THE NATURE WANDERER

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!

When you come across a line of leafcutter ants, it can look like pure chaos at first glance. Leaves bobbing overhead, ants streaming in both directions, the whole thing alive and moving. But if you slow down and really watch, a different story emerges.

In this episode, I take you into the world of leafcutter ant farming and the surprisingly orderly trail systems that make it all possible. These ants aren’t just cutting leaves. They’re running a highly coordinated agricultural operation, complete with harvest crews, processing teams, pest control, and traffic rules that keep millions of ants moving efficiently.

We explore how leafcutter ants farm fungus instead of plants, why the leaves they carry are really just food for their crop, and how different castes of ants handle everything from leaf cutting to garden care to defense. I also dive into their trail networks, the chemical highways that guide traffic, decide right of way, and even adjust to congestion, damage, and danger.

Along the way, we look at how simple behaviors create complex systems, how cooperation emerges without leaders, and what these tiny farmers can teach us about efficiency, balance, and living in rhythm with the world around us.

So next time you see a leaf floating through the forest with no wind in sight, stop for a moment. You might be standing beside one of the most successful farming civilizations on Earth.

Episode notes and links:

See a video I took of leaf cutter ants in Costa Rica on my Youtube Channel at https://youtu.be/n9Cx7cINPbk

Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!

What if simply watching birds could help science?

In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, I explore the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science event that invites people everywhere to pause, look closely, and notice the birds sharing their world. For just a few days each year, backyards, parks, schoolyards, and quiet trails become observation posts contributing to a worldwide snapshot of bird life.

I talk about how the count works, why these shared observations matter, and how birds often reveal more about our environment than we realize. From familiar feeder regulars to unexpected flyovers, every sighting becomes part of a much larger story about migration, habitat, and change.

But this episode is also about connection. About slowing down. About realizing that you don’t need to be an expert, or even leave home, to take part in something meaningful. All you need is curiosity, a little patience, and a willingness to look up.

So whether you’re counting chickadees, sparrows, or something that stops you mid-sentence, join me as I wander into the simple joy of paying attention, one bird at a time.

Episode notes and links:

The GBBC website: birdcount.org

Ebird: Ebird.org

Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

Welcome to another episode of The Nature Wanderer Podcast!

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt like the universe was putting on a show just for you?

In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, I wander into one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. I explore what’s really happening high above our heads when the sky begins to glow, ripple, and dance, and why this phenomenon feels so deeply emotional for the people lucky enough to witness it.

We’ll talk about how energy from the sun travels millions of miles to collide with Earth’s magnetic field, turning invisible forces into curtains of green, purple, and red light. I’ll also touch on the cultures and stories that grew up beneath these glowing skies, where the aurora was once seen as spirits, fires, or messages from the heavens.

But this episode isn’t just about the science or the stories. It’s about wonder. About standing still in the dark, feeling small in the best possible way, and realizing that nature doesn’t always whisper. Sometimes, it performs.

So grab a warm drink, imagine a clear northern night, and wander with me into the luminous mystery of the northern lights.

Episode notes and links:

Aurora forecast apps on Google Play: Google Play

Aurora forecast apps on Apple: Apple Apps

Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Nature exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

Winter doesn’t mean nature goes silent—it just speaks more softly.

In this episode of Nature Wanderer, I slow things down and step into the world of winter birding, sharing what it’s like to observe birds during the colder months and why this season offers such a unique connection to nature. I also touch on the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)—what it is, why it matters, and how everyday birders can play a role in long-term conservation simply by paying attention.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or someone who just enjoys noticing who’s still around when the snow falls, this episode is an invitation to wander outside, look up, and listen.

In this episode:

• Why winter is one of the most underrated times to bird

• What the Christmas Bird Count is and why it’s important

• How observing birds deepens your connection to place

• Letting nature guide reflection at the turn of the year

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast—it truly helps keep Nature Wanderer going 🌿

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  Thanks!!!

Join us on The Nature Wanderer as we leave behind the mythic North Pole and step into Lapland, the real-world home of Santa Claus — where snow blankets the land, northern lights paint the sky, and wildlife has evolved stunning adaptations to survive one of Earth’s harshest climates.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Lapland is Santa’s actual home — not the North Pole.

• How Arctic animals survive extreme cold, deep snow, and months of darkness.

• The incredible biology of reindeer, from their UV vision to seasonal hooves.

• The life strategies of Arctic foxes, wolverines, lynx, owls, and more.

• The cultural connection between the Sámi people and reindeer herding.

• Real vs. imagined wildlife at the top of the world.

Whether you’re tuning in by a cozy fire or watching from the tropics, this episode unpacks the science, culture, and wonder of life near the Arctic Circle.

Live View:
Watch a real-time glimpse of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland — home to Santa’s village on the Arctic Circle:
🎥 Live @ Santa Claus Village on YouTube Live @ Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi, Lapland)

Topics Covered:

• Arctic Climate & Lapland Landscape

• Reindeer Ecology & Behavior

• Seasonal Adaptations of Wildlife

• Myth vs. Reality of Santa’s Home

• Predator and Prey in the Far North

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

In this episode, I head out onto the winter trails to talk about one of my favorite topics this time of year: staying safe while hiking in the cold. Winter can be absolutely beautiful — the quiet woods, fresh snow, and crisp air make it one of the best seasons to get outside. But it also brings its own set of challenges, and being prepared makes all the difference.

I share the essential tips I use whenever I venture out in winter: how I layer for changing temperatures, why I always carry extra dry clothing, and the importance of keeping my hands, feet, and face protected from frostbite. I dive into how quickly the body can lose heat, the early signs of hypothermia, and what to do if I or someone I’m with starts showing symptoms.

I also talk about safe pacing in deep snow, staying hydrated even when it’s cold, and why checking the weather and daylight hours is even more important this time of year.

Whether you’re new to winter hiking or just want a refresher, this episode is all about helping you enjoy the season safely and confidently. Join me as I wander through the winter landscape and share what I’ve learned from years of exploring the cold.

Mentioned in this episode are my "Bernie gloves" made for me by Rusted Arrow Creations. Her website can be found at https://rustedarrowcreations.wixsite.com/home

I also mention other winter hiking gear which can be purchased at my Amazon Storefront

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

In this Nature Wanderer episode, I explore how your holiday shopping choices can make a big difference for the planet.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just about supporting your local community — it’s also about protecting the environment.

When you choose to shop small and local, you reduce packaging waste, cut down on shipping emissions, and help businesses that often prioritize sustainability over mass production. From handmade goods to locally sourced foods, your dollars can help nurture both your neighborhood and the natural world.

Join me as I share eco-friendly shopping tips for the holiday season, highlight how local economies strengthen environmental stewardship, and remind us that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How shopping locally reduces your carbon footprint

• The environmental benefits of small-scale production

• Simple ways to make your holiday gifts more sustainable

This season, skip the big-box chaos and wander your local Main Street — your planet will thank you. 🌿💚

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Grab your boots — it’s National Take a Hike Day! In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we’ll explore the history of hiking and how it became a beloved outdoor activity. From the first walking clubs and early conservationists to the countless trails crisscrossing our world today, hiking has always been about more than just exercise — it’s about connection, discovery, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, this is the perfect day to celebrate the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other and seeing where the trail takes you.

Alltrails

The Hiking Project

Trail Link

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!