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.
West Texas During the Ice Age: Archaeology with Barth Robbins
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
18 Dec 2025
The Hidden Story of Balmorhea State Park
Water is more than just a resource—it’s a living system that shapes our land, our communities, and even our bodies.
In this episode of On The Trails, host Misty Thomason welcomes Emily Dickerson from Balmorhea State Park 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.
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.
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.
19 May 2024
Blending Nature and Art with Elizabeth Dryden
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
19 May 2024
Inspiring Women in Science with Christine Curran
Join us for an inspiring journey with Christine Curran on the On the Trails Podcast presented by Sibley Nature Center. Christine, a dedicated biologist, shares her fascinating path from a curious child influenced by her teacher parents to her current role in sustainable development at ConocoPhillips.
Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science by exploring Christine's experiences, including her academic pursuits, research on maternal programming, and her passion for pollinator health. Discover how her diverse career experiences have shaped her into a role model for aspiring young women in STEM. Don't miss this engaging conversation!
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Early Influences
5:18 - High School
8:42 - College
11:27 - Math
15:15 - Graduate School
20:05 - Current Work
25:40 - Special Projects
27:53 - Bee Collection
34:30 - Future Plans
36:10 - Role Model or Mentor
37:00 - Was it Worth the Trip
19 May 2024
Transform Your Community with Keep Midland Beautiful
Welcome to the On the Trails Podcast, presented by Sibley Nature Center! Join host Misty Thomason and guest Joy Paulson, the new executive director of Keep Midland Beautiful, as they dive into the incredible work this organization is doing to maintain a waste-free environment in Midland.
From the Great American Cleanup to the innovative Trash for Cash program, Joy shares how volunteers and community members are making a tangible difference. Learn about tree plantings, community service opportunities, and how simple actions like proper recycling and litter prevention can transform your community. Tune in and get inspired to take part in keeping Midland beautiful!
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:24 - What is Keep Midland Beautiful
3:45 - Community Outreach
5:52 - Litter Prevention
9:22 - How to Get Involved with Keep Midland Beautiful
13:06 - Texas Recycles Day
15:42 - What can we recycle
21:39 - Landfill Management
22:48 - Recycling Programs
23:55 - Microplastics Impact
30:54 - Adopt a Spot Initiative
32:55 - How to get a hold of KMB
39:34 - Last minute questions
42:59 - Earth Day Activities
43:51 - Environmental Education
44:43 - Sibley Nature Center
47:18 - Final Thoughts
19 May 2024
Nature Journaling Secrets with John Muir Laws
On this episode of the On The Trails podcast, join host Michael Nickell and special guest John Muir Laws, aka Jack, as they dive into the captivating world of nature journaling. In this engaging conversation, Jack shares his unique journey from a childhood shadowing a family friend’s botanical sketches to becoming a renowned naturalist and educator.
Discover the secrets of nature journaling, its profound impact on observation skills, and how it connects us more deeply to the natural world. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a seasoned naturalist, or simply curious, this episode is sure to inspire and ignite your passion for nature and journaling. Don't miss out on Jack's expert tips, fascinating stories, and the magic of capturing the beauty of the outdoors on paper!
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
2:30 - Your Home Biome
7:20 - Nature Journaling
11:02 - Are You a Gallery Artist
12:35 - How do you Nature Journal
14:07 - Are you an artist, scientist, or educator
16:27 - Do you remember your first drawing
19:50 - What are you working on right now
21:48 - Where do you see yourself in 5 years
26:46 - Nature Journaling Workshop
30:55 - Annular Eclipse 2021
37:00 - Book: The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
39:40 - Book: How to Teach Nature Journaling
42:05 - The best art teacher I ever had
44:00 - Our brains grow when we challenge ourselves
45:20 - Thank you
46:30 - Where did they go
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