Your Place on the River

Your Place on the River: Navigating Wildlife Encounters

Season 2, Episode 5

Navigating Wildlife Encounters: What You Need to Know with Kathryn Dudeck

In this episode of ‘Your Place on the River,’ host Melissa Carter speaks with Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife Director at Chattahoochee Nature Center, about the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and the common misconceptions people have when trying to help animals in need. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on wildlife awareness, the role of wildlife rehabilitation, and provide practical advice for safely assisting wildlife. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and professional care in wildlife interactions.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education

00:02:52 Understanding Wildlife Behavior and Human Interaction

00:06:08 Common Misconceptions About Baby Animals

00:09:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Wildlife Awareness

00:12:04 Turtle Behavior and Human Intervention

00:14:56 Advice for Helping Wildlife Safely

00:17:46 The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitation

00:21:01 Common Wildlife Calls and Seasonal Trends

00:23:54 Changes in Public Attitudes Towards Wildlife

00:27:11 The Importance of Professional Wildlife Care

00:30:02 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned in Wildlife Care

00:32:50 Conclusion and Resources for Wildlife Assistance

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Your Place on the River: Nature’s Playground

Season 2, Episode 4

Nature’s Playground: Rediscovering Childhood Outdoors with Sam Leaf

In this episode of ‘Your Place on the River,’ host Melissa Carter discusses the intrinsic connection between children and nature with Sam Leaf, the Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. They explore the importance of unstructured play in nature, the natural curiosity of children, and how to overcome fears associated with outdoor experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness and presence in nature, as well as the role of parents in fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors in their children.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction to Nature and Childhood Memories

00:05:18 The Importance of Unstructured Play in Nature

00:10:11 Overcoming Fear of Nature

00:15:27 Mindfulness and Connection to Nature

00:16:45 Encouraging Lifelong Curiosity and Learning

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Your Place on the River: Nature’s Bridge

Season 2, Episode 3

Nature’s Bridge: The Role of a Naturalist with Alina Ruiz and Bea Hatcher

Join host Melissa Carter on this episode of Your Place on the River as she chats with CNC Naturalists Alina Ruiz and Bea Hatcher, a Certified Interpretive Guide. Together, they explore how connecting children with nature can spark curiosity, build resilience, and transform lives. Discover the unique role naturalists play in fostering a deeper bond with the outdoors and how outdoor exploration programs help break down barriers to nature access.

This thoughtful discussion dives into the healing power of nature and why encouraging curiosity and connection with the natural world is vital for future generations. Whether you’re passionate about education, environmental stewardship, or simply love the outdoors, this episode is rich with insights and inspiration to nurture a better, greener world.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Connecting People with Nature

00:01:00 The Role of a Naturalist

00:05:14 Journey to Becoming a Naturalist

00:10:13 The Impact of Nature on Children

00:16:49 Experiencing Nature with Kids

00:20:28 Bringing Kids to the Nature Center

00:25:11 Understanding Our Connection to Nature

00:30:36 Overcoming Fears of Nature

00:35:16 Nature for All Ages

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Your Place on the River: The Power of Environmental Meditation

Season 2, Episode 2

Helen Tapp and Rick Hirsekorn: The Power of Environmental Mediation

In this episode of Your Place on the River, Larry and Scott chat with Helen Tapp and Rick Hirsekorn from Chattahoochee Nature Center. They discuss the importance of environmental mediation, community engagement, and the growth of the Nature Center. The conversation highlights personal journeys, the significance of listening to diverse stakeholders, and the center’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion. They also explore future aspirations for the center, emphasizing the need for improved visibility and financial stability post-COVID.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction to the Chattahoochee Nature Center

00:01:00 The Role of Environmental Mediation

00:05:48 Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds

00:12:00 Growth and Development of the Nature Center

00:18:10 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

00:23:52 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Your Place on the River: Exploring the Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement

Season 2, Episode 1

Exploring the Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement

Melissa and Meg Krueger explore the impact of the Paralympics on disability awareness and the importance of adaptive equipment and mindset in outdoor activities. They highlight how community efforts can create inclusive outdoor experiences and emphasize the significance of representation in these activities. The conversation also touches on the pyramid of outdoor engagement and the healing power of nature.

Wilderness Inquiry has been a key partner in promoting accessibility. For over five years, they have collaborated with CNC to bring canoes to our grounds and guide visitors on river outings. These 10-day fall stretches have allowed hundreds to thousands of people to experience the river, furthering our mission to make nature accessible to everyone.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00 The Impact of the Paralympics on Disability Awareness

02:59 Adaptive Equipment and Mindset in Outdoor Activities

05:47 Creating Community Through Outdoor Engagement

09:13 The Importance of Representation in Outdoor Activities

11:56 The Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement

14:59 The Healing Power of Nature

18:00 Inspiration from Diverse Outdoor Experiences

Your Place on the River: Natural Connections

Season 1, Episode 9

Natural Connections

Join Visitor Engagement Director Farah McIntyre for an inside look at the beloved Butterfly Encounter, explore the wonders of the Nature Exchange with Naturalist Lori Watterson, and get a hands-on snake tutorial from Wildlife Technician Jeremy Maneyapanda.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:01:08 Introducing Farah McIntyre

00:01:42 Butterfly Encounter and Enchanted Woodland Wonders

00:07:39 Nature Exchange with Lori Watterson

00:21:37 Snakes and Legless Lizards with Jeremy Maneyapanda

00:24:25 Venomous vs. Non-Venomous Snakes

00:48:36 Snake Behavior and Identification

00:49:39 Snake-Friendly Practices and Misconceptions

Your Place on the River: A Lifelong Journey

Season 1, Episode 8

A Lifelong Journey

Learn about the Native Americans who thrived on the Chattahoochee River. Then, discover the history of their relationship with the plants found on the river with Cherokee elder Tony Harris.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:01:06 Native American Groups along the Chattahoochee River

00:03:56 Settlements and Resource Utilization

00:06:27 Gender Roles and Language in Native American Communities

00:09:01 Trading and Plant Usage

00:10:32 Introducing Cherokee Elder Tony Harris

00:11:36 Cherokee Gardens and Plant Medicine

00:13:56 Cherokee Culture and Relationship with Nature

Your Place on the River: Homegrown

Season 1, Episode 7

Homegrown

Get to know CNC Conservation Horticulturist, Henning von Schmeling, and how he contributes to Chattahoochee Nature Center with his vast knowledge of the wonderful plants and foliage around campus. Discover the story behind a Barred Owl rehabilitation case.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:04 Henning von Schmeling’s Journey to Chattahoochee Nature Center

00:07:31 Conservation Efforts and Native Plant Sales

00:25:07 Challenges and Successes in Plant Conservation

00:28:35 Barred Owl Rehabilitation Case

00:44:29 Asymmetric Hearing in Barred Owls

00:48:50 The Role of Volunteers and Community Support

Your Place on the River: Party On!

Season 1, Episode 6

Party On!

CNC Special Events Coordinator, Fabiola Clermont, discusses her exciting journey from Haiti to Chattahoochee Nature Center. Education Programs Supervisor Mark Gialanella talks about birthday parties, Scouts programs, Owl Prowls, and a heartwarming story about refugees who hosted a party at Chattahoochee Nature Center.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:04 Fabiola Clermont’s Background and Career Journey

00:08:35 Challenges and Misconceptions of Hosting Events at the Nature Center

00:15:24 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

00:17:55 Community Programs and Scholarships

00:24:21 Healing Through Nature and Special Programs

00:25:23 Paws for Life and Service Dog Training

00:29:26 Proactive Healing and Pee Wee Naturalists

Your Place on the River: Opportunities

Season 1, Episode 5

Opportunities

On this episode of Your Place On The River, we’ll meet Volunteer Specialist Patricia Fulton about the importance of volunteers for Chattahoochee Nature Center. Also, a history lesson about the Chattahoochee River, wildlife care, and we’ll take a visit to the Unity Garden to talk with some of the volunteers.

How to Listen

Episodes are released every month, so be sure to catch Your Place on the River below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Interview with Patricia Fulton, CNC Volunteer Coordinator

00:08:06 Volunteer Roles and Projects

00:15:33 History and Role of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)

00:22:55 Challenges in Wildlife Rehabilitation

00:33:03 Protocol for Handling Injured Wildlife

00:45:11 Volunteer Experiences in the Unity Garden