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The planning behind prescribed burns; Amphibians and pollution

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show
Wood frog tadpoles like this one are more susceptible to a parasitic fluke when they live in water tainted by road salt. But when their polluted ecosystem includes other species, like the American toad, which are not more likely to be infected in saltier water, biodiversity works in all the tadpoles’ favor. Image courtesy Jess Hua.

We learn more about how prescribed burns help the state’s native plants and animals. Then, how amphibians are reacting to pollutants in the aquatic environment. 

Featured in this Episode

  • Why prescribed burns are essential for environmental health

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    Fire was part of Wisconsin’s natural environment for thousands of years. Scientists today are returning to prescribed burns to aid the state’s native plants and animals. Read more about prescribed burns on this DNR page.

  • The effects of pollutants on Wisconsin’s amphibians

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    Eighteen species of amphibians are found across Wisconsin, and these creatures face numerous chemicals that humans introduce into the environment. We talk with a researcher studying the effects of contaminants on amphibians.

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Michele Witecha Guest
  • Jeb Barzen Guest
  • Jessica Hua Guest
  • Jill Nadeau Executive Producer
  • Clara Neupert Producer
  • Trina La Susa Technical Director

Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

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