About the Host Don Torino is a naturalist, speaker, published author, and passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation, with a special connection to the Meadowlands. He serves as President of the Bergen County Audubon Society and has been deeply involved in protecting and promoting local natural spaces, including the Celery Farm Natural Area, where he is recognized for his contributions to the preserve. Through his work with the Bergen County Audubon Society, he helps educate the public about the importance of native plants, wildlife, and preserving vital habitat. Known for his engaging presentations, Don inspires audiences to connect with nature and discover the role each of us can play in protecting it. His passion for the Meadowlands runs deep, and he has spent years documenting, exploring, and celebrating the incredible wildlife that calls this unique ecosystem home.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/25/3/d3faa541-447b-4b91-9a7b-221ca96d2a85_nection_-_michelle_wiessner_-_airdate_10.25.26.mp3

This week, my very special guest is Michelle Wiessner, Director of Education at Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair, New Jersey. We talk about the gardens, the work her education team does, and what&#39;s growing this season, plus how Van Vleck connects people of all ages with plants and the outdoors.

Episode #18 - Michelle Wiessner

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/27/12/6ce97b62-8183-436f-b095-81b1c6ee8ed5_nature_connection_show_17_airdate_09.27.26.mp3

Don, Marie and Tammy will discuss how to prepare your backyard wildlife habitats for the fall and winter season and why it’s so important to make your surroundings wildlife-friendly, especially during these tough seasons.Marie, among her many BCAS duties, is in charge of the BCAS Certified Wildlife Garden Program. Tammy is a master gardener and head volunteer coordinator at the BCAS Butterfly Garden in Overpeck County Park in Leonia.

Episode #17 - Marie Longo and Tammy Laverty

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/23/12/d7ff6608-71d6-4c89-8e1f-b0b4853df5dd_nature_connection_show_16__jeffrey_train.mp3

Guest Jeffrey Train, co-founder of Our Tern, talks about how an effort to advocate for Hoboken’s honorary bird, the Common Tern, has TERNed into a much larger mission dedicated to protecting and celebrating nature and wildlife.

Episode #16 - Jeffrey Train

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/27/18/12460e9d-69db-4a72-bb78-58408b9872f7_tion_show__15_gabrielle_bennett-meany_07-26-26.mp3

Guest Gabrielle Bennett-Meany is a member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), where she works to support the Authority’s mission and its commitment to the Meadowlands District.

Gabrielle Bennett-Meany

Gabrielle Bennett-Meany is a member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), where she works to support the Authority’s mission and its commitment to the Meadowlands District.

Episode #15 - Gabrielle Bennett-Meany

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/7aba5dd4-fd94-45f6-a687-770c41a41def_nature_connection_show_14_final.mp3

Guest Kim Korth, the NJDEP State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, discusses wildlife conservation efforts and strategies for protecting New Jersey’s natural habitats.

Kim Korth

Guest Kim Korth, the NJDEP State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, discusses wildlife conservation efforts and strategies for protecting New Jersey’s natural habitats.

Episode #14 - Kim Korth

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/20bb2bc7-be90-4b84-905c-41de91660318_connection_show__13_-_05-24-26_-_james_faletti.mp3

Guest James Falletti is an award-winning environmental communicator, wildlife photographer, science educator, writer, author, and speaker based in New Jersey. Through James Falletti Photography, he combines conservation storytelling, environmental education, photography, and public engagement to help people connect more deeply with birds, wildlife, biodiversity, sustainability, and the natural world.

James Falletti

Guest James Falletti is an award-winning environmental communicator, wildlife photographer, science educator, writer, author, and speaker based in New Jersey. Through James Falletti Photography, he combines conservation storytelling, environmental education, photography, and public engagement to help people connect more deeply with birds, wildlife, biodiversity, sustainability, and the natural world.

Episode #13 - James Falletti

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/d360cf6d-5f4c-472f-912f-6d5024fac94f_ature_connection_show_12__04-26-26__jim_wright.mp3

Guest Jim Wright and we talk about his amazing new book &#34;The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature&#34;

Jim Wright

Jim Wright and we talk about his amazing new book &#34;The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature&#34;

Episode #12 - Jim Wright

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/bca64c37-f8a2-41c2-beeb-dcf051129945_ure_connection_11__tami_laberty_and_pat_knight.mp3

Guests Tammy Laverty and Pat Knight discuss creating a butterfly garden at home, highlighting native plants and tips for supporting butterflies and other pollinators.

Tammy Laverty and Pat Knight

Guests Tammy Laverty and Pat Knight discuss creating a butterfly garden at home, highlighting native plants and tips for supporting butterflies and other pollinators.

Episode #11 - Tammy Laverty and Pat Knight

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/32dedde4-46d8-4bd8-89ec-8b6e5dc4d0c4_nature_connection_show_10___02-22-26.mp3

Guest Anna Gassip of the Bergen Equestrian Center discusses equine therapy and how the center supports foster children, women’s groups, and veterans through its programs.

Anna Gassip

Guest Anna Gassip of the Bergen Equestrian Center discusses equine therapy and how the center supports foster children, women’s groups, and veterans through its programs.

Episode #10 - Anna Gassip

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/4fc41ae2-b8ce-4a72-982e-2dc0bcac4786_nature_connection_show_09-25-26.mp3

Guest Rosetta Arrigo of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center discusses the center’s public benefits, including raptor care, children’s nature programs, and ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Rosetta Arrigo

Guest Rosetta Arrigo of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center discusses the center’s public benefits, including raptor care, children’s nature programs, and ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Episode #9 - Rosetta Arrigo

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/e2f1ec6f-788d-4f74-aa28-c86324653188_ure_connection_show_08__12-28-25__tina_morrris.mp3

Guest Tina Morris discussed her book Return to the Sky: Return of the Bald Eagle and her work helping restore the bald eagle population and bring it back from the brink of extinction.

Tina Morris

Guest Tina Morris discussed her book Return to the Sky: Return of the Bald Eagle and her work helping restore the bald eagle population and bring it back from the brink of extinction.

Episode #8 - Tina Morris

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/bd463c71-96a1-4fc4-9427-bbddb9a5f87a_01_nature_connection_show_6__10-26-25.mp3

Guest Mike Turso from NJSEA/MRRI discussed his work with the Meadowlands Research Institute and the comeback of the New Jersey Meadowlands, highlighting the remarkable wildlife that thrives there.

Mike Turso

Guest Mike Turso from NJSEA/MRRI discussed his work with the Meadowlands Research Institute and the comeback of the New Jersey Meadowlands, highlighting the remarkable wildlife that thrives there.

Episode #7 - Mike Turso

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/4d07ad62-d88b-4f5a-8dbb-1e97d368ec1c_nature_connection_show_07__11-23-25.mp3

Guest Dr. Cailin O’Connor joined the show to discuss bird banding, bird migration, and conservation issues affecting our local area.

Dr. Cailin O’Connor

Guest Dr. Cailin O’Connor joined the show to discuss bird banding, bird migration, and conservation issues affecting our local area.

Episode #6 - Dr. Cailin O’Connor

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/801a5a88-7add-48dd-9fd8-1573cb01481b_01_nature_connection_show_05_kim_korth.mp3

Episode #5 - Kim Korth

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/2/b4c17722-00d1-47d6-b024-eda9031b2c34_01_nature_connection_show_04__terri_doss.mp3

Guest Terry Doss, co-director of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) and NJSEA employee, leads efforts to preserve, protect, and restore the New Jersey Meadowlands through various conservation projects.

Terry Doss

Terry Doss, co-director of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) and NJSEA employee, leads efforts to preserve, protect, and restore the New Jersey Meadowlands through various conservation projects.

Episode #4 - Terry Doss

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/c79f1af6-29c0-4a1b-a1c4-67fe9669d682_nature_connection_show_03_.mp3

Guest Jim Wright, birding enthusiast and author of The Screech Owl Companion, shares his passion for nature through his books on the New Jersey Meadowlands, Hawk Mountain, Celery Farm Nature Preserve, and Central America’s largest rainforest.

Guest Jim Wright, birding enthusiast and author of The Screech Owl Companion, shares his passion for nature through his books on the New Jersey Meadowlands, Hawk Mountain, Celery Farm Nature Preserve, and Central America’s largest rainforest.

Episode #3 - Jim Wright

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/5f08f0ab-ecbe-4186-981e-358e668a52df_nature_connection_show_02_6-22-25__marie_longo.mp3

Guest Marie Longo, Education Director for Bergen Audubon talks about Monarch Butterflies, Milkweed, Native plants and more.

Marie Longo

Guest Marie Longo, Education Director for Bergen Audubon talks about Monarch Butterflies, Milkweed, Native plants and more.

Episode #2 - Marie Longo

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/3/393c6d62-4d06-4aab-8ae6-23633cf1222b_nature_connection_show_1__5-25-25.mp3

Guest Dr. Kathleen Farley, PhD, Executive Director of Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and preserving the legacy of the Teaneck Creek watershed.

Dr. Kathleen Farley, PhD

Guest Dr. Kathleen Farley, PhD, Executive Director of Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and preserving the legacy of the Teaneck Creek watershed.

Episode #1 - Kathleen Farley, PhD

The Nature Connection with Don Torino

About the Host



Don Torino is a naturalist, speaker, and passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation, with a special connection to the Meadowlands. He serves as President of the Bergen County Audubon Society and has been deeply involved in protecting and promoting local natural spaces, including the Celery Farm Natural Area, where he is recognized for his contributions to the preserve.



Don also works as a naturalist for Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc., sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with the community. Through his work with the Bergen County Audubon Society, he helps educate the public about the importance of native plants, wildlife, and preserving vital habitat.



Known for his engaging presentations, Don inspires audiences to connect with nature and discover the role each of us can play in protecting it. His passion for the Meadowlands runs deep, and he has spent years documenting, exploring, and celebrating the incredible wildlife that calls this unique ecosystem home.