Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice explores how North Carolina’s “tree thief” nourishes a surprising community of wildlife, from cedar waxwings to great purple hairstreaks, during the winter months.
North Carolina, Naturally: Black Bears
From the pocosins to the hollows, black bears shape wild spaces with persistence, silence, and strength. Learn more about these quiet giants with Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice as she travels to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to meet with the Head of Mammalogy Mike Cove.
North Carolina, Naturally: Bats
Entomologist Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice travels to Asheville to learn about the endangered gray bats species as the local population recovers after Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina, Naturally: Painted Buntings
Often spotted in the Southeast’s coastal environments, male painted buntings — with their characteristic rainbow plumage — are one of the most colorful birds in the country. Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice takes a closer look at these iridescent creatures who migrate to coastal North Carolina each year.
North Carolina, Naturally: The Fall Line
From Roanoke Rapids to Raven Rock, a natural divide across North Carolina has long-guided water, wildlife, and people. Join Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice as she explores the town of Weldon, where the cascades from the Roanoke River signify the geological shift where the Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain.
North Carolina, Naturally: Ocracoke Island
On one remote Outer Banks island, wildlife thrives despite the challenges that come with living on the edge of the continent. Hop aboard a ferry with Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice and travel to Ocracoke to discover this coastal wonder that holds everyone from humans to humble rodents generously and without judgement.
North Carolina, Naturally: Fireflies
In this episode of North Carolina, Naturally, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice introduces us to the 40-plus species of North Carolina fireflies that put on a magnificent show after the sun sets. Some even synchronize — you just have to know when to look.
Pollinating the Flame Azaleas
Across North Carolina, blooming azaleas cast sprays of pink and white upon landscapes every spring. Watch how their natural beauty inspires art and learn about the vital symbiotic relationship they share with swallowtail butterflies.
Brevard’s White Squirrels
A scientist travels to Brevard to meet some of its iconic white squirrels. Here, she learns the snowy creatures aren’t too different from the backyard residents she knows from home.
