Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast

Beavers are often called nature's greatest ecosystem engineers. Their dams can reshape waterways, reconnect streams to their floodplains, support biodiversity, and help landscapes retain water. But what does it actually take to bring beavers back to a landscape, and are we approaching their restoration the right way?In this episode of Safe Travels, we're in Central Oregon at the South Fork of the Crooked River, joined by Dr. Matt Orr, biology professor at Oregon State University–Cascades, and Reese Mercer, founder of Western Beavers Cooperative.Together, we explore the fascinating relationship between beavers and the landscapes they inhabit, the emerging science of ecological restoration, and the challenges of helping degraded waterways recover.We discuss the history of beaver removal throughout the American West, how the loss of beavers and changes in land use contributed to degraded stream systems, and why restoring these landscapes requires much more than simply building dams or relocating animals.Reese explains why preparing habitat and establishing adequate food sources are essential for successful beaver recovery, while Matt shares what years of research and experimentation with beaver dam analogs have taught him about stream restoration.We also explore how beaver activity can influence water retention, biodiversity, wildfire resilience, and the health of surrounding ecosystems.Perhaps most importantly, this conversation challenges us to reconsider how we approach conservation. Beavers aren't restoration tools waiting to be deployed. They are wild animals with their own needs, behaviors, and agency. Our responsibility is to understand those needs and create landscapes where they can thrive.In this episode, we discuss:Why beavers are considered ecosystem engineers and keystone speciesThe history of beaver trapping and the transformation of waterways throughout the American WestHow cattle grazing and stream incision have changed riparian ecosystemsWhat beaver dam analogs (BDAs) are and how they influence stream systemsWhy planting adequate food and forage is essential for successful beaver restorationHow beavers can help reconnect streams to their floodplains and retain waterThe relationship between beaver wetlands, biodiversity, and wildfire resilienceWhy relocating beavers isn't necessarily the solution to restoring populationsThe importance of long-term monitoring and adaptive management in ecological restorationWhether restoration should recreate historical ecosystems or prepare landscapes for future climate conditionsThe challenges of restoring ecosystems at watershed scaleHow individuals and local communities can get involved in restorationAbout the guests:Dr. Matt Orr is a biology professor at Oregon State University–Cascades whose research includes ecology, stream restoration, and the effects of beaver dam analogs on aquatic and riparian ecosystems.Reese Mercer is the founder of Western Beavers Cooperative, an organization working with landowners and local communities to prepare landscapes for beaver recovery and support watershed-scale restoration throughout Eastern Oregon.Learn more:Western Beavers Cooperative: https://westernbeavers.org/Oregon State University–Cascades: https://osucascades.edu/directory/matthew-orrThanks for listening to Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast. If you enjoy these conversations and want to support independent nature journalism, you can find us on Patreon: patreon.com/safetravelspod Safe travels!

After a few months away, Safe Travels is back and entering a new chapter!In this special bonus episode, Joey shares a major update: he's officially stepped away from his career in sports broadcasting to pursue Safe Travels full-time.What started as a journey to explore our national parks and learn from the park rangers, scientists, and conservationists who know them best is growing into something bigger. While national parks and ranger interviews will always remain at the heart of the podcast, Safe Travels is expanding to include conversations with leading researchers from around the world and original field documentaries exploring wildlife, geology, ecology, and conservation.Joey also announces the launch of the Safe Travels Patreon, where listeners can get behind-the-scenes access, submit questions for upcoming guests, help shape future documentaries, and support independent nature journalism.The mission remains the same: to help people develop a deeper understanding of the natural world, build meaningful connections with the places they visit, and inspire a greater commitment to protecting them.Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, and supported Safe Travels along the way. This is just the beginning!🌲 Support Safe Travels on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SafeTravelsPodNew episodes are coming soon. Thanks for being part of the journey!

What does it take to recover a species that was once on the brink of collapse?In this episode of Safe Travels, we travel to San Diego Bay with researchers from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most inspiring wildlife recovery stories, the remarkable comeback of the green sea turtle.Join research biologist Dr. Cali Turner Tomaszewicz, biologist Garrett Lemons, lab technician Anna Cahill, and citizen scientist Tracy Tempest as they capture, examine, tag, and release one of San Diego Bay's resident green sea turtles. Along the way, we explore how decades of science, international conservation, and community involvement have helped reverse one of the greatest wildlife declines of the last century.You'll discover how researchers monitor turtle populations, use genetics and satellite tracking to understand migration, estimate age through bone science, and investigate the mysterious "lost years" of juvenile sea turtles. The episode also examines the new conservation challenges facing recovering populations, including climate change, warming oceans, vessel strikes, marine debris, and shifting sex ratios caused by rising nesting temperatures.Most importantly, this episode demonstrates that long-term, science-based conservation works, and that every person has a role to play in protecting our oceans.In This EpisodeField research with NOAA Fisheries in San Diego BayCapturing and safely handling wild green sea turtlesTagging, blood sampling, genetics, and satellite trackingHow scientists estimate turtle age using skeletal growth ringsThe mystery of the sea turtle "Lost Years"Why most Southern California green turtles originate from MexicoHow citizen scientists contribute to sea turtle conservationThe impact of climate change on sea turtle populationsBoat strikes, marine debris, and other modern threatsWhy the recovery of the green sea turtle is one of conservation's greatest success storiesSimple actions everyone can take to help protect sea turtlesFeatured GuestsDr. Cali Turner TomaszewiczResearch BiologistNOAA Fisheries – Southwest Fisheries Science CenterGarrett LemmonsBiologistNOAA Fisheries – Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment ProgramAnna CahillLab Technician Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment ProgramTracy TempestCitizen Scientist & Sea Turtle Conservation VolunteerKey TopicsGreen Sea TurtlesMarine ConservationNOAA FisheriesSea Turtle ResearchWildlife BiologyOcean ConservationClimate ChangeCitizen ScienceMarine EcologyNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationWildlife DocumentaryEnvironmental ScienceIf You Enjoyed This Episode:Please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who loves wildlife, conservation, or the ocean. Every listen helps us continue telling the stories of the scientists, rangers, and conservationists working to protect our planet.

Recorded along the banks of the Green River inside Dinosaur National Monument, Joey sits down with Dusty Perkins to explore the science, beauty, and ecological complexity of the Green and Yampa Rivers.Dusty serves as Program Manager for the National Park Service’s Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network and is a lead scientist on the Big Rivers Monitoring Project. In this conversation, he explains how scientists monitor some of the American West’s most iconic river systems, what happens when rivers are dammed and regulated, and why long-term ecological monitoring is critical for the future of these landscapes.From endangered fish and invasive species to river morphology, sediment flow, snowpack decline, and the emotional experience of rafting through canyon country, this episode offers a rare look at the science shaping our public lands.In this episode, we explore:  What the Big Rivers Monitoring Project actually does  How the Green and Yampa Rivers differ ecologically  The impact of Flaming Gorge Dam on river systems  Why sediment and seasonal flooding are essential to river health  The role of invasive species like tamarisk  How endangered fish species depend on natural river cycles  Why long-term monitoring matters in national parks  The effects of declining snowpack and aridification across the West  What it’s like conducting science on multi-day rafting expeditions  The emotional connection scientists develop with these landscapes Key Takeaways The Yampa River remains one of the last relatively free-flowing desert rivers in the American West.  Dams dramatically alter water temperature, sediment transport, and seasonal flooding patterns.  Native fish and plant species evolved over thousands of years around natural spring runoff cycles.  River complexity — including back channels and floodplains — creates biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.  Long-term monitoring gives park managers the scientific data needed to make informed conservation decisions. Featured LocationsDinosaur National MonumentEcho ParkCanyonlands National ParkBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkGreen RiverYampa RiverLearn MoreExplore the work of the Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network through the National Park Service official websiteLearn more about Dinosaur National Monument through the National Park Service Dinosaur page

In this episode, I sit down with paleontologist Rebecca Hunt-Foster at Dinosaur National Monument to explore one of the most fascinating fossil landscapes in North America. We discuss the geology that shaped the monument, the incredible dinosaurs that once roamed the region, and what life looked like in this ancient ecosystem roughly 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period.Rebecca also shares insights into her career path in paleontology, her work with the National Park Service, and what it’s like studying fossils and ancient environments in the American West.The Geology of Dinosaur National Monument How the rock layers at Dinosaur National Monument were formed  Why the Morrison Formation is one of the most important dinosaur-bearing formations in the world  Ancient rivers, floodplains, and environmental conditions during the Jurassic  How geologists and paleontologists interpret ancient landscapes from rock and fossil evidence Dinosaurs of the Jurassic The major dinosaur species discovered in the region  Giant sauropods and massive predators that lived in the ecosystem  Fossil discoveries that made Dinosaur National Monument famous  What these animals can tell us about evolution and prehistoric ecosystems Reconstructing a 150-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem What the climate and vegetation looked like during the Late Jurassic  Ancient waterways and seasonal environments  Other animals that shared the ecosystem with dinosaurs  How scientists piece together food webs and habitats from fossil evidence If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow dinosaur and geology enthusiasts.______________Follow us on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspodYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspodSafetravelspod.com 

Bob Krumenaker, a seasoned conservationist (over 41 years with the NPS) and former superintendent of Big Bend National Park, discusses the ecological, cultural, and political stakes involved with the proposed border wall construction in the remote, environmentally rich area of Big Bend National Park. Learn about why Big Bend is a sanctuary worth protecting and how local communities and conservation advocates are turning the tide against intrusive border infrastructure.In this episode:Bob shares his extensive career in the National Park Service and his deep connection to desert ecosystems.The unique geological and biological highlights that make Big Bend nationally significant.How border security policies threaten biodiversity, night skies, water resources, and local communities.The current status of border wall proposals and the bipartisan opposition rallying to preserve Big Bend's wild character.The legal and political efforts underway, including wilderness designation, to secure long-term protection.Practical ways for the public to get involved and support conservation efforts in their areas.Lessons from Big Bend about community cooperation and environmental advocacy.Resources & Links:Keep Big Bend WildBig Bend National Park Official SiteWilderness Act of 1964Border Wall Map & UpdatesNote: This interview sheds light on critical environmental and political issues facing public lands today. Your voice and involvement matter—learn more and take action through the links provided.

In this episode of the Safe Travels Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Cavin, Fossil Preparator and Lab Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to explore one of the most overlooked roles in paleontology: fossil preparation.When most people think about paleontology, they picture scientists excavating fossils in the field. But behind every museum-quality fossil specimen is a highly skilled fossil preparator, the meticulous expert who stabilizes, cleans, preserves, and reconstructs fossils for scientific research and public display.In This Episode, We Cover:What a Fossil Preparator actually does in a paleontology labThe difference between field excavation and laboratory fossil preparationMechanical prep vs. chemical prep techniquesHow air scribes, micro sandblasters, and adhesives are used to reveal fossilsThe delicate process of removing matrix without damaging boneThe relationship between fossil preparators and paleontologistsWhy preparators are critical to peer-reviewed scientific researchThe physical health risks of fossil prep, including silica dust exposure and repetitive strain injuriesConservation ethics and preserving fossils for future generationsJennifer explains why fossil preparators are the unsung heroes of paleontology. Without their precision and technical expertise, many fossil discoveries, including ancient mammals like early horses, camels, and saber-toothed predators from the John Day Basin, would never be studied, published, or displayed.______________Follow us on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspodYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspodSafetravelspod.com 

In this episode of Safe Travels, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Famoso, Paleontology Program Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the richest fossil regions in North America.We explore the incredible geology of the John Day Basin, how millions of years of volcanic activity helped preserve ancient life, and the remarkable fossil record of prehistoric mammals that once roamed the Pacific Northwest — including some of the earliest horses, ancient rhinos, camels, and dog-like predators that filled a weasel-style ecological niche.Dr. Famoso also explains why fossil teeth are some of the most important clues paleontologists use to identify species, understand diets, and reconstruct ancient ecosystems.Whether you’re curious about paleontology careers, fossil hunting science, or the evolution of mammals, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists piece together Earth’s deep past.Topics CoveredGeologic history of the John Day BasinHow volcanoes helped preserve fossilsEvolution of early horses and mammalsAncient rhinos, camels, and carnivorous “dog-weasels”Why fossil teeth are critical to paleontologyWhat makes John Day Fossil Beds so scientifically importantCareers in paleontology and working in national parksAbout Safe TravelsSafe Travels is a storytelling podcast focused on national parks, public lands, conservation, science, and the people who protect these places. New episodes feature park rangers, scientists, historians, and explorers from across the country.If you enjoyed this episode:Like, subscribe, and share to help more people discover the stories behind our national parks.______________Follow us on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspodYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspodSafetravelspod.com 

Have you ever wondered how a museum is built inside a national park—or what happens to the fossils once they’re discovered?In this episode of Safe Travels, we go behind the scenes at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger and Museum Curator Matt Smith to explore the art, science, and storytelling behind creating a world-class paleontological and natural history museum.Matt walks us through how fossils are collected, preserved, cataloged, and interpreted, and we dive into some of the incredible museum and research collections housed at Petrified Forest National Park. From Triassic-era fossils to curated specimens rarely seen by the public, this conversation sheds light on how park collections help scientists study ancient ecosystems while educating millions of visitors.We also discuss how museum exhibits are designed to balance scientific accuracy, public education, and visual storytelling, and why national park museums play a critical role in conservation, paleontology research, and protecting public lands.Matt’s passion for paleontology, museums, and the landscapes of Petrified Forest is unmistakable throughout the episode, offering listeners a rare look at the people working behind the scenes to preserve deep time.______________Follow us on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspodYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspodSafetravelspod.com 

Prairie Dogs, Bats, and Pronghorn: The Living Landscape of Petrified Forest National ParkPrairie dogs make their debut on the Safe Travels Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Park Ranger and Biologist Dylan Schneider to explore the vital role prairie dogs play in shaping the ecosystem of Petrified Forest National Park.Prairie dogs are far more than charismatic grassland mammals — they are a keystone species, influencing soil health, plant diversity, and habitat availability for countless other animals. Dylan explains how their burrows and behavior help maintain balance across the park’s high desert landscape.Our conversation also dives into Petrified Forest National Park’s acoustic monitoring program, a cutting-edge research tool used to study and track bat populations throughout the region. By analyzing soundscapes and echolocation calls, park biologists can monitor biodiversity and ecosystem health in ways that are both non-invasive and highly effective.We also spotlight one of North America’s most fascinating mammals: the pronghorn. Known as the fastest land animal in the Western Hemisphere, pronghorns have evolved extraordinary adaptations that make them perfectly suited to the open landscapes of the Southwest.While Petrified Forest National Park is world-famous for its Triassic-era fossils and petrified wood, Dylan reveals a lesser-known story — a park that is very much alive, supporting an incredible diversity of modern wildlife. From grasslands to badlands, the park remains a dynamic and thriving ecosystem shaped by biology, sound, and time.______________Follow us on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspodYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspodSafetravelspod.com