BEST of EXPEDITIONS with Patrick McMillan
Seventeen 30-minute episodes.

Through the eyes of naturalist Patrick McMillan, the world becomes exotic and fascinating. You will be amazed by the discoveries awaiting around the world and in your backyard. The best adventures in nature from the first two seasons of Expeditions with Patrick McMillan.

Episode Descriptions:
#101 - Myths of Snakes: The Truth Is Stranger than Fiction
Ever seen a hoopsnake? How about that cottonmouth that chased a fisherman right out of the lake? Tune in for a closer look at the myths - and truths - of snakes, one of our most misunderstood creatures. You’ll be surprised by what you learn as Patrick provides a glimpse into the fascinating biology of serpents.

#102 - Carnivorous Plants: Plants that Bite Back
Join Patrick for an expedition into a strange and exotic world that’s closer than you think. North Carolina’s Green Swamp Nature Conservancy is home to over 25 species of "bug-eating" plants. We’ll discover the mechanics behind the mysterious Venus flytrap (Charles Darwin’s favorite plant puzzle), the pitcher plant and more. 
#103 - Fumaroles and Volcanoes: On the Edge of Existence                                                                                                                  
In week two of our expedition to Dominica, we visit the unlikely home to most of the island's thriving species: fumaroles - acidic, sulfurous vents that form around active volcanoes. Patrick explores a riot of gigantic vegetation, unusual insects, brilliant flowers and birds. The Valley of Desolation and The Boiling Lake are just two of the stops along the way in this amazing journey.

#104 - Sea Turtles: Carolina Residents and Seasonal Tourists
The leatherback sea turtle spends part of her life in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina, traveling thousands of miles to the volcanic beaches of the Lesser Antilles once a decade to lay eggs. Patrick follows the path of sea turtles from the local resident - the loggerhead - to the largest and most secretive of our sea turtles, the leatherback.

#105 - The Fakahatchee Strand: Haunt of the Ghost Orchid
This week's expedition takes Patrick to the towering royal palms and bald cypress of the Fakahatchee Strand, home to the largest concentration of orchid species in North America and the most bromeliads in the continental United States. Join our investigation of the unusual circumstances have allowed this cypress strand to support such diversity.

#106 -The Big Cypress: Walking Catfish and Diving Birds, Part One
Wade deep into one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, Florida’s Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve, one of the last strongholds for the legendary Florida Panther. The plants and animals here face conservation challenges ranging from the introduction of exotic plants and animals to the loss of vital fresh water. Join Patrick’s exploration of the unusual life inhabiting Big Cypress and the threats to its continued existence.

#107 -The Big Cypress: Walking Catfish and Diving Birds, Part Two
Join Patrick as he continues to follow the water of the Big Cypress through pinelands, past hardwood hammocks and into the mangrove. We visit crocodiles, manatees and spoonbills that depend upon the continued flow of a threatened water supply.

#108 - Darters & Dace - Jewels of our Mountain Streams
Can you believe that fish as brilliant as those found on coral reefs live right here in our mountain streams? Join Patrick and guest expert Jeff Smith as they travel across the watersheds of the Appalachians in search of splendid little gems you probably never knew existed. The survival of these jewels, world class members of our natural heritage depend on our management of the natural resource upon which we all depend, water.

#109 - California Deserts - Coping with Climate Change
Deserts may seem to be barren wastelands, but they're teeming with life. Deserts provide us with some of the best evidence of past climate change. Life has adapted to the harshest extremes of climate - but even these hardy sentinels can be pushed over the limit. Join Patrick as he explores the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park to see how these creatures can survive and gather evidence of past climates and dramatic changes happening right now.

#110 - California's White Mountains - Ancient History
I can think of no better place to see the changes of the past and those happening today than the deserts of California. Packrat middens, Creosote Bush and Joshua Trees have told us a story of a warming and drying climate and a precarious future. We’re here in the White Mountains to visit with the ancients-trees that have survived over 4,000 years and are a living historical record of past climate and perhaps trends for the future. From the adorable pika to pinyon jays life as we know it is changing here. The oldest living things on earth are standing on the front lines of the climate change battle and trees that have stood for 40 centuries may not see the end of the 21st.

#111 - Mountain Bogs Pt. 1 - Origins of a Natural Treasure
“Bog”, it’s a term that conjures up stinking mires and muck in many minds, but in fact bogs are among the most picturesque and fascinating wetlands this world has to offer. Our southern Appalachian Bogs are in grave danger. But there’re a lot of unanswered questions here, where did they come from, how can they be maintained and is there time and space for bogs in our future. Join Patrick as he travels from the northwoods to our own back yards in an attempt to understand these remarkable wetlands before it’s too late!

#112 - Mountain Bogs Pt. 2 - On the Verge of Vanishing
Southern Appalachian Mountain Bogs are probably the least understood natural communities in the Carolinas. They are so poorly known that their “naturalness” is often viewed as open for debate. Despite this fact, they hold a large number of the rare and endangered species that grow in our area. Join Patrick as he continues to explore these wetlands and search the muck for one of the most seldom seen and threatened reptiles in North America, the Bog Turtle.

#113 - Bats: The Strange and Secret Lives of Bats
The Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina are this week's setting as Patrick explores the ecological and social nature of bats, the world’s only flying mammals. We'll get to know their biology and behavior, and along the way dispel some of the popular misconceptions and fears about these vitally important creatures.

#114 - Dominica Rainforests: Eden Rediscovered
Travel to an island paradise that's only 25 miles long, yet boasts more than 1600 species of plants. Patrick is your guide to Dominica, featuring more remaining original growth rainforest than any other island in the Caribbean, one of the highest rainfalls in the world, and several active volcanoes. Don't miss this expedition to the only island Christopher Columbus would still recognize!

#115 - Appalachian Foothills: On the Trail of Oconee Bells
An adventurous 18th century Frenchman explored the Appalachian foothills, collecting plants to send back to the royal gardens. Did you know that this simple act launched a 100-year quest? Patrick is on the trail of the most renowned story in the botanical history of the Appalachian region.

#116 - Backyard Wilderness - Spring Island's Model Community
Can you imagine 12-foot Alligators, wading bird rookeries, Native American shell mounds, fox squirrels and painted buntings all existing is close quarters with humans in a residential development? While snakes and alligators might be considered “undesirable” by many, they are crucial elements of the ecological processes of the Carolina Lowcountry. Is it possible to incorporate such challenging species into a planned community? Join Patrick as he visits the Spring Island community and finds nature and wildlife sharing the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

#117 - Low-Country Character - Preserving Spring Island
Beaufort County is one of the most rapidly developing regions of the state and big changes often spell disaster for native plants and animals. Can we preserve the character of the Lowcountry and still accommodate people? Join Patrick as he continues to explore Spring Island, a different kind of development including water quality, wildlife and even ecological processes like fire into neighborhood management.