by Sibley Nature Center
On the Trails is your passport to the natural wonders of the Llano Estacado. Every episode will unveil the beauty of our region through science, art, history, conservation, and stewardship efforts. Sibley Nature Center…where nature, recreation, and history meet.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/19/2024
Verified contact details for this show aren't on file yet — sign up to get notified when they land.
February 3, 2026
<p>Today on On The Trails, Michael Nickell welcomes guest Barth Robbins, a longtime member of the Texas Archaeological Society, for a conversation about one of Midland’s most significant archaeological finds: the Midland Discovery.The Midland Discovery began in 1953 when partial Pleistocene-era human remains were found on a local ranch — remains that are now believed to belong to a female from the Paleo-Indian period, dating back roughly 10,000 years.In this episode, we discuss:What the Midland Discovery actually isHow scientists determined the remains were femaleThe Ice Age environment of West TexasThe relationship between Clovis, Folsom, and Midland point culturesWhy West Texas holds far more history than most people realizeThis is a fascinating look into ancient humanity on the Llano Estacado — and a reminder that our region is filled with wonder, history, and discovery for those willing to look closer.Chapters:00:00 Introduction + Today’s Topic01:05 Barth Robbins’ Early Interest in Archaeology03:00 Career in the Oil Field + Archaeology Hobby05:15 What Is the Midland Discovery?09:10 What Remains Were Found in 1953?11:10 Why “Midland Man” Is Actually the Midland Woman14:35 Ice Age Humans and Rare Discoveries16:10 What Might Have Happened to Her?18:25 Ice Age Animals of West Texas19:15 Why Did Megafauna Go Extinct?21:15 Midland vs Folsom Cultures Explained26:20 Where Did Paleo Peoples Get Their Flint?29:20 The Famous Folsom Point Discovery Story34:05 Clovis, Folsom, and Timeline of Early Cultures36:30 The Shift Toward Pre-Clovis Evidence38:20 White Sands Footprints + The Gault Site42:30 Field School Experience at the Gault Site44:40 Why West Texas Is a Place of Wonder48:00 Closing Thoughts + Thanks</p>
December 18, 2025
<p>Water is more than just a resource—it’s a living system that shapes our land, our communities, and even our bodies.</p><p>In this episode of <strong>On The Trails</strong>, host <strong>Misty Thomason</strong> welcomes <strong>Emily Dickerson</strong> from <strong>Balmorhea State Park</strong> for a fascinating conversation about water, aquifers, and conservation in West Texas. Drawing from her popular talk on the water cycle, Emily brings underground ecosystems to life—explaining how ancient seas formed limestone, how aquifers function like giant sponges, and how fault lines and geology created the desert oasis we now know as Balmorhea.</p><p>Listeners will learn why Balmorhea is home to rare cienegas, endangered pupfish, crystal-clear spring water, and the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool—and why protecting groundwater today is critical for future generations. The episode also explores practical ways individuals and communities can conserve water, connect with local watersheds, and support collaborative conservation efforts across the region.</p><p>Whether you’re curious about where your water comes from or planning your first visit to Balmorhea State Park, this episode offers insight, hope, and a deeper appreciation for the water beneath our feet.</p>
May 19, 2024
<p>Join us as we unveil nature's secrets through art with the talented Dallas-based artist, Elizabeth Dryden! In this engaging episode, Elizabeth shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to acclaimed artist, blending her love for nature with her artistic talent. Discover how her unique mixed media creations, inspired by the beauty of plants and animals, have captivated audiences. Listen as she discusses her creative process, her connection to the natural world, and her fascinating lineage to Buffalo Bill Cody. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the worlds of art and science! CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 0:39 - How did you start as an artist 2:00 - What interested you as a child 3:04 - Bridging the gap between art and science 5:56 - Family encouragement in art 7:31 - Childhood drawing interests 10:45 - Art through college 11:35 - Pursuing graduate work in art 12:24 - Beauty of the Desert 14:32 - Your Art 18:10 - Commercial art ventures 21:06 - Descendant of Buffalo Bill 22:41 - Buffalo Bill legacy 23:55 - John James Audubon influence 25:27 - Robert Leno 26:22 - Wrapping Up</p>
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
On the Trails is your passport to the natural wonders of the Llano Estacado.
Every episode will unveil the beauty of our region through science, art, history, conservation, and stewardship efforts.
Sibley Nature Center…where nature, recreation, and history meet.
This podcast updates weekly.
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.