In this episode from July 23, 1993 John Weeks takes a break from doting on flowers and birds to address the mysterious private lives of mammals in nature.

The Brotherhood of Animals

In this episode from July 1, 1993, John Weeks urges listeners to visit Rice Creek Field Station at sunrise to hear its' woodland symphony.

Before The Bird Chorus Runs Out Of Breath

In this episode originally aired, June 17, 1993, John Weeks discusses the effects television can have on the perception of nature. Humans have a biological kinship to the environment, oxygen production, carbon dioxide consumption and the water cycle, according to Weeks. Listen as he explains ways to avoid being cheated out of the uncut version of natures' wildlife.

Defining the Real Issues 

Nearly 40 years ago John Weeks changed his ways as a floral bigot and decided to view weeds equal in beauty and purpose to noninvasive plants. This episode, originally aired June 4, 1993, addresses the importance of weeds to natures' ecosystems.

Back to the Fields

In this episode from May 31, 1991, John Weeks observes a raccoon in Baltimore Woods and makes an exciting announcement regarding Rice Creek Field Station.

An Episode and An Opportunity

Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson pays a visit to John Weeks in this episode from May 27, 1988, and the two discuss birding. Anderson shares recommendations for beginners and the importance of a decent pair of binoculars.

Jim Anderson: 'Amateur Birder Par Excellence

During a three week workshop with Diane Jackson and 15 fourth graders, John Weeks worked to collect flatworms, crustaceans and insects to teach the children about central New York’s aquatic life. In this episode from May 24, 1991, Weeks reflects on what they learned.

The 'Creepy Crawlies' of Rice Creek

Flourishing green pastures have been transformed by towns and neighborhoods into swampy inhabitable forests. In this episode from May 21, 1992, John Weeks shares his experience returning wetlands to their natural state.

What We're Doing to Our Environment Threatens Our Survival

Jim Aiello

The former curator of education at Burnett Park Zoo, Jim Aiello, talks with John Weeks about upcoming events and new birth taking place at the Zoo. This episode is from May 20, 1988.

What's New at the Zoo with Jim Aiello, Former Curator of Education at Burnett Park Zoo

In this episode from May 14, 1992, John Weeks questions the power wielded by those whose jobs are saved through sloppy environmental controls. Weeks remains optimistic though, after interacting with local students.

Advice From High School

WRVO presents an archived edition of the popular weekly essay, The Nature of Things, from Naturalist John Weeks.John Weeks was born on August 21, 1924, on a little farm in West Webster, NY. His father was a commercial artist, his mother a writer and reciter of dialect essays. His early interest in nature was fostered by his parents, his 5 siblings and his teachers. Over the years, John helped create several nature centers in upstate New York. John Weeks passed away in March 2021.

Over the years, John Weeks' affinity for springtime and birds has become apparent. In this episode, from May 5, 1992, Weeks reflects on the lives of wild turkeys roaming the Cayuga Nature Center with depth and curiosity.

Spring and A Native Return

In this archived episode from April 30, 1993, John Weeks gets lost in nostalgia. After reflecting on better ecological times, Weeks calls for environmental awareness to increase.

The Nature of Change 

The swirling winds of spring are clearing away winters’ wrath. In this episode from April 15, 1993, John Weeks shares his Baltimore Woods Nature Center experience observing song sparrows, woodpeckers, bloodroots and magenta lilacs emerging to face the sun.

The Awesome Machinery of Spring

April is truly a superlative month through the eyes of John Weeks. In honor of the months rare sunlight, Weeks expresses his appreciation for the lively rebirth of nature produced by the golden rays throughout the month. This episode originally aired April 8, 1993.

April Sunshine

In this archived broadcast from April 3, 1987, John Weeks discusses temperature fluctuations and recites Henry David Thoreau to describe the constant changes, new growth and longer days of spring.

100 Miles of Spring 

In this archived broadcast from March 27, 1987, John Weeks answers questions that have piled up over the previous winter. Weeks answers questions about geese behavior, skunk cabbage smells, and red-winged blackbirds.

Clearing the Mental Attic for Spring

In this archived broadcast from March 18, 1988, John Weeks talks about the gaia hypothesis, explaining what the hypothesis is and his use of the hypothesis in relation to the ecosystems he observes.

The Gaia Hypothesis 

In this archived broadcast from March 13, 1992, John Weeks discusses the spring courtship within various species of waterfowl. Weeks goes into detail about the rituals of various ducks, visual differences among various canvas backs and gives an anecdote about his own experience watching a waterfowl courtship ritual.

Dapper Drakes and Demure Ducks 

In this archived broadcast from March 6, 1992, John Weeks discusses his observations of two bird species, the short-eared owl and the harrier. Weeks goes into detail about the lifestyles and characteristics of the two birds.

Daytime Owls and Harriers

In this archived broadcast from February 20, 1987, John Weeks and local ornithologist Jerry Smith discuss the invasion of snowy owls in Oswego County. The conversation details why the owls migrate to Oswego County, what the birds look like, how they live, and where one might find the birds.

The Snowy Owl Invasion 

Interesting stuff and good to know when you are out hiking or rowing.

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Nature of Things

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Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

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