Grass Valley – The Sierra Newt, the charismatic amphibian found in the streams and forests of the Sierra Nevada, is the featured critter in KVMR’s new wildlife series Critter Chat. Hosts, and life-long friends Marney Blair and Susan Brandt explore the life of the Sierra Newt with newt expert Dr. Lee Kats, amphibian photographer Anton Sorokin and Chilean Valley Newt Brigade founder Sally Gale.
“There are so many fascinating things to know about the Sierra Newt, a creature who has been living in the Sierras for hundreds of thousands of years, says co-host Susan Brandt. “I’ve seen these cute little beings walk around where I live for so many years but didn’t really know that much about them.”
“One of our experts has been studying newts for over 30 years,” says co-host Marney Blair, who is also a biologist. “I just love getting the facts about these incredible creatures and understanding them better.”
School teachers are encouraged to use Critter Chat for their students. Blair and Brandt are developing teaching notes that include vocabulary words such as “aposomatic” and concepts such as perennial vs. ephemeral streams.
Critter Chat airs on KVMR the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm. The Sierra Newt show will broadcast on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30pm. See critterchat.org for podcast and more information.