The Wandering Naturalist Podcast

With over 149 dragonfly and damselfly species in Minnesota there is much to learn and observe.  Dragonfly scientist Ami Thompson joins on this episode to talk about her study subject, the Common Green Darner, as she works towards a PhD in Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota.  Listen to learn more about this fascinating dragonfly that migrates.

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The Wandering Naturalist podcast explores the natural and cultural history of the 27,000-acre Three Rivers Park District and the surrounding Twin Cities area. Hosted by Brandon Baker, an interpretive naturalist at Eastman Nature Center, and Wildlife Biologist Angela Grill, the podcast covers a new topic each month.

Sci NC with Frank Graff

Come wade through creeks with Ami Thompson, a researcher at NC Wesleyan who studies the mysterious dragonfly. While dragonflies spend most of their lives in water, living only a few weeks on land, they play pivotal roles in many ecosystems.

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​Hosted by veteran reporter Frank Graff, Sci NC highlights the latest science stories from North Carolina and across the nation, interviews leading scientists, shares fascinating demonstrations and engages North Carolinians with all things science.

What Happened to the Mississippi River - On The Crow

Dispatch  #3: "Dragonflies" (and the Odonatologists who love them)

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On The Crow is Produced by The Lexicon, a US-based NGO that provides communications strategy, mobilization and advocacy on food and agriculture. They collaborated with government agencies, universities, foundations, television networks, publishers, non-profits, community organizers and sustainability advocates from across the world. Douglas Gayeton, Chief Lexicographer and Co-founder of The Lexicon, is an award-winning information architect, filmmaker, photographer, and writer.

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Information Artwork by Douglas Gayeton

Dragonfly Curriculum Guide Supplemental Video YouTube Channel

These videos were created by Peter Xiong and Ami Thompson to accompany the Dragonfly Curriculum Guide. 

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This is a 15 part video series for STEM educators and dragonfly enthusiasts - each video is designed to teach the teachers. Educators may decide to show these videos directly to their students, however these videos were created for a general audience.  

The creation of these videos was sponsored by the USDA-Forest Service International Programs Division's Wings Across the Americas Program.

Dragonfly Citizen Science YouTube Video

Middle school students collect dragonfly and damselfly data for a citizen science program called the Odonata Central. See how these data contribute to research done by Scientist Ami Thompson at the University of Minnesota. Get inspired to get outside, contribute data and help scientists understand your local dragonfly populations.

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The University of Minnesota Extension Citizen Science Program connects youth and adults to large scale scientific research projects. Volunteers follow prescribed protocols to collect and report essential data.

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What do Dragonflies do in Winter? YouTube Video

University of Minnesota Researcher Ami Thompson searches for elusive dragonfly nymphs in a frozen pond. She and her team gather nymphs so she can measure them in the lab and better understand their growth in the winter.

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The University of Minnesota Extension Citizen Science Program connects youth and adults to large scale scientific research projects. Volunteers follow prescribed protocols to collect and report essential data.

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Photo by Scott Dodds

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Science Tonight: Chasing Dragonflies with Helicopters

It's Science Tonight with Chris Smith! Dragonfly research does not always mean walking through tall grass swooping a net for specimens. Dr. Ami Thompson chases dragonflies with helicopters and chainsaws. We’ll talk about her work in Minnesota’s remote bogs, ice fishing for nymphs, finding a career in science, and the experience of being a woman in science.

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Science Tonight is a livestream show for people who want to know more. Host Chris Smith talks with interesting people making exciting, everyday discoveries in science, nature, tech and more. 

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How do we know that dragonflies Migrate?

Ray Novotny, Naturalist Emeritus, Mill Creek Metroparks authored this article about Dr. Ami Thompson leading a team of biologists who attached MOTUS radio trackers onto common green darner dragonflies to study their migration. The article is on page 18 of the Fall 2023 issue.

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The Naturalist is the official newsletter of the National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Naturalist Section. 

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