Cultivate Curiosity

Hatching Hope: Inside Sea Turtle Nesting Season

In this episode of Cultivate Curiosity, our host Harley dives into the fascinating world of sea turtles with Jessica Valek, Natural Resources Manager at Destin-Fort Walton Beach and lead of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol. Discover how temperature plays a surprising role in determining the gender of sea turtle hatchlings, the importance of sea turtle-friendly lighting, and what goes into protecting nests during the busy nesting season. Jessica shares behind-the-scenes insights from the Sea Turtle Patrol and how the community can help safeguard these incredible creatures! Like and follow Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DestinFortWaltonBeachSeaTurtlePatrol Sea Turtle Patrol Hotline: 850-461-2885

A Must-Hear Voice on Everglades Restoration

On this episode of Cultivate Curiosity, our host Diane is joined by Dr. Meenakshi Chabba, Ecosystem and Resilience Scientist with The Everglades Foundation, for a fascinating conversation about Florida’s mangrove forests. Together, they explore the science behind ecosystem resilience, the economic value of mangroves, and how sustainable practices and public policy can help safeguard Florida’s future. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this episode offers valuable insight into one of our state’s most vital resources! Learn more about The Everglades Foundation at www.evergladesfoundation.org

The Creative Side of Environmental Advocacy

On this episode of Cultivate Curiosity, our host Jacie explores the creative side of environmental advocacy. From upcycled fashion to nature-inspired photography, discover how art and design can raise awareness and spark action for our planet. Jacie also highlights the Science Center’s first-ever Reduce, Reuse, Refashion Show and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s Amateur Photo Contest—two ways you can tap into your creativity. Reduce, Reuse, Refashion Show: https://www.ecscience.org/reduce-reuse-refashion 2025 Amateur Photo Contest: https://basinalliance.org/cba-2025-amateur-photo-contest/ “Celebrate Our Earth” episode: https://soundcloud.com/ecsciencecenter/celebrate-our-earth

Science for All: How You Can Be a Citizen Scientist

In this episode of Cultivate Curiosity, our host Jacie shares how anyone can get involved in Citizen Science Month by participating in hands-on projects that make real scientific impact, from snapping nature photos with iNaturalist to measuring light pollution with Globe at Night, exploring kits at your local library, and more—all with no scientific background required. Explore more at: https://scistarter.org/citizensciencemonth

Science Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

On this episode of Cultivate Curiosity, Jacie takes on some of the most common science myths and puts them to the test. Do we really only use 10% of our brains? Is the Great Wall of China visible from space? From everyday misconceptions to long-standing legends, we’ll break down the truth behind these myths with real science. Tune in for a fun and fascinating journey through fact and fiction—because science is always worth questioning!