FVCC Nature Journal

A study just completed by Biologist Taylor Rose shows that habitat in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness could be suitable for re-introduction of this ghostly member of the deer family. Join us for this episode of the Nature Journal as we discuss this possibility, and learn of Taylor’s long comprehensive study which began at FVCC and has now led to his Masters Degree and paper through the University...

There are about 91 species of fish in Montana. Some are small, like the pygmy whitefish only a few ounces, some grow large like the Paddlefish at 142 pounds. Join us on today’s Nature Journal podcast with FWP’s Dillon Tabish as we learn all about Montana’s state record fish!

Denny Olson may be the world’s greatest bird vocalist. In this episode, we will listen to some of Denny’s favorite bird songs. Denny, also known as Doc Wild, can mimic over 200 bird calls! Credit to the Audubon Society's Audubon Field Guide for the Aleutian Tern calls heard in the intro of this episode: Aleutian Tern, Calls #3 - Audubon Field Guide

If you thought you knew a lot about birds, get ready to learn a lot more. Join us in the episode with Naturalist Denny Olson, also known as Doc Wild.

The beautiful pine marten is a rarely seen member of the weasel family with a sable-like coat of fur. People have treasured this elusive furbearer for thousands of years. Come along with marten enthusiast, Heather Fraley, and learn all about this "villain in velvet!" And stay tuned until the end for an important announcement!

The little brown bat faces a lot of challenges, including some negative public attitudes towards bats, and a disease known as white nose fungus. Join us today along with FVCC student, Annabella Amsweller, to learn all about Montana’s most common bat!

The beaver is an important part of the stream ecosystem.  Beavers are known for slapping their flat tail to warn colony members. They sure are cute, but they are one of most common species in damage complaints. Come along today to learn all about North America’s largest rodent!

The Yellowstone super-volcano is one of our planet's restless giants. Could it erupt in our lifetimes? Come along with FVCC Professor and geothermal expert, Adam Wenz, as we learn all about this little-known Yellowstone volcano.

Lone Pine State Park, one of our most popular, is truly a jewel in the hills above the Flathead. Join long time Parks Manager, Brian Schwartz, as we learn about this incredible park, and maybe uncover a few of its secrets too! The song that plays in the background from 8:22 to 10:22 is a portion of Woods by Hawkin .

Have you ever had a question for a game warden but were afraid to ask? Join us on the show as the singing game warden, Ben Chappelow, tells us about grouse hunting, bear safety, and what it’s like to patrol the back country!

Join Wade Fredenberg and John Fraley as they talk about fun aspects of fish, and a great place to take a kid fishing in Montana.

Join us today as fisheries biologist, Wade Fredenberg, talks about crazy fish names, what they mean, their origins, and the crazy fish that go with them.

Flathead Lake is perhaps the most beautiful and valuable natural lake in Montana, and maybe the entire west. Join us today as fisheries biologist, Kenny Breidinger, talks about managing this complex water body and its native fishery of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in light of complex challenges.

Join educator, Audubon Society conservationist, and performer, Denny Olson as he mimics his way through the bird world and talks about how important birds are to the natural world and our society! You can find Denny Olson with the Flathead Audubon Society at https://flatheadaudubon.org/

You may not realize how important birds are to people and society. Join the famous educator, performer and bird mimic Denny Olson as we explore the world of some our most important bird species! You can find Denny Olson with the Flathead Audubon Society at https://flatheadaudubon.org/

The Ponderosa Pine is Montana’s state tree. It is a magnificent conifer with long, well ordered needles. Recently hail damage and disease have challenged Ponderosa Pine in the Flathead area. Come along with FVCC’s Christina Relyea as we talk about a new project to find out more about this towering monarch.

Glacier National Park is emerging out of winter and into spring. The critters are waking up and a few trails are available for hiking. Join Glacier Park expert, Chis Peterson, editor of the Hungry Horse News, as we talk about springtime in our nearby gem of a national park.

They may be pretty, but Northern Flickers like nothing better than to pound a hole in your house! Come along on today’s podcast, as we learn all about this fascinating woodpecker, and explore some ways to discourage them from setting up shop on the side of your home.

Fish like Dolly Varden and Arctic Grayling face challenges in the dark cold environments north of the Arctic Circle. Join Alaska fisheries scientist, Kevin Fraley, as he takes us on a tour of these unique fisheries of the far north.

The Northwest Montana Lookout Association is an organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic fire lookouts. Come along on this episode of the Nature Journal for a fun tour and great views among the peaks with Board Member, Kjell Petersen.  Northwest Montana Lookout Association website: https://www.nwmt-ffla.org/ Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwe...

Some people say that there is a giant serpent-like creature living in Flathead Lake. Some say it resembles a giant sturgeon. Some long ago people believed in this legend, and sightings of the monster continue to this day. Come along on the Nature Journal as we explore the legend of the Flathead Monster.  You can find the map of the sightings referred to in this episode on the Flathead La...

Montana’s state parks help unlock the history of our great state. From Giant Springs to Lewis and Clark Caverns, from Bannock to Flathead Lake, these gems are here for you to visit. Join us today on the Nature Journal as we talk with FVCC Library Director Morgan Ray about these slices of Montana…

A huge “dinosaur fish” has remained virtually unchanged for 100 million years. The white sturgeon is North America’s largest freshwater fish. Join us on today’s podcast to learn about these unusual fish, and how to fish for them. 

Montana is home to 90 native and non-native fish species. Come along on today’s Nature Journal episode to learn all about some of our favorites. 

Join Morgan Ray and John Fraley as they get into some of the wildlife details in My Wilderness Life . Morgan and John talk about the oldest, purest, and largest westslope cutthroat in the U.S., which are found in the upper South Fork of the Flathead River deep in the Bob. They talk about bull trout spawning over the last 50 years in the Great Bear. Morgan serves as the host as she interviews...