Crossing Streams

Laura Fischer Walter joins Critter Cass and Tallgrass Tony for part one of our prairie partnership series! Learn all about efforts the Tallgrass Prairie Center, located in Cedar Falls (Iowa), has made to restore our native landscape.  Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams with a buddy and leave only footprints.

Tabitha Panas, wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, joins Cass and Tony to talk about the collaborations you could be having with two phenomenal organizations- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever! Tabitha talks about her role as a wildlife biologist and why you should care as much as we do about your local ecology. Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cro...

Cass and Tony are joined by several influential members of the Iowa Association of Naturalists. Hear funny tales of perseverance, wild encounters, and deep connections all foraged by the hands of our local naturalists.  Special guests include Mike Krebill, Matt Crayne,  Chris Atkins, Jen Stroyan, Jess Wagner, and Alison Nodurft. Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams...

Naturalist Sunday Ford joins Cass and Tony to share her knowledge and expertise on wire-hair pointing griffons. She is a licensed breeder and has deep connections with each liter. Join us to learn about pedigrees, bird dogs, and good upland game hunting. Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams with a buddy and leave only footprints.

Owner of Forest Spirit LLC., Karen Johlas-Szalkowski joins Cass and Tony to talk about her journey with forest therapy/ forest bathing. Karen is a certified forest therapy guide and invites all to find themselves using nature as a medium. Learn all about the process, ritual, and tea ceremony in this week's episode. Want to give forest bathing a try? Connect with Karen at forestspiritwalks.com...

Jacob Pitzenberger joins Cass and Tony to share his wealth of knowledge on conservation photography. Dedicating years of service to the land, Jacob manages a private wildlife refuge and has found his voice through photography. Capturing the practices that heal the land, Jacob exhibits his work as a medium to preach restorative efforts of native species. Tune in to learn about his beginnings, the l...

Coming back from a short break, Cass and Tony are joined by their spouses to draft the best line up of mammals, birds, herps, and plants. Who do you think drafted best?  Special guests: Michael Barbosa (soon-to-be husband of @crittercass) and Emily Vorwald (Ton'y wife). #what'syoursmell #crossingstreams Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams with a buddy an...

Allison Nodurft with Nahant Marsh in Davenport hops on with Cass and Tony to share the history of eastern Iowa's most iconic marsh. Learn how Nahant went from a lead-ridden gun range to a thriving, diverse network of ecosystems.  Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams with a buddy and leave only footprints.

Dale Easley, geology professor at the University of Dubuque and good friend of Tony's, joins Cass and Tony to talk about the complexity of  simply  being human and communicating science. Through the art of listening, processing, and connecting, Dale explains his approach to effectively discussing science. Sit, listen with us, and take away something meaningful as you leave. Thanks for crossin...

Marti Sutton, park ranger for Lake Icaria in Adams County, joins Cass and Tony to exchange crazy and wild field stories. Marti has extensive experience in various states and loads of stories to share. We discuss odd things kids say, bartering for beloved pets, flaming mowers, timber rattlers, and more... Have a good listener story? Email us at thecrossingstreamspodcast@gmail.com with your stories!...

Kaytlan Moeller with Dubuque County Conservation joins Cass and Tony to talk about local success reestablishing  pocket prairies across Dubuque and Northeast Iowa. With over 60 volunteer participants and partners, Kaytlan has been able to make conservation look glamorous with 130 square foot flower beds that are filled with native treasures. The success of this program has led to endangered specie...

Did you Iowa has backcountry? Well, not really but the Loess Hills are almost there! Lance Brisbois joins hosts Cassandra "Critter Cass" Alfstad and (Tallgrass) Tony Vorwald to share his wealth of knowledge about native landscaping. Lance is deputy director with Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development and has been working in western Iowa for 9+ years. Learn about ways to sup...

Waking up is hard... Winter blues get you... But have you seen those turkey vultures coming back? Spring is coming! Animals and plants native to the Midwest have some stellar adaptations for successful transitions to warmer days. This episode covers those sure-signs of spring and the early spring ephemerals that are characteristic of our native wildlife areas. Tune in to learn some key identificat...

Join Critter Cass and Tallgrass Tony to talk about how easy, and affordable, getting outdoors can truly be. Find out what equipment you need for fishing, kayaking, and camping/ backpacking. Shout out to Crawdaddy Outdoors (out of Waverly Iowa), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Iowa's County Conservation for the support and fueling outdoor recreation oppportunities. Thanks for cro...

Savannah Maiers from Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center joins Cass and Tony for this week's episode. Cross streams with the crew as they discuss the learning center in Minnesota, animal husbandry, demestid beetles, and more! Thanks for crossing streams with us! Remember to always cross streams with a buddy and leave only footprints.

Critter Cass (Cassandra Alfstad) , naturalist with Montgomery County Conservation, crosses streams with Jackson County Conservation's naturalist, Tallgrass Tony (Tony Vorwald) for this introduction to the rabbit hole we call "Crossing Streams". Cass and Tony are Iowa-based naturalist and serve the Northeast and Southwest corners of Iowa. Learn about their backgrounds and how they ca...