Podcast on Natural Dallas (The P.O.N.D.)
54 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsWe provide a virtual space focused on learning about the flora and fauna, geology, climate, and other natural elements of Dallas and the broader North Texas area. In our podcast episodes, we feature the expertise of professionals and serious amateurs who are passionate about the natural world. The P.O.N.D. is brought to you by the staff of the Dallas Public Library.
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Episodes
A Final Word From a Founder
July 14, 2022 19:19 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBGreg 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.
Growing Trees in North Texas with Howard Garrett
February 13, 2022 00:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBWould 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.
Raptors!
September 26, 2021 00:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBWhat 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.
Birding
September 05, 2021 00:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBChris 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.
Frogs of the Metroplex
January 11, 2021 00:00 - 23 minutes - 12.6 MBThe 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.
Dallas's Urban Forest
June 26, 2020 00:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBCities 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.
City Nature Challenge 2020
March 21, 2020 00:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBWe 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 ...
Big Spring
March 05, 2020 00:00 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBBig 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.
Mosses and Lichens
December 25, 2019 00:00 - 16 minutes - 24.5 MBTexas Wildlife Association's Gwen Eishen explores the wonderful and minute world of mosses and lichens.
Habitat Restoration
December 03, 2019 00:00 - 49 minutes - 68.9 MBMaster Naturalist Amy Martin spent years turning a human-impacted country property into a wildlife haven. Listen in for how she did it.
Armadillos and Opossums
November 08, 2019 00:00 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBJoin Gwen Eishen with Texas Wildlife Association for insight into the often overlooked and hidden lives of armadillos and opossums.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
October 10, 2019 00:00 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBLearn 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.
What Lies Beneath: Soils
October 03, 2019 00:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBDiscover 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.
Frasier Dam Recreation Area
September 10, 2019 00:00 - 21 minutes - 30.5 MBIn 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.
2019 City Nature Challenge
April 07, 2019 00:00 - 15 minutes - 22 MBIt'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.
Herps and Herping in North Texas (and Beyond)
April 01, 2019 00:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBReptiles 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.
Dallas Area Fossils
March 19, 2019 00:00 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MBJoin 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.
This Land of Insects
February 27, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBTexas 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.
This Land of Insects
February 25, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBTexas 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.
A Field Guide to Flora and Fauna of Southern Dallas
December 26, 2018 00:00 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MBJoin 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.
Gardening in North Texas
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBListen 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.
Wetlands
November 12, 2018 00:00 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn 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.
Historic Trees of Texas
October 24, 2018 00:00 - 32 minutes - 45.6 MBIn 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.
Discovering Honeybee Threats
October 09, 2018 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBJoin 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.
Recovering America's Wildlife Act
September 10, 2018 00:00 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MBWe 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.
Top 5 Countdown, Number 1: Coyotes and Bobcats
July 19, 2018 18:39 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBWhile the Dallas Public Library P.O.N.D. team prepares for our July 28, 2018 Nature Expo, we are re-airing the episodes which have been most-downloaded since The P.O.N.D. series began. In this episode, our number one most downloaded 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. Want to see a live bobcat up-close? One of the nature groups exhibiting at the Expo is planning to br...
Top 5 Countdown, Number 2: The Power of Pollination
July 03, 2018 19:51 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBWhile the Dallas Public Library P.O.N.D. team prepares for our July 28, 2018 Nature Expo, we are re-airing the episodes which have been most-downloaded since The P.O.N.D. series began. In this episode, originally aired in August 2017, City of Dallas Urban Biologist Brett Johnson shares with listeners how the City of Dallas improves pollinator productivity inside city limits. (Picture courtesy of Dallas Parks & Rec)
Top 5 Countdown, Number 3: Bats!
July 01, 2018 17:32 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBWhile the Dallas Public Library P.O.N.D. team prepares for our July 28, 2018 Nature Expo, we are re-airing the episodes which have been most-downloaded since The P.O.N.D. series began. In this episode, originally aired in September 2017, 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.
Top 5 Countdown, Number 4: Turtles of the Dallas Area
June 28, 2018 18:27 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBWhile the Dallas Public Library P.O.N.D. team prepares for our July 28, 2018 Nature Expo, we are re-airing the episodes which have been most-downloaded since The P.O.N.D. series began. In this episode, first aired in June 2017, 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 Cente...
Native Cats of Texas
June 25, 2018 00:00 - 41 minutes - 57.9 MBIn 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!
Top 5 Countdown, Number 5: Blackland Prairies
June 21, 2018 19:54 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MBWhile the Dallas Public Library P.O.N.D. team prepares for our July 28, 2018 Nature Expo, we are re-airing the episodes which have been most-downloaded since The P.O.N.D. series began, preface by a brief update about the Expo. In part one of this two-part episode, first aired in June 2017, local prairie expert 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 o...
Wildscaping
May 05, 2018 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBWould 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."
DFW City Nature Challenge 2018
April 03, 2018 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MB17 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.
North Texas Master Naturalist
March 20, 2018 00:00 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MBThe 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.
The Trinity River
February 08, 2018 00:00 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBJoin 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.
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
January 25, 2018 21:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBWhere 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.
Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
January 23, 2018 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBWhere 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.
Out of this World: Astrobiology
January 16, 2018 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBIn 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.
Texas Horned Lizard
December 26, 2017 00:00 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MBThe 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.
Update on The P.O.N.D. Podcast
November 19, 2017 00:00 - 10 minutes - 15.1 MBWe 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.
Foraging for Food
October 10, 2017 00:00 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBTo 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.
Birds!
September 25, 2017 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.3 MBThis week we talk with conservation biologist Tania Homayoun who has been overseeing urban programs for Audubon Texas.
Bats!
September 12, 2017 00:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBCurious 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.
The Power of Pollination
August 30, 2017 00:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBJoin 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)
Wild Pigs in the City
August 16, 2017 00:00 - 13 minutes - 11.6 MBListen 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
Coyotes and Bobcats
July 29, 2017 00:00 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBIn 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.
Blackland Prairies - Part 2
June 13, 2017 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBIn 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.
Blackland Prairies - Part 1
June 13, 2017 00:00 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBIn 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.
Sam Kieschnick-Native Plants
June 09, 2017 00:00 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MBUrban 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!
Sam Kieschnick-Citizen Science
June 09, 2017 00:00 - 42 minutes - 59.3 MBAre 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.