Project Understory

A relaxing canoe trip turns into a rolling adventure full of twists and turns. Find out what happens when laughter turns to panicked screams.

A routine night shift turns into a wild encounter at an Australian animal sanctuary.

In this episode, Rae Henneman shares her journey from growing up in urban Chicago with little exposure to nature to discovering a passion for birding in college. A chance encounter with a white-breasted nuthatch sparked her curiosity and transformed how she sees the natural world—both in the forest and back home in the city. Join Rae as she reflects on how awareness can open our eyes to the wildli...

This episode follows the story of a child curious about bird migration and his journey on becoming a nature detective and solving his case

In this special episode, you will hear stories about the importance of trees. The stories come from multiple storytellers including a classroom of 4th graders and a classroom of Master Naturalists.  

In this episode, Kate shares how a mountain summit inspired her to engage in all the fleeting opportunities that life has to offer.

This is a story by Alaina Allen about her passion for kayaking. It embodies the sentiment "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again".

Join Phil White as he shares a short story about an encounter with a troupe of raccoons as they attempt to steal his sweet treats during a camping trip, and the strange connection with one which he still thinks about to this day.

This episode describes an adventurous 23-mile backpacking trip through the Porcupine Mountains with views of waterfalls, trees galore, a whole lot of water, and countless memories.

Practicum student Logan Buress shares a story about his trip to the Apostle Islands and how him and his family were unprepared for their trip there.

CWES graduate assistant Sarah Wood shares a chance encounter with a forest bird that opens up a whole new world to her in the outdoors. 

Working as a camp counselor in Wolf Ridge Environmental Center, Nate was lucky to receive a day off on his 18th birthday. Taking the day for himself, he soon finds that his solo stroll in the woods turns to an interesting interaction with a mama and her cubs. As Nate mentions, make sure you know what wildlife are in your area before your next walk! 

We're back with Season 5 of Project Understory!  Join Maverick as his adventure with jets and magical donuts bring his senses to life, but in the end, he realizes nature conquers all. 

Some of you may have an experience that changed your life - and for the better. Join Lauryn as she shares how making a trip to Yellowstone National Park secured her future in the career and world of environmental education. 

If you haven't been to Hayward, WI yet, put it on your list! Maddie shares a memory while fishing with her Dad - a story where the fishing is too good to be true, with a little help from the sky. 

As a Wilderness Guide, you never know what can be right around the next bend. Listen in on Clarah's exhilarating  story while on the Namekagon River in northern Wisconsin! 

In this podcast, Lauren shares how a even a smaller critter like a squirrel can make make an impact on your nature experience - and get your heart racing, too! 

Sometimes it's the experience that makes you grow as a person, and it all could start with someone that gives you that extra push that allows you to grow as a individual. Delaney explains how her Grandpa's love and support helped push her to her career path in Environmental Education today. 

Katie shares her experience of hunting her first white-tail deer in Iowa, showcasing that being patient is worth the wait. 

Rheya shares how, even a lost opportunity in a solo hunting adventure, nature can give you a different perspective to gain memorable experiences. 

Join Jordan as she takes you through an experience while at Disney that restored her hope in the importance and magic of pursing Wildlife Education. 

Alyson shares her story climbing the Tatra Mountains of Poland. Sometimes the journey you choose doesn't matter. What you take from it is what matters.

Join Jimmy as in interviews someone who created nature programs for youth in the suburbs of Chicago, his own mom! They talk about creating connections with nature, what they meant for them, and what it can mean for future naturalists.

Fox share their experiences with the natural world and what helped shape their relationship to nature and their career path.

Follow 7 year old Cinna as they have their first snorkeling experience and the mistake of following someone else's advice.