Kaatscast spoke with Cornell University researchers about their latest investigations into New York State bobcat population abundance and the discovery of avian influenza (bird flu) in these wild felines.

Featuring Jenny Bloodgood, a wildlife veterinarian, and Haley Turner, a Cornell graduate student, the podcast explores their collaborative efforts to assess bobcat abundance and health using GPS collar tagging and camera trap stations. The discussion highlights various diseases affecting bobcats, including avian influenza, which has been detected in several sampled animals. The conversation also touches on historical challenges faced by bobcats, conservation efforts, and the implications of their findings for wildlife management.

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00:00 Introduction to Bobcat Research

01:41 Meet the Researchers

04:35 Bobcat Population History

05:41 Research Methods and Findings

12:43 Health and Disease in Bobcats

17:09 Impact of Avian Influenza

29:30 Human Influence and Conservation

37:21 Conclusion and Future Research

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Cover photo courtesy of Joshua Twining

Exploring the Magical World of Mushrooms with Catskill Fungi's John Michelotti

In this episode of Kaatscast, host Brett Barry interviews John Michelotti, mushroom maven and founder of Catskill Fungi. John draws listeners into the enchanting and complex world of fungi, sharing his journey from an outdoor guide to becoming an enthusiastic mycology educator. Recorded at Catskill Fungi's commercial kitchen in Pine Hill, the episode delves into the life cycle of mushrooms, their ecological roles, cultivation methods, and the mysteries of mycelium. John discusses the various types of mushrooms found in the Catskills, including edible, poisonous, and even mind-altering varieties. The episode also highlights the health benefits of mushroom extracts from varieties like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Chaga. John is one one of the Catskill Center's "50 Stewards of the Catskills." Oh, and he's a super "fun-guy." Mwah-ha-ha!

00:00 Introduction to Seasonal Mushrooms

00:26 Meet John Michelotti: The Mushroom Maven

01:37 The Journey to Mushroom Mastery

05:55 Understanding Fungi and Mycelium

08:43 The Ecological Role of Fungi

16:51 Mushroom Cultivation Techniques

18:58 Edible and Toxic Mushrooms

23:57 Mushroom Identification and Walks

24:41 Mushroom Foraging Adventures

25:17 Fungi Cultivation Workshops

25:57 Diversity of Edible Mushrooms

26:19 Mushroom Production in the US

27:36 Identifying Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms

29:14 Psychedelic Mushrooms in the Catskills

32:03 Processing Mushrooms into Extracts

38:26 Health Benefits of Mushroom Extracts

44:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

Newly appointed Ulster County historian Eddie Moran discusses the role of a municipal historian and emphasizes the importance of presenting a complete and accurate history that includes all groups, with one such focus on the indigenous Lenape people. Moran, a SUNY New Paltz graduate and descendant of the region's Huguenot and Dutch colonists, shares his experiences working with various local organizations to expand the historical narrative. The episode also features a tour of the Ulster County Hall of Records led by archivist Jonathan Palmer, exploring the extensive archival collections and discussing the preservation and digitization efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:27 Meet Eddie Moran: Ulster County's New Historian

01:38 Eddie's Journey and Passion for History

06:55 The Role and Responsibilities of a County Historian

10:54 Challenges and Goals in Historical Narratives

16:50 Exploring the Ulster County Hall of Records

19:34 Preserving History: Techniques and Challenges

27:38 Significant Historical Documents and Their Stories

38:55 Conclusion and Credits

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Audio recording by Izzy Schuyler

Behind-the-scenes video by Ruby Zuckerman