Central Coast Naturalist

Central Coast Naturalist

Central Coast Naturalist

Episodes 120
Avg. Duration 3m
Activity Highly Active
Since Feb 2019
Latest Episode Mar 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
47%
Hosting
anchor.fm

About This Podcast

Central Coast Naturalist invites listeners to join UCSC Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate students as they explore nature in and around Santa Cruz County. Each episode will enrich your next experience with nature as you learn fascinating insights (from local experts) about the creatures that inhabit your favorite hiking trails, beaches and even your own backyard.

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Recent Episodes

Bird Flu Strikes Marine Mammals on the California Coast

Mar 17, 2026 3m

This week, host Frankie Gerraty reports on the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (a severe form of "bird flu") affecting marine mammals on the central California coast.

Death Valley in Full Bloom

Mar 10, 2026 3m

On this episode, host Niki Sridhar discusses the current superbloom in Death Valley, exploring the conditions that lead to these events and their ecological impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

Small Antelope, Big Impact: Duikers and the Future of Tropical Forests- part.2

Feb 24, 2026 4m

In this two-part conversation, ecologist Bastien Dehaudt shares his PhD research in Cameroon, where he studied duikers, small forest antelopes that play a large role as seed dispersers. He explains…

Small Antelope, Big Impact: Duikers and the Future of Tropical Forests- part.1

Feb 24, 2026 3m

In this two-part conversation, ecologist Bastien Dehaudt shares his PhD research in Cameroon, where he studied duikers, small forest antelopes that play a large role as seed dispersers. He explains…

Lunar Cycles

Jan 27, 2026 4m

On this week's episode, host Frankie Gerraty interviews Marina Luccioni—a PhD student at Stanford—about the diverse ways that lunar cycles influence wildlife.

New Year, New Seals

Jan 06, 2026 3m

On this week's episode, host Emma Yockman interviews Garrett Shipway, a PhD student studying elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park. We learn together about what the elephant seals are up to for the…

Lichens & Bryophytes

Nov 24, 2025 4m

In this week's episode, host Emma Yockman interviews Santa Cruz local lichen & bryophyte expert Ken Kellman, and learns about their tiny lives.

Skunks

Nov 18, 2025 3m

In this week's episode, host Frankie Gerraty discusses the two skunk species that live along the Central California coast.

Oak Natural History

Nov 02, 2025 4m

In this week's episode, host Emma Yockman interviews Santa Cruz local oak expert Al Keuter about how the wonderful world of oak trees (genus: Quercus).

Tarantulas

Oct 21, 2025 4m

Happy spooky season! This week, host Frankie Gerraty talks to spider aficionado Ciara Wanket about tarantulas.

Mountain Lions (Part 2)

Sep 29, 2025 4m

This week, host Frankie Gerraty continues his conversation with mountain lion biologist John Morgan. They discuss recreation, roads, and the ways that humans and mountain lions interact.

Mountain Lions (Part 1)

Sep 23, 2025 3m

This week, host Frankie Gerraty and mountain lion biologist John Morgan discuss the ecology of mountain lions in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Owl Limpets

Jun 24, 2025 3m

In this week's episode, host Frankie Gerraty discusses a fascinating and under-appreciated marine snail that lives in rocky intertidal zones: owl limpets!

Cormorants

Apr 22, 2025 4m

In this week's episode, host Frankie Gerraty and seabird biologist Aspen Ellis discuss breeding colonies of cormorants that are visible in springtime along the Santa Cruz coastline.

Salamanders! (Part 2)

Jan 28, 2025 4m

In this week's episode—part two of a two-parter—host Frankie Gerraty continues his discussion with Anjana Parandhaman about Santa Cruz long-toed salamander conservation and the best ways to explore…

Salamanders! (Part 1)

Jan 21, 2025 4m

In this week's episode—part one of a two-parter—host Frankie Gerraty talks with Anjana Parandhaman about Santa Cruz long-toed salamanders and amphibian conservation.

In Otter News...

Jan 14, 2025 4m

Host Niki Sridhar talks to PhD student Madeline McNelis about the current status of otter populations along the Central Coast and a snippet into her life as an otter biologist.

Fungus Flair with Chloe Rickards

Jan 07, 2025 3m

Join us for an interview with Chloe Rickards (M.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) on how she combines science and art to illuminate the beauty and diversity of mushrooms! Chloe will be…

Wildlife at Fort Ord Reserve (Part 1)

Nov 21, 2024 4m

In this episode, Nikka chats with Joe Miller, Director of Fort Ord Natural Reserve, about the incredible wildlife that inhabits the unique landscape of the reserve. To learn more about ways to get…

King Tides

Nov 19, 2024 3m

In this weeks episode, host Frankie Gerraty explores the biophysical phenomenon of king tides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Central Coast Naturalist have?

Central Coast Naturalist has published 120 episodes since February 2019, covering topics in Nature, Science.

Is Central Coast Naturalist still active?

Central Coast Naturalist is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 3m.

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