Nature Now

(First airdate: August 29, 2018) Host is Nan Evans talks with Port Townsend Marine Science Center Executive Director Janine Boire about problems caused by the buildup of plastics in the ocean.

(first aired August 22, 2018). Nan Evans interviews Jonathan White, author of Tides: The Science and Spirit of the Ocean, in the encore of a May 24, 2017 broadcast where the author discusses how the tides can tell time, change our concept of time, and affect living creatures. Closing music is “The Moon and the Tide,” performed by Derek Gust.

(first aired August 15, 2018). Host Nan Evans interviews Dr. Ginger Armbrust, Director of the University of Washington School of Oceanography, in the second part of a discussion of the unseen world in the ocean.

(first aired August 8, 2018). Darrell and Lorna Smith of Western Wildlife Outreach handle both the hosting and guest duties to discuss the current status of black bears and cougars on the Olympic Peninsula and western Washington, and provide safety tips for recreating, living and working in areas occupied by these large carnivores. Closing music is “Cougar,” performed by Johnny Whitehorse.

(first aired August 1, 2018). Host Mary Robson talks with Gardiner’s Wild Birds Unlimited co-owner Christie Lassen about bird behavior in mid-summer and some odd bird bits that could be in any season. Closing music is “Full Moon,” performed by Blue Jay.

(first aired July 25, 2018). Nan Evans interviews Americorps volunteer Emilee Carpenter and Port Townsend Marine Science Center camper Anabel Moore to learn about the educational opportunities at this summer’s camps. Closing music is “Life is Grand,” performed by Camper van Beethoven.

(first aired July 18, 2018). An encore broadcast of the October 4, 2017 show features former Nature Now host Ken Wilson hosting environmental educator, writer, photographer and naturalist Bob Steelquist for a discussion of interesting creatures and other features of the environment. Closing music is “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” performed by Earl Scruggs.

(first aired July 11, 2018). Dr. Fred Sharpe visits host Debaran Kelso in the KPTZ studio to present historical details about local prairies and identify locations in our area where portions of prairies still survive. Closing music is “Little Songbird,” performed by Black Prairie.

(first aired July 4, 2018). Joost Besijn, Coordinator of the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board, returns to the KPTZ studio for a further discussion of noxious weeds in the county and how to deal with them. Closing music is “Weeds,” performed by Michael Penn.

(first aired June 27, 2018). Host Nan Evans recorded an interview near the Point Wilson lighthouse with Betsy Carlson, Citizen Science Coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and Mariah Vane, Americorps member and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network Environmental Education Coordinator. They spoke about marine mammal strandings in the Salish Sea and what members of the public should do if they encounter stranded animals along our shore. Closing music is “Stranded,” sung by Van Morrison.