Daily Dose of Nature | Wildlife & Travel Webinars

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Live Virtual Event: How Travel Can Protect the Planet

Originally presented October 21, 2020
Did you know the very act of travel – if you do it right – can contribute to the protection of wild places and endangered species for generations to come? Join us for a special event exploring conservation travel, which imbues value to natural habitats, bringing economic benefits to local communities and inspiring them to protect and sustain natural resources and the wildlife that relies upon them. Our panel features three conservation travel leaders: Jim Sano, WWF’s Vice President for Travel, Tourism & Conservation, Ben Bressler, Founder & President of Natural Habitat Adventures, and Court Whelan, Nat Hab’s Director of Sustainability & Conservation Travel. They’ll be joined by several naturalist Expedition Leaders who will share inspiring examples of how travel has helped to protect polar bears in Canada, wolves and grizzlies in Yellowstone, and wildlife in Africa.

Travel in the Age of COVID-19: How Our Trips Are Going

Originally presented October 21, 2020
Despite the impediments of the coronavirus, Nat Hab has been taking travelers into nature and preparing to launch more trips soon, while implementing a host of carefully designed protocols to ensure our guests’ safety. Join our live panel presentation to gain first-hand insight about what it’s like to travel with Nat Hab in the age of COVID. As you hear from our Head of Field Staff Renata Haas, Field Operations Manager Corbin Hawkins, and Expedition Leader Drew McCarthy, you’ll learn how we developed our COVID protocols and how they are executed on actual trips, what some of our challenges have been and how we’ve overcome them, and how we have seen travel change since July, when we returned to the field with our first Yellowstone trip—and what we expect it to be like in the next few months.

Realm of the Snow Leopard: India’s Cold Deserts

Originally presented October 19, 2020
Deserts are always deceptively full of life, and India’s high-altitude trans-Himalayan landscape are no exception. At an average elevation of 12,000 feet above sea level, this is an austere and rocky landscape at first glance. But there is much here not readily apparent to the eye. A multi-layered network of habitat, species and weather patterns, each element plays a role in creating the ideal conditions for the existence of big cats in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. Join Expedition Leader Surya Ramachandran for a deeper look into the wild expanse of India’s high mountain deserts.

Fireside Chat: Sapiens—The Ultimate Interaction Between a Species and Its Environment

Originally presented October 14, 2020
Throughout the history of the earth, flora and fauna have adapted over millennia to their ever-changing environments—and by doing so, they have interacted with one another as well, evolving when and where necessary in order to survive and thrive. Enter Homo sapiens, one of the first species that began to adapt their environments to benefit themselves. In today’s Fireside Chat, the first of a three-part series, Richard and Matt introduce to us the origin of humans, and how we have changed the planet and shaped it into the world as we know it.

Managing Wildlife in the American West

Originally presented October 12, 2020
There are few greater thrills for nature travelers than encountering the charismatic megafauna of the American West on our public lands. From majestic grizzlies to noble wolves and great herds of bison, these classic wildlife species evoke wonder and appreciation. But even though these animals are native to the terrain they inhabit, it’s imperative to manage them amid human development and activity in order to conserve their numbers and ensure healthy, sustainable populations. Join Expedition Leader and wildlife biologist Aaron Bott for a fascinating look at what modern wildlife professionals are doing to research and protect biodiversity amid environmental and political challenges – and learn how you can play a role in wildlife management close to home.

Forests as Preventive Medicine: Our First Line of Defense Against Disease

Originally presented October 7, 2020
Did you know healthy forests play an essential role in keeping people healthy? Forests are our first line of defense against risks to people related to infectious diseases like malaria and Lyme disease as well as noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease. They can also improve air and water quality and abate risks of death or disease from physical hazards, including flooding, extreme heat and wildfires. In this webinar, Annika Terrana—WWF manager for forests—discusses some of the pressures our forests are facing, and what we can all do to restore and maintain some of the best preventive medicine nature has to offer.

Fireside Chat: Everything You Know About Hyenas May Be Wrong!

Originally presented September 30, 2020
In this week’s Fireside Chat with safari guides Richard and Matt, we meet one of Africa’s most resourceful predators – and discover that a lot of our received understandings of hyenas aren’t accurate. Hyenas are often thought of as fierce and filthy, obscene, bloodthirsty and ugly. And while these assessments might be true in some regards – at least in the eye of the beholder – the oft-maligned hyena is so much more. Richard and Matt present a deep dive into their intriguing lives and behaviors of hyenas, sharing their experiences and interactions they have witnessed between hyenas and other animals that share their environment.

Fireside Chat: Prolific Pachyderms

Originally presented September 22, 2020
“Fireside Chats” are a webinar series focused on dynamic animal interactions in the wild This week, we join Matt Meyer and Richard de Gouveia to learn about pachyderms! The term pachyderm refers to large, thick-skinned mammals, and it provides a means by which safari guides typically group elephant, rhino and hippo together. On World Rhino Day, Richard and Matt chat about some of the mighty interactions they have witnessed between these gargantuan beasts and how their environments are often shaped by their behavior.

Nature’s Ingenious Solutions to Humanity’s Challenges

Originally presented September 21, 2020
Discover what nature teaches us about solving problems on our planet! Longtime safari guide and ecotourism executive Craig Glaathaar unpacks how biological controls and biomimicry help shape and sustain our place in the natural environment. From using dogs to protect livestock from predators to parasitic wasps that control aphid populations and nematodes that combat wine weevils – and many more fascinating examples – nature’s R&D department has been figuring out how to create balance for billions of years.

The Monarch Migration: Coming to a Town Near You!

Originally presented September 15, 2020
Now that it’s September, the annual monarch butterfly migration is underway in much of North America—and you may be on their flight path! Each year, these intrepid insects fly more than 3,000 miles from the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada to reach their winter roosting grounds in the high-elevation fir forests of Mexico’s Central Highlands. Court Whelan, who holds a PhD in entomology and is a monarch expert and the author of a photo book on monarchs, reveals how the butterflies pull off this incredible phenomenon.

Colorado’s Captivating Mammals

Originally presented September 11, 2020
James Beissel is a rock climber, geology expert and Rocky Mountain naturalist guide who makes his home in Colorado. But recently, Jim has gone from “cragging” to “crittering,” currently animated most by Colorado’s animals. Jim is an accomplished wildlife photographer, and he’s on a unique quest: to photograph all the mammals of Colorado and tell their stories as part of his project. Jim is a font of fascinating knowledge about this diverse array of wildlife, and he’ll share some of the interesting discoveries he’s made while pursuing this goal.

Coexisting with Cougars

Originally presented September 4, 2020
The cougar—also known regionally as a mountain lion, panther and catamount—is the only large cat species in the world whose population and range are growing after it nearly vanished under the pressure of predator control programs in the western United States. Modern technologies such as motion-sensor cameras and GPS collars have allowed scientists to track cougars’ movements, revealing that they spend far more time close to humans than previously believed while rarely being spotted. Expedition Leader and mountain lion researcher Aaron Bott will share new information about mountain lion behavior, the complex social dynamics between these cats that were once believed to be solitary, and how to live safely in their midst.

Dive into the Ocean’s Mysteries

Originally presented September 2, 2020
Covering two-thirds of our planet, the oceans are more of a mystery to humankind than deep space. From Alaska to Madagascar, the Galapagos Islands and beyond, the oceans are filled with a dizzying array of species we are only beginning to understand. Oceans also provide us with countless benefits, from food and recreation to climate stabilization. In this webinar, Michael Crispino—WWF’s Communications Director, Oceans—shares some of his favorite seascapes and marine species. With a special focus on coral reefs, manatees, rays, whale sharks and tuna, he will discuss some of the pressures our oceans are facing and what we can all do to help.

How a Tech Nerd is Saving Endangered Wildlife: Meet WWF’s Eric Becker

Originally presented August 26, 2020
When you picture a conservationist at work, do you envision a field biologist sitting in the jungle, patiently scanning the vegetation, recording observations with pencil and notebook? While such aspects of conservation work still exist, many modern tools of conservation would be unrecognizable to Dian Fossey or George Schaller. With poaching syndicates becoming more sophisticated and better equipped, rangers and conservationists have to keep up, and that means employing cutting-edge technology.

Large Carnivores Living Among People: What Could Go Wrong (or Right)?

Originally presented August 17, 2020
Grizzlies, wolves and mountain lions are vital species for habitats the North American West. They keep ecosystems balanced, strengthen prey populations, and they give us a distinct thrill when we see them in the wild. In recent decades, they have begun to return to lands they once roamed freely, and human communities that have grown up in those areas face the challenge of learning how to live safely with these predators in their midst. Expedition Leader Aaron Bott will talk about the rewards and challenges of living among large carnivores in the West.

Birding 102: Letting Your New Skills Take Flight

Originally presented August 5, 2020
Take your birding to the next level with Mike Hillman’s “Birding 102.” Once you have the basics down of how to use binoculars and what resources are available to help you identify your favorite backyard birds, it’s time to focus on the more subtle techniques that will help you with birding by ear, identifying birds in more challenging conditions like low light or difficult backgrounds and sorting out more difficult bird families like raptors and shorebirds. Birding is a lifetime pursuit, and this webinar will accelerate your learning and your enjoyment!

Offline and in the Wild: Stopping the Surge in Wildlife Trafficking Online and Abroad

Originally presented July 31, 2020
Traffickers in wildlife target unwitting consumers, and travelers in particular are sold illegally or unsustainably sourced wildlife products in many popular destinations globally. But with increased traveler awareness, wildlife market closures and stronger enforcement, traffickers have expanded their reach through an exploding trade in wildlife and their products online. These tricks of the trade have become increasingly sophisticated on a grand scale, and efforts to avoid detection and trick enforcement agencies, online platforms and consumers are now a virtual cat and mouse game that is threatening many species. Adding to the difficulty of this game, traffickers are now able to advertise risky interactions with wildlife through social media platforms that may be linked with criminal activity and pose risk of disease transmission.

Binoculars: Don't Leave Home Without Them

Originally presented July 28, 2020
High-quality binoculars bring you close to the action on any adventure, but how do you choose the right pair? Expedition Leader Court Whelan and Swarovski Optics binocular expert Ben Lizdas will teach you everything you need to know about binoculars in this webinar. From understanding the oft-confusing magnification combos (what does “8 X 42” mean?), to how to focus (did you know there is more than one focus control?), to picking up some new techniques from guides who use binoculars day in and day out, you’re sure to walk away from this webinar with a newfound understanding of this indispensable wildlife watching tool.

What Stake Does the U.S. Government Have in Global Conservation?

Originally presented July 22, 2020
Will Gartshore spends most of his time in Washington, DC, talking with Members of Congress and their staff to inform them about WWF’s priority conservation issues and to encourage them to support policies and funding decisions that benefit nature and wildlife around the globe. But why should international conservation concerns matter to the U.S. government? Turns out there is much at stake, including public health. Learn about the important role the U.S. government has played in supporting international conservation investments in the developing world, the kinds of programs and funding it provides, and why support for these programs and the global conservation of nature is more essential now than ever.

Watching Our Waste

Originally presented July 15, 2020
Every year, between 30% and 40% of all food produced in the United States is wasted. Every American household, on average, throws $1,600 worth of fruits and vegetables in the trash annually. Enough food is dumped globally every year to feed 2 billion people. This waste is also fueling climate change, with 10% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions resulting from produce and other fresh food decomposing in landfills. And it's not just households contributing to the problem. Food waste is a problem in the tourism industry, too—in fact, Nat Hab discovered it was our biggest challenge when we ran The World's First Zero Waste Adventure in 2019. Samantha Kenny, WWF Program Officer for Food Waste, will share what she is doing to specifically reduce food waste in the U.S. hotel and hospitality sector, which serves $35 billion worth of food every year. She’ll also share some takeaway tips for reducing food waste in your own home.

Carbon Offsetting in the Travel Industry: Does It Really Help?

Originally presented July 7, 2020
While we at Nat Hab believe deeply that conservation travel is one of the most effective ways to protect wildlife and wild places around the world, we’re also aware of the potential negative impacts of travel and our responsibility to reduce those. Until the pandemic hit, ever more people have been flying farther and more often. All those flights add up to a lot of carbon released into the atmosphere — and once we’re all flying again, all indications are that we will return to or surpass those levels. In response, Nat Hab has led the way on CO2 reduction in the travel industry, becoming the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company in 2007. But to what extent does all our offsetting really make a difference? Join Court Whelan, Nat Hab’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation Travel, for a look at the past, present and future of carbon offsetting, as well as reductions in carbon emissions at Nat Hab and the travel industry as a whole.

Conservation Travel in the Age of COVID

Originally presented June 16, 2020
Conservation travel is one of our most powerful tools for preserving the natural world. What does it mean for conservation when travel comes to a halt? As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives and our aspirations for global travel, the impacts extend from the airlines and tour operators all the way through to local rangers, guides, camp staff and communities in and around at-risk natural areas. Join Jim Sano, WWF’s V.P. for Travel, Tourism and Conservation and Court Whelan, Nat Hab’s Director of Conservation Travel, as they discuss what conservation travel is, the impetus for its creation, and what the future may hold for the future of conservation and tourism in tandem.

Secrets of Wildlife Watching: Tips from the Pros

Originally presented June 15, 2020
If you’ve ever been on a nature adventure with Nat Hab, you know there’s more to spotting wildlife than just standing outside and looking around. Expert guides play a crucial role, and Colby Brokvist and James Beissel share some insider tips. Whether you’re on your own in your backyard or with us for a classic African safari, you’ll benefit from Colby’s and James' hard-earned expertise for enhancing wildlife encounters and creating gratifying photo opportunities.

Birding: The Basics & Beyond

Originally presented June 1, 2020
Want to learn more about our feathered friends? No idea where to begin? Expedition Leader Mike Hillman opens the door to a lifetime of connection with nature through the beauty and delight of birds. Learn tried-and-true tricks to identify any bird using key features; sort through the often overwhelming abundance of birding field guides, apps and other resource available; find birding hotspots near you; and learn about online bird watching communities you can join.

You Can Create Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Backyard

Originally presented April 1, 2020
Whether it’s planting milkweed to lure monarch butterflies or creating a frog pond for threatened amphibians, join Brad Josephs for ideas on how to attract wild creatures into your own local space.