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Hosted by Chuck Lura, a biology professor at Dakota College in Bottineau. Chuck has a broad knowledge of “Natural North Dakota” and loves sharing that knowledge with others. Since 2005, he has written a weekly column, “Naturalist at Large,” for the Lake Metigoshe Mirror. His columns also appear under “The Naturalist” in several other weekly newspapers across North Dakota. Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, and by the members of Prairie Public. Thanks to Sunny 101.9 in Bottineau for their recording services. Hear Natural North Dakota on Prairie Public on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:35am CT.

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Check latest episodes from Natural North Dakota podcast

Why fire is essential to North Dakota’s native prairie

2026/04/18

In the absence of burning, grazing, or other active management, native prairie can quickly deteriorate. Historically, bison grazed the prairie, wildfires occurred, and Native Americans set the grasslands on fire for a variety of reasons. They learned early on, for example, that burned over grasslands attracted bison because the regrowth was more accessible, palatable, and nutritious. Today, prescribed burning has become a widely accepted management tool for natural resource managers.

Watch your step: The “jumping” cactus of North Dakota

2026/04/11

People have been known to be badly injured in the desert by getting tangled up with cactus, particularly a species of cholla commonly known as “jumping cholla.” There is no cholla cactus in North Dakota, but the state does have a native cactus, commonly known as fragile prickly pear or brittle pricklypear, that could be accused of “jumping.”

The vital role of woodpeckers in North Dakota

2026/04/04

Chuck Lura explores the species of woodpeckers found in North Dakota and the vital role they play as keystone species in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.

Red Osier Dogwood stands out in the winter landscape

2026/03/28

This time of year, there is not a lot of color on the landscape. But there is a red stemmed shrub that may catch your attention. If so, it is probably red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea ).

Hello, spring!

2026/03/21

On Friday, March 20, at 9:46 a.m., the sun crossed the celestial equator — marking the spring equinox. As the term “equinox” indicates, there is roughly equal time between sunrise and sunset around the globe.

Look up! Spring bird migration is back

2026/03/14

Have you noticed geese flying overhead recently? If you haven’t, you will soon. That is because the spring migration is on. Although some have the impression that birds fly non-stop to their winter or summer destination, there is considerable variation in the migration patterns of our feathered friends such as migration distance, time of arrival, or flight time.

Ancient lakes left their mark on North Dakota’s plains

2026/03/07

Most North Dakotans know that the Red River Valley is a portion of the former lakebed of glacial Lake Agassiz, but there are other glacial lake plains in the state that are less well known.

Lizards of North Dakota

2026/02/28

I read an article in the February issue of National Geographic about horned lizards in Texas. Their populations are being decimated, largely due to habitat loss and invasive predators. Most people probably think if horned lizards as species of the desert southwest. However, there is a species of horned lizard native to North Dakota, as are a couple other close relatives.

Roses in North Dakota aren't just for Valentine’s Day

2026/02/21

While long-stemmed roses dominate Valentine’s Day sales, native members of the rose family are woven into North Dakota’s landscape — including the State Flower, the Wild Prairie Rose.

How early writers described winter on the North Dakota prairie

2026/02/14

Do your ever wonder what the winter landscape looked like on the prairie long ago when there were no farmsteads, transmission lines, and the few trees that were present were largely restricted to the floodplains of major rivers? There are some interesting written descriptions of that landscape.

How plant seeds survive the winter

2026/02/07

During winter cold spells, concerns are often voiced on how the animals manage to make it through the season. Of course, there is variation in how well-adapted animals are to winter. It is similar with plants, which is exemplified by the development of plant hardiness zones. But how about plant seeds during the winter months? There is probably a lot more going there than most people would think.

Shadow or not, North Dakota’s groundhogs are still asleep

2026/01/31

Groundhog Day is coming up Monday, February 2. Do not look for any groundhog in North Dakota to poke its head out of their burrow. It is far too early for that.

Barred owls are not as rare as they once were in North Dakota

2026/01/24

A friend of mine recently mentioned that a flock of crows were raising a ruckus outside his home in north Fargo. When the crows are in a tizzy, it often means they have found an owl to harass. Sure enough, when he went to check it out, the object of the mobbing was a barred owl.

Observing nature in the winter

2026/01/17

Are you getting a case of the winter blues? Are you spending too much time on the couch and too little time outdoors? Consider making a concerted effort to get outdoors more often to enjoy some of what nature has to offer during the winter. There is much to see and do for those interested a little "Natural North Dakota" that is quite easy to observe if one just takes the time to do so.

One of North America’s deadliest plants grows in North Dakota

2026/01/10

All plant parts of water hemlock are toxic to humans and livestock. It is one of the deadliest plants native to North America, some say the deadliest.