The Nature of Idaho: Recent Episodes
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Archived The Nature of Idaho EpisodesSUBSCRIBE TO - The Nature of Idaho PODCAST (click on the link below to view NoID subscription pages)Search for "The Nature of Idaho" in iTunes or SpotifyThe half-hour program features Peter Pruett, Zoo Idaho Superintendent, and Dr. Leif Tapanila, Director of the Idaho Museum of Natural History, highlighting how the Gem State’s wild places have shaped Idaho’s past, present and future. The show features segments on nature news and a fun fact.“Idaho has so much to offer in terms of varied landscapes, habitats, geology, and people,” said Peter Pruett. “ ‘The Nature of Idaho’ is about sharing our excitement for all that is wild Idaho - the places and the faces.”"We hope our listeners will take a little time with us to reconnect with nature, whether we're talking about digging up dinosaurs or listening to crickets in the backyard,” said Dr. Leif Tapanila. “There's always something amazing going on outside."Those who are unable to catch the airing of The Nature of Idaho can download a podcast of previous episodes at kisu.org/programs/TheNatureOfIdaho.The Nature of Idaho Season 1 AudioThe Nature of Idaho Season 2 Audio
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 Snake River near Glenns Ferry.
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 growing interest in the sport across the region.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in a conversation with Spud Mother, a band hailing from Pocatello, in anticipation of their live performance at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Heath Mann, Abby Kiefner, and Emma Morton from the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust to discuss conserving land and protecting the unique landscapes of the American West.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Erik Molvar and Greg LeDonne (dawn) from the Western Watersheds Project to discuss livestock grazing and its potential impacts on our western landscapes.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett welcome singer-songwriter and author Josh Ritter, an Idaho native. He joins the conversation to discuss his latest album, Heaven or Someplace as Nice.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Serena Rasmussen, Executive Director of Wild Hearts Idaho, to discuss empowering young women through outdoor experiences.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Jay Petervary, the founder and race director of the Fat Pursuit, to discuss the race and its impact on Teton Valley.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Melanie Vining, Executive Director of the Idaho Trails Association, to discuss the creation and maintenance of trails in Idaho.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Jim Anglesey, the Long-Range Planner for the City of Pocatello. Together, they discuss the concept and benefits of walkable cities.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Dr. Rita Dixon, the State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. They explore the vital role bats play in Idaho's ecosystem and their broader significance.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director for the Idaho Conservation League, to discuss the importance and value of public lands in Idaho.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Elise Brown, a restoration coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Coeur d’Alene, and Mike Schlepp, a landowner who sold the easement to the government. Together, they discuss the transformation of farmland into the Schlepp Wetland easement in Northern Idaho.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Scott Koberg, Director of Ada County Parks & Waterways, to discuss creating a wetland in the middle of urban development in Boise.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Laura Heiner, the founder of Idaho Women’s Bikepacking, to discuss the world of bikepacking.
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with filmmaker Kris Millgate to discuss her latest documentary project, Sage Wisdom West, which focuses on sage grouse. Kris Millgate, an outdoor journalist and owner of Tightline Media, is known for her documentaries spotlighting Western wildlife, including Ocean to Idaho and On Grizzly Ground.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Kathy Murphy and Andrea Parrott about the RAGBRAI bike ride across Iowa. Kathy Murphy and Andrea Parrottare cohosts of Just Go Bike, and leaders of the RAGBRAI bike ride across Iowa.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Randy’L Teton about how modeling for the US Mint led to her writing a children’s book about Sacajawea. Randy’L Teton is the children’s author of It’s her story: Sacajawea.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park and the connection between Nebraska and Idaho with Sam Matson. Sam Matson is the Superintendent at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in Nebraska.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about Idaho’s Park and Rec with Craig Quintana. Craig Quintana is the public information officer, and senior with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Rob Gay, Education Curator from the Idaho Museum of Natural History, joins us to discuss how 3D printing fossils has changed paleontology.
Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett meet with guest Brett Hewatt, Parks and Rec Superintendent and Arborist for the City of Pocatello to discuss arbor planning, development, and trends in parks and residential areas in the city, including recommendations to homeowners.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they sit down with Jack Sullivan, professor of biology at the University of Idaho to discuss chipmunks.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they sit down with Chris Caudill from University of Idaho to discuss fish that migrate from ocean to Idaho.
Join host Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of the Nature of Idaho, where they sit down with Marshall Ma and Barrie Robison from University of Idaho to talk about tick-borne illnesses in the West.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they sit down with Daniel Ritz and Brian Brooks from the Idaho Wildlife Federation.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they sit down with Ethan Davis, avalanche forecaster from the Sawtooth Avalanche Center in Hailey, Idaho.
This episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Otto Lang, a doctoral student at the University of Utah, to discuss how dust is melting the snowpack in the mountains.
This episode of The Nature of Idaho, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Jamie Powell from the Henry Fork's Foundation to discuss the river.
For this episode of The Nature of Idaho, join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they discuss road signs with former Idaho State Historian Keith Peterson.
For this week's episode of the Nature of Idaho, Dinosaurs are coming to town! [so You’d better be nice] Dr. Brandon Peecook joins the show to talk about dinos in Idaho. Dr. Peecook is the Curator of Paleontology at the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Idaho State University.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they sit down with David Pennock from the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park to discuss the importance of zoos in smaller communities.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett, our hosts, for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they are joined by Bruce Finney, professor of Paleoecology at Idaho State University to discuss the concept of the Anthropocene.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where our hosts sit down with Lloyd Knight from Idaho State Department of Agriculture to talk about invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River system.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they sit down with John Myers, from the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids to discuss inspiring sustainability through nature.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where our hosts sit down with Dr. Jen Pierce, professor of geoscience at Boise State University to discuss climate change.
For today's episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Peter Pruett and Dr. Leif Tapanila sit down with Matt Tsakrios to discuss all things snowboarding.
Join our hosts, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they sit down with Sean Chuma to discuss base jumping off the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls.
For this episode of The Nature of Idaho, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett take flight with Chuck Smith from FlySunValley to discuss paragliding.
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where they discuss the dangers of power lines posed to eagles and other birds of prey with Eve Thompson and Todd Kantz.
This week on The Nature of Idaho, Peter and Leif talk all about flowers with Josh Rahl. Josh is a flower grower, buyer, and operations manager for Flowers By LD in Pocatello.
Our guest today is Candace Fallon. She is a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society. We’re talking about the fireflies in the western states.
This edition of The Nature of Idaho features Darren Parry, the former chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. He talks with us about Indigenous perspectives on climate change.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they sit down with Idaho's former historian, Keith Peterson about his new book, Inventing Idaho.
Join hosts, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they meet with Andrea Kortello, an ecologist with Poisson Consulting to discuss wolverines.
For this episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Peter Pruett and Dr. Leif Tapanila meet with film-maker Kris Milgate, outdoor journalist, and owner of Tightline Media to discuss her latest film, On Grizzly Ground.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they meet with Dr. Cheryl Schultz, professor of conservation biology at Washington State University to discuss Western Monarch butterflies.
Join hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of The Nature of Idaho. Today, we are joined with Dr. Sam Luoma, a research ecologist at the University of California, Davis to talk about Coeur D'Alene Lake and how it is recovering from years of mining.
Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett had the opportunity to sit down with founder of Barrie's Ski & Sports to discuss the sporting goods industry and about mountain biking and skiing in Pocatello.
Hosts Peter Pruett and Dr. Leif Tapanila are joined by guest Sandra Gladish, director of interpretation and education at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.Can you help us with the trivia? There’s a new species of fossil otter that was described from Hagerman. What rock star is it named after?Lontra weiri. Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead
Join hosts Peter Pruett and Dr. Leif Tapanila as they meet with Ryan Byers to talk about about his guidebook to the nine peaks in Idaho over 12,000 feet tall. For this episode's trivia question: What is the shortest of the Nine Twelvers?Answer: Hyndman
In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho talk with Phil Hough, the executive director for the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. They discuss the value of designating the Scotchman Peaks a wilderness area, as well as the difficulties of doing so. Check out this week's trivia question:Q: The wilderness act was signed into law on Sept 3, 1964. What other significant act was signed into law on that date?A: Civil Rights Act
In this episode, Peter Pruitt and Leif Tapanila talk with Aaron Kunz, series producer for Idaho Experience on Idaho Public TV. They discuss the intricacies of making television shows, and dive deep into the creation of their most recent television series, Ligertown. Ligertown is an incredibly interesting story, tune into this episode of The Nature of Idaho to learn more!Check out this week's trivia question:Q: When did did Idaho Experience first air?A: 2017
In this episode, The Nature of Idaho's very own Leif Tapanila shares his experience working at the museum! He shares his background, and how his education in biology contributed greatly to the work he does in paleontology. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the Buzzsaw shark and Leif's experiences in paleontology and the museum!Check out this week's trivia question:Q: When was the Idaho Museum of Natural History founded?A: 1934
In this episode, The Nature of Idaho's very own Peter Pruett shares his experience working in zoos. Peter is currently the superintendent of Zoo Idaho, and has many years of experience working in zoos. Tune in to learn more about zoos and how they have changed over the last 30 years!Check out this week's trivia question:Q: When did Ross Park Zoo (aka Zoo Idaho) first open to the public?A: 1932
Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett interview Alissa Salmore, an Environmental Planner for the Idaho Transportation Department. In this episode, they discuss how the transportation department's work helps to preserve and protect wilderness areas in Idaho and throughout the intermountain west. Check out this week's trivia question:Q: What are the longest and shortest interstates in Idaho?A: I-84 at 276 miles; I-86 at 63 miles! (I-90 is 74 miles)
Join our hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett for this episode of Nature of Idaho where they had the opportunity to talk with Kelly Conde from the Wilderness Land Trust to discuss how to make public lands whole.
Please join Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett for the 100th episode of The Nature of Idaho! For this episode, they sat down with Jeff Roper, the weatherman on Local News 8, to discuss the weather!
Join Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett as they discuss the remarkable flooding events in Yellowstone National Park with Grant Meyer from the University of New Mexico.
Join our hosts, Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett as they discuss growing plants and vegetables in urban areas with Alex Brooks.
Join our hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about growing vegetables and gardening in urban areas with guest, Alex Brooks!
Join our hosts for this episode of The Nature of Idaho, where we are joined by guest, Dr. Leslie Stewart, the Associate Professor of Counseling at Idaho State University. We will be discussing Animal Assisted Therapy.
On the next show, paleontologist Brandon Peecook joins the hosts of The Nature of Idaho to talk Ice Age fossils found in Idaho.
On the next show, paleontologist Brandon Peecook joins the hosts of The Nature of Idaho to talk Ice Age fossils found in Idaho.
This episode of Nature of Idaho, listen to Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruitt as they discuss the Great Invasion of plants and weedy things with Dr. Kathryn Turner, an Assistant Professor of Biology at Idaho State University.
This episode of Nature of Idaho, listen to Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruitt as they discuss the Great Invasion of plants and weedy things with Dr. Kathryn Turner, an Assistant Professor of Biology at Idaho State University.
This show, Dr. Kendra Kaiser from Boise State University talks about predicting waterflow on promorivers in Idaho, and kayaking too!
In this episode of The Nature of Idaho, Leif and Peter welcome Dr. Jesse Barber from Boise State to talk about noise pollution and its effects on wildlife.
Treefort is all about music; and it showcases some of Idaho’s best musicians. This March, Leif and Peter chatted with several performers, promoters, and attendees at the annual Treefort Music Festival in Boise.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Matthew Bowman from The Bowman Farm. He’s the owner of Bowman Farm, a small urban farm here in Pocatello.
On this episode of The Nature of Idaho, Tate Mason from The Peregrine Fund joins us to talk hawk [hawk] and other raptors at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Scott Boettger and Liz Pedersen from the Wood River Land Trust about land conservation.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Justin Dayley from the Outdoor Adventure Center at ISU about getting everyone of all abilities into the great outdoors. Justin Dayley is the Director of the Outdoor Adventure Center on the campus of Idaho State University here in Pocatello.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Dr. Katja Friedrich, an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. She’s a Cloud Doctor.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk Idaho Beer with Davis and Hailee Gove. Davis and Hailee Gove are owners and brewers at Jim Dandy Brewing in Pocatello.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Jhansi Kandasamy, the Director for the Idaho National Lab’s initiative to have Net-zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Dr. Kirsten Nickisch about Dogs! Dr. Nickisch is a veterinarian at Alta Animal Hospital in Pocatello Idaho.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Jesse Starnes from the Idaho Geological Survey. She's tasked with preserving data that the survey collects about Idaho’s lands.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Neil Crescenti about food and conservation and how to keep our soils fertile. Neil Crescenti is the Agriculture Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with filmmaker Phillip Schoen about his documentary Remembering Bear River.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Annie Gavica about the Basque culture in Idaho and their connection to the American West. Annie Gavica is the executive director of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with LJ Krumenacker about the fossils in Paris, Idaho. LJ Krumenacker is an affiliate Curator at Idaho Museum of Natural History, and Adjunct Professor at Idaho State and College of East Idaho, he also teaches at Mountainview Middle School in Blackfoot.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk with Steve Taylor all about Appaloosa horses here in Idaho. Steve Taylor is a retired CEO of the Appaloosa Horse Club, and a board member for the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center, in Moscow, Idaho.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about restoration of Trumpeter Swans with Tiffany Mayo from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Tiffany Mayo is the species survival plan coordinator for trumpeter swans at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about building a local music community and keeping artists in Idaho with Eric Gilbert. Eric Gilbert is Festival Director and co-founder of Treefort Music Fest, now entering its 10th Year in Boise.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about restarting the tradition of making dugout canoes with Julian Matthews. Julian Matthews is the coordinator for the NiMEpoo Protecting the Environment.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about the exciting discovery of human footprints [they’re 23,000 years old] from White Sands National Park with archeologist Clare Connelly.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they talk about using chemistry to track the source and movement of obsidian in Idaho with Pam Pascali and John Dudgeon from Idaho State University. Pam Pascali and John Dudgeon are in the Anthropology department at Idaho State University and use the chemistry of archeological artifacts to understand Idaho’s past.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they discuss beaver dams and their importance in Idaho with Mike Settell. Mike is the executive director of the Watershed Guardians, a non-profit based in Pocatello. His group is monitoring beaver habitats in Idaho.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they discuss art and nature with Stacey Barker. He’s a Pocatello based artist and owner of Barking Goat Studios. He's known for his art on stickers, t-shirts, and buildings in east Idaho.
On this episode join Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett as they discuss prairies in Idaho with Lovina Englund. She’s the executive director of the Palouse Land Trust.
In this episode, Justin Hayes the executive director of the Idaho Conservation League talks about caring for Idaho’s public lands.
On this episode, Dr. Timothy Prayther from the University of Idaho helps stop these invaders (plants) cold. He’s a professor of invasive plant biology and senior associate director of the rangeland center at the University of Idaho
Raising cattle is big business in Idaho. This episode of The Nature of Idaho features a conversation with Dr. John Hall about new research from the University of Idaho.
Grab your camera, and join us for that perfect shot! This episode of The Nature of Idaho features a conversation with wildlife photographer Devin Hillam.
Jenny Emery Davidson from the Community Library in Ketchum joins us to talk about Ernest Hemingway and his connection to nature in Idaho.
Get out the fry sauce! Leif and Peter are talking taters on this episode of The Nature of Idaho. They welcome Dr. Rich Novy from the USDA Agriculture Research Service to talk about growing a better potato in Idaho.