Q: How does Spring Watch U.S.A. approach natural history?
A: (Jeff Corwin) The series is a celebration of North American natural history and wildlife. It gives new definition to the term "natural history." Perhaps it should be called "natural presence" because you can be right there as it unfolds.

Q: Is this series something that families can watch together?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Absolutely, Spring Watch U.S.A. is a series that families can watch together. I have a large nuclear family — I grew up on a dude ranch in Wyoming alongside four sisters and three brothers. I certainly can imagine the entire family, including the grandparents, in-laws, friends and even the family pets experiencing Spring Watch U.S.A. together from our living room. The series is about birth; it's about spring and fresh starts, and what better way to enjoy such a beautiful program than with your loved ones!

Q: With six, one-hour episodes, about how much do cameras catch on film?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring certainly is an active time for wildlife. Many things are happening during this season, and our cameras capture a good amount. Many of the animals featured appear almost on schedule, meaning we pretty much know where and when something's going to happen. For example, I may look at spotted salamanders and wood frogs engaging in their breeding behavior in vernal pools, and we know that within approximately one week's time when the weather conditions are right, these animals are going to be there. With a little bit of knowledge, we are able to hone in on certain spots to get that amazing footage in real time.

Q: Do the recent unusually warm winters make filming somewhat more unpredictable and difficult?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) Climate change is a serious issue we're dealing with and certainly a reality. It's going to be part of the story, and it's going to be something that unfolds while perhaps throwing some curve balls. But, we've anticipated this. It only adds to the complexity and richness of the stories we're telling.

A: (David Mizejewski) In agreement with Philippe, climate change is a serious issue, and that's part of the story we're hoping to tell with Spring Watch U.S.A.. Global warming is no longer a debatable controversy. The scientific community is in overwhelming agreement that it is happening. However, how animals respond is still a big question, and Spring Watch U.S.A. explores that question. How will butterflies survive when the nectar plants they rely on begin blooming a month earlier before the butterflies emerge? How will waking up from hibernation during a warm spell in the middle of winter affect turtles? Some species may be able to adapt, but many others may not. Observing these changes can help us all figure out the best way to help wildlife threatened by global warming.

Q: How does production of Spring Watch U.S.A. adjust to things that don't work out so well in nature?
A: (Jeff Corwin) Ultimately, nature is what it is; nature does what it does. Our job is not to filter out the unsightly or the sentimental stories. Really, that makes the stories complete. Spring Watch U.S.A. really is an event. And it's more than the four of us in this series; all the wildlife become characters, lending to very powerful moments. And as the stories unfold, Vanessa, Philippe, David and I take in the information, make sense of it and share it with the viewers.

A: (Philippe Cousteau) Sometimes, people think that all animals are the same or generic. The truth is that animals have personalities, and these personalities are expected to come out during the filming of the series.

Q: Is Spring Watch U.S.A. solely an Animal Planet TV program?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring Watch U.S.A. is entirely interactive; it's not just something people see on television, Animal Planet encourages an interactive experience — getting people out in their communities to observe wildlife and the springtime phenomenon. Animal Planet, along with long-time partner The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), enhances the series by building an online/digital community and outreach platform that observes and logs data during the spring event. In a nutshell, there will be many opportunities for people to go out — perhaps literally in their backyards or in their community — and get involved. Viewers are encouraged to walk outside and report spring signs and sightings online, and Jeff, Philippe, Vanessa and I can respond to questions and comments within the context of the show. It's interesting to see what happens and what data is revealed from the viewers themselves.

A: (Jeff Corwin) The interactive component allows us — Philippe, Vanessa, David and me — to connect with all the viewers. Spring Watch U.S.A. is as much a participatory experience as it is a wonderful celebration of spring, a season that I'm sure we all heartedly welcome.