(Airdate: February 1, 2023) Beach grasses, once widely planted to keep sand dunes from human plans for such things as roads and residences, have become invaders, pushing out native species. Listen as Nan Evans explores dune ecosystems and the role of dune grasses with Dr. Rebecca Mostow. What’s more, learn about Dr. Mostow’s work characterizing a strange new hybrid species of dune grass that raises unanswered questions about ecological beach and dune systems.
Nature Now
Nature Now #598
Walking Anacortes Community Forest Lands
(Airdate: December 21, 2022) Bob Jepperson and Mary Robson introduce the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, 3000 acres of undeveloped land where he has walked and photographed for over 11 years.
Nature Now #596
Think Like a Geologist
(Airdate: December 7, 2022) What is our relationship with time? If we were to “think like a geologist”, would that relationship change and how might that change how humans impact the Earth on which we all live? Explore geological evidence and understanding of the passage of time with Nan Evans and Marcia Bjournerud, Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies at Lawrence University in Wisconsin.
Nature Now #595
Economic Benefits of Conservation
(Reprise Airdate: November 30, 2022) In addition to the value of being good stewards of the Earth for the health and well-being of all life and ecosystems, Nan Evans and Richard Tucker, Director of the Jefferson Land Trust, explore the documentable economic benefits of conserved and working lands on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Nature Now #594
2022 Christmas Bird Count
(Airdate: November 23, 2022) Host Nan Evans and super-birder guest Monica Fletcher explore sightings and stories from the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Get inspired by this opportunity to be part of a hemisphere-wide citizen science effort that will occur in the Port Townsend area on Saturday, December 17.
Nature Now #591
Peregrine Rock
(Airdate: November 2, 2022) Part 2 of Nan Evans’ conversation with geologists Michael Machetter and Jeff Tepper explores significant rocky outcropings and geology in Eastern Jefferson County. Part 1 focused on Tamanowas Rock, just west of Chimacum, and the volcanic history of our region. This second part will consider the impacts of glaciation and Peregrine Rock, a glacial erratic, a short hike from Tamanowas Rock. And, yes, East Jefferson County was covered by glaciers thousands of feet deep.
Nature Now #587
Hard Rock Geology in East Jefferson County, Part 1
(Airdate: October 4, 2022) Tamanowas Rock-What is it? Nan Evans explores significant rocky out-croppings in Eastern Jefferson County – Tamanowas Rock and Peregrine Rock just west of Chimacum – with geologists Michael Machette and Jeff Tepper. In Part 1, we learn how Tamanowas Rock was formed, what it can tell about the ancient landscape of our region, why it is important to indigenous peoples, and what is being done to protect it.
Nature Now #584
On Explores at Anderson Lake, part 2
(Airdate: September 14, 2022) Please join Nature Now this week as we take a field trip to Anderson Lake State Park! Host Debaran Kelso is joined by one of our favorite local naturalists, Dr. Geoff Hammerson, on a late summer wander looking for amphibians and other natural wonders. This is part 2 of a two-part show.