Voices of Greater Yellowstone (Greater Yellowstone Coalition)
Explore every episode of Voices of Greater Yellowstone
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Mar 2022 | Tribal Rights and Yellowstone's 150th Anniversary | 00:57:25 | |
March 1, 2022 marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of Yellowstone National Park. This important milestone is reason to celebrate this special place, but also reflect on its history and envision a more inclusive future. Despite myths about Yellowstone being an untouched, uninhabited land before the Yellowstone Park Protection Act was signed in 1872, the lands that became the world’s first national park were inhabited by or important to many Indigenous peoples. Today, dozens of Tribes can still draw ancestral connections to the park. In this episode, we sit down with Wes Martel, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s Senior Wind River Conservation Associate. Wes leads GYC’s work to protect and restore Indigenous conservation priorities that honor cultural landscapes, Tribal rights, and ways of life. We’ll discuss his work, some of his favorite moments from the recent virtual gathering, and hear a few personal stories about what has shaped Wes’ storied career in championing both conservation and Tribal sovereignty. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 10 May 2022 | The Bold Art of Yellowstone | 00:53:05 | |
As Aristotle once said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” It is no secret that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem inspires countless artists using every medium imaginable to create masterpieces depicting what this landscape means to them. In Episode 08, we sit down with artist DG House in her studio in Bozeman, Montana. DG is a contemporary Indigenous painter and photographer who is best known for her boldly colored and beautifully rendered paintings of iconic Yellowstone wildlife. She is an artist-in-residence within both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | Yellowstone's Resilient Cougars | 01:07:14 | |
Panther, painter, mountain screamer. Catamount, ghost cat, puma. These are just a few of the regional and colloquial names for an elusive carnivore that stalks the wilds of Greater Yellowstone. It’s an animal many folks go their whole lives sharing habitat with without seeing even once in the wild. Here in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it is more commonly known as the mountain lion or cougar. In Episode 09, we are sitting down with Daniel Stahler of Yellowstone National Park. Dan is a wildlife biologist who has been working in the park for 25 years, and—among many other things—serves as project leader of the Yellowstone Cougar Project. We discuss everything from how to confidently identify mountain lions, to how they quietly reintroduced themselves to Yellowstone after being nearly hunted out of existence in the early 20th century, to how the Yellowstone Cougar Project keeps tabs on the park’s few dozen cats today. And of course, Dan shares some memorable stories from his time in the field working hands-on with these magnificent animals and their mega cute offspring. So, grab your housecat and curl up with us for episode nine of the Voices of Greater Yellowstone podcast: Yellowstone’s Resilient Cougars. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 08 Sep 2022 | Where the Buffalo Roam | 00:52:16 | |
Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam. This 19th-century poem line turned western song lyric evokes days past when wild bison covered wide open spaces across North America. But these days, the only place wild American plains bison can be witnessed in large, free-roaming herds is within Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone bison are the descendants of just two dozen animals who found refuge in Yellowstone's high interior during the mass extermination of bison that took place in the late 1800s at the hands of European settlers and the American military. Today, nearly 6,000 bison roam Yellowstone, but you may be surprised to learn that unlike other wild animals that are free to move in and out of the park, bison are largely confined to Yellowstone. In Episode 10, we’ll sit down with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s own senior wildlife conservation associate, Shana Drimal. Shana is a wildlife biologist by training who spends her days working to restore bison to the American west and make it easier for people and bison to coexist. We’ll discuss why she thinks bison are the coolest, hear a remarkable story about a mother bison devoted to her calf, and learn about some of the challenges we face in trying to restore bison to their ancestral habitat beyond Yellowstone National Park itself. So, get ready to learn a whole lot about North America’s largest land mammal, the bison. Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | Search and Rescue in Teton Country | 00:51:15 | |
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is replete with opportunities for adventure. There is no shortage of hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, mountaineers, hunters, and more out exploring the ecosystem at any given moment. With all that space, and so many people out in it, there is also no shortage of opportunities to get in a bit of trouble. So, what happens when you fall down a slope and break your leg miles from the trailhead? Or a friend of yours went out for a hike, but it’s hours after they were supposed to return and there’s no sign of them? Luckily, Greater Yellowstone is home to a number of amazing Search and Rescue Teams, such as Teton County Search and Rescue, whose highly trained members are equipped to respond to emergencies across an unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving landscape. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | Northern Arapaho Cultural Preservation | 01:02:11 | |
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic wildlife. And since time immemorial, it’s been stewarded by Indigenous People who view its lands, waters, and wildlife as sacred. The Indigenous way of caring for the land acknowledges its life-giving energy, is centered on reciprocity, and uses Traditional Ecological Knowledge to keep the ecosystem in balance. Recognizing and reinstituting Indigenous values, beliefs, and practices is a vital step in restoring the cultural and ecological integrity of this region. Over 49 Tribes have current and ancestral connections to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Hinono’eino’ People, also called Northern Arapaho, are based on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, just southeast of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. In this episode, we talk with the incredible Crystal C’Bearing, the deputy director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Crystal and her team are responsible for the preservation and protection of the Northern Arapaho culture and way of life. Safe to say she’s a pretty busy person! We discuss the many responsibilities and tasks her office takes on, including the innovative ways they’re preserving the Northern Arapaho language, repatriating ancestral remains from museum collections, spearheading the renaming of derogatory and offensive location names, and getting kids connected to their cultural heritage. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 10 Feb 2023 | The Vital Role of Whitebark Pine | 00:31:09 | |
If you’ve ever spent time in the high, wild reaches of Greater Yellowstone, up near the tree line, you may have come across a silvery, gnarled pine tree. If you’ve seen it, chances are you’ve encountered a whitebark pine. These remarkable trees can live upwards of 1,000 years, and are often the highest elevation pines you’ll find in Greater Yellowstone. And not only that, but they are important to the overall health of ecosystem in some surprising ways. On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Danielle Ulrich, a plant physiologist and assistant professor in Montana State University’s department of ecology. Dr. Ulrich runs a lab conducting research to better understand how high elevation pines respond to a variety of environmental stressors. Among her research subjects is the vitally important keystone species: the whitebark pine. These trees are a key food source for wildlife such as the Clark’s nutcracker and the iconic Yellowstone grizzly bear. But their impacts don’t stop at wildlife. As you’re about to learn, they also have a vital role to play in protecting the ecosystem and its inhabitants from drought and other impacts of climate change. But as important as they are, the future of the whitebark pine is uncertain. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | May the Forest Be With You | 00:34:40 | |
The beautiful, unbroken forests found in Greater Yellowstone are an integral part of the ecosystem’s overall health and vitality. They provide crucial habitat and forage for its many wildlife species, are buffers against the effects of climate change, and offer nearly endless opportunities for solitude and recreation to us human inhabitants of the region. Many of the forests here in Greater Yellowstone are part of the national forest system – federally managed lands overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. The national forests within Greater Yellowstone cover just under 15 million acres – that’s nearly seven times the acreage found in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks combined. Needless to say, while Yellowstone and Grand Teton may make up the beating heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the national forests are maybe the torso, head, and a few appendages. So, what is a national forest and how is it different from just a regular ol’ group of trees? And why are national forests in particular so crucial to the well-being of the ecosystem’s waters and wildlife? On today’s episode, we are sitting down with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s very own western Wyoming conservation associate, Teddy Collins. Our conversation focuses on the role national forests play in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, what GYC is doing to ensure their long-term protection, and how you can make a difference for the future of our forests. Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations. | |||
| 25 May 2023 | How to Stop a Gold Mine near Yellowstone | 00:34:30 | |
Directly on the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, Crevice Mountain rises some 3,000 feet above the Yellowstone River and is a prime example of what makes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. The area provides vital habitat for grizzly bears; is an important migration corridor for elk, mule deer, and big horn sheep; and is one of the few designated places outside the park where Yellowstone bison can roam. | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | Global "Weirding" and Climate Conversations | 00:38:38 | |
We know Greater Yellowstone is a remarkable ecosystem. It is also an increasingly vulnerable ecosystem. The impacts of climate change on this landscape can be felt far and wide and are showing up in some surprising ways. As the impacts of climate change put our communities, water, and wild lands at risk, GYC is working alongside diverse partners and stakeholders to better understand climate-related threats, prepare for a warmer, drier future, and protect our most climate-sensitive resources. On today’s episode, we’re sitting down with GYC’s Climate Conservation Coordinator Sierra Harris to learn about her work in climate resiliency. Most recently, she finished a series of interviews with folks on-the-ground across Greater Yellowstone to get a sense of the climate change impacts people are seeing in real time. With Sierra, we’ll also unpack some of the dynamics between weather and climate, hear what brought her to climate work in the first place, discuss some things average people can do to make their communities more resilient, and learn why you probably shouldn’t go fishing when it’s hot outside. But most of all, we’ll talk about how one of the most important things you can do about climate change is simply to talk about it. | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Ravens: Yellowstone's Clever Corvids | 00:55:48 | |
To fit with the spooky theme of today, Halloween, we are spending some time with one of Greater Yellowstone’s most enigmatic and charismatic creatures. If you’ve been to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, you’ve definitely seen these beautiful, surprisingly large, black birds that seem dead set on making mischief. That’s right, we are talking ravens. Ravens can be found throughout Greater Yellowstone and are members of the corvid family, which also includes crows, magpies, jays, and more. These birds are known for their intelligence, mimicry skills, and penchant for taking advantage of and robbing unsuspecting Yellowstone visitors. But beyond giving tourists plenty of stories, what role do ravens play in this remarkable ecosystem? Today, we’re chatting with Lauren Walker: wildlife biologist and former member of the Yellowstone Bird Program. While at Yellowstone, she participated in many avian research projects, including some focused on ravens! We cover a lot of fascinating ground today, including how to tell the difference between ravens and crows; what we know about the intelligence of ravens and their relationships with wolves; and some fun facts that even us raven nuts didn’t know. Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. > Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. > Check out Lauren holding a raven in Yellowstone > Mind of the Raven - Bernd Heinrich > In the Company of Crows and Ravens - John Marzluff > Yellowstone's Birds - Douglas Smith, Lauren Walker, Katharine Duffy > Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition > Become a Podcast Insider Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art Music > Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Artist: | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Conservation Storytelling through a Lens | 01:23:17 | |
They say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” although sometimes it feels like we’re left speechless when viewing the spectacular photos and film of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. People from across the globe who have never visited this remarkable region feel a connection simply from the story these images tell. From a bird’s eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring, to a sweet moment of a grizzly bear sow and her cubs, to the sheer vastness that is Greater Yellowstone, the moments captured via camera inspire us all. On today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Ronan Donovan—conservation storyteller and National Geographic photographer. From cutting his teeth on the 2016 Yellowstone edition of National Geographic Magazine to focusing on the relationship between people and wolves across the globe, Ronan uses his brilliant photography and cinematography to share the intimate scenes of wildlife and the importance of conservation. We chat about his favorite moments in the field, the elusive Greater Yellowstone species he has yet to capture on film, and the power of “awe.” | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Wild Wolverines! | 00:39:53 | |
A question we commonly ask fans of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is: If you could see one animal out in the wild, what would it be? It may surprise you that the most popular answer by far is the wolverine. So, why are wolverines at the top of so many peoples’ wildlife bucket list? These elusive critters are rarely seen and even more rarely captured on camera. Their near-mythological status, incredible journeys over isolated jagged peaks, and wild fierceness in a furry compact body makes the wolverine definitely one of the coolest species in the ecosystem… if not the world. Wolverines also made headlines in late 2023 when they were listed for protections under the Endangered Species Act, an important step in securing their long-term future in the Lower 48. We’re so excited to have our own wolverine expert on staff to join us and share her knowledge and experience working with these wonderous creatures. Blakeley Adkins, who you may remember from episode 6, is The Volgenau Foundation Wildlife Conservation Associate here at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. She’s spent many days in frigid temperatures conducting research work on wolverines in both the United States and Canada. Blakeley is also one of the few people who can tell you what a wolverine both sounds like and smells like. And, pro tip, if you ever find yourself trying to track down one of these secretive animals, don’t bring a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. Listen in, and you’ll learn why. | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | Innovative Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Prevention | 01:01:29 | |
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a vast landscape shared by people and wildlife. Habitat for species like grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and more isn’t just found within public lands, but exists alongside, and even overlaps with, the wide-open working lands of this region. With wildlife and people living in such close proximity, the possibility of conflict is often not far behind. Wildlife-livestock conflict is a complex challenge that requires thoughtful, multi-faceted, and creative solutions. Luckily, there are some ranchers and landowners in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem testing some ground-breaking methods to keep their livelihoods intact and their neighbors wild. On this episode, we’re chatting with Hilary Zaranek. Hilary is a rancher and biologist leading some of the most cutting-edge wildlife-livestock conflict prevention work in the ecosystem. From range riding to low-stress livestock handing and innovative partnerships, she and her family are testing out a range of methods that are good for both business and the land. We’ll hear about Hilary’s start in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem working on ranches and as a technician for the Yellowstone Wolf Project, how range riding works, and what techniques she and her husband employ to prevent conflicts with grizzly bears and wolves. Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations. | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Surviving the Cold: How Winter Habitats Sustain Wildlife | 00:37:31 | |
Winter is a brutal time of year in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The sun rises late and sets early, temperatures stay well below freezing for weeks on end, and the snow can pile up foot on top of foot. For the ecosystem’s many ungulates, including pronghorn, elk, deer, and moose, winter is the hardest season to survive. For the best chance of enduring the cold and snow, ungulates migrate with the seasons, seeking milder winter habitat that provides a respite from winter’s intensity and a better chance of finding food. A herd or an individual’s chance of surviving winter is dependent on accessing winter wildlife habitat. However, many of the ancient migration corridors that lead to winter range are now bisected by roads, fences, and other infrastructure, making it more difficult for ungulates and other animals to reach these landscapes and the resources they provide. Fortunately, there’s a lot of work being done to keep migration paths open and preserve winter habitat for wildlife. In this episode, we sit down with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s Senior Idaho Conservation Associate Allison Michalski. Idaho is rich with prime winter wildlife habitat, which tends to be lower elevation and hold better opportunities to find forage. Allison leads many of GYC’s efforts in Idaho, including securing protections for winter range, advocating for travel management policies that include seasonal closures for winter habitat, and promoting habitat connectivity along Idaho’s Highway 20 and Highway 33. Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations. | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | Trail Crew Work in Yellowstone’s Backcountry | 00:52:19 | |
Thanks to that little glowing box in our hand, we are constantly inundated with heavy news, social media updates, or the fact that you forgot to do Wordle again. Have you ever just wanted to chuck it into the trash and head out to your nearest trail or place of solitude? Maybe find some respite among the trees, enjoying the simplicity of nature. From my conversation today, I believe that’s what compels many people who join the backcountry trail crew in Yellowstone National Park. Being part of a backcountry trail crew is a labor-intensive job to enhance, or sometimes decrease, access to some wild places in the Park. I had the chance to sit down with GYC’s Montana Conservation Associate Erin Steva to chat about her stint as a crew member for a couple of years. We’ll hear about the average day for a crew member, some of her most memorable moments in the field, and how this work has translated to the Montana conservation efforts she leads today. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 30 May 2024 | Studying Yellowstone's Iconic Wolves | 01:06:06 | |
Wolves in Greater Yellowstone represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Once absent from the ecosystem, a reintroduction nearly 30 years ago brought back this keystone species to the landscape. Today, Yellowstone wolves are renowned across the world and represent a significant economic driver through wildlife-watching and tourism, generating an estimate $82 million annually. Their presence in Yellowstone National Park has also allowed researchers to conduct a multi-year study on their biology and effect on the landscape and wildlife around them. On the podcast, we’ll get to chat with one of those researchers, Kira Cassidy. Kira is a research associate for the Yellowstone Wolf Project—the group that works within Yellowstone National Park to study these iconic wolves. Her research projects include wolf territoriality, sociality, and behavior. She also develops science communication strategies about wildlife research using art, writing, and public speaking. | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | How Native Pollinators Keep Greater Yellowstone Blooming | 00:50:13 | |
It’s no secret that Greater Yellowstone contains some of the most beautiful wildflower landscapes in the world. In late spring and early summer, fields explode with yellow, purple, pink, and many more vibrant hues found in our native blooming plants. We can thank our native pollinators for providing such a show. However, Greater Yellowstone’s pollinators are responsible for more than just a wildflower symphony of colors. They are key players in the health of the ecosystem, ensuring native plants flourish and provide nourishment for wildlife, from our smallest birds to our largest grizzly bears. Without native pollinators, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem would be a very different place. On this episode we chat with Clay Bolt, who is both a Manager of Pollinator Conservation and a Manager of Communications for the World Wildlife Fund. Clay, based out of Livingston, Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park, works to protect Greater Yellowstone pollinators through habitat restoration, pesticide reduction, and pro-pollinator policy. He’s also a photographer and has featured his work in National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and National Wildlife Magazine. We’ll learn about some surprising native pollinators in Greater Yellowstone, what studying and tracking these tiny residents looks like, and what people can do to support native pollinators in Greater Yellowstone and wherever they may live. Clay also divulges where bumblebees originated from, and you’re definitely going to be surprised by the answer! | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | History of Yellowstone National Park (Part 1) | 00:46:15 | |
Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the United States' first national park. What does it mean to be the first? What was a national park in the 19th Century, and does it hold the same definition today? We’ll answer those questions and more as we dive into how Yellowstone became the park we know and love today. On this episode, we sit down with Alicia Murphy who is the park historian for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. Basically, it’s her job to preserve and explore the history of Yellowstone, communicate the park’s rich history to the public, and try not to spend too much time going down research rabbit holes. This is our very first two-part episode series on the podcast. This episode, Part 1, will explore the early history of the area that became Yellowstone National Park up to its creation in 1872. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. Photo > William H. Jackson | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | History of Yellowstone National Park (Part 2) | 00:59:06 | |
Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the United States' first national park. What does it mean to be the first? What was a national park in the 19th century, and does it hold the same definition today? We’ll answer those questions and more as we dive into how Yellowstone became the park we know and love today. This episode is the second part of our History of Yellowstone National Park series, so we recommend listening to Part 1 first. If you’ve already tuned in to Part 1, thanks for joining us again! In Part 1, we learned about Yellowstone’s early history and establishment as a national park. This episode will dive more into what early tourism looked like, the romanticization of Teddy Roosevelt and Yellowstone National Park, and how Yellowstone National Park influenced conservation in the West and beyond. We’re joined again by Alicia Murphy, Yellowstone National Park historian. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. Photo > William H. Jackson | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | Echoes in the Dark: All About Bats in Greater Yellowstone (Part 1) | 00:44:30 | |
Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes. We’re joined by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival. When it comes to Greater Yellowstone bat ecology, she’s definitely an expert. This episode, Part 1, will explore what bat species are found in Greater Yellowstone, how their flying abilities stack up next to birds, their use of echolocation and how their prey adapts to combat it, and how bats are literally mini super moms. Also, prepare to be surprised by how fast some bats can fly! | |||
| 01 Nov 2024 | Echoes in the Dark: All About Bats in Greater Yellowstone (Part 2) | 00:49:00 | |
Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes. In Part 2, we’re joined again by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival. We’ll talk about the threats like white-nose syndrome and wind farms that spell out trouble for our beloved bats, some myths Dr. Bernard dispels for us, where to view bats in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and what people can do to support bat populations. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. Thumbnail Photo > Dr. Riley Bernard | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | The Past, Present, and Future of Grizzly Bear Conservation | 00:48:27 | |
What would Greater Yellowstone be like without the grizzly bear? Once upon a time, we were close to answering that question. Today, these grizzly bears represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Going forward, we want to make sure that grizzlies can continue to thrive on the landscape long into the future. In Greater Yellowstone, figuring out the next steps in grizzly bear conservation and management is a complex issue. There isn’t consensus on how best to manage grizzlies, and in this conversation you’ll have a better understanding of why it’s so complicated. On this podcast episode, we’ll dive in the history of grizzly bear conservation in Greater Yellowstone and chat about what’s happening in the grizzly bear space today. Joining us on the podcast is GYC's wildlife program manager Brooke Shifrin, who you may recognize from episode 2 on grizzly bears. Brooke focuses her work on grizzly bear policy and conservation strategies to ensure grizzlies are successful in the ecosystem while also keeping people safe and livelihoods intact. | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | Hydrothermal Explosions: When Yellowstone Goes Boom! | 00:40:15 | |
What happens beneath Yellowstone is vast and varied. One of the most interesting geological phenomena found here is hydrothermal explosions. While they may not have a timetable like some of the iconic geysers, or the breathtaking colors of some pools, 2024’s sky-high event at Biscuit Basin put hydrothermal explosions on the map. Joining us is Dr. Mike Poland, a research geophysicist and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory with the United States Geological Survey. His area of expertise is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity, but he also knows a heck of a lot about hydrothermal explosions and other exciting geological activities in Yellowstone. Let’s dive in and learn more about why Yellowstone is a blast! | |||
| 12 Mar 2025 | Why Yellowstone Bison Matter | 00:41:32 | |
What makes Yellowstone bison special? Sure, they’re the largest herd of bison found in the United States, but why are they the best bet for restoring bison across the country? Is it the fluffiest fur, the pointiest horns, or something else? In this episode, we’ll dive into why Yellowstone bison matter. Joining us again on the podcast is the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s wildlife program manager Shana Drimal. Shana provides strategic leadership to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s policies and programs to conserve, manage, and protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s iconic wildlife. Her main focus is on the ecological and cultural restoration of bison. She has an extensive background in wildlife ecology and research and knows just about everything there is to know about Yellowstone bison! We’ll chat about why the Greater Yellowstone Coalition focuses on restoring Yellowstone bison, how bison are ecosystem engineers, and one of the biggest barriers we face in bison conservation. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. > Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers! > Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition > Stay Informed on GYC's Defense of Yellowstone's Bison Plan > Follow GYC on Facebook and Instagram Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art | |||
| 07 Apr 2025 | Beaver-Mania! (Part 1) | 00:37:49 | |
In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, beavers are experiencing a bit of a renaissance. These large aquatic rodents are critical ecosystem engineers and play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change and strengthening wildlife habitats. However, decades of rampant trapping and views of beavers as a nuisance have decreased their numbers across the country. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem needs healthy beaver populations doing their job to help keep this place remarkable. Luckily, beavers are making a comeback. Their star power is soaring as climate resiliency heroes and efforts to bring back beavers are becoming a top priority. Joining us on the podcast today is renowned conservation journalist and beaver believer Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Eager has won a slew of literary awards, including the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, Washington Post’s “50 Notable Works of Nonfiction,” Science News’ “Favorite Science Books of 2018,” and many more. It’s a fantastic book that should jump to the top of your reading list if you haven’t already checked it out. We had a lot of ground to cover, so we’ve split the conversation into two episodes. This episode, Part 1, will cover the history of beavers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the fascinating relationship between beavers and wolves, how beavers combat the effects of climate change, and some surprising pushback when it comes to beaver restoration. Ben also informs us that vodka laced with beaver secretion is definitely a thing, so now we both unfortunately know that it exists. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art | |||
| 22 Apr 2025 | Beaver-Mania! (Part 2) | 00:34:31 | |
In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, beavers are experiencing a bit of a renaissance. These large aquatic rodents are critical ecosystem engineers and play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change and strengthening wildlife habitat. However, decades of rampant trapping and views of beavers as a nuisance have decreased their numbers across the country. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem needs healthy beaver populations doing their job to help keep this place remarkable. Luckily, beavers are making a comeback. Their star power is soaring as climate resiliency heroes and efforts to bring back beavers are becoming a top priority. In this episode, Part 2, we’ll cover some beaver reintroduction success stories, dive into a variety of listener questions from our podcast insiders, dispel some beaver myths, and gain some writing advice for aspiring environmental journalists. Ben also shares how his face ended up in the British tabloids after an apparently scandalous comment about the Chronicles of Narnia. Without further ado, let’s jump back into Beaver-Mania. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. > Once They Were Hats by Frances Backhouse > The Beaver Manifesto by Glynnis Hood > In Beaver World by Enos A. Mills Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art | |||
| 13 Jul 2021 | Welcome to Voices of Greater Yellowstone | 00:02:30 | |
Welcome to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition's new podcast, Voices of Greater Yellowstone! | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | Defending Montana's Wild Rivers | 00:45:15 | |
Montana's rivers are a lifeblood for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its wildlife and people. They provide habitat for aquatic species, drinking and agricultural water, and countless jobs for Montana's $7.1 billion outdoor recreation industry and beyond. So, how do we ensure these crucial rivers are protected for generations to come? | |||
| 26 Aug 2021 | Welcome to Grizzly Bear Country | 00:51:33 | |
Grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are an iconic species. After almost disappearing from the landscape, they’ve made a miraculous recovery over the past several decades and are once again a steady presence. However, there’s lots of work to be done to ensure bears and people thrive on the land together for generations to come. So, what’s the future for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem? The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 30+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 23 Sep 2021 | Climate Change and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem | 00:43:57 | |
Reduction in snowfall and snowpack. Warmer water temperatures. Increased droughts. More forest fires.
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| 16 Nov 2021 | Wildlife Migration and Movement | 00:55:11 | |
Wildlife migration and movement is the heartbeat of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It ebbs and flows as one of the most astonishing and ancient movement corridors on Earth. What barriers do these species face while traveling across their habitat? We’ll learn all that and more in Episode 04. During this chat with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s Wildlife Program Coordinator Chris Colligan, we’ll learn about why wildlife moves, what wildlife crossings are and how they benefit both wildlife and humans, what projects are underway to enhance or maintain habitat connectivity, and the importance of preserving these corridors. We’re also excited to feature our first episode with questions submitted by listeners like you! The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 21 Dec 2021 | Yellowstone Rocks! Geology and Volcanology | 01:01:58 | |
Towering geysers. Colorful hot springs. Gurgling mudpots. Steamy fumaroles. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the greatest destinations on earth for observing hydrothermal features. So, what makes it such a geological hotspot? The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||
| 31 Jan 2022 | Elk in Paradise | 00:35:39 | |
Elk in Paradise: it doesn’t get more idyllic than that. In Montana’s appropriately named Paradise Valley, an enormous amount of elk congregate to forage, rest, and find safety in numbers. Many travel straight over from Yellowstone National Park, which sits at the southern end of Paradise Valley. However, elk encounter numerous barriers within Paradise Valley. The road to Yellowstone National Park stretches through the valley and is a site for elk-vehicle collisions. Fences crisscross the landscape and make it difficult to elk to move uninhibited. Ranchers are wary of elk for their possible transmission of brucellosis, a disease harmful to cattle, to their own herds. So, what can we do to better coexist with elk in Paradise Valley? The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more. | |||