Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2023. While the airtimes are out of date, we hope you still enjoy learning about these shows, many of which can be streamed on PBS.org or KAMU’s website.
The fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency and becomes more apparent every day. Every year during Earth Month and on Earth Day, billions of people make a conscious effort to take action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes. KAMU is also making an effort through our programs to spread awareness of how we can protect our environment while also showing the true beauty and wonders Earth has to offer. Read on to learn about a variety of nature-based programming on radio and TV this month.
Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story
Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, April 6 at 3 p.m.
KAMU-TV is proud to present our highlight of Earth Month: a visually stunning celebration of Texas, directed and produced by Aggies. “Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story” makes its television broadcast debut on all Texas PBS stations, including KAMU, on Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Director Ben Masters ’11 and Producer Katy Baldock ’17 lead the Fin and Fur Films production team as they explore the native wildlife and natural wonders of Texas in breathtaking detail. The film celebrates what makes the state unique — including its diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife behavior that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The film receives an encore broadcast on Thursday, April 6 at 3 p.m. and will be available to stream on PBS.org from April 6-11. Additionally, KAMU-FM is offering an exclusive interview with Baldock in an episode of “The Heart of Art.” In this interview, Baldock discusses the impact A&M had on her filmmaking and describes the challenges of producing the film. You can find this interview on our website here.
Learn more about Deep in the Heart
Waterful Wednesdays on KAMU-FM
Tune in every Wednesday at 7:42 a.m.
KAMU-FM airs a weekly program all about your water supply called “Waterful Wednesdays.” Host Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator for the city of College Station, provides information about potable water including best practices, procedures and safety tips. Recently, “Waterful Wednesdays” won a Watermark Award from the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Association of Texas. This award recognizes top-quality communications in the field of water. We are thrilled to have such an educational and exceptional show on KAMU-FM. The award will be presented on April 12 during the Texas Water 2023 Conference in Houston.
Garden Success
Listen every Thursday at Noon on KAMU-FM
“Garden Success with Skip Richter” is a call-in gardening show on KAMU-FM. Airing each Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., Skip serves as your garden consultant – answering questions to help you grow a bountiful garden and beautiful landscape in the Brazos Valley. Skip – an extension specialist in horticulture sciences at Texas A&M University – provides time-saving tips, guides you to the best plant selections and provides proven pest management strategies.
Access all episodes of Garden Success
American Experience: The Sun Queen
Tuesday, April 4 at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, April 5 at 3 p.m.
Visionary pioneer, inventor and heroine are just a few words that describe Mária Telkes. For 50 years, Telkes applied her knowledge as a chemical engineer toward ways to harness the power of the sun. She successfully designed and built the world’s first solar-heated modern residence and identified a new chemical that could store solar heat. She faced many obstacles along the way, including being undercut and bullied by her all-male team and boss at MIT. However, she overcame those challenges and was able to hold more than 20 patents. She is now recognized as one of the most influential inventors in the field of sustainable energy.
Learn more about American Experience: The Sun Queen
NATURE: The Hummingbird Effect
Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Costa Rica is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife and ecosystems in the world. One of the reasons this small country flourishes is due to a surprising creature: the hummingbird. With over 50 species, hummingbirds play an important role in maintaining the environment on Earth. Join KAMU in discovering how hummingbirds influence many living things from flowers to monkeys.
Learn more about NATURE: The Hummingbird Effect
NOVA: Weathering the Future
Wednesday, April 12 at 8 p.m. and Friday, April 14 at 2 p.m.
Make your Wednesday night a weather Wednesday with KAMU! Explore how our weather has changed recently: from hotter heat waves and more intense rainstorms to multi-year droughts. These events have also opened a gate for ancient knowledge and more innovative solutions. As the planet gets warmer, our weather gets more extreme; let’s learn together what we can do today to help us adapt in the future.
Learn more about NOVA: Weathering the Future
Changing Planet
Wednesday, April 19 at 8 p.m. and Friday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
Season 2 of Changing Planet makes its debut just in time for Earth Day. We will revisit six of Earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems and bring back the amazing group of people from the first season. Scientists and other experts dive into how to protect these communities and wildlife.
Learn more about Changing Planet
NATURE: Niagara Falls
Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, April 20 at 2 p.m.
Witness the unique beauty of one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls. From birds to mammals to reptiles, there is a variety of wildlife that call this special place home. Scientists have uncovered the mysterious and complex world all within one of Earth’s most beautiful natural wonders.
