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Hosted by Zoo Idaho Superintendent Peter Pruett and Idaho Museum of Natural History Director Dr. Leif Tapanila, The Nature of Idaho explores how the Gem State’s wild landscapes shape its past, present, and future. Each half-hour episode dives into nature stories from across Idaho, featuring local news from the natural world, fascinating fun facts, and lively conversations that celebrate life outdoors.Since its launch in February 2018, The Nature of Idaho has produced more than 150 original episodes and earned multiple awards for excellence in science and environmental programming.“Idaho has so much to offer—its landscapes, habitats, geology, and people are endlessly inspiring,” says Pruett. “The Nature of Idaho is about sharing our excitement for everything that makes wild Idaho special—the places and the faces.”“We hope our listeners join us to reconnect with nature,” adds Dr. Tapanila. “Whether we’re talking about digging up dinosaurs or listening to crickets in the backyard, there’s always something extraordinary happening outside.”Email: [email protected] a list of past show topics/titles hereThe Nature of Idaho Season 1The Nature of Idaho Season 2The Nature of Idaho Season 3The Nature of Idaho Season 4The Nature of Idaho Season 5The Nature of Idaho Season 6The Nature of Idaho Season 7

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Check latest episodes from The Nature of Idaho podcast

The Nature Of Idaho: Idaho's Big Smile

2026/01/29

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett talking with hazards geologist Zach Lifton from the Idaho Geological Survey about why the Snake River Plain shows up as a giant “smile” across southern Idaho.

The Nature Of Idaho: Mobile Museum

2025/11/20

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Pam Pascali, a traveling educator for the Idaho Museum of Natural History, who shares stories from her fall spent driving across Idaho in a mobile museum van, teaching kids and adults about dinosaurs and Idaho’s paleontological history. The conversation highlights the scale of the outreach, unique challenges of traveling and educating on the road, and memorable moments engaging rural and small-town communities across the state.

The Nature Of Idaho: Wildland Fire in Idaho

2025/10/17

In this episode, The Nature of Idaho explores fire as an essential part of the western landscape, its ecological importance, historical management, and social implications. Hosts Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with journalist Murphy Woodhouse to unpack the relationship between humans and wildfires in Idaho.

The Nature Of Idaho: Portneuf Valley Trail Alliance

2025/10/10

In this episode of "The Nature of Idaho," hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett talk with Tyler Scheibenpflug, president of the Portneuf Valley Trail Alliance, about the importance and evolution of trail systems around Pocatello, Idaho. Tyler discusses the creation and goals of the alliance, focusing on sustainable trail maintenance, accessibility for all users, and the need for clear trail signage. The episode covers a range of topics from trail etiquette, environmental impacts, and the variety of trail users to the challenges of maintaining and improving trails, the potential for new adaptive and beginner-friendly trails, and ways the community can get involved in stewardship efforts. The conversation highlights both the natural beauty of Idaho’s trails and the collective effort required to ensure they remain enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

The Nature of Idaho: Greater Yellowstone Coalition

2025/09/25

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Shana Drimal, wildlife program manager for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, discussing the importance of Yellowstone’s bison and ongoing conservation strategies. Key topics include the history and recovery of bison populations from near extinction to about 5,000 animals today, challenges due to limited migration outside the park because of habitat loss and state policies, and the ecological benefits bison bring to grassland health and other species. The conversation highlights collaborative projects such as habitat leases, conflict prevention, and fence installations to foster coexistence between bison, landowners, and local communities—showcasing how simple solutions and shifting attitudes can deliver major gains for wildlife preservation in Idaho and across North America.

The Nature of Idaho: Fish in Idaho

2025/09/11

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features Dr. Ernest Keeley, a fish biologist from Idaho State University, discussing the state's unique fish populations, the impact of native and invasive species, and conservation efforts. Key topics include Idaho's 44 native fish species, challenges from over 50 introduced species (many for sport fishing), local adaptations like endemic sculpin species, and the importance of protecting habitats and practicing responsible recreation to preserve Idaho’s aquatic diversity—highlighted by the exclusive presence of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the upper Snake River.

The Nature of Idaho: Urban Trees

2025/07/17

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett in conversation with Lance Davisson, Executive Director of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, and Hannah Sanger, Environmental Administrator for the city of Pocatello, discussing the crucial role of urban trees in Idaho’s arid cities. They explore why cities must intentionally plant and care for trees to provide shade, reduce energy use, clean water, and create livable urban environments, emphasizing the challenges posed by Idaho’s climate and soil conditions. Both guests highlight the importance of tree diversity to prevent disease vulnerability and support wildlife, as well as the collaboration between nonprofits and cities to fund, plan, and maintain urban forests. The conversation also touches on practical tree selection guidance tailored to local conditions and the broader theme of community engagement for sustaining healthy urban canopies in Idaho's unique environment.

The Nature of Idaho: Wood River Wolf Project

2025/07/03

In this episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Suzanne Asha Stone, Executive Director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network, to explore the Wood River Wolf Project in Blaine County, Idaho. The conversation highlights how innovative, non-lethal deterrents such as fladry, Fox lights, and livestock guardian dogs have enabled ranchers and wolves to coexist, dramatically reducing livestock losses and wolf killings. The episode delves into the ecological benefits of wolves, the importance of removing livestock carcasses to prevent predator attraction, and the global impact of coexistence strategies, emphasizing that collaboration, education, and adaptation are key to sustaining both biodiversity and rural livelihoods.

The Nature of Idaho: Three Island Crossing State Park

2025/06/19

In this episode of "The Nature of Idaho," hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila (Idaho Museum of Natural History) and Peter Pruitt (Zoo Idaho) are joined by Kevin Fossen, park ranger at Three Island Crossing State Park in southern Idaho. The conversation explores the park’s natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, encouraging listeners to discover this often-overlooked gem along the Snake River near Glenns Ferry.

The Nature of Idaho: Dirt Russell

2025/06/05

The episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leaf Tappinella and Peter Pruitt interviewing Angela Heileson and Ryan Hondo of the Idaho band Dirt Russell.

The Nature of Idaho: Portneuf Valley Tennis Association

2025/05/22

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in an in-depth conversation with Tor Lynn and Dennis Gibbens, who serve as the President and Vice President, respectively, of the Portneuf Valley Tennis Association. Together, they explore the development, challenges, and unique characteristics of the tennis community in Idaho, highlighting local initiatives, youth engagement, and the growing interest in the sport across the region.

The Nature of Idaho: Spud Mother

2025/05/08

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett engage in a conversation with Spud Mother, a band hailing from Pocatello, in anticipation of their live performance at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise.

The Nature of Idaho: Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust 2

2025/04/24

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett sit down with Heath Mann, Abby Kiefner, and Emma Morton from the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust to discuss conserving land and protecting the unique landscapes of the American West.

The Nature of Idaho: Western Watersheds

2025/04/10

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Erik Molvar and Greg LeDonne (dawn) from the Western Watersheds Project to discuss livestock grazing and its potential impacts on our western landscapes.

The Nature of Idaho: Josh Ritter

2025/03/27

In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett welcome singer-songwriter and author Josh Ritter, an Idaho native. He joins the conversation to discuss his latest album, Heaven or Someplace as Nice.