Hi friends, before this episode starts, let's talk for a second.

As you may have heard by now, the Smithsonian's museums and the National Zoo are temporarily

closed to the public.

But please know, behind the scenes, the Smithsonian staff are still moving and groven.

And with Side Door, you can still experience the Smithsonian wherever you are.

We're still interviewing Smithsonian experts from home to share the best stories with you.

As for today's episode, we recorded it several weeks ago, and already it feels like it has

been a year.

It was a simpler time.

There weren't yet rules to stay home, but for safety's sake, we did keep a safe six-foot social distance.

Anyway, for reasons that are about to become clear, we did this interview outside. You might hear some wind, the odd

siren, everyday outside sounds around here. Typically we try to cut down on these

noises, but maybe a bit of time outside is just what you need right now.

Anyway, thanks for keeping Side Door, a podcast from the Smithsonian with support from PRX.

I'm Lizzy Peabody. I don't know about you, but springtime leaves me antsy. Washington, D.C. doesn't have

Arctic freezing winters, but they're cold and wet and dark and generally miserable.

So by the first weeks of spring when temperatures start to creep into the high 50s,

I just want to get outside.

So early one morning we went to Kenoweth Aquatic Gardens, a DC National Park for a nature

walk with Pete Mara.

And Pete is the exact person you'd want to guide you on a walk through nature.

Oh, there's a Phoebe.

...