Melting ice is usually bad news, but this place in Alaska has turned from frozen to flourishing in just 200 years. 

Nestled in southeast Alaska, the stunning and famous Glacier Bay National Park is often called a “living laboratory.” Scientists from all over the world come here to study ecological succession: the step-by-step return of plants, insects, forests and animals. It’s a unique place to do that because just a couple hundred years ago, this whole landscape was covered in ice. But then, the ice started melting, uncovering a clean slate for nature to show us how she creates a flourishing ecosystem. 

On this episode of THE WILD, Chris time travels through Glacier Bay National Park to discover how fast biodiversity can build when nature is left alone, in the surprising spectacle of life after ice.

This show would not be possible without listener support. You can help us continue to create this special immersive storytelling by donating at kuow.org/donate/thewild. Thank you.

For some great photographs and clips from our journey through the national parks, check out our Instagram @thewildpod and @chrismorganwildlife.

THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by Lucy Soucek, written by Christopher Preston and edited by Jim Gates. THE WILD  is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker.

Melting ice is usually bad news, but this place in Alaska has turned from frozen to flourishing in just 200 years.&nbsp;
Nestled in southeast Alaska, the stunning and famous Glacier Bay National Park is often called a &ldquo;living laboratory.&rdquo; Scientists from all over the world come here to study ecological succession: the step-by-step return of plants, insects, forests and animals. It&rsquo;s a unique place to do that because just a couple hundred years ago, this whole landscape was covered in ice. But then, the ice started melting, uncovering a clean slate for nature to show us how she creates a flourishing ecosystem.&nbsp;
On this episode of THE WILD, Chris time travels through Glacier Bay National Park to discover how fast biodiversity can build when nature is left alone, in the surprising spectacle of life after ice.
This show would not be possible without listener support. You can help us continue to create this special immersive storytelling by donating at <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/thewild">kuow.org/donate/thewild</a>. Thank you.
For some great photographs and clips from our journey through the national parks, check out our Instagram @thewildpod and @chrismorganwildlife.
THE WILD is a production of KUOW,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chrismorganwildlife.org/">Chris Morgan Wildlife</a>, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/lucy-soucek">Lucy Soucek</a>, written by <a href="http://christopherjpreston.com">Christopher Preston</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD&nbsp; is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by <a href="https://apryledcraig.wordpress.com/">Apryle Craig</a>. Our theme music is by <a href="https://www.michaeltparker.com/">Michael Parker</a>.

"THE WILD with Chris Morgan" explores how nature survives and thrives alongside (and often despite) humans. Taking listeners across the Pacific Northwest and around the world, host Chris Morgan explores wildlife and the complex web of ecosystems they inhabit. He also tells the stories of people working in and protecting the wild around us.

The Wild with Chris Morgan

"THE WILD" with Chris Morgan brings stories from the natural world right to your ears in a beautifully immersive way. You’ll feel like you are right there with Chris in wild places all over the world, alongside wildlife ecologists, researchers, and colorful characters on the front line. On every episode we set out to tell inspiring stories that carry you away, and fascinate you. As one listener put it “THE WILD is the Planet Earth of podcasts!”. Listen on the go, or as many fans tell us - in the wild. But don't forget to take time to listen to the wilderness, wherever you are. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and enjoy stories of hope for the planet we all share.

"THE WILD" with Chris Morgan brings stories from the natural world right to your ears in a beautifully immersive way. You’ll feel like you are right there with Chris in wild places all over the world, alongside wildlife ecologists, researchers, and colorful characters on the front line. On every episode we set out to tell inspiring stories that carry you away, and fascinate you. As one listener put it “THE WILD is the Planet Earth of podcasts!”. Listen on the go, or as many fans tell us - in the wild. But don't forget to take time to listen to the wilderness, wherever you are. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and enjoy stories of hope for the planet we all share.

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