Emily Quirk

Standing dead trees (often called snags) are common in our forests, and it’s hard to overstate just how vital a role they play in a healthy ecosystem. These gray ghosts provide food and shelter for a whole heap of forest critters; a total of 43 species of birds and mammals are specially adapted to nesting or denning inside tree cavities.

This episode of Something Wild was produced by Andrew Parrella:

The number of acorns a tree produces in a given year has to do with masting. Not mast like on tall ships, but mast as in masticate, or to chew and it refers to the fruit, seeds or nuts that trees produce and are in turn fodder for animals. Especially in New Hampshire, oak mast follows a boom or bust cycle, which means the amount of acorns varies from year to year. Over time, evolution has favored the oak trees that demonstrate this boom or bust cycle.

It's late August, and the leaves are already starting to change. And that flush of red you’re seeing likely comes from the red maple, also known as “swamp” or “soft maple”.

It's an adaptable tree renowned for signaling an impending autumn, and has even earned the dubious nickname: “Judas Tree” – for betraying these late summer days.  

Producer's note: Because of the global pandemic, Dave Anderson was not able to record this piece in NHPR's studio.  Instead, he recorded through the microphone in his phone, while sitting in his Hyundai during a rain shower.

Because that's how he rolls.

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On our final show, we're going to look ahead at what's next for New Hampshire in this tumultuous moment. We'll speak with guests who have a bird's eye view of the next conversations about racism in the state -  and what could be a looming housing crisis as this recession deepens.

This program airs on Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m.  

In the penultimate broadcast of New Hampshire Calling, we've got one more question for you: tell us one thing you learned over the last three crazy months - one thing that you never knew before.  

This program airs on Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. 

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There's been a lot going for the last few months...and we want to know how you're feeling. Are you optimistic about the future? Pessimistic? Or something else all together?

This program aired on Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

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Things are reopening in New Hampshire...but it doesn't really feel normal again. What does your "new normal" look like? We want to hear from you.

This program aired on Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m.

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Our music shows have been so popular we've decided to make it a regular Thursday thing. 

If you have a song request, get in touch! Leave us a voice message at (603) 513-7700, or email nhcalling@nhpr.org - just make sure to give us your name, your song request, and why you'd like us to play it.

This program aired on Thursday, May 21th at 7 p.m.

For the most part, live music and theater productions are on hold.  So tonight, let's reminisce: what was the most memorable performance you've ever seen?

This program aired on Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m.

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What are the backyard wonders that have you wondering right now? 

This program aired on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

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Are you staying active during this pandemic? Or...not so much? We want to hear from you either way.

Give us a call during the show or leave us a voice message at (603) 513-7700 - or email nhcalling@nhpr.org.

This program aired on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

Are you ready for New Hampshire to reopen right now? Whether you're gung-ho about newly reopened businesses or feeling like it's too soon, we want to hear from you. 

Give us a call during the show or leave us a voice message at (603) 513-7700 - or email nhcalling@nhpr.org.

This program airs on Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

Our music shows have been so popular we've decided to make it a regular Thursday thing. 

If you have a song request, get in touch! Leave us a voice message at (603) 513-7700, or email nhcalling@nhpr.org - just make sure to give us your name, your song request, and why you'd like us to play it.

This program aired on Thursday, May 7, and featured Jeff Stern, of Portsmouth-- creator of Brockets.

Are you a sports fan with no games or matches or scrums to watch right now? We want to hear from you.

This program aired on Wednesday, May 6th at 7 p.m.

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Where are you finding joy in these weird times we're living in? We want to hear from you.

This program will aired on Tuesday, May 5th at 7 p.m.

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Are you hoping with grief or loss? Are you worried about how you'll cope? We want to hear from you.

This program aired on Monday, May 4th at 7 p.m.

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What are you eating these days? Are you leaning on certain - um - comfort foods? 

This program aired on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 and featured Kathy Gunst, author of Rage Baking (with coauthor Katherine Alford). She is the award-winning Resident Chef for NPR's Here and Now, heard on over 550 public radio stations with over 5 million listeners.

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Social distancing is taking its toll on all of us. But the exact toll its taking on YOU probably has something to do with this question: Are you an introvert, or are you an extrovert?

Joining us on the show:

Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Won't Stop Talking. Here's a link to her TED Talk from 2012.

While many people are either stuck at home or working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, some are still going to work.

Are you considered an "essential worker" right now? We want to talk to you. 

This program aired on Monday, April 27.

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Our music shows have been so popular we've decided to make it a regular Thursday thing. This week - your soul pandemic playlist.

This program aired on Thursday, April 23.

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We wanted to talk to you gardeners out there and find out how it's going. 

This program aired on Wednesday, April 22.

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Are you loving your solitude right now? Or desparately wishing for alone time? We want to talk to you.

This program airs on Tuesday, April 21.

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Are you getting a COVID-19 stimulus check? Have you already gotten paid? How are you planning to spend that money? Give us a call and let us know.

This program aired on Monday, April 20.

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One of the few upsides of the coronavirus pandemic? An opportunity to Netflix and chill...

What TV shows or movies are you loving right now? Or just watching for a guilty pleasure? We want to hear about 'em!

This program airs on Wednesday, April 15th. 

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Small businesses are struggling right now...but people *are* trying to help. Are you a small business owner? Are you doing your best to support the businesses you love? We want to talk to you!

This program aired on Tuesday, April 14th. 

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How has your life been interrupted? This episode of New Hampshire Calling is all about what life events have you've had to cancel, reschedule or reinvent in the time of coronavirus.

This program aired on Monday, April 13th. 

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