Off Trail with Erie MetroParks

In this episode, we chat all about how animals are named, and we quiz some of our naturalists to see who the species naming champion is.

Listen in to this week's episode. It's all about moths that call the MetroParks home and why they are so important to the ecosystem.

This week we talk with local Ph. D. candidate Cari Ritzenthaler about environmental education and how she uses it in her research.⁠ ⁠

Bird migration has begun around Erie County! Listen in to hear what birds are around, and hear some funny stories!

Have you ever been fed on by a tick? Join special guest and former Erie MetroParks employee, Beki Hineline, as we chat about how weird and creepy ticks can be.

This week, we introduce the newest member of the MetroParks team, and Cheryl and Mike, and Kippie Loughlin, and give you the low-down on good wildflower spots throughout the MetroParks. 

In part three of our Natural Resources series, we cover controlled hunts, and how Erie MetroParks prepares and holds its controlled deer hunts.

In part two of our three-part series with Natural Resources Manager, Tara Kauffman, we talk about controlled burning and how Erie MetroParks uses it as an effective management tool.⁠

This week's episode is the first of a three-part series with our Natural Resource Manager, Tara Kauffman. It's all about how Erie MetroParks manages invasive species in and around the MetroParks.

One of the early signs of spring is the wonderful song of the American woodcock, heard around Erie MetroParks. Listen in, as naturalists talk about this exciting bird and where you can catch a glimpse of these wonderful birds.⁠

Warbler season is right around the corner. Erie MetroParks staff is ready, but will you be ready? Listen in, as naturalists talk about the warblers that pass through your parks.

Spring is near, and it feels like everything in the MetroParks is coming to life. Listen in as Erie MetroPark naturalists talk about their favorite parks to visit in the spring and what you can find there.

Citizen science plays a vital role in conservation. Listen in and see what Erie MetroParks does to contribute and how you can too!

Maple sugaring has a rich history with loads of interesting facts. Listen in with Erie MetroParks staff as we chat about how maple sugaring became so lucrative in the New World.

Maple sugaring season is right around the corner. Listen in and see how Erie MetroParks taps their maple trees to get a nice sweet treat from Mother Nature!

Exposing our children to nature early and often is important. Listen to this episode with Erie MetroParks and hear how they get kids outside!

Listen in as the naturalists from Erie MetroParks talk about their favorite parks. "Naturalists Favorite Parks" is our first listener requested episode!

The year 2020 had its downs, but Erie MetroParks found it wasn't all bad. Listen in to hear some good news about nature in 2020.

We all struggle with the winter blues. Listen in and see how we try to fight off the gloomy days of winter here at the Erie MetroParks.

Do you have a passion for birds? Well, you're not alone, here at Erie MetroParks our naturalists are obsessed with birds. Listen in and see how they got into "birding" and how you can too.

Who is the smartest animal in the animal kingdom? Join Erie MetroParks naturalists as we try to figure out who holds the crown as the "smartest" being.

Nature is loaded with myths that many of us have heard our entire lives. Let park naturalists enlighten you as we have a friendly competition to squash some myths you may know.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Hang out with Erie MetroParks and have fun ranking the best Christmas movies, cookies, and other holiday festivities according to our naturalists.

Thanksgiving is full of family, friends, and great food. Hang out with Erie MetroParks and learn about how Thanksgiving has been hijacked by the infamous turkey.

Halloween can be a spooky time of year! Let’s investigate how some animals became associated with this eerie holiday.