The Nature of Things
John Weeks
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Archived commentary from Naturalist John Weeks. Listen each week for an essay on conservation, biology, and wildlife.
Available episodes
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Jul 23, 2017
The Brotherhood of Animals
In this episode from July 23, 1993 John Weeks takes a break from doting on flowers and birds to address the mysterious private lives of mammals in nature.
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Jul 1, 2017
Before The Bird Chorus Runs Out Of Breath
In this episode from July 1, 1993, John Weeks urges listeners to visit Rice Creek Field Station at sunrise to hear its' woodland symphony.
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Jun 17, 2017
Defining the Real Issues
In this episode originally aired, June 17, 1993, John Weeks discusses the effects television can have on the perception of nature. Humans have a biological kinship to the environment, oxygen production, carbon dioxide consumption and the water cycle, according to Weeks. Listen as he explains ways to avoid being cheated out of the uncut version of natures' wildlife.
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Jun 4, 2017
Back to the Fields
Nearly 40 years ago John Weeks changed his ways as a floral bigot and decided to view weeds equal in beauty and purpose to noninvasive plants. This episode, originally aired June 4, 1993, addresses the importance of weeds to natures' ecosystems.
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May 31, 2017
An Episode and An Opportunity
In this episode from May 31, 1991, John Weeks observes a raccoon in Baltimore Woods and makes an exciting announcement regarding Rice Creek Field Station.
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May 27, 2017
Jim Anderson: 'Amateur Birder Par Excellence
Jim Anderson pays a visit to John Weeks in this episode from May 27, 1988, and the two discuss birding. Anderson shares recommendations for beginners and the importance of a decent pair of binoculars.
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May 24, 2017
The 'Creepy Crawlies' of Rice Creek
During a three week workshop with Diane Jackson and 15 fourth graders, John Weeks worked to collect flatworms, crustaceans and insects to teach the children about central New York’s aquatic life. In this episode from May 24, 1991, Weeks reflects on what they learned.
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May 21, 2017
What We're Doing to Our Environment Threatens Our Survival
Flourishing green pastures have been transformed by towns and neighborhoods into swampy inhabitable forests. In this episode from May 21, 1992, John Weeks shares his experience returning wetlands to their natural state.
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May 20, 2017
What's New at the Zoo with Jim Aiello, Former Curator of Education at Burnett Park Zoo
The former curator of education at Burnett Park Zoo, Jim Aiello, talks with John Weeks about upcoming events and new birth taking place at the Zoo. This episode is from May 20, 1988.
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May 14, 2017
Advice From High School
In this episode from May 14, 1992, John Weeks questions the power wielded by those whose jobs are saved through sloppy environmental controls. Weeks remains optimistic though, after interacting with local students.
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May 5, 2017
Spring and A Native Return
Over the years, John Weeks' affinity for springtime and birds has become apparent. In this episode, from May 5, 1992, Weeks reflects on the lives of wild turkeys roaming the Cayuga Nature Center with depth and curiosity.
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Apr 30, 2017
The Nature of Change
In this archived episode from April 30, 1993, John Weeks gets lost in nostalgia. After reflecting on better ecological times, Weeks calls for environmental awareness to increase.
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Apr 15, 2017
The Awesome Machinery of Spring
The swirling winds of spring are clearing away winters’ wrath. In this episode from April 15, 1993, John Weeks shares his Baltimore Woods Nature Center experience observing song sparrows, woodpeckers, bloodroots and magenta lilacs emerging to face the sun.
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Apr 11, 2017
April Sunshine
April is truly a superlative month through the eyes of John Weeks. In honor of the months rare sunlight, Weeks expresses his appreciation for the lively rebirth of nature produced by the golden rays throughout the month. This episode originally aired April 8, 1993.
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Apr 5, 2017
100 Miles of Spring
In this archived broadcast from April 3, 1987, John Weeks discusses temperature fluctuations and recites Henry David Thoreau to describe the constant changes, new growth and longer days of spring.
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Mar 29, 2017
Clearing the Mental Attic for Spring
In this archived broadcast from March 27, 1987, John Weeks answers questions that have piled up over the previous winter. Weeks answers questions about geese behavior, skunk cabbage smells, and red-winged blackbirds.
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Mar 17, 2017
The Gaia Hypothesis
In this archived broadcast from March 18, 1988, John Weeks talks about the gaia hypothesis, explaining what the hypothesis is and his use of the hypothesis in relation to the ecosystems he observes.
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Mar 15, 2017
Dapper Drakes and Demure Ducks
In this archived broadcast from March 13, 1992, John Weeks discusses the spring courtship within various species of waterfowl. Weeks goes into detail about the rituals of various ducks, visual differences among various canvas backs and gives an anecdote about his own experience watching a waterfowl courtship ritual.
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Mar 8, 2017
Daytime Owls and Harriers
In this archived broadcast from March 6, 1992, John Weeks discusses his observations of two bird species, the short-eared owl and the harrier. Weeks goes into detail about the lifestyles and characteristics of the two birds.
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Feb 22, 2017
The Snowy Owl Invasion
In this archived broadcast from February 20, 1987, John Weeks and local ornithologist Jerry Smith discuss the invasion of snowy owls in Oswego County. The conversation details why the owls migrate to Oswego County, what the birds look like, how they live, and where one might find the birds.
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