation.org/

Save the WY Checkerboard Herds (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F2t3YFR4j/

Save the Onaqui Horses (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HzcXSajfY/

Salt River Wild Horses - Advocates (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19LxUNjER4/

For images of wild horses from UT, CO, WY and/or AZ, please visit my site, https://www.friendsinnature.com/images.html, and go to my Giving Back Through Art Gallery. 20% of proceeds are given to groups helping each of these wild horse herds.

Mason Bees - Super Pollinators

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 23:46:06 GMT

I interviewed Carrie Moorlang from Knox Cellars Orchard Mason Bees in western Washington. Learn about the Mason bees, why they're important pollinators, and how to house them.

Watch the video of our interview on my YouTube page: https://youtu.be/SrCTo_zkAQw . Watch the full video or skip ahead to 23:29 to begin watching and listening to the conversation on the mason bee houses.

Resources mentioned during the interview: 1) Pollinator Partnership - www.pollinator.org2) Orchard Bee Association (OBA) 0 www.orchardbee.org3) The Orchard Mason Bee book by Brian L Griffinhttps://www.knoxcellarsmasonbees.com/product-page/book-the-orchard-mason-bee-24) Common Bees of Western North America https://www.knoxcellarsmasonbees.com/product-page/common-bees-of-western-north-america-brochureKnox Cellars Orchard Mason BeesCarrie Morlang, Proprietor knoxcellarsmasonbees@gmail.com⁠https://www.facebook.com/knoxcellarsmasonbees/⁠

Yakima River Water Stargrass

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 17:24:40 GMT

Learn more about water star grass (Heteranthera dubia) and join a summer removal event with Benton County Conservation District https://www.bentoncd.org/

Watch my stargrass removal video https://youtu.be/2H3bReGHDvE

The Monarch Butterfly

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:41:25 GMT

Learn about the monarch butterfly and how to get involved in protecting the species.

Organizations mentioned in podcast:

Xerces Society: https://www.xerces.org/

Monarch Joint Adventure: https://monarchjointventure.org/

Journey North: https://journeynorth.org/

Southwest Monarch Study: https://swmonarchs.org/

Butterfly Habitat Oasis Project: https://loriacash.com/projects/projects-butterfly-habitat-oasis-project/

Monarch fine art prints: https://www.friendsinnature.com/archive

Investigating Your Backyard

Sun, 26 May 2024 21:42:42 GMT

Join me as we investigate our backyards for pollinators, insects, and other wildlife while learning the difference between venomous and nonvenomous (friendly) snakes and why they should stay in your yard. I'll also review the proper mix for hummingbird feeders so you can safely feed hummers while enjoying their visit to your yard, or your personal green space.

Welcome to Nature Detectives

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:02:29 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of Nature Detectives podcast. Your host, Diana, welcomes you and talks briefly about her childhood experiences exploring nature.

Shorebirds Galore!

Sat, 11 May 2024 03:56:11 GMT

Learn about shorebird species along the Pacific coast migrating north back to their breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Let's Get Excited About Composting

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 03:04:13 GMT

I've started my new composter and am really excited to share the benefits of composting at home.

Sandhill Cranes Along the Pacific Flyway with Dr. Gary Ivey

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:08:30 GMT

Dr. Gary Ivey from the International Crane Foundation discusses his research with Sandhill Cranes along the Pacific Flyway, the current crane status, and how we can help protect and increase their wetland habitat.

Interview with Cindy Elliser: Researching Harbor Porpoises and Harbor Seals

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 02:09:55 GMT

I sit down with Cindy Elliser, Research Director of Pacific Mammal Research based in Anacortes, Washington to discuss her research on harbor porpoises and harbor seals in the Salish Sea.