Best Greater Yellowstone Coalition Podcasts (2025)

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The Nature of Idaho: Greater Yellowstone Coalition 30:00

Play Pause

4d ago30:00

30:00

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Shana Drimal, wildlife program manager for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, discussing the importance of Yellowstone’s bison and ongoing conservation strategies. Key topics include the history and recovery of bison populations from near extinction to about 5,000 animals today, challenges due to limit…

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The Nature of Idaho: Fish in Idaho 29:08

18d ago29:08

29:08

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Dr. Ernest Keeley, a fish biologist from Idaho State University, discussing the state's unique fish populations, the impact of native and invasive species, and conservation efforts. Key topics include Idaho's 44 native fish species, challenges from over 50 introduced species (many for sport fishing), l…

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Story Time in the Gallatin and Madison Mountain Ranges 36:04

20d ago36:04

36:04

Just northwest of Yellowstone National Park rise two remarkable mountain ranges home to a host of iconic wildlife, the headwaters of significant river systems, and world-class recreation opportunities. Encompassed in the 3.1-million-acre Custer Gallatin National Forest, these are the Madison and Gallatin mountain ranges. The Madison and Gallatin ra…

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Thermophiles: Life in Yellowstone's Geothermal Features (Part 2) 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

Welcome back to part 2 of our thermophiles in Yellowstone conversation! If you haven’t tuned in to part 1 first, I recommend pausing this episode and hopping into the previous one to learn the basics about the terrific thermophiles. I’m excited to continue our conversation with Dr. Eric Boyd and dive deeper into the world of thermophiles. Did you k…

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Thermophiles: Life in Yellowstone's Geothermal Features (Part 1) 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is known for a lot of big things. Charismatic megafauna like bears and bison, expansive forests as far as the eye can see, and mountain ranges that seem to touch the sky are all found in this unique region. However, did you know that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is also home to some of the most fascinating mic…

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The Nature of Idaho: Urban Trees 29:31

2M ago29:31

29:31

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett in conversation with Lance Davisson, Executive Director of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, and Hannah Sanger, Environmental Administrator for the city of Pocatello, discussing the crucial role of urban trees in Idaho’s arid cities. They explore why cities must…

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The Nature of Idaho: Wood River Wolf Project 29:43

3M ago29:43

29:43

In this episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Suzanne Asha Stone, Executive Director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network, to explore the Wood River Wolf Project in Blaine County, Idaho. The conversation highlights how innovative, non-lethal deterrents such as fladry, Fox lights, and liv…

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Trout Tales: The Comeback of the Yellowstone Cutthroat 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

Is there any fish species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem more iconic than the Yellowstone cutthroat trout? While the name conjures imagery of a ruthless nature, these fish are called cutthroats due to the distinct red markings found along their jawline and gills. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are a keystone species in the region, providing food…

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The Nature of Idaho: Three Island Crossing State Park 27:46

3M ago27:46

27:46

In this episode of "The Nature of Idaho," hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila (Idaho Museum of Natural History) and Peter Pruitt (Zoo Idaho) are joined by Kevin Fossen, park ranger at Three Island Crossing State Park in southern Idaho. The conversation explores the park’s natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, encouraging list…

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The Nature of Idaho: Dirt Russell 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

The episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leaf Tappinella and Peter Pruitt interviewing Angela Heileson and Ryan Hondo of the Idaho band Dirt Russell.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Re-Indigenizing Public Lands 40:23

4M ago40:23

40:23

Before public lands were even a concept, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem was, and continues to be, stewarded by Indigenous Peoples. In short, public lands are Native Lands. In today’s world, many current public land management policies exclude or marginalize Indigenous roles and input. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, a growing mo…

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The Nature of Idaho: Portneuf Valley Tennis Association 29:50

4M ago29:50

29:50

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in an in-depth conversation with Tor Lynn and Dennis Gibbens, who serve as the President and Vice President, respectively, of the Portneuf Valley Tennis Association. Together, they explore the development, challenges, and unique characteristics of the tennis community in Idaho, highlighting…

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The Nature of Idaho: Spud Mother 29:50

5M ago29:50

29:50

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in a conversation with Spud Mother, a band hailing from Pocatello, in anticipation of their live performance at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust 2 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Heath Mann, Abby Kiefner, and Emma Morton from the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust to discuss conserving land and protecting the unique landscapes of the American West.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Beaver-Mania! (Part 2) 34:31

5M ago34:31

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 nu…

1
The Nature of Idaho: Western Watersheds 31:06

6M ago31:06

31:06

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Erik Molvar and Greg LeDonne (dawn) from the Western Watersheds Project to discuss livestock grazing and its potential impacts on our western landscapes.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Beaver-Mania! (Part 1) 37:49

6M ago37:49

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 n…

1
The Nature of Idaho: Josh Ritter 28:02

6M ago28:02

28:02

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett welcome singer-songwriter and author Josh Ritter, an Idaho native. He joins the conversation to discuss his latest album, Heaven or Someplace as Nice.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Wild Hearts Idaho 29:44

7M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Serena Rasmussen, Executive Director of Wild Hearts Idaho, to discuss empowering young women through outdoor experiences.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Why Yellowstone Bison Matter 41:32

7M ago41:32

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…

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The Nature of Idaho: Fat Tire Pursuit 29:35

7M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Jay Petervary, the founder and race director of the Fat Pursuit, to discuss the race and its impact on Teton Valley.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Trails in Idaho 28:27

8M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Melanie Vining, Executive Director of the Idaho Trails Association, to discuss the creation and maintenance of trails in Idaho.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Walkable Cities 28:48

8M ago28:48

28:48

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Jim Anglesey, the Long-Range Planner for the City of Pocatello. Together, they discuss the concept and benefits of walkable cities.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Hydrothermal Explosions: When Yellowstone Goes Boom! 40:15

8M ago40:15

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. Reading about this …

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The Nature of Idaho: Vax Bats 29:30

9M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Dr. Rita Dixon, the State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. They explore the vital role bats play in Idaho's ecosystem and their broader significance.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Public Lands 29:18

9M ago29:18

29:18

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director for the Idaho Conservation League, to discuss the importance and value of public lands in Idaho.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Past, Present, and Future of Grizzly Bear Conservation 48:27

10M ago48:27

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, f…

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The Nature of Idaho: Schlepp Wetland 29:52

10M ago29:52

29:52

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Elise Brown, a restoration coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Coeur d’Alene, and Mike Schlepp, a landowner who sold the easement to the government. Together, they discuss the transformation of farmland into the Schlepp Wetland easement in Northern Idaho.…

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The Nature of Idaho: Victory Wetlands 30:54

10M ago30:54

30:54

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Scott Koberg, Director of Ada County Parks & Waterways, to discuss creating a wetland in the middle of urban development in Boise.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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The Nature of Idaho: Bikepacking 29:51

11M ago29:51

29:51

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Laura Heiner, the founder of Idaho Women’s Bikepacking, to discuss the world of bikepacking.By Dr. Leif Tapanila & Peter Pruett

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Echoes in the Dark: All About Bats in Greater Yellowstone (Part 2) 49:00

11M ago49:00

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 join…

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Echoes in the Dark: All About Bats in Greater Yellowstone (Part 1) 44:30

11M ago44:30

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. R…

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History of Yellowstone National Park (Part 2) 59:06

1y ago59:06

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 th…

1
History of Yellowstone National Park (Part 1) 46:15

1y ago46:15

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, w…

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How Native Pollinators Keep Greater Yellowstone Blooming 50:13

1+ y ago50:13

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 polli…

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Studying Yellowstone's Iconic Wolves 1:06:06

1+ y ago1:06:06

1:06:06

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,…

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Trail Crew Work in Yellowstone’s Backcountry 52:19

1+ y ago52:19

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. Fr…

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Surviving the Cold: How Winter Habitats Sustain Wildlife 37:31

1+ y ago37:31

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 …

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Innovative Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Prevention 1:01:29

1+ y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

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…

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Wild Wolverines! 39:53

1+ y ago39:53

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 capt…

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Conservation Storytelling through a Lens 1:23:17

2y ago1:23:17

1:23:17

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 Gra…

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Ravens: Yellowstone's Clever Corvids 55:48

2y ago55:48

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 talki…

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Global "Weirding" and Climate Conversations 38:38

2y ago38:38

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 an…

1
How to Stop a Gold Mine near Yellowstone 34:30

2+ y ago34:30

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 o…

1
May the Forest Be With You 34:40

2+ y ago34:40

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 …

1
The Vital Role of Whitebark Pine 31:09

2+ y ago31:09

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 Yellows…

1
Northern Arapaho Cultural Preservation 1:02:11

3y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

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 …

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Search and Rescue in Teton Country 51:15

3y ago51:15

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 …

1
Where the Buffalo Roam 52:16

3y ago52:16

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 desce…

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Yellowstone's Resilient Cougars 1:07:14

3+ y ago1:07:14

1:07:14

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 m…