Small But Mighty Media
Join Laine Farber and the Nature Cadets as they explore the flora, fauna and hidden gems of nature found in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Emy learn all about a rodent eating up the Louisiana coastline in the premier episode of Nature Nerds. Join in as they discover what makes something an “invasive species.” Featuring: Jennifer Houge-Manuel, Furbearer biologist at Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Jacoby Carter, Research Ecologist for the U.S. Geological Survey
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Liam fly to Brazil to learn how football-shaped fruit is made into delicious chocolate. From farm to factory, our team follows the long and laborious journey of the cacao fruit while asking the important questions, like "Can I taste this? "
Nature Cadet Reece and Ms. Laine take a road trip to the Calaveras County Frog Jump Jubilee. Reece has her heart set on competing in the frog jump. The only problem? She doesn’t have a frog. She has a gecko named Butters. Will Butters get to compete? Will Reece ever understand the difference between reptiles and amphibians?
Nature Cadet Joseph gets braces and a horrible haircut and is feeling bad about how they look. They learn to appreciate their inner beauty and remember that they are still growing and changing after they have a chance encounter with a baby goose.
Spring has sprung and Ms. Laine is going to take full advantage of the nice weather and go camping. While looking for a place to set up camp they stumble on the trail of an animal. They decide to follow and discover a wonderful surprise. Why is Ms. Laine so surprised to see a Black Bear? Why shouldn’t they make their camp near the bear’s home?
Ms. Laine and Nature Cade Liam head to the Louisiana Renaissance Festival to learn about common animal jobs/sports of the past. Much to the chagrin of Liam they are not learning about dragons, but rather a very cool and very real winged predator.
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Wyatt set out for a nice kayaking trip on the bayou. Their day hits snag when their path is blocked by a monstrous floating mass of invasive purple flowers. Where did these flowers come from, and is there any way to get rid of them?
On a hunt to find the perfect item to put in his school time capsule, Nature Cadet Joseph discovers an odd alien-like shell. What is this strange looking creature and what does it have to do with all of the noise coming from the trees?
The Nature Cadets volunteer to help with a clean up project at the park after a hurricane. Reece gets disheartened because there is so much to be done. She thinks the clean up project is too big an undertaking until Ms. Laine and a colony of ants teach them about the power of teamwork.
Nature Cadet Liam wants to play video games with his friends, but he must help save the day and learn all about a new species after his actions accidentally get the crew in a sticky situation with a snake. Is this snake really as dangerous as it appears, or is there an Impostor among us?
Nature Cadet Zoe is new to Louisiana, and is attending their first crawfish boil. A little crawdad escapes the pot and introduces himself to Zoe with a pinch on the toe. Despite this rude greeting, Zoe decides he’s something special and asks Ms. Laine if they can set him free. Ms. Laine is always down for an adventure but they will have to do some detective work first. Where did this little crawfish come from, and where will he end up?
For this special Christmas episode, Nature Cadet Joseph is visited by the Ghosts of Conservation Past, Present and Future which helps realize that all animal life is special and important in preserving our ecosystem. Featuring: Mick Sullivan, creator and host of The Past and the Curious podcast and Kate Tannian of Pontchartrain Conservancy.
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Wyatt discover an opossum in need of help while exploring nature at night. Join in as they learn all about opossum behavior and animal rehabilitation while saving their new friend. Featuring: Dr. Greg Rich, of Avian and Excotic Animal Hospital of New Orleans, and Ally Burguieres, local artist and opossum rehabber.
Ms. Laine turns into a bat?! It’s up to Nature Cadet Reece to save the day. Featuring: Dr. Craig Hood, Biology Professor at Loyola University and Professor Leslie Tuttle, Associate Professor of History at Louisiana State University
Nature Cadet Liam is surprised by a caterpillar while working in the Nature Station garden. Ms. Laine shows him that bugs aren’t so bad with a trip to the Insectarium where the pair learn all about the wonders of metamorphosis. Featuring: Zack Lemann, lead entomologist at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and Linda Auld, pest expert (Barber Laboratories) and bug enthusiast.
In order to keep mosquitos at bay, Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Reece need to find bug repellent before their party starts. Tag along as they learn all about everyone’s least favorite blood-sucker, the mosquito. Featuring: Dr. James Ottea and Dr. Kristen Healy, Professors of Entomology at Louisiana State University
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Emy come across an alligator nest while out in the swamp. Listen in as they discover what makes mama gators the most fearsome parents in the animal kingdom. Featuring: Jeb Linscombe, Alligator Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife and Erin Borgart, Audubon Zoo Zookeeper.
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadets Meredith and Lily make some fuzzy flying friends while enjoying a picnic. Join in as they learn all about curious bee behavior including mutiny and butt-waggling dances. Featuring: Robert Williams, local beekeeper, and Thomas O’Shea Wheller, Bee Biologist
Ms. Laine and Nature Cadet Wesley learn about the rich history of the sweetest plant in all of Louisiana. Tag along as they visit a sugar cane mill to witness how plants are turned into sweet crystals and discover how sugar affects one’s body. Featuring: Kenneth Gravois, Sugar Cane Specialist and Nutritionist, Samatha Farber