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American Spring LIVE

This three-day live event gives you a front row seat to the start of spring! Join scientists in the field as they make real-time observations and discoveries about how longer days and warming temperatures trigger big changes in animals and plants. And it’s not all up to the experts. You can play a part too and become a citizen scientist in pursuit of critical data on the science of spring.

Wolf CLIP: 1:37
American Spring LIVE: Episode 3 - Connections
Mom Saves Pups on Wolf Trail Cam
A trail cam captures a mother wolf taking her pups out of their den.
American Spring LIVE: Episode 3 - Connections -- American Spring LIVE ~ Episode 3: Connections Preview WATCH: 55:11
Episode 3: Connections
See first-hand how the changing climate affects crucial connections in nature.
The Great Sunflower Project CLIP: 1:45
American Spring LIVE: Episode 3 - Connections
Citizen Science Story: The Great Sunflower Project
See how this group of 4th graders became citizen scientists.
Track a Lilac CLIP: 1:24
American Spring LIVE: Episode 3 - Connections
Citizen Science Story: Track a Lilac
See how monitoring lilac blooms indicates the start of spring.
Migrating Birds WATCH: 55:12
Episode 2: Migration
Witness the springtime migrations of butterflies, birds, bison & bats.
Bats at Bracken Cave CLIP: 0:38
American Spring LIVE: Episode 2 - Migration
Inside a Bat Tornado
Watch as hundreds of bats swirl out of Bracken Cave in Texas.
Celebrate Urban Birds CLIP: 1:46
American Spring LIVE: Episode 2 - Migration
Citizen Science Story: Celebrate Urban Birds
See how children are discovering nature in their own urban communities.
Monarch Caterpillar CLIP: 1:38
American Spring LIVE: Episode 2 - Migration
Citizen Science Story: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
Go on a search for monarchs with these citizen scientists.
Citizen Science - SciStarter
Citizens, Start Your Science!
Citizen science programs mobilize people from all walks of life to contribute to scientific research.
American Spring LIVE - Behind the Scenes
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
Pre-show Special
Join our NATURE digital team for a look behind the scenes at the making of...
Meet Phil Torres – Field Biologist, American Spring LIVE
Phil Torres is an American scientist, journalist, television host, photographer, and explorer.
Thor Hanson
Meet Thor Hanson – Science Correspondent, American Spring LIVE
Science Correspondent for American Spring LIVE

Written Features

Spring Flowers
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
Viewer Spring Flower Photos
See how spring is blooming across the country!
American Spring LIVE - Behind the Scenes
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery
Here's a behind the scenes photo gallery of the filming of American Spring LIVE!
That’s Not A Bee! Unusual Pollinator Species
Plant pollination is serious work. Here are some of the other supporting species that make...
Yellow Butterfly
How to Garden for Butterfly Life Cycles
Want to encourage more butterflies in your backyard or garden?
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
Contributors Showcasing the Science of Spring
It takes a village to produce a live nature broadcast! Meet the many contributors who...
Wolf at Rest
America’s Best Idea at Work: 45 Years of Wolf Science and Conservation in Voyageurs National...
Dr. Steve K. Windels explains how National Parks are making critical conservation research possible.
Rainy Springs Bring Disaster for Nesting Tree Swallows
Disruptions to weather patterns threaten food supplies for wildlife too.
Living With The Enemy – How Some Birds Keep their Young Safe
The unique way some birds keep their young safe
American Spring LIVE – Behind the Scenes
Take glimpse behind the camera at all the hard work going into our three-night live...
American Spring LIVE - Partners
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
Station Partners
See how spring is shaping up across the country!
Spring is LIVE Across America!
Take a look at some of the beautiful landscapes American Spring LIVE will be showcasing...
Shadows
Shadow Season
As the seasons change so do our shadows. Track yours at home and watch the...
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Milkweeds and Monarchs 101
Want to attract more monarch butterflies to your garden? Boost their numbers with these milkweed...
Meet Phil Torres – Field Biologist, American Spring LIVE
Phil Torres is an American scientist, journalist, television host, photographer, and explorer.
Thor Hanson
Meet Thor Hanson – Science Correspondent, American Spring LIVE
Science Correspondent for American Spring LIVE
Spring Bird
Spring Birdsong Playlist
Listen to our curated playlist featuring the songs and calls of blackbirds, robins, finches and...
Measuring and tagging a bear
For Scientists, Tag is a Serious Game
Tags, collars, and other tracking methods are essential to wildlife research and conservation efforts.
Monarch Butterfly
How to Give Monarch Butterflies a Head-Start This Spring
Although plenty of butterfly gardeners understand the value of a good nectar plant, a surprising...
Citizen Science - SciStarter
Citizens, Start Your Science!
Citizen science programs mobilize people from all walks of life to contribute to scientific research.
Sounds of Spring Spotify Playlist
Sounds of Spring – Our American Spring LIVE Playlist
Listen to our curated a playlist of songs that gives a nod to spring!
American Spring LIVE: Episode 1 - Birth and Rebirth
American Spring LIVE Homepage
Celebrate the start of Spring with this 3-night LIVE broadcast!