TEANECK, N.J.—If you ever feel disconnected from the natural world around you — the birds, the bees, the Earth itself — one longtime bird enthusiast wants to help you plug back in to what matters.
Your only requirement: wake up a little early on Sunday, May 25, at 6:30 a.m. and tune in to WFDU-FM, 89.1, based in Teaneck, for the premiere of The Nature Connection, a new 30-minute show.
WFDU-FM is a nonprofit, commercial-free oldies radio station based on the Fairleigh Dickinson University campus in Teaneck. It broadcasts to the New York metropolitan area from the historic Armstrong Tower in Alpine, the site of the world’s first FM radio transmitter.
Don Torino, longtime president of the Bergen County Audubon Society, will debut his first monthly radio show, The Nature Connection, on WFDU-FM RetroRadio. Torino, who has led the local chapter of the National Audubon Society for two decades, hopes to inspire listeners to forge their own bond with the natural world.
“You cannot care about nature until you can connect with it,” said Torino, emphasizing the society’s mission, which since its founding in 1941 has been to foster a love of birds and concern for the environment.
The show took flight after Opie, WFDU-FM’s general manager and a popular station DJ, began talking on air about her birdwatching trips — many of which were guided by Torino and the Bergen County Audubon Society.
Torino noted that the society offers trips for both experienced birders and those simply interested in enjoying a day out in nature.
Opie tells Northern Valley Press, “The idea for this new community show came from the amazing response I received whenever I spoke on the air about my local birding adventures with BCAS. Listeners would email asking where we went, what birds we saw; they’d share nature articles, and some even joined BCAS field trips. Don leads such a warm, welcoming group, full of passionate volunteers — just like WFDU. I’m excited that we now have a space where he can share his incredible knowledge about our local environment with our curious listeners.”
Torino said he hopes to use the show to provide information about birds, environmental issues, local environmental groups, and ways people can engage positively with nature.
“What is the biggest threat to the environment?” Torino asked. “It’s a nature disconnect — that’s the biggest threat. Unless we can get people involved with the birds, the plants, the organizations working to improve the Earth, we’re missing a huge opportunity.”
Ranging topics
Helping listeners connect with nature, he said, will take many forms: from learning about the Native Plant Society or a botanical society to volunteering in environmental efforts.
“There are so many groups doing good work, but most people simply aren’t aware of them,” Torino said. “I hope to use this show to make those connections — between people and the grassroots work happening all around them.”
Torino said the Bergen County Audubon Society has nearly 3,000 members, though event participation varies. He highlighted the importance of projects such as pollinator gardens and bird-friendly habitats in building community involvement.
The first scheduled guest is Dr. Kathleen Farley, executive director of Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a member-supported nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and preserving the legacy of the Teaneck Creek watershed.
“Our hosts will be reading on-air promos the week the new show debuts, and we’ll be spreading the word on social media. If we keep the studio window open, you might even catch some real bird sounds in the background,” Opie said. “I’m sure we’ll mix in a few bird- and nature-themed songs to celebrate the launch, too.”
In excellent company
WFDU-FM airs two other community-focused programs: Talking Points, hosted by Anita Elaine Rivers, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s community relations director, featuring interviews with notable community members; and Farmcrunch, hosted by Stefany Koslow, focusing on chickens, farming, and cultivating home and community gardens.