Buzz Blossom & Squeak — Be a Neighborhood Naturalist

This episode takes listeners on a journey through space to explore the wonders of comets—what they are, how they form, and why they’re worth watching. With a new comet expected to make a close pass in October 2025, this is the perfect time to understand how these icy travelers behave and how to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime skywatching opportunity. Packed with science, practical tips, and a dos...

This episode explores the value and practical benefits of composting. From reducing household waste to enriching the soil naturally, composting is a simple yet powerful way to participate in the earth’s natural cycles. Whether done in a backyard, on a balcony, or under the kitchen sink, composting brings ecological mindfulness into daily life. Top Topics: Why Composting Matters Composting can dive...

69 - Discovering the Wetlands Around Us In this episode, I explore one of the most underrated landscapes in nature: wetlands. At first, marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens might seem like little more than muddy backwaters. But once you learn what makes each of them unique, you start to see these places for what they truly are—diverse, beautiful, and vital ecosystems. I start by reflecting on my own ex...

68 - Backyard Ants: What’s Really Going On Under Your Feet? This episode takes a closer look at the bustling and complex world of backyard ants. Sparked by a simple camping observation, the episode explores how ants live, work, and organize within their miniature societies. Listeners are guided through fascinating insights about ant behavior, structure, and the critical roles they play in the envi...

This episode explores the power of using mobile apps to enhance experiences in the natural world. Whether identifying a strange bug in the backyard, figuring out if a plant is poison ivy while camping, or trying to understand what bird is singing in the trees, several powerful digital tools are available to help. The discussion focuses on five standout apps that are changing how people explore, id...

In this episode, we explore the joyful and surprisingly addictive world of birdwatching. From backyard windows to wooded trails, birdwatching is one of the easiest ways to connect with nature, boost your observation skills, and rediscover your neighborhood in a whole new light. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone just looking to add mindfulness to your routine, birdwatching might be you...

65 - Look up! Clouds! In this episode, we explore how everyday cloud watching can become a fascinating and practical hobby. From understanding different types of clouds to predicting the weather based on their shapes, you'll learn how to become your own amateur forecaster. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or just taking a stroll, this episode will inspire you to look up and connect with nature...

64 - Why Messy Forests Are Healthier In this episode, I share my personal journey into understanding forest management. What started as curiosity during hikes turned into a deeper exploration of how our forests are being changed—sometimes improved, sometimes harmed—by well-meaning efforts. I talk about everything from childhood memories of raw wilderness to today’s controlled burns and conservatio...

63 - Minks, Weasels, and Fishers Uncovered In this episode of Neighborhood Naturalist, we explore the sometimes confusing but always fascinating world of small Northwoods mammals. You’ll learn how to tell apart minks, fishers, and weasels—a question that comes up often during hikes, birdwatching trips, and spontaneous wildlife sightings. Whether you're walking near a stream or deep in the forest,...

62 -Plants That Rise, Rest, and React In this episode, the focus is on how certain flowers and plants respond to the time of day, light, and even temperature. These daily patterns—like blooming at sunrise or closing at dusk—aren’t random. They reveal a fascinating world of plant behavior designed to sync with the rhythms of nature and their pollinators. Whether it’s morning glories opening with th...

61 - Find Birds by Their Vertical Layer In this episode, we explore a fresh perspective on birdwatching—observing birds by their vertical layer. I share personal stories, practical advice, and examples of how birds choose specific layers depending on food, protection, and nesting needs. Whether you’re brand new to birding or looking to enhance your skills, understanding vertical habitats will open...

60 - Wake Up Sleepy Trees! In this episode, I explore one of nature’s most fascinating transitions: how trees survive winter and reawaken in spring. Trees don’t hibernate like animals. Instead, they enter a complex dormancy that helps them withstand extreme cold and conserve energy. Through internal hormones and external cues like sunlight and temperature, trees navigate the changing seasons with...

59 -Spring Ephemerals: Nature’s Hidden Gems in Early Spring In this episode, I share the quiet beauty and ecological importance of spring ephemerals—those short-lived but essential wildflowers that bloom briefly each year. From my childhood love of lady slippers to modern-day hikes with my friend Em, I explore how these blooms signal the start of spring and provide critical support for pollinators...

58 - Are Birds Tired After Migration? In this episode, we explore the incredible endurance and strategic brilliance of migratory birds. As spring migration peaks, it’s the perfect moment to ask: are birds truly exhausted from their long flights? The answer, backed by science and observation, is a resounding yes. Bird Behavior During Migration: Birds like geese and warblers stop over briefly on the...

57 - Searching for Salamanders This episode takes a quiet, curious journey into the life of salamanders—what they are, where they live, and why they’ve become such mysterious, symbolic creatures in the world of amphibians. It’s a story rooted in childhood memories and carried into adulthood with every hike and hopeful glance under a log. Understanding Salamanders Salamanders are introduced as smal...

56 - Are You Speaking Birding Yet? Ever get lost in bird chat lingo? Wonder what a “REVI” or “sparkbird” is? This episode is all about demystifying birding terms for newcomers and helping seasoned birders refresh their vocabulary. From bird codes to quirky nicknames, we’re covering it all. Bird Codes and What They Mean I break down the American Birding Association’s bird code system—how four-lette...

55 - Winter House Bugs - Mostly Harmless! Every winter, I start noticing bugs showing up in my house, and I know I’m not the only one! In this episode, I talk about why certain insects make their way indoors when it gets cold. From mosquitoes mysteriously appearing in the dead of winter to Asian lady beetles, stink bugs, and box elder bugs taking over my walls, I share what I’ve learned about thes...

54 - Be Lazy, Help Nature I n today’s episode, Jill from the Northwoods challenges the traditional idea of a perfectly maintained yard. She shares personal experiences and research-backed insights on how leaving things a little messy can actually support wildlife. From fallen branches to untouched leaves, small changes can create a backyard sanctuary for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects....

53 - What To Do About An Injured Animal Have you ever stumbled upon an injured wild animal and wondered what to do? In this episode, I share real-life experiences and practical advice on how to handle these situations. From baby birds that fall out of their nests to injured raccoons and bats in houses, we discuss the best steps to take, the importance of wildlife rescues, and how to ensure both hu...

52 - Unlocking the Secrets of Tree Stumps and Rings Hi, it’s Jill from the North Woods! On today’s episode, I’m diving into the fascinating world of tree rings and what they can tell us about the past. Have you ever looked at a tree stump and wondered what all those rings mean? Each one is a chapter in the tree’s life, telling us about good years, bad years, natural disasters, and even changes in...

51 - Winter Nests and Eggs Have you ever wondered why some birds nest in the middle of winter? In this episode, I talk about how eagles and owls defy the cold, build their nests, and successfully raise their young despite the harsh conditions. I’ll share why these birds choose to nest in winter, how they care for their eggs, and the fascinating survival tactics they use. Plus, I’ll tell you about...

50 - Some Cool Hot Stars In this episode, Jill from the Northwoods takes us on a fascinating journey through the night sky, introducing some of the most remarkable stars visible from Earth. From the mysterious motion of Arcturus to the explosive potential of Betelgeuse, we uncover the science, history, and cultural significance of these celestial giants. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or...

49 - Constellations: Stories, Navigation, and Discovery In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of constellations—how they got their names, how they help us navigate, and the myths and legends associated with them. From Orion the Hunter to the Big Dipper, we discuss how different cultures interpreted the same stars in unique ways. Plus, we offer practical tips on how to locate constellat...

48 - The Science Behind Taste This week, I’m diving into a book that completely fascinated me—Taste: Surprising Stories About Science and Why Food Tastes Good by Barb Stuckey. I’ve always been intrigued by how our sense of taste works, and this book takes a deep, yet fun, look at why we experience flavors the way we do. In this episode, I share what I learned about the biology behind taste, how ou...

47 - What Can Animals Taste? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of animal taste perception. From cats that can’t taste sweetness to catfish that boast a staggering number of taste buds, we uncover how different species experience flavors based on their evolutionary needs. Whether it's dogs, birds, or insects, each species has developed unique adaptations that shape their dietary cho...