It started as a glacier. Then, about 13,000 years ago, it was a trickle, then a stream, and eventually a rushing river meandering through the Olympic Peninsula. For thousands of years, life thrived off the ecosystem served by the Elwha River that fed into to the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Then it stopped. A century ago, a dam was built to harness the power of the water and convert it into electricity. The salmon that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe relied on were cut off from their spawning grounds.

Ten years ago, that dam was taken down. In this special reprise episode, we look at the impact of the dam removal and how life in and around the Elwha is fighting its way back. 

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.

THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by Matt Martin 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.

It started as a glacier. Then, about 13,000 years ago, it was a trickle, then a stream, and eventually a rushing river meandering through the Olympic Peninsula. For thousands of years, life thrived off the ecosystem served by the Elwha River that fed into to the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Then it stopped. A century ago, a dam was built to harness the power of the water and convert it into electricity. The salmon that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe relied on were cut off from their spawning grounds.
Ten years ago, that dam was taken down. In this special reprise episode, we look at the impact of the dam removal and how life in and around the Elwha is fighting its way back. 
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.
THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/matt-martin">Matt Martin</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD 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>.

A river runs through it ... once again (reprise)

Nature writer Leigh Ann Henion has spent countless hours uncovering mysteries of the darkness that unfold while we’re asleep. She’s explored bats, moths, glow worms, spotted salamanders, and she’s written a new book about it called Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark.

Today, Chris talks with Leigh Ann Henion about what we can find in the darkness and how we can preserve it, even from our own back porch.

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

THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by Lucy Soucek 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.

Nature writer Leigh Ann Henion has spent countless hours uncovering mysteries of the darkness that unfold while we’re asleep. She’s explored bats, moths, glow worms, spotted salamanders, and she’s written a new book about it called Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. 
Today, Chris talks with Leigh Ann Henion about what we can find in the darkness and how we can preserve it, even from our own back porch.
This show would not be possible without listener support. You can help us continue to create this special storytelling by donating at <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/thewild">kuow.org/donate/thewild</a>. Thank you.
THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/lucy-soucek">Lucy Soucek</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. The Wild 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>.

Leigh Ann Henion: Darkness, and the creatures of the night

Once a year they come out, by the thousands. Fireflies. But these aren’t just any fireflies. These are Photinus Carolinas, also known as synchronous fireflies They blink on and off together. It’s an amazing site. On this episode, I head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to experience the synchronous fireflies and learn how light from human development is threatening the future of these delicate, glowing insects and what the park is doing to try to protect them.

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 Matt Martin 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.

Once a year they come out, by the thousands. Fireflies. But these aren’t just any fireflies. These are Photinus Carolinas, also known as synchronous fireflies They blink on and off together. It’s an amazing site. On this episode, I head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to experience the synchronous fireflies and learn how light from human development is threatening the future of these delicate, glowing insects and what the park is doing to try to protect them.
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, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/matt-martin">Matt Martin</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD 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>.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Fireflies in synchrony

Four times in the past decade Lake Abert has completely dried up, a barren lakebed encrusted with salt. Salt lakes are among the world's most threatened ecosystems. Lack of water could lead to many of these lakes permanently drying up in the American West. 

But there is one tiny bird that could change all that. The Wilson’s Phalarope depends on salt lakes on their 6500-mile migration between North and South America. There is a movement to get the phalarope listed as a threatened species by the federal government as a way to protect the habitat they need to survive.

Caroline Tracey is an environment reporter who grew up in the American West - a place that flows through so much of her work. She recently signed a book deal for a memoir about her love of salt lakes - these often-ignored ecosystems that are crucial to the world’s water cycle, migratory bird populations, and human health.

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 Matt Martin 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.

Four times in the past decade Lake Abert has completely dried up, a barren lakebed encrusted with salt. Salt lakes are among the world's most threatened ecosystems. Lack of water could lead to many of these lakes permanently drying up in the American West. 
But there is one tiny bird that could change all that. The Wilson’s Phalarope depends on salt lakes on their 6500-mile migration between North and South America. There is a movement to get the phalarope listed as a threatened species by the federal government as a way to protect the habitat they need to survive.
Caroline Tracey is an environment reporter who grew up in the American West - a place that flows through so much of her work. She recently signed a book deal for a memoir about her love of salt lakes - these often-ignored ecosystems that are crucial to the world’s water cycle, migratory bird populations, and human health.
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, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/matt-martin">Matt Martin</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD 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>.

Caroline Tracey: How this tiny bird could save salt lakes

Chris remembers Bear 399, "The Queen" of Grand Teton National Park that was struck and killed by a vehicle near Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Tuesday, October 22.

You can see the trailer of the PBS Nature documentary on Bear 399 here. 

Team 399 Facebook page

Chris remembers Bear 399, "The Queen" of Grand Teton National Park that was struck and killed by a vehicle near Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Tuesday, October 22.
You can see the trailer of the PBS Nature documentary on Bear 399 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0qjQZY1CgE&amp;list=PLvxs_j5q540b8Nus7j9MTbNiiucEHmnfU">here</a>. 
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Team399/">Team 399 Facebook page</a>

Chris remembers Bear 399

In the Florida Everglades, the Burmese python is an invasive species that's close to triggering an ecological collapse. We'll head out with python hunters who track down these massive snakes for a bounty. Then we wade through the waste deep murky waters of the Everglades to see what researchers are learning about Burmese pythons in their waning hopes to remove them from this fragile tropical wilderness.

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 Soucekand 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.

In the Florida Everglades, the Burmese python is an invasive species that's close to triggering an ecological collapse. We'll head out with python hunters who track down these massive snakes for a bounty. Then we wade through the waste deep murky waters of the Everglades to see what researchers are learning about Burmese pythons in their waning hopes to remove them from this fragile tropical wilderness.
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, <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> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD 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>.

Everglades National Park: Invasion of the Burmese pythons (reprise)

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nestled between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. It once was an industrial wasteland, filled with debris from the nearby auto factories. The Cuyahoga river was so polluted that it literally caught fire. That fire was a moment that sparked an environmental movement. But I'm headed upstream. I'm going to follow the river and its story from its grim past to becoming a national park.

We’ll look at how a toxic dump was transformed into a national park and a thriving ecosystem, teaming with life.

THE WILD would not be possible without listener support. You can help us continue to create this special immersive storytelling by donating at kuow.org/donate/thewildnotes. 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 Matt Martin 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.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nestled between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. It once was an industrial wasteland, filled with debris from the nearby auto factories. The Cuyahoga river was so polluted that it literally caught fire. That fire was a moment that sparked an environmental movement. But I'm headed upstream. I'm going to follow the river and its story from its grim past to becoming a national park.
We’ll look at how a toxic dump was transformed into a national park and a thriving ecosystem, teaming with life.
THE WILD 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/thewildnotes" data-stringify-link="http://kuow.org/donate/thewildnotes" data-sk="tooltip_parent">kuow.org/donate/thewildnotes</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, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/matt-martin">Matt Martin</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. THE WILD 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>.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Toxic wasteland to ecological champion

We’re on a short break as we finish working on our stories for our series about America’s National Parks. I can’t wait to share with you what we’ve learned. Amazing stuff. We’ll be back with new episodes on October 15.

But today, I’d like to play an episode of a podcast from our friends at Montana Public Radio and the Montana Media Lab. It’s called The Wide Open and tells stories about the places where people come together and fall apart. It’s a new podcast and this is their first episode. It’s about the Endangered Species Act, and what that 50-year-old legislation says about living with wildlife and living with each other.

You can learn more about The Wild Open and listen to more episodes here. 

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

We’re on a short break as we finish working on our stories for our series about America’s National Parks. I can’t wait to share with you what we’ve learned. Amazing stuff. We’ll be back with new episodes on October 15.
But today, I’d like to play an episode of a podcast from our friends at Montana Public Radio and the Montana Media Lab. It’s called The Wide Open and tells stories about the places where people come together and fall apart. It’s a new podcast and this is their first episode. It’s about the Endangered Species Act, and what that 50-year-old legislation says about living with wildlife and living with each other.
You can learn more about The Wild Open and listen to more episodes <a href="https://www.mtpr.org/wideopen">here</a>. 
THE WILD 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/thewildnotes" data-stringify-link="http://kuow.org/donate/thewildnotes" data-sk="tooltip_parent">kuow.org/donate/thewildnotes</a>. Thank you!

The Wild presents The Wide Open: Balancing the needs of endangered species and humans

We’re taking a short break from releasing episodes so we can work on more new stories for our series on our National Parks. I hope you’re enjoying it!

In the meantime, I wanted to share a special episode of a show I think you’ll really enjoy: Outside/In from our friends at New Hampshire Public Radio. Each week, the show explores topics around science, wildlife, environmentalism, and more. It takes listeners on journeys across the natural world from wherever they are – and includes a healthy dose of goofing off.

In this episode, the host and award-winning reporter Nate Hegyi explores wild horses. For many, these creatures are a symbol of freedom and the American West but for others, they’re an ecological nuisance. Nate visits a rancher on the Blackfeet Reservation where free-ranging horses have become more plentiful than deer. They’re outcompeting cattle for forage and putting livelihoods at risk.  Wild horses are a lot more controversial in the American West than most people realize. 

You can learn more about Outside/In and listen to more episodes here. 

THE WILD 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!

We’re taking a short break from releasing episodes so we can work on more new stories for our series on our National Parks. I hope you’re enjoying it!
In the meantime, I wanted to share a special episode of a show I think you’ll really enjoy: Outside/In from our friends at New Hampshire Public Radio. Each week, the show explores topics around science, wildlife, environmentalism, and more. It takes listeners on journeys across the natural world from wherever they are – and includes a healthy dose of goofing off.
In this episode, the host and award-winning reporter Nate Hegyi explores wild horses. For many, these creatures are a symbol of freedom and the American West but for others, they’re an ecological nuisance. Nate visits a rancher on the Blackfeet Reservation where free-ranging horses have become more plentiful than deer. They’re outcompeting cattle for forage and putting livelihoods at risk.  Wild horses are a lot more controversial in the American West than most people realize. 
You can learn more about Outside/In and listen to more episodes <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/Fm_PgTl9?sid=thewild">here</a>. 
THE WILD 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!

The Wild presents Outside/In: Not everyone is wild about wild horses

A decommissioned military base in northeast Oregon provides sanctuary for a recovering burrowing owl population.  

David Johnson is founder of the Global Owl Project to protect endangered owl species all over the world. And one lucky owl species that’s been David’s main focus for these past 12 years is the little burrowing owl. His rescue mission involves some chemical weapons, an old military base, and a very large plunger. 

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.

THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by Matt Martin 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.

A decommissioned military base in northeast Oregon provides sanctuary for a recovering burrowing owl population.  
David Johnson is founder of the Global Owl Project to protect endangered owl species all over the world. And one lucky owl species that’s been David’s main focus for these past 12 years is the little burrowing owl. His rescue mission involves some chemical weapons, an old military base, and a very large plunger. 
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.
THE WILD is a production of KUOW, Chris Morgan Wildlife, and the NPR Network. This episode was produced by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/matt-martin">Matt Martin</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/jim-gates">Jim Gates</a>. The Wild 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>.

Goodbye chemical weapons, hello burrowing owls (reprise)

"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.

The Wild with Chris Morgan

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