Northwest Nature Matters
71 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 40 ratingsWhat does on-the-ground conservation look like and who makes it happen? Hosted by wildlife biologist Monty Gregg, this podcast connects you with wildlife and habitat experts through long-form discussion about natural history and conservation. Join Monty as he explores conservation challenges and solutions across the Pacific Northwest.
Monty is the Forest Wildlife Biologist for the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland in Oregon. He has emerged as a national leader in organizing and implementing complex habitat restoration efforts benefitting locally and regionally important fish and wildlife species.
This podcast is produced by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, with additional support from the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society.
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Episodes
Environmental Storytelling with Reel Earth Films
April 15, 2024 17:30 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBThis week, Monty and Jess speak with Alan Lacy, Founder and Chief Filmmaker of Reel Earth Films. His short film The Lone Wolverine of the Wallowas will be premiering at the Portland Eco Film Festival at the Hollywood Theater on May 3, 2024. Tickets are available online.
Our Partners in Conservation: Back Country Hunters & Anglers
April 01, 2024 17:30 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBMonty and Jess sit down with Ian Isaacson, Oregon Chapter President of Back Country Hunters & Anglers.
Our Partners in Conservation: Oregon Hunters Association
March 16, 2024 05:30 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBStarting off a new series, Monty and Jess speak with Conservation Director Mike Totey and Conservation Coordinator Tyler Dungannon of Oregon Hunter's Association.
A Day in the Life of a Tribal Biologist
March 01, 2024 18:30 - 1 hour - 103 MBMonty and Jess sit down with Austin Smith, Tribal Wildlife Biologist with the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs.
Field Skills for Biologists (Part 2/2)
February 15, 2024 18:30 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBMonty and Jess continue their conversation with Carmen Vanbianchi and Anna Machowicz, co-founders of Home Range Wildlife Research. As a nonprofit, Home Range conducts independent and collaborative wildlife research around the Methow Valley in Washington, offering learning opportunities for budding biologists to develop practical field skills that aren’t taught in classrooms.
Field Skills for Biologists (Part 1/2)
February 01, 2024 18:30 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBThis month, Monty and Jess sit down with Carmen Vanbianchi and Anna Machowicz, co-founders of Home Range Wildlife Research. As a nonprofit, Home Range conducts independent and collaborative wildlife research around the Methow Valley in Washington, offering learning opportunities for budding biologists to develop practical field skills that aren’t taught in classrooms.
Blue Mountain Elk Initiative (Part 3/3)
January 15, 2024 18:30 - 59 minutes - 82.2 MBIn the final installment of our three part series, Bill Richardson sits down with Monty and Jess to discuss the ways in which Blue Mountain Elk Initiative has adapted over time, and what examples BMEI can set for conservation partners in the Northwest and beyond.
Blue Mountain Elk Initiative (Part 2/3)
January 02, 2024 00:15 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MBIn part 2 of our series exploring the Blue Mountain Elk Initiative, Jon Paustian joins Monty and Jess to talk about the importance of connecting summer and winter range habitats, and the various obstacles that come along with that.
Blue Mountain Elk Initiative (Part 1/3)
December 15, 2023 18:30 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBKicking off the first episode of a new three part series, Mark Henjum returns to the NWNM podcast to talk about the Blue Mountain Elk Initiative.
Canada Lynx
December 01, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBThis month, Monty and Jess talk all things Canada lynx with Andrea Lyons, Wildlife Ecologist and Director of the Terrestrial Ecology Program for the Washington Conservation Science Institute.
Mule Deer in the Northwest
November 15, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 100 MBMonty and Jess welcome Corey Heath back to the podcast, this time to talk about mule deer. Learn all about the iconic Oregon species, from their habitat and biology to environmental threats and future management.
Wolverines in Washington
November 01, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 112 MBMonty and Jess welcome John Rohrer back to the podcast, this time to speak on his experiences researching wolverines in the North Cascades of Washington.
Upland Game Birds (part 2)
October 15, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 102 MBFinishing up the two part series on Upland Game Birds, Monty and Jess speak with Sarah Garrison, the Small Game Program Manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Upland Game Birds (part 1)
October 01, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 104 MBIn the first of a two part series, Monty and Jess speak with Mikal Cline, Upland Game Bird Program Manager for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
High Desert Museum
September 15, 2023 17:30 - 40 minutes - 56.4 MBThis week, Monty and Jess speak with Jon Nelson, Wildlife Coordinator of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. Ran by a large group of dedicated staff and volunteers, visitors can learn about regional wildlife, history, art, natural resources, and cultural heritage of North America’s high desert country. Listen as Jon discusses what makes the museum so special, as well as his personal experience caring for its resident animals, which can’t be released into the wild.
Deschutes Land Trust
September 01, 2023 17:30 - 56 minutes - 77.2 MBKicking off September, Monty and Jess speak with Natasha Bellis, Conservation Director of the Deschutes Land Trust. Natasha discusses the weight of responsibility that comes with stewarding land in perpetuity, and the importance of community engagement for long term conservation success.
Northwest Bat Hub
August 15, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBThis month, Monty and Jess learn all about bats! Bat Biologist Nadja Schmidt and Northwest Bat Hub Coordinator Beth Ward speak on the Hub’s monitoring initiatives, priorities, and partnerships.
Mountain Goats
August 01, 2023 17:30 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBMonty is joined by Deschutes Watershed Manager and mountain goat expert, Corey Heath, who talks about the history of the species within the region.
Non-motorized Trail Use: Managing Trail Systems (part 3)
July 15, 2023 17:30 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MBOn the third and final installment of the non-motorized trail series, Monty sits down with District Wildlife Biologist Brock McCormick to discuss the issue from a land management perspective. Learn how trails are planned, implemented, and managed in the Deschutes National Forest.
Non-motorized Trail Use: Follow the Beaten Path (part 2)
July 01, 2023 17:30 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBOn this special episode of NWNM, Monty speaks with the podcast’s editor, Kyle Miller, and his project partner, Kara Foran, about their upcoming documentary, Follow the Beaten Path. This is the second part of a three part series about non-motorized trails.
The Way of the Beaver: Beavers and Watersheds (part 2)
June 15, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 91 MBFinishing up the two part series The Way of the Beaver, Monty sits down with Jason Wilcox and Jason Gritzner to talk about the impact beavers have on watersheds and their long-term resiliency in the face of climate change.
Non-motorized Trail Use: Impacts on Wildlife (part 1)
June 01, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 54 MBThis week on the Northwest Nature Matters podcast, Monty sits down with Lori Hennings, a Senior Natural Resource Scientist for Portland Metro. They discuss the complex nature of wildlife disturbance caused by non-motorized trail usage, and the ways professionals are working to minimize the impacts of outdoor recreation.
The Way of the Beaver: Innovations in Beaver Research (part 1)
May 15, 2023 17:30 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MBThis week, Monty speaks with Vanessa Petro about her innovative methods surrounding beaver research.
Losing a Legacy: Mark Henjum
May 02, 2023 05:30 - 1 hour - 130 MBOn another installment of the Losing a Legacy series, Monty speaks with retired Forest Wildlife Biologist Mark Henjum as they reflect on his decades-long career and lasting impact on Oregon conservation.
Sierra Nevada Red Fox
April 15, 2023 17:30 - 1 hour - 92 MBODFW Wildlife Habitat Biologist Jamie Bowles and Monty discuss the developing research on montane foxes throughout the west.
Protecting Animal Migration (Part 2)
April 01, 2023 17:30 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MBFinishing up a two part series on wildlife migration, Monty speaks with Tim Greseth, Executive Director at Oregon Wildlife Foundation, and Suzanne Linford, founder of Protect Animal Migration. Listen as the three discuss the value in building dynamic partnerships to make effective, long-lasting change.
Protecting Animal Migration (Part 1)
March 15, 2023 17:10 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBIn the first episode of a two-part series, Monty speaks with Sara Gregory, Lori Turner, and Cidney Bowman, experts working to improve habitat connectivity throughout Oregon and make the roads safer for wildlife and motorists alike.
Losing a Legacy: Mary Rowland
March 01, 2023 18:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBWrapping up the Losing A Legacy series, Monty speaks with Mary Rowland about her experience working on various projects throughout the west, and being an early pioneer as a woman in a field largely dominated by men.
Losing a Legacy: Carl Scheeler
February 15, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBOn this installment of NWNM’s Losing a Legacy series, Monty speaks with Carl Scheeler, a Tribal Wildlife Biologist for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Carl shares his experience working with the tribes for over 33 years, how much there is to learn from Indigenous land management practices, and the joys of personally knowing the communities that his work will impact for generations to come.
Losing a Legacy: Mark Penninger (Part 2)
February 01, 2023 18:30 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBThis week, we wrap up the conversation with Mark Penninger in the final installment of this special two part episode. Finishing up the recap of his impressive career, Mark speaks on the accomplishments he is most proud of, and the importance of mentorships for biologists of all skill levels.
Losing a Legacy: Mark Penninger (Part 1)
January 15, 2023 18:00 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBThis week, Monty speaks with Mark Penninger, a retired Wildlife Biologist from the US Fish and Wildlife Service out of La Grande, Oregon. In the first installment of this two part episode, Mark speaks on the origins of his interest in wildlife biology, his childhood spent outdoors in North Carolina, and some of the innovation he was part of during his years in the field.
Losing a Legacy: John Rohrer
January 01, 2023 19:25 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MBWe're kicking off the first episode of our new Losing a Legacy series. Sit down with accomplished Wildlife Biologists at the end of their careers as they reflect on their time in the field. Today, meet John Rohrer, a former District Biologist recently retired from the Methow Valley Ranger District.
Northwest Nature Matters Returns: Setting the Stage
December 15, 2022 17:30 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBSit down with new hosts Monty Gregg and Sarah Armstrong, as well as previous host John Goodell, as they discuss the future of the podcast and wildlife conservation as a whole.
Northwest Nature Matters Returns: Meet Your New Hosts
December 01, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBNorthwest Nature Matters podcast is continuing production in 2022 with new topics, ideas, and hosts. Under the direction of Oregon Wildlife Foundation, this series will continue focusing on the individuals in the field, and how non-biologists can better understand the conservation work needed to sustain the natural world. In this episode, meet your new hosts Monty Gregg and Sarah Armstrong, and hear from Oregon Wildlife Foundation's Executive Director, Tim Greseth.
Evaluating Sea Otter Reintroduction in Oregon: The Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 10
April 26, 2021 04:04 - 41 minutes - 66.3 MBDominique Kone joins us to discuss his M.S. research and recent publication last February informing a prospective sea otter reintroduction in Oregon. He addresses habitat suitability in Oregon, population growth scenarios, and more. His research is a key piece of information suggesting that a sea otter reintroduction is feasible in Oregon, but decision-makers needs to carefully evaluate various human interactions. Dominique Kone's recent paper: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/wp-content/up...
#36 Ancient Evidence Protecting Living Heritage: The Kelp Ecosystem of the PNW Part 9
July 08, 2020 06:54 - 1 hour - 123 MBProfessor and Curator Dr. Madonna Moss is an anthropological archaeologist who studies the long term history of Native Americans and First Nations of the Northwest Coast of North America, with a special focus on Tlingit and Haida and their ancestors. Join us for a fascinating discussion about how zooarcheology can help defend indigenous cultural practices in the modern world. Dr. Moss's book Northwest Coast: Archaeology as Deep History Dr. Moss's recent publication about sea otters: ...
#35 Interconnected: First People from the Kelp Highway (The Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 8)
June 08, 2020 08:48 - 1 hour - 136 MBIn this episode three leaders from Oregon coast tribes provide heartfelt reflections, as they frame the loss of sea otters and the vision of its return with the history of their own people’s struggles, and how sea otters represent their own interconnectedness to the natural world. Don Ivy Chief of the Coquille Indian tribe; Robert Kentta the Siletz Tribal Cultural Resources Director; and Peter Hatch with the Siletz tribal Cultural Resources Program.
#34 Ancient Evidence: Sea Otters & First Peoples on the Oregon Coast (Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 7)
May 12, 2020 23:13 - 49 minutes - 79.5 MBDr. Roberta Hall is an anthropologist and Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. Roberta conducted numerous excavations of shell midden sites on the Oregon coast where she document use of various wildlife including sea otters, and other marine resources by ancient First Peoples. Roberta holds expertise in zoo-archaeology, medical anthropology, skeletal biology and more!
#33 Sea Otters Up-Close: The Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 6
May 04, 2020 06:59 - 47 minutes - 75.4 MBMarine Biologist and Researcher Dr. Shawn Larson from the Seattle Aquarium discusses sea otters up-close! Shawn explores sea otter diet, physiology, reproduction, and genetics - and how her research informs conservation. Video of Shawn presenting her genetics research at the 2018 Oregon Sea Otter Status of Knowledge Symposium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6vaSSrQNvU photo courtesy Vancouver Aquarium
#32 A Deep Dive on Sea Otters: The Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 5
April 27, 2020 08:43 - 1 hour - 121 MBA great conversation with leading sea otter researcher Dr. Tim Tinker. Tim discusses new science and reveals the varied issues effecting sea otter populations across their pacific range - from Alaska to California - including his perspectives on a possible Oregon reintroduction. Produced in Partnership with the Elakha Alliance
#31 From Science to Solutions: The Kelp Ecosystem in the PNW Part 4
April 20, 2020 09:25 - 1 hour - 118 MBTom Calvanese is a rockfish scientist, the Station Manager of the Port Orford Field Station, and a catalyst behind developing action to address kelp declines along Oregon's south coast. Join us for a multi-dimensional conversation about kelp conservation. Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance A great resource from the NOYO Center for Marine Science abut kelp conservation: https://noyocenter.org/help-the-kelp/
#30 Jim Estes: A Narrative of Discovery (The Kelp Ecosystem Part 3)
April 13, 2020 09:18 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBRenowned ecologist Jim Estes shares his story of discovery - from a young graduate student on the Aleutian Islands to scientific breakthroughs revealing the profound ecological effects of a keystone predator Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance Jim's memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Serendipity-Ecologists-Understand-Organisms-Environments/dp/0520285034/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&qid=1586768471&refinements=p_27%3AJames+Estes&s=books&sr=1-11 Trophic Cascades book coauthored by Jim: ...
#29 Understanding Urchins: The Kelp Ecosystem of the PNW - Part 2
April 06, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBMarine biologist Scott Groth is undertaking one of the longest monitoring projects on Oregon's nearshore. While red sea urchin numbers appear normal, purple sea urchin populations have exploded in recent years with alarming impacts to kelp forests. Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance Articles about Scott's work: https://newportnewstimes.com/article/sea-urchin-population-explodes https://oregonmarinereserves.com/2019/10/24/urchins/
#28 The Kelp Ecosystem of the PNW Part I
March 30, 2020 22:15 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBA fascinating window into new discoveries in kelp ecology and conservation with Sara Hamilton - a leading researcher studying trends in kelp forests. Sara is a PhD student at Oregon State University. Part one of a series produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance Links to learn more: A story map compiled by the Samish tribe and others about the importance of kelp and it's loss in that region:
#27 Sentinels of the Big Sky: Exploring the Ecology of Western Grouse Species
January 01, 2020 06:37 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBJoin me for a great conversation with Michael Schroeder, a research scientist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Michael is a leading expert on the ecology and conservation of native grouse species of North America. Beyond technical expertise, Mike has a contagious passion for wildlife and being a wildlife biologist! Mikes article "Grouse of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" in the Columbia Magazine: http://www.washingtonhistory.org/files/library/winter-2003-04_003.pdf
#26 Wildlife On The Move: Connectivity in a Human Altered Landscape
December 25, 2019 21:28 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWildlife connectivity is a hot topic - especially in the West. Join for a fascinating conversation with Leslie Bliss-Ketchum (Samara Group) and Rachel Wheat (ODFW). Leslie and Rachel are experts in wildlife connectivity, road ecology, and implementing new strategies to improve wildlife movement in a human altered landscape. Oregon Conservation Strategy Key Conservation Issue: Barriers to Animal Movement House Bill 2834 Secretarial Order 3362
#25 The Foundation: Exploring Plate Tectonics, Volcanism, and Mountain Building in the PNW
November 21, 2019 06:22 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBGeology is a fundamental discipline to major biological concepts such as evolution and biogeography. Join me in a fascinating conversation with Geologist Andrew J. Meigs as he explains the geologic principles behind plate tectonics, volcanism, and mountain-building in the Pacific Northwest. Andrew is a Professor of Geology at Oregon State University. Support this Podcast via Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries:...
#24 Teaching the Next Generation of Conservationists
November 07, 2019 04:20 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBGreat conversation with Selina Heppell, the Chair of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University. Selina discusses her research, describes her department's strategy for the future, and reflects on better ways to attract, train, inspire, and support the next generation of wildlife professionals. OSU Dept of Fisheries and Wildlife https://fw.oregonstate.edu/
#23 Pathfinders in Wildlife
October 16, 2019 07:45 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBAn inspiring discussion with three leaders in wildlife science and management. Harriet Allen, Evie Merrill, and Wini Kessler are recognized for their scientific accomplishments while leading wildlife programs in state and federal agencies and academia. In addition to their scientific credentials, they are pioneering trailblazers and mentors for women in the wildlife profession. Harriet Allen: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife/photos/were-celebrating-women-history-month-t...
#22 Changing Behavior: The Role of Zoos in Conservation
September 11, 2019 08:38 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBA fascinating discussion with Dr. David Shepherdson about the role of zoos in conservation. As the Deputy Director of Conservation at the Oregon Zoo, David discusses how zoos are becoming an essential foundation of conservation success; from the most significant voices in conservation education to leading experts in endangered species recovery programs. Link to books by Gerald Durrell https://www.amazon.com/Gerald-Durrell/e/B001H6MXJW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Alexis De Tocqueville...