Podcast on Natural Dallas (The P.O.N.D.)

Greg Browder is a founding member of the P.O.N.D. podcast and after serving the City of Dallas and the Dallas Public Library for 21 years, he's hung up his headphones to enjoy retirement! This episode takes a listen back through some of Greg's highlights during his time hosting the P.O.N.D.

Would you like to grow beautiful, healthy trees in your North Texas yard? Who better to take advice from than “The Dirt Doctor” Howard Garrett? An arborist, landscape architect, nationally syndicated organic gardening talk show host, and author of such books as Howard Garrett's Texas Trees and Plants of the Metroplex, Howard shares his expertise in the form of an informal Q&A in this episode of The P.O.N.D.

What do hawks, owls, vultures, kites, and falcons have in common? They are all raptors, of course! Join us as the staff members of the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center tell us all about their work with raptors, from education and rehabilitation to conservation and preservation.

Chris Runk, one of Dallas's top birders and a reviewer for the eBird app, stops by for a conversation about this popular hobby/citizen science activity. Among the topics Chris shares his thoughts on are the appeal of birding, when and where to see birds in Dallas County, and what he as a reviewer is looking for when bird sightings are reported on eBird.

The presence of a frog can elicit a variety of reactions from people, ranging from squeamishness to curiosity to delight. Listen in as herpetologist and Texas Master Naturalist Jessie Crowley chats with us about frogs, and IDs a few of our local frogs and toads from the calls they make.

Cities are increasingly recognizing the benefits of having an urban forest. In this episode Karen Woodard, Forester for the City of Dallas, joins us via Zoom to discuss initiatives in Dallas to expand our tree canopy.

We sat down with Texas Parks and Wildlife's Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick in early March 2020 for a chat about the annual Challenge, scheduled for Friday, April 24th thru Monday, April 27th. While the bioblitzes and other group activities referenced in the interview will no longer occur due to COVID-19 concerns, City Nature Challenge lives on as a non-competitive, citizen science collaboration! Tune in to learn why our observations matter, and be ready come April 24th to capture photos from whatever outdoor space you can permissibly access. Observations of "wild things" photographed in backyards or from apartment patios contribute too!

Big Spring is considered to be one of Dallas's natural treasures. Join us for a conversation with Ben Sandifer, Texas Stream Team's 2019 "Citizen Scientist of the Year" and champion of the spring.

Texas Wildlife Association's Gwen Eishen explores the wonderful and minute world of mosses and lichens.

Master Naturalist Amy Martin spent years turning a human-impacted country property into a wildlife haven. Listen in for how she did it.

Join Gwen Eishen with Texas Wildlife Association for insight into the often overlooked and hidden lives of armadillos and opossums.

Learn about the the world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation from veteran rehabbers Brandi and Mario Nickerson, who run the DFW-area nonprofit Nature's Edge Wildlife and Reptile Rescue.

Discover the complexity and incredible value that our soils harbor in this episode with Texas Wildlife Association's L.A.N.D.S. Educator, Gwen Eishen.

In this episode The P.O.N.D. looks at a section of urban wilderness along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, and a local nonprofit's efforts to improve and maintain it's ecological health and its beauty. We are joined by Aaryaman Singhal and Megan Davis of Groundwork Dallas, an organization recently recognized as D CEO's Magazine's 2019 nonprofit "Organization of the Year, Midsize" for their efforts in championing our city's urban wilderness.

It's that time of year again! The Dallas/Fort Worth area is locking horns with other cities around the world to see who can make the most nature observations. Jill Nugent, Associate Dean of Science at Southern New Hampshire University, shares insight into this friendly competition and how we can all help.

Reptiles and amphibians aren't always the most popular members of the animal kingdom, but they do have a strong following. Join us for a conversation with avid "herper" Michael Smith, co-author of the 2018 book "Herping Texas : The Quest for Reptiles and Amphibians", as we learn about the pursuit of these intriguing creatures in the field.

Join us as we learn about local fossils and the geological formations in the DFW area with Dr. Ignacio Pujana, a professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Texas has 29,000 species of insects! Join our conversation with entomologist, Mike Merchant, of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension for more insight on some of our unique insects.

Join us for a conversation with local artist Cynthia Mulcahy about her hand-painted fly-poster "Field Guide," the centerpiece of a current exhibit at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Listen in as we talk gardening with horticulture expert Megan Proska of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Ms. Proska currently serves as Horticultural Manager of the Arboretum’s Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden and Trials Garden. The benefits of gardening and growing tips are among the topics discussed. We also get a glimpse at what the Arboretum and Botanic Gardens offers gardeners and others who enjoy gardens.

In this episode The P.O.N.D. visits a nearby slice of nature characterized by a wetland habitat. Tune in for a conversation with John DeFillipo, Director of John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Seagoville, and Linda Dunn, Education Manager for the Center, in which they illuminate the nature and roles of wetland ecosystems, and what the "constructed" wetland on which John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is all about.

In this episode we talk about both the forest and the trees. Our guests are Bill Seaman, Director of the Historic Tree Project for the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, and naturalist Tim Dalbey, expert on the Great Trinity Forest.

Join our conversation with Ryan Giesecke, President of the Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association, as we discuss threats to honeybees and what is being done to support their populations.

We welcome back urban wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Rachel Richter, for this podcast on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This proposed legislation, if passed, would impact how Texas funds wildlife and ecosystem management.

In late Spring 2018, we talked with Monica Morrison, founder of Texas Native Cats, about current and historical native cat species. The Texas Native Cats organization seeks "to improve the lives of these very important but often misunderstood Texas felines." Listen in for our cat chat!

Would you like your home landscape to attract butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife to your yard? Listen in our conversation with Daniel Cunningham, Horticulturist for the Texas A&M Agrilife's Water University program, to learn about "wildscaping."

17 countries. 65 cities, including Dallas. In this episode, we learn about an upcoming friendly competition, open to all, for observing and documenting urban nature. Our guests are Texas Parks and Wildlife's Urban Biologist Sam Keischnick and SNHU Associate Dean of Science Jill Nugent. Sam and Jill are both passionate citizen science advocates.

The North Texas Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist (NTMN) joined us for our first Nature Expo in June 2017. Chapter president Bruce Stewart provided attendees with insight about who the group is, the good work they're doing in the DFW area, and opportunities to participate.

Join us as we learn about the history, wildlife, and features of our mighty Trinity River from Trinity River Audubon Center's Public Programs Education Manager, Lee Renshaw.

Where in the Metroplex can you go to immerse yourself in a variety of native ecosystems? What is being done to restore and preserve this beautiful and important habitat? Tune in for a conversation with LLELA Director Dr. Ken Steigman, Restoration Manager Richard Freiheit, and Education Coordinator Lisa Cole about the unique "biological ark" that is LLELA.

In this week's conversation with Astrobiologist and Professor of Physics (University of Texas Arlington), Dr. Manfred Cuntz, we explore the possibilities of finding life beyond our planet. Change your perception of the night sky as we learn about how life on Earth has helped scientists in the field of astrobiology better understand where to search for life in and beyond our own solar system.

The Texas Horned Lizard population has dramatically declined in recent decades. Learn from Wildlife Diversity Biologist Nathan Rains of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about current efforts to help this Texas icon regain a foothold. The study, currently targeted at a limited geographic area, aims to assess if the species can be successfully reintroduced to areas from which it has disappeared.

We are taking a brief break for the holidays! In this episode, staff of the Library's Business, Science & Technology unit chat about some of the highlights from our initial round of episodes, and an intriguing topic for an upcoming episode.

To forage is to gather wild food, and this pastime has been growing in popularity across Texas. Join us in a phone interview with Dr. Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen, author of Foraging (Idiot's Guide) as we wade through the weeds for delightful morsels of knowledge on where, what and how to forage for wild, edible plants.

This week we talk with conservation biologist Tania Homayoun who has been overseeing urban programs for Audubon Texas.

Curious about bats? Myths and misunderstandings aside, these winged mammals still retain the capacity to intrigue us. Urban Biologist Rachel Richter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department describes bat biology and behavior, and tells about Texas nature tourism opportunities that feature bats.

Join us for an insightful understanding about pollinators influence on city life. Learn how the City of Dallas improves pollinator productivity inside city limits in this week's episode with Urban Biologist, Brett Johnson. (Picture courtesy Dallas Parks & Rec)

Listen as we discuss wild pigs and their impact within Dallas city limits with Urban Wildlife Biologist, Brett Johnson. Learn about what makes this invasive species a challenge for land managers as we separate fact from fiction. *image: Dallas Trinity Trails

In this episode, Urban Biologist Brett Johnson of the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department talks with us about local wild relatives of our pet dogs and cats.

In part two of this two-part episode, we resume our conversation with local prairie expert Dr. Tim Dalbey, zeroing in on specific prairie locales in Dallas and the surrounding area.

In part one of this two-part episode, local prairie expert Dr. Tim Dalbey takes listeners on a journey through the world of prairies, focusing on the soils, native grasses and forbs, and animals of the “Blackland Prairies” ecoregion covering much of North Texas.

Are you interested in becoming a citizen scientist? Learn to explore green areas and contribute to scientific research with Texas Parks and Wildlife's Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick and iNaturalist.

Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department talks about what he does as an urban biologist. Learn where you can go to explore the rich diversity of native plants in the Dallas area!

Local herpetologist Carl Franklin shares his knowledge of and passion for turtles, and provides tips on local places for viewing these fascinating “herps.” Carl serves as Biological Curator and Collections Manager for the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Jessica Beckham of UNT, a biologist who researches native bees, talks about Texas bumblebees.

Mark Gilman and Greg Browder discuss why its important to learn about the natural world all around us--it gives us joy, it deepens our knowledge.