The Nature Wanderer

In this episode, I head out onto the winter trails to talk about one of my favorite topics this time of year: staying safe while hiking in the cold. Winter can be absolutely beautiful — the quiet woods, fresh snow, and crisp air make it one of the best seasons to get outside. But it also brings its own set of challenges, and being prepared makes all the difference.I share the essential tips I use whenever I venture out in winter: how I layer for changing temperatures, why I always carry extra dry clothing, and the importance of keeping my hands, feet, and face protected from frostbite. I dive into how quickly the body can lose heat, the early signs of hypothermia, and what to do if I or someone I’m with starts showing symptoms.I also talk about safe pacing in deep snow, staying hydrated even when it’s cold, and why checking the weather and daylight hours is even more important this time of year.Whether you’re new to winter hiking or just want a refresher, this episode is all about helping you enjoy the season safely and confidently. Join me as I wander through the winter landscape and share what I’ve learned from years of exploring the cold.Mentioned in this episode are my "Bernie gloves" made for me by Rusted Arrow Creations. Her website can be found at https://rustedarrowcreations.wixsite.com/homeI also mention other winter hiking gear which can be purchased at my Amazon StorefrontThe 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/merchLet’s stay connected!  www.thenaturewanderer.com Instagram FacebookDon’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!

In this Nature Wanderer episode, I explore how your holiday shopping choices can make a big difference for the planet.Small Business Saturday isn’t just about supporting your local community — it’s also about protecting the environment.When you choose to shop small and local, you reduce packaging waste, cut down on shipping emissions, and help businesses that often prioritize sustainability over mass production. From handmade goods to locally sourced foods, your dollars can help nurture both your neighborhood and the natural world.Join me as I share eco-friendly shopping tips for the holiday season, highlight how local economies strengthen environmental stewardship, and remind us that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.In this episode, you’ll learn:How shopping locally reduces your carbon footprintThe environmental benefits of small-scale productionSimple ways to make your holiday gifts more sustainableThis season, skip the big-box chaos and wander your local Main Street — your planet will thank you. 🌿💚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/merchLet’s stay connected!  www.thenaturewanderer.com Instagram FacebookDon’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!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Grab your boots — it’s National Take a Hike Day! In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, we’ll explore the history of hiking and how it became a beloved outdoor activity. From the first walking clubs and early conservationists to the countless trails crisscrossing our world today, hiking has always been about more than just exercise — it’s about connection, discovery, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, this is the perfect day to celebrate the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other and seeing where the trail takes you.AlltrailsThe Hiking ProjectTrail LinkThe 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/merchLet’s stay connected!  www.thenaturewanderer.com Instagram FacebookDon’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!

Step into the shadows for this special Halloween edition of The Nature Wanderer. Join me as I take a moonlit walk through the woods — where every rustle, hoot, and whisper holds both a mystery and a lesson from nature.In this immersive storytelling episode, fear and fascination intertwine. As strange sounds echo through the night, you’ll uncover the real creatures behind the myths, learn how nocturnal animals adapt to darkness, and discover why our imaginations run wild under the canopy of night.So grab your flashlight (and maybe a blanket), and come along for a Halloween hike filled with eerie ambiance, natural wonders, and a touch of the unknown.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why forests feel different after darkThe science behind fear in natureReal animals that inspired folklore and ghost storiesHow your senses heighten when the lights go outThe beauty and mystery of the nocturnal worldDare to wander — if you’re not afraid of the dark.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/merchLet’s stay connected!  www.thenaturewanderer.com Instagram FacebookDon’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!

Thanks for wandering through nature with me on another episode of The Nature Wanderer! Join me on a special hike for Indigenous Peoples’ Day as we walk the trail through the lens of Indigenous wisdom. Along the way, we’ll explore how Native peoples used and honored plants, listened to birds as messengers, shaped the land with care, and gave places names that carried memory and meaning. This episode is a journey into gratitude, story, and connection — a reminder that the land is not just scenery, but a living relative.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/merchLet’s stay connected!  www.thenaturewanderer.com Instagram FacebookDon’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!