Nature of Things

In the wake of Hurricane Isabel, John Weeks discusses how the aftermath of a storm can provide opportunity despite devastation. Nature always makes the necessary adjustments after a natural disaster, begging the question of whether these events are really disasters at all.

John Weeks discusses influential figures from his past and shares some excerpts from a book written by one such man, Aldo Leopold. Weeks relays some strategies to "preserve the sanity of our wild world," including the need to know our world at least as well as the Native Americans.

Weeks discusses watching wetland wildlife as a younger man and his growing interest in waterfowl. He talks in depth about the mallard and the interbreeding between the mallard and the black duck.

From birds using celestial navigation, to salmon using chemical sensors to "smell" their way home, John Weeks discusses the migration phenomenon of various species. Weeks notes that many migration patterns hold mysteries that are still unexplained.

John Weeks discusses the early days of Onondaga County's recycling program. He also talks about the shortfalls of the recycling program from an environmental standpoint and urges listeners to tighten the balance between that which is discarded in total and that which is recycled.

John Weeks discusses the phenomenon of early autumnal coloration and the importance of color when it comes to communicating about nature. He also talks about the emotions that certain colors evoke, specifically the colors of fall.

John Weeks recounts the delicate choral movements that can be heard when listening to, what he calls, a "symphony" of bird sounds. He urges us to seek out the dawn and dusk choruses while they still ring out, before they fade away forever.

As the equinox approaches, Weeks explains the rules of winter ecology and the basic rules of supply and demand as they apply to the critters gathering food in preparation for the winter months. He also describes how, for him, enjoyment of winter depends upon bounty of the growing season which proceeded it.

John Weeks discusses the events of the 1984 Great Lakes Week. This festival included Native American storytelling, water sports, film screenings and concerts.WeeksThis essay describes the activities and goals of this free (and now extinct) celebration. Weeks explains how each citizen should be well aware of the history and uses of the 193 mile-long Lake Ontario.

John Weeks reminisces on his early life in the countryside of central New York. Since childhood, Weeks has studied nature. He recounts the plants and wildlife that left a lasting impression on him early in life.

Originally aired on July 22, 1988.

While we like to assign value to weather conditions, such as considering a drought being bad, John Weeks explains that in nature extreme weather is simply part of a cycle. He discusses how it is the extremes in climate that determine what vegetation grows. Drought is a gift to some life and a distraction to others. Locally, dry years are extremely beneficial to pheasants and wetland nesting birds.

Originally aired July 15, 1988.

John Weeks discusses his mediocre gardening ability and the grief it often causes him. Still, Weeks continues to garden every year. Why? Weeks claims it's because of his fond memories of gardening and small town life in his formative years.  Weeks goes on to explain the benefits of gardening. "I genuinely believe that a society in which human concerns become paramount to the exclusion of concern to natural community is seriously flawed - if not doomed," explains Weeks. Gardening help Weeks keep in touch with this natural community.

Originally aired on July 20, 1984.