Daily Dose of Nature | Wildlife & Travel Webinars

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Earth Day Celebration with Our Guides

Originally presented April 22, 2021
In Honor of Earth Day, today’s webinar is a virtual party celebrating our wondrous planet and the nature and wildlife it sustains. Featuring six Expedition Leaders from the U.S., Canada, Peru, South Africa and India, it will be a montage of interwoven stories that showcase some of Earth’s most magnificent wild places and inhabitants. From snow leopards in the heights of the Himalaya to polar bears roving the shores of Hudson Bay, from the oceans of Alaska to the seas of the Galapagos Islands, you’ll take a veritable trip around the world as our guides recount the incredible beauty and magnificent natural phenomena that thrill and fill our spirits as nature travelers. You’ll come away with a greater awareness of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, an appreciation for the intricacies of ecosystems, from megafauna to the most minute insects, and for the crucial role we humans play in ensuring the health of this living, breathing planet we love and rely on.

Coyotes: Song Dogs of North America

Originally presented April 16, 2021
If you live in the U.S., chances are you have coyotes in your neighborhood. Even in urban areas, their mournful, high-pitched yips can often be heard. It’s remarkable that amidst the doom and gloom reality of wildlife habitat fragmentation and shrinking wild animal populations, coyotes are thriving—despite our best efforts to eradicate them. The coyote has set itself apart as a tenacious survivor in an anthropocentric world. Despite humanity's best efforts to eliminate these canids, coyotes have expanded their range by an incredible scope. With broader significance, they are an important indicator of how some species are capable of adapting and flourishing in the contemporary, human-defined world. Government wildlife biologist Aaron Bott manages coyotes (among other species) for a living – along with being a Nat Hab Expedition Leader – and he is with us today to talk about these mesopredators, who are the ultimate adapters. Learn how they do it!

Why Galapagos Tortoise Health Matters to Humans, Too

Originally presented April 13, 2021
Join Galapagos Expedition Leader Josy Cardoso and her special guest Ainoa Nieto for a look at the connection between giant tortoise health in the islands and the ecological resiliency of an entire ecosystem that undergirds human wellbeing, too. Ainoa is a Spanish wildlife veterinarian from Madrid who specializes in Galapagos tortoise health and conservation. She is currently conducting a health assessment of giant tortoises to better understand their health status and its implications for the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystem. Her PhD research, also underway, focuses on tortoise pathogens and antibiotic resistance. Since 2016 Ainoa has been the laboratory manager at Charles Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz. She also works with the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Program as a vet and researcher. “To ensure human health, we must ensure the health of animals and environments on which all life is dependent,” Ainoa says. And since human activities in Galapagos create challenges for tortoise wellbeing and conservation, they ultimately have impacts for people, too

From Cartridges to Conservation: Dall Sheep of Alaska & the Yukon

Originally presented April 12, 2021
If you’re a lover of wildlife, you may have a knee-jerk aversion to hunting. But hunting has actually proven to be an important tool for responsible wildlife management, which is integral to the conservation of North America’s megafauna. Expedition Leader Drew McCarthy, who has spent 13 years guiding natural history tours in Denali National Park, explains how and why. In today’s webinar, Drew presents a compelling overview of how hunting and conservation are linked in the preservation and management of Dall sheep in Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory, particularly with regard to the history and establishment of Denali National Park. In this webinar, you’ll also gain an understanding of the natural history and evolution of Dall sheep and their relationship to other mountain sheep around the world.

Memorable Moments with the Polar Bears of Churchill

Originally presented April 9, 2021
Expedition Leader Jeremy Covert has a special place in his heart for Churchill, Manitoba and its most famous residents. Of course, we’re talking about the Arctic’s most celebrated carnivore and charismatic marine mammal, the shaggy white beast that gives Churchill its nickname: Polar Bear Capital of the World. Learn all about polar bears in today’s webinar as Jeremy explains how and why they are so different from brown and black bears, what their behaviors and personality traits are like, and why they thrive in what appears to be a harsh and barren landscape. He’ll talk about the obvious and subtle threats polar bears face, as well as the hardy people who live among them—the residents of the small town of Churchill, who find both challenge and reward being neighbors with polar bears.

Let’s Go: Discover Alaska with Annie

Originally presented April 8, 2021
Still deserving of its nickname as the Last Frontier, Alaska boasts epic wilderness and wildlife wonders. For centuries, Alaska has captured the imaginations of travelers and explorers. And while today’s Alaska adventurer can be assured of every creature comfort, its wild allure remains untamed. Within Alaska’s bounds are North America’s highest mountain range, 3 million lakes, 100,000 glaciers and 34,000 miles of shoreline. Alaska’s tundra, forests and seas are home to a magnificent array of wild animals thriving in vast tracts of uninhabited terrain. You’ve seen Alaska in countless nature documentaries, you’ve heard about it in our webinars...is it time to consider an Alaska adventure in person? As she shares a local’s view on her home state, Annie also offers an overview of Nat Hab’s Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari, Wild Alaska Grizzly Encounter and Alaska Explorer expedition to the Kenai and Prince William Sound.

Enhancing Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat—Part 2: Native Plants

Originally presented April 7, 2021
Brad Josephs is back with a second installment of how to draw wildlife to your own backyard—this time with a focus on planting native vegetation. Brad lives in the lush Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas when he isn’t guiding nature expeditions around the world, and he has taken great pleasure in enhancing the landscape around his home to attract resident wildlife, such as through the construction of a frog pond. In today’s webinar, Brad talks about the importance of native plants to this endeavor, a key means of conserving and restoring natural ecosystems. Through responsible planting and maintenance of native flora, draw birds to your yard and protect them by using organic and ethnical methods of controlling weeds and other wild pests.

Let’s Go: Why Churchill is the Best Place to See Polar Bears

Originally presented April 1, 2021
You may have heard that Churchill, Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the World. But why is that the case? Polar bears roam around the polar regions of the Earth, so how come Churchill is arguably the best place to see them, and not, say, Greenland or Svalbard? Join Annie Van Dinther to find out. Annie makes her home in Alaska, which is also home to polar bears, but when it comes to polar bear viewing, she advises travelers to choose Churchill. Annie has guided numerous polar bears expeditions through the Churchill Wildlife Management Area since 1999, earning the casual title “local-in-law” from community residents. In today’s webinar, she explains the geographic factors that come together on the western shore of Hudson Bay to create prime viewing conditions, if your goal is to lay eyes on the King of the Arctic in its native habitat. Annie is an expert on the behavior of Arctic marine mammals, including the polar bear, and you’ll come away with in-depth insight into the migratory patterns of this top predator that make it Churchill’s “main attraction.”

Lure Wildlife to Your Backyard: Part 1: Build a Frog Pond

Originally presented March 31, 2021
When Expedition Leader Brad Josephs isn’t out guiding nature adventures around the world, he’s at home in the Ozark Mountain countryside of northern Arkansas where he enjoys spending time enhancing the landscape around his home to attract local wildlife. “You don’t have to travel to a faraway land to enjoy wildlife,” says Brad, who is here to show you how to do that on your own property, with tips on enhancing and caring for native wildlife and plants. If you love the soothing sound of chirping frogs, Brad will explain how to create a frog pond in your own backyard in today’s webinar. Stay tuned for Part 2, during which Brad will share tips for how to feed and attract birds, how to make your yard more conducive to wildlife by minimizing the application of toxins on your grass and plants, and how to ethically control wild pests.

Yellowstone: Wolves, Willows & Trophic Cascades

Originally presented March 26, 2021
Wolves, willows...and what? What is a “trophic cascade”? What role do they play in the health of the Yellowstone ecosystem—and why are scientists arguing about it? The term may sound technical, but you’re sure to find this ecological phenomenon riveting, especially as it’s interpreted by naturalist guide Aaron Bott, who lives and works in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A trophic cascade is triggered by adding or removing a top predator from an ecosystem, which then has a trickle-down effect on the entire food web. It effects reciprocal changes in populations of predator and prey that result in dramatic changes in the entire structure of an ecosystem. Advocates for wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone may contend, for example, that their presence has helped restore greater balance and health to the ecosystem—evidenced in increasing beaver populations through reducing too-dense elk herds and thus allowing willows to flourish which beavers rely on for winter survival. But, as Aaron will explain, it’s not that simple. Since wolves were returned to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, scientific debate has simmered regarding the actual impacts this apex predator has had on the landscape. Join Aaron to learn what scientists know for sure, and what is still uncertain. Contrary to what you may have heard, it's a pretty complicated—and intriguing—story.

So You Want to See a Wild Polar Bear: The Where, What, When & Why

Originally presented March 23, 2021
You’re out on the frozen tundra, scanning the horizon for the Arctic’s largest carnivore, when you spy a massive white bear lumbering toward your Polar Rover, just yards away. You catch your breath as it halts, sniffing the air, and looks up at you. Observing polar bears in their natural habitat is a thrilling spectacle for wildlife lovers. Their fascinating biology, migration, and increasing rarity on our planet make this rare opportunity a coveted one. And the very act of traveling to see polar bears in the Arctic contributes significantly to saving them, since it demonstrates the economic value of conservation. What was once an expedition only possible for intrepid Arctic explorers with extended time to sail, trek, and even overwinter in the northernmost parts of our planet is now available for anyone with a sense of wonder and intrigue about Arctic wildlife—and polar bears are surely the most spectacular of denizens.

Your Dinner Plate & the Planet’s Fate: What’s the Connection?

Originally presented March 22, 2021
Do you know where your food comes from? How does what you eat have consequences for ecosystems, habitats, water supply, wildlife and more? Where and how we produce food has the biggest impact on conservation of any human activity. And with a growing population and global income influencing how much and what type of food we consume, there has never been more at stake. That’s the focus of this webinar with Jason Clay, who leads WWF’s efforts to promote environmentally sensitive practices in agriculture and aquaculture. Jason brings together governments, foundations, researchers, NGOs and private companies to address problems at a global level. His recent work has helped identify and reduce the social and environmental impacts of such products as salmon, soy, sugarcane, cotton and palm oil. He is National Geographic's first-ever Food and Sustainability Fellow. He also won a James Beard Award for his work on global food sustainability.

Let’s Go Again: The Galapagos Islands

Originally presented March 18, 2021
There’s just so much to the Galapagos that Annie and her guest, Expedition Leader Andres Vergara, are back to continue their fascinating “Let’s Go” presentation on the world’s most unique archipelago. (Okay, we know “most unique” isn’t technically possible, but when it comes to one-of-a-kind settings and species, nothing matches the Galapagos!) Andres’ Galapagos overview encompasses the islands’ geography, geology, ecology, marine currents, evolution and endemic species, flora and fauna found nowhere else, human history including discovery, pirates, whalers, Charles Darwin and the first pioneers, the creation of Galapagos National Park, tortoise restoration and more! Tune in for Part 2 to hear all about what didn’t get included the first time. Includes a photographic tour of the islands from one of Nat Hab’s recent chartered voyages!

Surviving a Pandemic Year: A Locals’ Look at Churchill

Originally presented March 17, 2021
The subarctic hamlet of Churchill, Manitoba—population less than 1,000—on Hudson Bay is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Many residents gain most of their income during the fall polar bear tour season, supplemented with winter northern lights visitors and summer beluga whale watching. But far fewer tourists came this past year, as global travel shut down and Churchill hunkered down to ride out the virus. What has the situation been like for locals, who have hung on through a long ordeal and are devising new ways to welcome visitors while keeping them and the community safe? Get a first-person account from two Nat Hab Expedition Leaders—Eleanor Edye and Judy Wilson—who are also involved with the Churchill Northern Studies Center, Edye as executive director and Wilson as a board member. Even though Churchill saw fewer visitors in 2020, it was still a busy year for small-scale ecotourism and wildlife researchers in the Canadian North. Our guides will fill you in on what the past summer and fall held, highlighting current research projects, and how tour operators are adapting to provide a safe and still magical nature travel experience.

Enhancing Safety with Nat Hab During COVID-19

Originally presented March 9, 2021
You’re itching to travel again...you miss nature, wildlife, a change of scenery or climate...yet you’re just not sure what it would look like to be part of a small-group trip right now. Well, tune in to this webinar to find out...because, yes, people are traveling! We’ve been running safe, successful adventures to see the wolves of Yellowstone, monarch butterflies in Mexico, rain forest wildlife in Costa Rica, and more. Field Operations Manager Corbin Hawkins and Renata Haas, Nat Hab’s Head of Field Staff, will tell you what those experiences have been like, and what you can expect if you opt to travel soon with Nat Hab. Renata heads our COVID-19 safety efforts, and she will explain exactly how we developed the enhanced health and hygiene protocols that have enabled us to successfully run both domestic and international trips since last summer. Join Corbin and Renata to learn what we are doing to increase traveler safety and confidence, plus additional steps we are taking to make travel possible to more destinations in the near future. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, and also to hear what Nat Hab anticipates for travel trends as 2021 unfolds.

Why Whales & Dolphins are Everyone’s Business

Originally presented March 8, 2021
If you’ve ever witnessed a humpback whale breach with a mighty splash off your Zodiac bow in Alaska, or come within arm’s reach of a gray whale mother and calf in Baja, or watched a pod of bottlenose dolphins leaping in your boat’s wake in the Galapagos, you know the magic of an encounter with cetaceans. Protecting these intelligent and charismatic mammals matters, and not just because they bring us delight when we see them. To safeguard whales and dolphins, we must clean up and conserve our oceans, and that’s a task with wide-reaching advantages, as you’ll learn in this webinar with special guest Chris Johnson, Global Lead for WWF’s Protecting Whales & Dolphins Initiative. For more than 50 years, WWF has been a world leader in whale and dolphin conservation. Its efforts have resulted in a deeper understanding of these important species and their habitats, establishment of new marine protected areas, reductions in threats such as bycatch and shipping impacts, and major shifts in policy and practice from local to global levels—all of which is helping to preserve a healthier future for whales, dolphins and all of us.

WWF in DC: New Hope for Conservation Priorities

Originally presented March 1, 2021
After years of environmental rollbacks and conservation hardships, a new political context in Washington, DC offers opportunities to protect nature, people, and our planet. This webinar will present World Wildlife Fund’s conservation priorities for the Biden-Harris administration and Congress. Our special guest, Rose Luttenberger, Legislative Affairs Associate for WWF’s Policy and Government Affairs team, will discuss the current political landscape on Capitol Hill in light of what WWF hopes to accomplish. She will introduce the new administration and break down the makeup of the 117th Congress, analyzing how that composition may impact WWF’s conservation goals and policy aims. You’ll hear first-hand how WWF plans to work with the new administration and the legislative branch to advance its goals.

Unlovable Animals (That Might Just Steal Your Heart)

Originally presented February 16, 2021
They can be a little creepy, a little ugly, or downright pests. There may be plenty of justifiable reasons why you may not like particular members of the animal kingdom. These “undesirables,” from snakes to vultures to opossums, get short shrift when it comes to affection from humans. But do they deserve all this loathing? Expedition Leader Mike Hillman reveals how each has an important place in nature, helping to keep ecosystems in balance and fulfilling its own special role in the wild world. Join Mike as he takes us on another entertaining dive into the intriguing realm of zoology to look at animals we love to hate…and tries to convince you these critters aren’t half-bad once you get to know them.

Let's Go Again! Discovering More of Madagascar

Originally presented February 25, 2021
This is a continuation of our virtual visit to Madagascar with Annie & Ant, since there is just so much to explore that we didn’t get to in our first webinar! In this follow-up, we’ll investigate some of the challenges faced by the world’s fourth-largest island, which contains some of the planet’s greatest and most endangered biodiversity. Due to the island nation’s geographic isolation, more than 80% of the species native to Madagascar—including more than a hundred varieties of charming lemurs—are found nowhere else, and they are under intense pressure from climate change, deforestation, population growth and illegal mining. This second installment delves into more of Madagascar’s wide range of ecosystems, introducing the fascinating wildlife and phenomenal local people we meet along the way. A special focus is “biogeography,” exploring how the formation of Madagascar and the arrival of humans created some of the challenges the island and its people face. Our virtual adventure also explores local land use, the impact of artisanal gemstone mining, and takes you to a community lemur conservation project showing how the land and people are intertwined.

Stories from the Trail: Glacier Then & Now

Originally presented February 19, 2021
This is the final webinar in Jeremy Covert’s “Stories from the Trail” series, a set of personal narratives gleaned from his more than two decades of adventuring in Glacier National Park. As a naturalist guide in Glacier, Jeremy’s knowledge of this environment and its history has been cultivated in depth. Today, he takes us on a trip back in time, following dusty trails into history with an important figure from the park’s early days. Discover the brand-new national park, created in 1910, through the life and times of one of its first rangers, Joe Cosley. Joe was on the scene well before Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park was established in 1931, even before the U.S. National Park Service was formalized in 1916. Through Joe’s lens, you’ll learn what the park was like then, and how it has changed (and not changed) since. Delve into this fascinatingly diverse ecosystem, discover the fate of its namesake glaciers, and meet some of the amazing people who have influenced the park over the years. Against this backdrop, Jeremy examines our relationship to sustainable wilderness travel, and it’s a favorite story of his guests on the trail.

Let’s Go: Discover the Pantanal, Brazil’s “Wild Wet”

Originally presented February 18, 2021
Host Annie Van Dinther is joined by Expedition Leader Helder Brandao who reveals the extraordinary biodiversity of his native Brazil’s most important wildlife sanctuary: the Pantanal. Most people don’t realize the Pantanal—which is the world’s largest wetland, sprawling over 75,000 miles—holds a greater concentration of wildlife than the Amazon! This vast seasonal floodplain, with its mosaic of marshes and islands, is home to 10 million caiman, 650 bird species and 100 different mammals, including the capybara (world’s largest rodent) and maned wolf. At the top of the food chain is the elusive jaguar—and there’s no place on Earth where you’re more likely to spot them than in the wild recesses of the Pantanal. Helder, who is a leading ecotourism guide and trainer in Brazil, takes you on a virtual adventure into this enticing terrain. Come along for a preview of all the sights you’re likely to see on Nat Hab’s grand adventure into the Brazilian wild.

Journey into the Winter Forests of the Monarchs

Originally presented February 16, 2021
Monarch expert Court Whelan takes us on a virtual journey into the butterflies’ winter kingdom, the high-altitude oyamel forests of Mexico’s Central Highlands. Court, who is Nat Hab’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation as well as our resident photography pro, holds a PhD in entomology, writing his dissertation on monarchs. Join Court to explore one of the most miraculous phenomena in nature—the annual monarch migration. Every fall, millions of monarchs fly to their winter breeding grounds in Michoacan, a place they have never been before. Court reveals how the butterflies pull off their incredible migration, with advanced navigation techniques, an internal circadian clock and millions of years of evolution on their side. Court’s in-depth knowledge, gained through more than 15 years as a researcher, naturalist guide, butterfly photographer and author of a book on monarchs, brings this wonder alive, giving you an intricate understanding of this familiar yet extraordinary creature.

The North American Beaver: A Dam Fine Webinar

Originally presented February 12, 2021
You asked for it…and Drew McCarthy is delivering! Join us for a closer look at North America's largest rodent. Yep, that’s right: the busy beaver is actually the second-largest rodent in the world after South America’s capybara. Rodents are an order of gnawing mammals (with Rodentia the single largest group of mammals in the world) defined by their extra-large front teeth, which the beaver employs to cut down trees and build watertight dams. From Indigenous peoples and French Canadian voyageurs to modern landscapers and wetland managers, humans have long had a love-hate relationship with the beaver. As we gain a deeper understanding of the beaver’s natural history, we'll answer this question: Are beavers master architects, or is dam construction the product of innate behavior? Join Drew for an in-depth look at this common yet extraordinary species.

Let’s Go: Discover the Canyons of the American Southwest

Originally presented February 11, 2021
Host Corbin Hawkins is joined by Matt Turner who will take you on a virtual journey through centuries of time, captured in the multicolored layers of sandstone that form America’s canyonlands. Corbin and Matt reveal highlights and hidden corners of the famous national park trifecta of Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon—the focus of Nat Hab’s intimate journey into the red rock wilderness of the American Southwest. From the maze of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, glowing pink at sunrise, to the vertical ramparts of Zion that flank the Virgin River, from the Grand Canyon’s precipitous rim to its shadowy depths below, the geology of these Colorado Plateau landmarks will captivate you. The region’s cultural history also runs deep: learn about the indigenous peoples who have been at home in these rugged climes for centuries, and hear tales of early explorers and pioneers who challenged some of the most intense terrain and conditions on Earth to explore these entrancing landscapes.

Cleaning Up the Coast: A Marine Expedition in the BC Wilderness

Originally presented February 10, 2021
In late summer 2020, Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage was part of a wilderness journey that looked decidedly different from the typical trips he guides. This time, as Eddy followed the crenellated coast of central British Columbia, he wasn’t searching for humpback whales or spirit bears—he was looking for garbage. Hear about the 40 days Eddy spent at sea collecting debris, joining a group of small marine-based Canadian tour operators to undertake a massive cleanup on some of the most remote stretches of Canada’s Pacific coast. Despite the pristine nature of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and the adjacent areas that were the focus of the cleanup, these wild places are by no means protected from ocean garbage, including a plague of plastic and other drifting debris. You’ll be astonished to hear how much refuse the teams collected—and inspired to learn more and do more to solve this global problem.

Stories from the Trail: Memorable Bears of Glacier

Originally presented February 5, 2021
Spending 20 years exploring a national park full of charismatic grizzlies, crazy moose, miles of untracked wilderness, and winds so strong they can blow you off a trail along the Continental Divide…it leaves a person with a lot of stories to tell! That’s the case for Expedition Leader Jeremy Covert, who has built a career as a naturalist guide sharing the wonders of Montana’s Glacier National Park. In today’s presentation, Jeremy shares some of his personal stories and images with a special focus on bears, for which Glacier is globally known. Meet some of his favorites, and hear about bear antics and misbehaviors that have left an indelible imprint on Jeremy’s memory as well as the guests who have traveled with him. He’ll weave in info about Glacier’s geography, geology and other distinctive flora and fauna as he regales you with stories of up-close and personal experiences with bears.

Let's Go! Discover Mexico’s Kingdom of the Monarchs

Originally presented February 4, 2021
Join host Annie Van Dinther and guest Expedition Leaders Melissa Silver and Drew Hamilton for a journey into the monarchs’ realm. More than a hundred million of these vivid orange and black butterflies spend the winter in a compact 12-square-mile tract of fir forest in the Central Highlands of Mexico. In these roosting colonies, the monarchs find shelter and breed, nurturing a new generation that will fly north again come spring, making the long journey back to the northeast U.S. and southern Canada. In this webinar, take a virtual journey to the protected migration sanctuaries and the wonders that abide there. Gain insight into the human dimensions of this region, too, with a look at history, gastronomy and cultural traditions. Join us to discover an authentic slice of Mexico, where the national government and local communities alike are committed to protecting and treasuring this piece of world heritage in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

Fireside Chat with Rich & Matt: Birds of Africa

Originally presented February 3, 2021
Never fancied yourself as a birder? You’re sure to reconsider after this webinar with safari guides Rich and Matt, who share an utterly fascinating overview of avian life in Africa. These flying feathered creatures are found on every continent and number about 18,000 species worldwide, making them an incredibly diverse group of vertebrates. From ostriches that stand taller than a man to itty-bitty iridescent sunbirds, Africa’s birdlife is extraordinary. Birds are capable of some of the most incredible feats known to the natural world, from migrating across the globe with no more than a peanut-sized calorie-dense meal to possessing a brain smaller than their eyeball. Some of the most remarkable human accomplishments have been modeled off the adaptations of birds, too. Join Rich and Matt to hear about their favorite birds and why they are so awestruck by them.

The World's Rarest Wolf

Originally presented January 9, 2021
Enigmatic, elusive and once declared extinct in the wild, the red wolf's story is one of unfolding mystery and charisma. With fewer than 300 animals in existence, and perhaps just 30 left in the wild, these remarkable creatures are found solely in the United States and are among the rarest species on the planet. Red wolves, which are smaller than gray wolves, once ranged across the southeastern United States, but years of hunting and habitat loss drove them to the brink of extinction by the late 1960s. In 1987, red wolves were reintroduced into the wild in North Carolina after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service instituted a captive-breeding program. They adapted well to their native forests, swamps and coastal prairies, yet they continue to struggle due to habitat degradation, illegal hunting and the threat of hybridization with coyotes, which have moved into their terrain. Join Zoologist Jim Knox, Curator of Education for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and a popular TEDx speaker, to meet the animal behind the mystery and learn what we can do to ensure the red wolf’s survival.

Making Travel Better for the Planet: The Role of Carbon Offsetting

Originally presented January 26, 2021
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 frequently. All those flights add up to a great deal of carbon released into the atmosphere—and once we’re all flying again, all indications are that we will return to and 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, and offsetting all our travelers’ flights to and from our destinations since 2019. But does all that 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 how Nat Hab, and the travel industry as a whole, are achieving reductions in carbon emissions.

Restoring Native Species to the Northern Great Plains

Originally presented January 25, 2021
Many mammal species we now think of as forest-dwelling once roamed the grasslands as well, including grizzly bears, cougars, wolves and even beaver. While this diversity of wildlife is not lost from the plains, it is far less abundant than it once was. Our guest, wildlife biologist Patrick Lendrum, is helping to restore them to their native habitat as science lead for WWF’s Northern Great Plains Program. Based in Bozeman, Patrick heads a WWF team of conservationists supporting sustainable ranching practices and black-footed ferret and bison restoration. Patrick will highlight several plains species and share examples where wildlife is returning to the region either on its own or with human intervention. He will also share research findings from a long-term cougar study that took place in and around Grand Teton National Park. Observing wildlife interactions among cougars and other animals in mountain ecosystems can provide insight to what grasslands relationships might have looked like, and may again someday.

Introducing Our Newest Trip Line: Photo Pro Expeditions

Originally presented January 19, 2021
Are you on a quest for world-class nature photos? Is your ideal trip the ultimate nature photo safari? Then join our panel of top Nat Hab photography guides for a live Q&A about our newest collection of adventures: Photo Pro Expeditions, for accomplished photographers who want the most immersive nature photography experience on offer! These in-depth trips are designed for serious nature photographers, facilitating iconic shots of wildlife and landscapes in the world's most entrancing natural places. Guests get exclusive access and more time in the field, often shooting from dawn until dusk to maximize every possible photo opportunity. These are our smallest groups, with the fewest number of guests per vehicle, plus added weight allowance on select flights. Learn more from Court Whelan, Brad Josephs, Colby Brokvist and Drew Hamilton about what the first offerings will look like as we launch these trips in 2022. Each presenter will also talk about his own philosophy and style of nature photography, equipment choices, and favorite wildlife and landscape photography contexts. If nerding out on photography with like-minded nature travelers is your thing, by all means don’t miss this conversation.

Let’s Go! Discover Madagascar with Ant

Originally presented January 14, 2021
In this new destination-focused series, Annie Van Dinther interviews Nat Hab Expedition Leaders about their favorite destinations to explore with our guests. For Ant Bennet, it’s the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspot: Madagascar. Of course, Ant will talk about Madagascar’s famous lemurs, which he calls the island nation’s “marketing department” — but you’ll discover much more to appreciate when it comes to other fascinating species. Gain an overview of Madagascar’s wildly contrasting regions and ecosystems, from eastern tropical rain forest to the sandstone deserts of the southwest and the karst coastal seascape and dry deciduous forest of the northwest. And discover how Nat Hab’s Madagascar itinerary is a showcase for the natural and cultural diversity of the country.

Grizzly 399: Meet the Most Famous Bear in the World

Originally presented January 11, 2021
Join naturalist Kurt Johnson to hear the incredible story of the grizzly bear that changed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This 24-year-old female bear, known as 399 (an identity given to her years about by researchers) or the “queen of the Tetons,” is often referred to as the most famous bear in the world, and for good reason. Her story is tied both personally and professionally with Kurt's path, and he will talk about how this extraordinary bear has been an important part of his and his family's life over the past 14 years, as she has also become a poster child for grizzly bear conservation.

Climate Change Demystified

Originally presented January 8, 2021
Is human-induced global warming real or a hoax? Most people will express an opinion on this question, but relatively few can back their opinions with solid evidence. This is true on both sides, as most “believers” are no better able to explain the scientific case for global warming than “skeptics” are able to make a case against it. In this presentation, noted educator Jeffrey Bennett will give you the foundation you need to speak intelligently about the science behind global warming, and show you why the solutions to this important problem are ones that people of all political persuasions can agree on. If you have any questions or doubts about the reality of global warming or what we should do about it as a nation, you’re sure to come away enlightened. The talk is based on Dr. Bennett’s popular book, Global Warming Primer.

Glacier National Park: Stories from the Trail

Originally presented January 4, 2021
Spending 20 years exploring a national park full of crazy moose, winds that can blow you off a trail on the Continental Divide and miles of untracked wilderness leaves a person with a lot of stories to tell. Join Expedition Leader Jeremy Covert as he shares some of his own stories and images and talks about how hard it is to be a guide that is not able to travel! In this webinar, we will also explore Glacier National Park’s unique flora and fauna, geography, animal behavior and some of those hidden spots that capture Glacier’s wild beauty.

These are a Few of Our Favorite Things! Part 2: Everywhere Else

Originally presented December 29, 2020
Join Nat Hab Expedition Leaders Annie Van Dinther and Corbin Hawkins as they share memorable events and delightful stories—including some of their favorite individual animals—from their years of guiding nature expeditions. Today’s installment is a grab bag of places and experiences including special encounters with whales in Alaska and Baja, brown bears of the Katmai coast, and wolves and grizzlies in Yellowstone. Come with us to be surprised and inspired!

These are a Few of Our Favorite Things! Part 1: Churchill

Originally presented December 28, 2020
Join Nat Hab Expedition Leaders Brad Josephs and Corbin Hawkins as they share memorable events and delightful stories – including some of their favorite individual animals—from their years of guiding nature expeditions. Today’s installment focuses on Churchill, Manitoba, a three-season destination for Nat Hab, with the polar bears of autumn, the northern lights of winter, and the beluga whales and the tundra wildlife of an Arctic summer. While of course Churchill is most famous for its charismatic polar bears—and our guides will tell you how they are able to identify particular individuals—you’ll also hear the story of one special sled dog that warms our hearts.

Mother Nature's Rule Breakers: Part 3

Originally presented December 23, 2020
You asked for it, and here it is: a third installment of Mother Nature’s Rule Breakers, the webinar series from Expedition Leader Mike Hillman that profiles some of the most bizarre and intriguing anomalies in nature. Forget what you thought you knew as Mike reveals exceptions to many rules you learned about how things work in the natural world. The realm of zoology is full of odd and wonderful species that don’t conform. Find out about animals that taste with more than just their tongues, snakes that take to the air, and the often blurry line between certain species — to name a few of the fascinating examples Mike will tell us about today. You’re sure to be intrigued and entertained equally!

Toward a Zero Waste Holiday

Originally presented December 17, 2020
When you take a trip with Nat Hab, we work hard to reduce, reuse and recycle in a quest to cut back on the amount of waste generated on our trips. Today’s webinar tackles this topic with regard to the holiday season, when many of us find ourselves buried in boxes, packaging and wrapping. And during the pandemic, it’s become even more common to order goods online that arrive in a steady stream of packaging. Join Annie Van Dinther and Conan Dumenil, who care deeply about this topic, as they present ideas inspired by a guide training talk on how to work toward zero waste during COVID. Conan will show you the “eco bricks” he’s been making, which are plastic water bottles stuffed with plastic trash—and wait till you see what he’s done with them! As Conan and Annie share tips and hopes for pursuing a “greener” holiday giving season, you’ll find innovative ways to keep sustainability front of mind in your life, too.

Wildlife of the American Southwest

Originally presented December 16, 2020
The arid red rock landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, sculpted into canyons and mesas over millennia by the forces of wind and water, might not seem like places where wildlife thrives—but it definitely does. This webinar, presented by Aaron Bott, introduces some of the country’s most charismatic mammals that are at home in and around the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Find out how bighorn sheep, cougars, coyotes, mule deer and more exist in these rugged realms as Aaron takes us on a visually captivating journey through some of the most inspiring landscapes on the planet.

Streamlining Conservation: Student Stewards and The Reintroduction of a Species

Originally presented December 11, 2020
The successful reintroduction of a species to its native habitat after an absence of more than a century is quite a feat. Join zoologist Jim Knox to discover something even more remarkable—a reintroduction conducted by 7th and 8th graders! Meet the student stewards of Park City Prep and Bridge Academy in Bridgeport to learn how they restored the habitat that brought a species back to Connecticut's largest city to survive and thrive in the 21st century. The project, which Knox directed, was part of a year-long program taught by education staff at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

Zombie Deer: The Impact of Chronic Wasting Disease

Originally presented December 4, 2020
Have you ever been out hiking and encountered a seemingly “tame” deer? One that seems calm and unfazed by your presence? Perhaps the animal is walking in circles. Or it appears very thin, even emaciated. Chances are, the deer you are observing may be suffering from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is a highly contagious, always fatal neurological disease that attacks deer species (including elk, moose and caribou), turning its victims into the “living dead.” CWD poses serious problems for wildlife managers, hunters and wildlife watchers. The implications for free-ranging deer and elk are serious, as heavily infected populations of wild deer and elk are unlikely to thrive. Learn more with Aaron Bott about CWD, how it spreads, and what it could mean for the future of wildlife.

Conserving Baja’s Whale Sharks: A Path to Sustainable Tourism

Originally presented December 2, 2020
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “world’s aquarium.” Among the many diverse fish species in these protected waters off Baja California is the whale shark. Eduardo Najera-Hillman, Coordinator of Seascapes for WWF Mexico, joins us to talk about the state-of-the-art work WWF-Mexico’s Oceans Team is doing to conserve this iconic shark, which is the world's biggest fish. He’ll discuss WWF's research in La Paz Bay and explain how a multidisciplinary approach is supporting the development of a truly sustainable tourism practice in the Gulf of California. Holding a PhD in Conservation Ecology, Eduardo is in charge of designing and implementing conservation actions to strengthen public policies at the national and international level for the protection of globally significant marine species and ecosystems.

The Mysterious Whale Sharks of the Galapagos

Originally presented November 24, 2020
When you think of Galapagos wildlife, tortoises and iguanas and blue-footed boobies may pop to mind. But there’s another species in Galapagos waters that’s far bigger in size and intrigue... The whale shark is the world’s biggest shark—and the world’s biggest fish! But its name is misleading, as it’s not a whale at all. Galapagos Expedition Leader Josy Cardoso and Sofia Green, a researcher at the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, share what we know about these mysterious prehistoric creatures...and many things we don’t know. You’re certain to find these polka-dotted megafish as fascinating as the researchers do.

Mother Nature’s Rule Breakers: Part 2

Originally presented November 23, 2020
Expedition Leader Mike Hillman is back to expose more of the “school rules” of science that aren’t as rigid as you were led to believe. On a fascinating journey into the realm of zoology, Mike reveals more of the world’s weirdest animals. Whether a lizard with a knack for immaculate conception, gender-bending fish, or herbivores that cheat on their plant-based diet, you’ll surely be amazed by these non-conformist creatures. Watch out Mother Nature…here comes another installment of Rule Breakers, upending everything you thought you could count on!

Mountain Goats: Wizards of the High Country

Originally presented November 20, 2020
If you’ve ever seen mountain goats clinging to a sheer slope at a precipitous height, you may have wondered in awe how they manage to hold on. These surefooted, shaggy white beasts are found in alpine environments throughout the Rocky Mountains, robust high-altitude dwellers that are more agile and hardy than bighorn sheep. Drew McCarthy gives us an overview of the mountain goat, examining the challenges wildlife managers face when goats enter areas where they are not native residents. In this talk, you’ll not only learn about a brilliantly adapted animal, but the problems that confront officials when charged with managing it on public lands.

Delisting the Gray Wolf: What Does It Mean for Its Future?

Originally presented November 19, 2020
On October 29, 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the gray wolf would be removed from the federal endangered species list. The decision was made after an assessment that gray wolf populations in the contiguous U.S. were no longer threatened with extinction. What does removing the wolf as an endangered species mean for its future? Was this decision good or bad for wolves? Well, according to wildlife biologist and wolf expert Aaron Bott, it's complicated. Everything to do with wolves seems to be that way. Dive into that complexity with Aaron as he sorts out the ramifications of this momentous decision and what it might mean for the future of wolves on the American landscape.

A Year in the Life of a Polar Bear

Originally presented November 18, 2020
At Nat Hab, fall is typically defined by “polar bear season,” when we take several hundred guests to view the King of the Arctic on the wild tundra in Churchill, Manitoba. This has certainly been true for Annie Van Dinther, who has guided dozens of polar bear expeditions along Canada’s Hudson Bay. This year, however, Annie says she “feels like a migratory species that forgot to migrate.” Join Annie for a virtual journey into the polar bear’s world as she presents a year in the life of the Arctic’s most charismatic carnivore. Learn why ice is imperative for hunting, how bears breed and give birth, what life on land looks like in a rapidly warming Arctic, and more.

Illegal Tiger Trade & Tiger Farms: Threats to Wild Tiger Conservation

Originally presented November 16, 2020
Illegal trade in tiger parts and products is one of the primary threats to the conservation of tigers in the wild. Our webinar guest, WWF’s Leigh Henry, is an expert on this problem. As director of wildlife policy and wildlife conservation, Leigh plays a key role in WWF efforts to combat the illegal tiger trade and ensure the survival of wild tigers through improved global policies. Illegal tiger parts and products are also sourced from tigers that are bred and held on farms in Asia. And the more the existence of farmed tigers fuels demand for tiger parts, the greater the pressure on tigers in the wild, which face a constant threat from poachers. Join Leigh to learn about the illicit tiger trade, how captive tigers complicate efforts to protect their wild counterparts, and where we’re finding hope for protecting wild tigers.

Humans & Wildlife in the American West: A History

Originally presented November 11, 2020
Join Expedition Leader and wildlife biologist Aaron Bott to learn about the history of humans and wildlife in the American West. Looking at bears, wolves, cougars, bison and bighorn sheep, Aaron shares stories of wild animals’ interactions with people in the 19th and 20th centuries, as white settlers established a permanent presence in the plains and peaks of the West, and tensions between humans and wildlife grew over the decades. Learn the fate of wildlife over the past two centuries as human presence has impacted and reshaped their native ecosystems. Discover the challenges wildlife has faced, and celebrate the triumphs of preserving and sustaining these charismatic large mammal species in the contemporary world.

Lost and Found: Rediscovering ‘Extinct’ Species

Originally presented November 9, 2020
If you’re intrigued by extinct species, you may share Expedition Leader Mike Hillman’s desire: a yearning to step back in time to see these lost species in person. Funny thing is, this “impossible” experience has happened! In fact, it has occurred many times. Against all odds, some of those species hadn’t actually died out. Instead, they remained secretly in a safe haven in the remote recesses of our planet. This presentation is a collection of such tales: fascinating stories of species once believed extinct and later rediscovered. Join Mike to learn how these species survived despite our best efforts to push them irrevocably into extinction. Hear about the inconceivable luck of a person who stumbles upon a lost species, and how we are rectifying past mistakes to make sure these fortunate few animals don’t disappear again.

Wildlife Attacks: How They Happen & How to Avoid Them

Originally presented November 6, 2020
Wild animals are captivating and beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. Anyone camping in the Yellowstone backcountry knows to carry bear spray, and hikers in the cougar country need to be aware of how to behave if they startle a mountain lion. What can you do to minimize the chance of an unwanted confrontation? In this presentation, Expedition Leader Aaron Bott, who is a large carnivore biologist, discusses that scenario. What might provoke such a situation? And what should you do if you’re confronted by an aggressive mountain lion, bear, wolf or other wild North American mammal that might see you as prey or a problem? Learn how we can be responsible guests within the wild terrain these creatures inhabit.

Fireside Chat with Rich & Matt: Sapiens 3

Originally presented November 5, 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. In this Fireside Chat, the third of the three-part Sapiens series, Rich and Matt discuss how H.sapiens has altered the planet into the world as we know it: How have we shaped our environment? How have we put ourselves at risk through our actions? They’ll share some inspiring conservation success stories and examine what we must do to ensure not only the survival of our planet, but the survival of our species.

Nature’s Nocturnal Wonder: The Night Sky

Originally presented November 4, 2020
Naturalist guide, author and photographer Kurt Johnson keeps his travelers animated even after the sun goes down, when the focus turns to the night sky. Astrophotography is a special interest of Kurt’s, which he enjoys sharing with guests on photo tours when the skies are clear. That’s often the case in the Greater Yellowstone region, and Kurt’s Nat Hab photo expedition got in on some exciting nighttime photo opportunities at Old Faithful earlier this fall. Even if you aren’t an aspiring star photographer, there’s nothing like exploring the wonder of the night sky from a dark and remote location in nature. Kurt offers an overview in this webinar, discussing common constellations, planets and celestial objects visible in the northern hemisphere, plus tips for capturing challenging phenomena like the Milky Way, northern lights and solar eclipses.

Swift Foxes & Black-Footed Ferrets: Coming Home to the Great Plains

Originally presented October 29, 2020
The plains of North America once ran dense with buffalo herds, which were wiped out in a few decades with the coming of European settlers. A similar fate befell other wild plains dwellers, including the swift fox and black-footed ferret, driven to near-extinction. By the mid-1980s, fewer than 20 black-footed ferrets remained, and today they are still North America’s rarest mammal. Kristy Bly, Senior Wildlife Conservation Biologist with WWF’s Northern Great Plains Program, discusses the return of these two imperiled plains species that are making a comeback with the restoration of crucial habitat, thanks to the efforts of many organizations dedicated to their recovery.

Our Closest Cousins: 5 Intriguing Things About Chimps

Originally presented October 28, 2020
Did you know humans share approximately 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees? Join Expedition Leader Mark Jordahl for an intriguing look at our closet living relatives. Mark is a primate expert, and he previously lived in Uganda, where he leads safari treks to see chimps in Kibale Forest. In this informative webinar about this highly social ape, you’ll learn about 1) the relationship between a chimp’s diet and its brain size, 2) what it means to a chimp to “go on safari” (i.e., indulging in promiscuous mating behavior), 3) chimpanzee gangs—how they patrol their territory and raid their neighbors’, 4) how chimps help keep forests healthy by dispersing seeds, and 5) how the alpha role is determined within a chimp family and how it changes. Chimps are captivating, charming, feisty and occasionally ferocious—get to know them better on this “virtual visit” with Mark.

Fireside Chat with Rich & Matt: Sapiens 2

Originally presented October 26, 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 which, in addition to adapting to a changing environment, began to adapt its environment to benefit itself. In today’s Fireside Chat, the second of a three-part series, Richard and Matt discuss how the domestication of plants and animals (and the H.sapiens species itself) has allowed humans to proliferate and populate every corner of the earth and become what is arguably the single most successful mammalian species the planet has ever seen.

Mother Nature's Rule Breakers

Originally presented October 22, 2020
When you were in school as a kid, you likely learned about the rules of science, and how plants and animals obey those rules: fish swim, mammals don't lay eggs, spiders eat bugs, etc. Well, as is the case with most things, reality is a bit more complicated. Expedition Leader Mike Hillman, who holds a degree in zoology, takes us on a journey into the natural world to showcase some of the intriguing species that don't conform to the laws of science. The weird, the wonderful, and the downright fascinating are all on display as we discover who breaks the rules of Mother Nature!

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Day Hike

Originally presented October 16, 2020
Expedition Leader Jeremy Covert has backcountry packing practically down to a science. Over the course of his 20-plus-year career as a outdoor educator and adventure guide. In this webinar, against a backdrop of stories from the trail, Jeremy discusses his essential travel gear for day hiking, and how he arranges his bag, as well as his camera equipment bag. He’ll cover clothing, optics for animal viewing, safety gear, how to transport food, and essential camera gear for any level of photographer, while sharing a few stories illustrated with his photos. Join us to get tips from a true expert!

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.

Traveler Resources

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