The Nature Wanderer

Paul Fehringer
  • 4.0 (3)
  • Nature
  • Updated Biweekly

Wandering through nature. Join me on an adventure of delving into the common and the unusual sides of the natural world around us. Each week I will welcome you to join me as I explore nature.

  1. 5d ago

    Exploring Nature Like a Kid Again

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  Children experience nature differently than most adults. They aren't worried about reaching the end of the trail, identifying every bird they hear, or checking species off a list. They stop for every interesting rock, crouch down to watch a line of ants, and ask questions that many adults have forgotten to ask. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we're taking a lesson from our youngest explorers. We'll talk about why curiosity is more important than knowledge, how slowing down leads to incredible discoveries, and why some of the best moments outdoors happen when we abandon the plan and simply follow our sense of wonder. Whether you're hiking with children, grandchildren, students, or simply heading into the woods by yourself, you'll come away with simple ways to make every walk feel like an adventure again. In this episode: Why children are naturally gifted explorersThe difference between hiking and truly exploringHow curiosity helps us notice more wildlifeSimple ways to awaken your own sense of wonderActivities to help families discover nature togetherWhy the smallest discoveries often become the biggest memoriesNature Challenge: On your next walk, let curiosity—not your destination—be your guide. When something catches your eye, stop. Kneel down. Look closer. Ask questions instead of reaching for answers. Spend five minutes exploring just one square yard of forest, meadow, or backyard. You might be surprised by how much life you've been walking past all along. Nature has always been full of wonder. Sometimes we just need to remember how to look. Paul’s Field Kit for Today’s Episode https://a.co/d/09F3ABr8 Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  2. Aug 6

    Does Size Matter? When Is a Hill a Mountain?

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  Is a hill just a short mountain? Is a pond simply a small lake? Is a creek a tiny river? And what exactly makes a tree different from a bush? We humans love putting names and categories on the natural world, but nature doesn't always follow the rules we create. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we explore the fascinating gray areas of the landscapes and living things around us. From mountains and hills to lakes, rivers, wetlands, and trees, we'll discover that many of the labels we use every day are not as clear-cut as we might think. Some are based on science, some are based on tradition, and some are simply names that stuck over time. Along the way, we'll uncover why a mountain isn't always about height, why a lake and pond don't have a universal dividing line, how a shrub can sometimes become a tree, and why a bog is much more than just a wet place. So the next time you walk through the woods, paddle across a lake, or stand at the top of a hill, take a closer look. The natural world is full of surprises hiding in plain sight. Because sometimes… size really does matter. Paul’s Field Kit for Today’s Episode https://a.co/d/09F3ABr8 Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  3. Jul 23

    Wander Far. Wander Safe.

    THE NATURE WANDERER Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  Summer is one of the best times to explore nature—but it also brings unique challenges that can turn a great hike into a dangerous situation if you're not prepared. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, Paul shares practical, real-world tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're heading out for a short nature walk or tackling an all-day adventure, a little preparation goes a long way. We'll cover: Choosing the right clothing and footwearHydration and avoiding heat illnessSun protectionNavigating changing weatherWildlife awarenessTick and insect protectionTrail etiquetteEssential gear to carryWhat to do if something goes wrongTips for hiking with kids and petsThe goal isn't to make you nervous—it's to help you hike with confidence. When you're prepared, you can spend less time worrying and more time noticing the birds, the wildflowers, the butterflies, and all the little wonders waiting along the trail. So fill your water bottle, lace up your boots, and join me for another adventure. Happy wandering! Paul’s Field Kit for Today’s Episode https://www.amazon.com/shop/the_nature_wanderer/list/2UWTQNEVFXP4D?ref_=aipsflist Dive deeper with a summer hiking safety course: Nature classes online: ⁠The Nature Wanderer Classes⁠ Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  4. Jul 9

    Tiny Worlds, Big Discoveries

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  What happens when you slow down and look at nature through a magnifying glass? An ordinary leaf suddenly becomes a forest of tiny veins. A patch of moss transforms into a miniature landscape. Tree bark reveals intricate patterns, tiny fungi, and insects you never knew were there. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we're exploring one of the simplest—and most rewarding—nature tools you can own: a magnifying glass. You'll discover: Why slowing down changes the way we experience nature.The fascinating details hiding on leaves, flowers, bark, lichens, and mosses.Tiny insects and spiders that often go unnoticed.How magnification reveals incredible textures, colors, and patterns.Easy activities for families, hikers, educators, and curious naturalists.Why seeing the small things can help us appreciate the bigger picture.Whether you're exploring your backyard, a local park, or your favorite hiking trail, you'll never look at nature the same way again. Grab a magnifying glass, head outside, and prepare to discover an entire world that's been hiding in plain sight. Paul’s Field Kit for Today’s Episode https://a.co/d/0c1FckN8 Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  5. Jun 25

    Spider Silk: Nature's Ultimate Super Material

    THE NATURE WANDERER Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  When most people see a spider web, they see a delicate trap stretched between branches. But that shimmering silk is actually one of the most remarkable materials found anywhere in nature. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we're following the journey of spider silk from its beginnings as a liquid protein inside a spider's body to its transformation into a fiber stronger than steel by weight. You'll discover how spiders manufacture silk, why scientists are trying to recreate it, and the surprising ways different spiders use this extraordinary material. We'll also meet some of nature's most inventive hunters, including bolas spiders that fish for moths using sticky silk lures, net-casting spiders that throw silk nets over unsuspecting prey, and trapdoor spiders that use silk as a hidden alarm system beneath the forest floor. Join me as we explore one of nature's greatest engineering achievements—created not in a factory, but by some of the smallest architects in the natural world. In This Episode: How spiders create silk from liquid proteinsThe role of silk glands, spinning ducts, and spinneretsWhy spider silk is stronger than steel by weightThe many types of silk spiders produceBolas spiders and their incredible moth luresNet-casting spiders and their handheld silk netsTrapdoor spiders and their underground ambush systemsWhy scientists are studying spider silk for future technologiesNature Wanderer Challenge The next time you encounter a spider web on a morning walk, take a closer look. Notice the patterns, the design, and the engineering behind each strand. Then consider that every thread began as a liquid inside a tiny spider and was transformed into one of nature's most extraordinary materials. Paul’s Field Kit for Today’s Episode https://www.amazon.com/shop/the_nature_wanderer/list/IXAMXFFK3B53?ref_=aipsflist Episode notes and links: Time lapse of spider building a web: https://youtu.be/rBPyX5Yq6Y0?si=DqSSUgeFGlV3mkTj Web building video: https://youtu.be/zNtSAQHNONo?si=US6Ovaqx3NMEj9W2 Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  6. Jun 11

    Are You Walking IN Nature or WITH It?

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  Most of us spend time walking in nature, but what if we approached our outdoor adventures differently? What if we learned to walk with nature instead? In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, I explore a simple but powerful shift in perspective that can transform any hike, stroll, or nature outing. Rather than treating nature as a backdrop or destination, we can become active participants in the rhythms and relationships unfolding around us. Join me as I share observations from the trail, discuss how slowing down changes what we notice, and offer practical ways to deepen your connection with the natural world. You'll discover how paying attention to seasonal changes, wildlife behavior, weather patterns, and even the pace of your own movement can turn an ordinary walk into a meaningful conversation with nature. Whether you're hiking a mountain trail, exploring a local park, or simply walking around your neighborhood, this episode will inspire you to experience the outdoors in a more mindful and connected way. Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  7. May 28

    Everything You Know About Wildlife Might Be Wrong

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer!  🐸 Do toads really give you warts?🕷️ Are daddy longlegs actually deadly venom machines? Nature is full of fascinating truths… but it’s also tangled in centuries of myths, misunderstandings, and campfire storytelling. In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, I take a closer look at some of the most common wildlife myths and uncover the science behind them. We’ll explore: Why toads got blamed for wartsThe real story behind daddy longlegsWhy “survival of the fittest” is often misunderstoodAnd much moreAlong the way, we’ll discover how myths often begin with a tiny grain of truth before growing into full-blown wilderness folklore. So grab your hiking boots, your curiosity, and maybe a healthy skepticism… because nature is far stranger and more interesting than the myths we tell about it. 🌲🎙️ Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront Nature classes online: The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

  8. May 14

    Small, Smelly, and Misunderstood: A Stink Bug Story

    Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! In this episode, I dive into something a lot of us have been noticing lately… stink bugs. They’ve been everywhere this year, showing up on windows, walls, and just about every quiet corner of our homes. But instead of just brushing them off as a nuisance, I wanted to take a closer look. I explore the story behind the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug—where it came from, why it’s become so widespread, and what makes it so uniquely equipped to survive. From its shield-like body to its infamous odor-producing defense, this tiny insect has a surprisingly powerful strategy for staying alive. We’ll talk about: Why stink bugs suddenly seem to appear in large numbersHow their chemical defense actually worksWhat role they play in ecosystems (even when they feel like pests)And why they’re so drawn to our homes during certain times of the yearAlong the way, I reflect on something I think we often forget… even the most annoying parts of nature have a purpose. Stink bugs may not be welcome houseguests, but they’re part of a much bigger story about adaptation, movement, and survival in a changing world. So the next time you see one clinging to your window… maybe take a second look before you reach for the paper towel. There’s more to this little insect than meets the eye. Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:  Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer  Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page  Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch Nature Exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront The Nature Wanderer Classes Let’s stay connected!   www.thenaturewanderer.com  Instagram  Facebook Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you! Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Support our eco-friendly affiliates:  Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.   Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference. Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.  I’ll see you next episode! This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Wandering through nature. Join me on an adventure of delving into the common and the unusual sides of the natural world around us. Each week I will welcome you to join me as I explore nature.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Fehringer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Fehringer
  • Show Website
    The Nature Wanderer