The Nature of Idaho

This episode of The Nature of Idaho takes listeners on a thrilling journey to the top of the world. Hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho welcome bestselling nonfiction author and Washington State University professor Buddy Levy. He shares insights from his latest book, Realm of Ice and Sky, which recounts a daring and perilous zeppelin expedi...

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. They are joined by guest Angela Garcia, an exploration geologist and Science Officer for Artemis II at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Together, they discuss the Artemis II mission to the Moon.

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. They are joined by guests Michelle Havens and Waylon Wade, both members of the Ski Patrol at Pebble Creek Ski Area in Southeast Idaho. Together, they discuss the essential practices and responsibilities that help ensure a safe day on the slopes.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Dr. Alistair Smith, Chair of the Earth and Spatial Sciences Department at the University of Idaho, and together they talk about forest fires, specifically how fire plays a role in forest ecology.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Dr. Kelly Hopping, an Associate Professor at Boise State University who specializes in Human-Environment Systems, who talks about how sheep grazing might be helpful in controlling cheatgrass in the West.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Matt Cahill, Program Director at the Nature Conservancy, and together they talk about the Sagebrush Sea.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Gena Goodman-Campbell from the Oregon Natural Desert Association, and together they talk about Juniper trees in the West.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Louise Bruce, the Idaho High Divide Senior Specialist for The Wilderness Society, who talks about the High Divide in Idaho; that’s the high elevation lands in the eastern part of the state that bridges between the Yellowstone ecosystem in t...

This episode of “The Nature of Idaho” features hydrologist Kendra Kaiser, director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, discussing how Idaho studies and manages its water in the face of changing climate, snowpack, and demand. She outlines IWRRI’s role in coordinating statewide and regional research with irrigators, agencies, tribes, and universities, including projects on recycled wate...

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett talking with hazards geologist Zach Lifton from the Idaho Geological Survey about why the Snake River Plain shows up as a giant “smile” across southern Idaho.

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Pam Pascali, a traveling educator for the Idaho Museum of Natural History, who shares stories from her fall spent driving across Idaho in a mobile museum van, teaching kids and adults about dinosaurs and Idaho’s paleontological history. The...

In this episode, The Nature of Idaho explores fire as an essential part of the western landscape, its ecological importance, historical management, and social implications. Hosts Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with journalist Murphy Woodhouse to unpack the relationship between humans and wildfires in Idaho.

In this episode of "The Nature of Idaho," hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett talk with Tyler Scheibenpflug, president of the Portneuf Valley Trail Alliance, about the importance and evolution of trail systems around Pocatello, Idaho. Tyler discusses the creation and goals of the alliance, focusing on sustainable trail maintenance, accessibility for all users, and the need for clear trail sig...

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Shana Drimal, wildlife program manager for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, discussing the importance of Yellowstone’s bison and ongoing conservation strategies. Key topics include the history and recovery of bison populations from near extinction to about 5,000 animals today, challenges due to limited migration outside the park because of habitat l...

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Dr. Ernest Keeley, a fish biologist from Idaho State University, discussing the state's unique fish populations, the impact of native and invasive species, and conservation efforts. Key topics include Idaho's 44 native fish species, challenges from over 50 introduced species (many for sport fishing), local adaptations like endemic sculpin species, and...

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett in conversation with Lance Davisson, Executive Director of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, and Hannah Sanger, Environmental Administrator for the city of Pocatello, discussing the crucial role of urban trees in Idaho’s arid cities. They explore why cities must intentionally plant and care for trees to provide...

In this episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Suzanne Asha Stone, Executive Director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network, to explore the Wood River Wolf Project in Blaine County, Idaho. The conversation highlights how innovative, non-lethal deterrents such as fladry, Fox lights, and livestock guardian dogs have enabled ranchers and wol...

In this episode of "The Nature of Idaho," hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila (Idaho Museum of Natural History) and Peter Pruitt (Zoo Idaho) are joined by Kevin Fossen, park ranger at Three Island Crossing State Park in southern Idaho. The conversation explores the park’s natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, encouraging listeners to discover this often-overlooked gem along...

The episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leaf Tappinella and Peter Pruitt interviewing Angela Heileson and Ryan Hondo of the Idaho band Dirt Russell.

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in an in-depth conversation with Tor Lynn and Dennis Gibbens, who serve as the President and Vice President, respectively, of the Portneuf Valley Tennis Association. Together, they explore the development, challenges, and unique characteristics of the tennis community in Idaho, highlighting local initiatives, youth engagement, and the grow...