What makes someone do a bad thing?

In this episode, Raccoon steals food. At first, the animals are eager to punish her. But when Raccoon has a chance to explain her misery, they realize the whole meadow community was at fault.

Together, they make a plan to restore trust and ensure that nobody is driven to desperation by hunger.

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Once Upon a Meadow is a production of Out There Podcast.

It’s important to fix (and learn from) our mistakes — even if we meant no harm.

In Part 2 of “The Purple Plague,” Elder Oak helps Maurice and the animals devise a plan to subdue the invasive Purple Frogweed. By working together, with the help of Maurice’s moms, they restore the meadow.

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What happens when a newcomer isn’t a good neighbor?

In this episode, a boy’s parents plant a new flower by their cabin. When the plant takes over the meadow, choking out the native vegetation, the boy and his animal friends look to Elder Oak for advice.

The wise tree explains that new arrivals are often disruptive, but some eventually fit in.  Which will it be for the meadow invader?

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Who is responsible for fixing communal problems?

In this episode, the animals have been peeing in the stream, and the water tastes nasty. Mouse argues that the bigger animals should rectify the situation, because they pee the most.

But the creatures learn that everyone — even the smallest among us — can make a difference.

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Humans like to be in charge.  But oftentimes, humbleness works better. 

In Part 2 of “Nature’s Neighbors,” Elder Oak explains how indigenous people cared for the land — and suggests that newcomers can also learn to benefit the environment. 

And so, the meadow creatures teach park visitors how to be good neighbors so everyone can thrive. 

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When the meadow becomes part of a new state park, the animals find the change exciting — but also upsetting. 

They are happy that hunting and logging are prohibited.

But a park also means lots of visitors, who bring litter, commotion and cars. 

And one of the cars drives faster than Brown Squirrel can dodge… 

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We all make mistakes. How do you fix them?

In Part 2 of “Pond Palace,” Beaver plants new trees to help the wetland ecosystem recover from his excessive harvest.

The other animals help, singing a song to build community and make the work fun.

Beaver learns that respect comes not from what you own, but from how you treat others.

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