Why have cases of reported bat encounters at the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon drastically increased in the last several years? What are the chances of contracting rabies from a bat encounter? How is the safety of helicopter crews wrapped up in the physical location of a bat encounter? What does the vaccination process look like? In this episode, we utilize the personal story of a river runner's bat bite in the Grand Canyon, the expert perspectives of 2 ecologists, a CDC rabies expert, and the woman who oversees Search and Rescue in the Grand Canyon to provide insight into that real bat encounter that played out in the fall of 2023.

Kevin Fedarko’s book, the Emerald Mile, takes readers on the journey of the fastest ride through the Grand Canyon in a dory named the Emerald Mile. Fedarko’s book dives into the backstory of the dam, the characters, and even the record-breaking journey, and yet leaves one question remaining: what is the backstory of the dory’s namesake? In this 1st of 2 Emerald Mile episodes, the stories of Fedarko and Dave Van De Mark demonstrate the impact that words and imagery make when applied to places like the Emerald Mile in California’s Redwood National and State Parks.

A continuation of the efforts to protect The Emerald Mile.

Losing the Stanislaus River under the New Melones Reservoir made an impact on the people who loved the river. This episode documents three methods that transform the pain of losing a river into proactive measures to further knowledge of, connection to, and action on behalf of rivers not yet lost. This is the companion episode of The Last River Lost.

During the birth of the whitewater boating industry, the Stanislaus River in California quickly rose to popularity. In 1966 a new dam on the Stanislaus would flood this beloved stretch of river. For over a decade, river lovers and guides led campaigns, engaged in nonviolent direct action, and used rafting to let the river speak directly to the hearts of voters and representatives.

Is it true that lightning can’t strike in the Grand Canyon? How far can lightning travel through water? If it does strike, where is the safest place to be? This episode explores lightning from scientific and risk management perspectives. Grounding theory through personal narratives and best practices, this episode is a tool for any river runner’s stormy trips.