Jumpstart Nature

Latest Episodes:

#8 - Saving A Valley: How Coyote Valley Inspires Conservation Sep 24, 2024

On a 1983 morning, Steve Jobs scouted Coyote Valley for Apple's new headquarters. Despite his plans, Coyote Valley remains one of the most important undeveloped landscapes near Silicon Valley.

This episode tells the story of its conservation through unexpected alliances, resilience, and the invaluable ecosystem services it provides. From critical wildlife connectivity to indigenous cultural significance, discover how perseverance and community action can protect cherished landscapes.

Join host Griff Griffith and our guests, Andrea Mackenzie, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez, Megan Fluke, Nick Perry, and Dr. Stuart Weiss as they provide unique and inspiring perspectives as they explore how to protect and steward unique lands like Coyote Valley, whether near Silicon Valley or your own backyard.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.

Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and learn what YOU can do to help nature.

FULL SHOW NOTES with Photos

LINKS
Amah Mutsun Land Trust

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Cars, Cows, Checkerspot Butterflies - Dr. Stuart Weiss's paper

Creekside Science

Green Foothills

Obi Kaufmann

P-22, The Mountain Lion of Hollywood

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
Podcasts Referenced
The Age of Connectivity - Jumpstart Nature Episode 3
Full Interview with Dr. Stuart Weiss on Cars, Cows, and Checkerspots

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Jumpstart Bonus: Top 10 Favorite Species with Griff Griffith, Michelle Fullner, and Michael Hawk Sep 10, 2024

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What do parasitic plants, 600 year old oak trees, salmon, and hoverflies have in common? Well, they are some of Griff's, Michelle Fullner’s and my favorite wild organisms!
Today’s episode is a fun conversation with Michelle Fullner, Griff Griffith, and myself, Michael Hawk, where we advocate for our 10 favorite animals and plants. We each bring three species to the conversation…well, not physically. And we had a bit of a game to decide who got to pick the 10th one. All I’m saying is that I still think that aphids would be good at soccer, but you’ll have to listen to hear what that’s about.
This idea was all Michelle’s - and if you don’t know Michelle, she’s the host and producer of the Golden State Naturalist podcast, which is a fun and entertaining California-centric nature podcast. Her fourth season is about to launch, and she plans to cover topics that I know you’ll love - wildlife crossings, coastal wetlands, red-legged frogs, and much more. Be sure to check out her podcast and follow her social media, too.
And looking ahead, Jumpstart Nature is in the late stages of three new episodes for this fall, covering invasive species, outdoor cats, and an inspiring land conservation story that succeeded against all odds. And if you’re listening to this on the Nature’s Archive feed, well, we have plenty of fun episodes coming too - covering topics ranging from wildlife forensics to ants!
FULL SHOW NOTES (be sure to check it for some great photos!)

LINKS
Snakes with Emily Taylor - Nature's Archive
Newt Patrol

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#7: Don't Be a Birdnapper! (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Help Wildlife) May 20, 2024

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Many well meaning people, seeking to help wildlife, mistakenly become a birdnapper. Or a turtlenapper. Or even a bunnynapper.

And it's all too easy to mistakenly harm an animal that you might think is distressed or in trouble.

Do you know what to do if you see a bird on the ground? Or a turtle in the road? Or newborn bunnies in your yard?

Spurred by a personal story from a follower, Griff and Michael discuss all of these scenarios and more, and wildlife coexistence in general. With a little knowledge of the animals, and a few resources at your disposal (looking at you Animal Help Now), you'll be prepared to be the hero that your neighborhood animals need!

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.

FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
Animal Help Now [Apple App | Android App | quick link to emergency flow charts]

All About Birds - easy to use resource to learn about birds, where they nest, what they eat, and more.

California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Merlin Bird ID - wonderful app that helps identify birds

Touching Wings, Touching Wild: True Stories of Rescue and Return to the Wild by Ronnie James [Note: this is an Amazon link]

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#6: Cicadas: Unexpected Ambassadors of Biodiversity Apr 29, 2024

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Periodical cicadas are amazing animals - they spend nearly 13 or 17 years underground, and all decide, together, to come out and party in your trees at the same time.
They are loud, and perhaps you think they are annoying. But they are one of the most accessible demonstrations of nature's abundance that still occurs.
But cicadas are super important to our ecosystems and the food webs that support life. Their story is full of history, drama, and even optimism. And right now, as this is being released in 2024, a rare "double emergence" is occurring.
So now is the time to give cicadas a second look, and see just how magical the "magicicada" genus is.
Host Griff Griffith, with the help of renowned cicada researchers Dr. Chris Simon, Dr. Gene Kritsky, and Dr. Matt Kasson, as well as All Bugs Go to Kevin founder Kevin Wiener, takes a fun, and sometimes disturbing look at cicadas, why they matter, and how they reflect biodiversity in general.
See the Full Show Notes and photos on Jumpstart Nature's web page.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
Links to Topics Discussed
All Bugs Go to Kevin: Facebook Group | YouTube Channel
Cicada Safari App
cicadas.uconn.edu - perhaps the best, most authoritative resource on periodical cicadas
The full length interview with Dr. Chris Simon is available on Nature's Archive podcast feed.
CREDITS
This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith. Kat Hill provided editing assistance.
Thanks to the team at cicadas.uconn.edu for allowing us to use some of their recordings of periodical cicadas, as well as Kevin Weiner for use of his photos and audio.

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Lofi Prairie by Brian Holtz Music
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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#5: Every Observation a Discovery: How iNaturalist Changes Lives and Changes Science Apr 22, 2024

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Have you ever seen a bird or a tree, and wondered what it is? Why did that bird show up here? How come I've never seen that tree anywhere else?
Just a few years ago, you'd need to consult an expert or spend loads of time reviewing field guides and natural history books to get those answers.
Today, the answers are at your fingertips. And with curiosity comes the satisfaction of learning.
Explore the transformative power of the iNaturalist app through the journeys of Jennifer Rycenga, a humanities professor turned nature enthusiast, Joseph Montes de Oca, a high school foreign languages teacher, and Cat Chang, an architecture professor and now, an iNaturalist board member.
Hear how this technology is connecting millions globally, from identifying species to contributing to vital science databases.
And learn how YOU can join the movement and start your own adventure today!
>>> See the full show notes and images on jumpstartnature.com<<<
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Links to Topics Discussed
The City Nature Challenge
Alison Young's Nature's Archive interview about the City Nature Challenge
Eastern Grey Squirrel observations on iNaturalist - A North American species that has been introduced in many places around the world
How-to Use iNaturalist: Mobile Phone, Website, and iNaturalist's in-depth videos
The Yard of the Future - Jumpstart Nature podcast episode from last season
CREDITS
This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith.

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Imagefilm 033 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/535-imagefilm-033
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Mystical Autumn by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9755-mystical-autumn
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Jumpstart Bonus: Dr. Doug Tallamy - The Nature of Oaks Feb 14, 2024

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Jumpstart Nature's next season is making great progress, but it's still a few weeks away. So we decided to share one of our top episodes from our sister podcast, Nature's Archive. It's with Dr. Doug Tallamy, the world renowned author, entomologist, native plant advocate, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park (instagram).
In this episode of Nature's Archive, Dr. Tallamy discusses why oak trees are perhaps the most important tree on Earth! And despite their reputation, there are oak trees in all sizes - and you may be able to plant one in a small yard! Be sure to check out Dr. Tallamy's latest books, including The Nature of Oaks and Nature's Best Hope.
And please check out Nature's Archive! If you are interested in birds, mushrooms, butterflies, beavers, regenerative agriculture, snowflakes, climate change, wildfire, and so many other nature topics, there is likely an episode that you'll enjoy.

Full Show Notes

LINKS
Bringing Nature Home
California Native Plant Society CalScape native plant finder
Homegrown National Park (instagram)
Kenneth V. Rosenberg - lead author of study showing 3 billion birds have been lost
Michelle Alfandari - Partnered with Doug to create Homegrown National Park
Nature’s Best Hope
Sudden Oak Death
The Nature of Oaks
Support Us On Patreon! We need your support to continue to produce Jumpstart Nature Podcasts and develop new and innovative ways to reconnect people to nature.

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The Confluence of Hope and Action (Bonus Episode) Nov 07, 2023

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Please Join the Jumpstart Nature Patreon to support creation of future episodes
Our pilot season is over, but Griff Griffith and Michael Hawk have more great nature knowledge to share!
Today's episode answers your questions about the Jumpstart Nature episodes we've already published and gives you an exciting peak into what comes next.
In fact, maybe YOU can be part of a future podcast episode? Be sure to listen to hear how.
And perhaps most importantly, Griff, Michael, and the Jumpstart Nature team need your support! If you agree with their vision, enjoy this podcast, and want to hear more, please become a member of our Patreon! You'll have the satisfaction of supporting this important work - and you'll get some perks, too!
Please Join the Jumpstart Nature Patreon

Submit your questions, ideas, or feedback to podcast (at) jumpstartnature.com
Griff on TikTok / Facebook
Redwoods Rising TikTok / Facebook
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
And be sure to like, share, rate, and review this podcast on the app of your choice!
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Full Show Notes

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#4: We Live in a 10% World Oct 23, 2023

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What is "normal" or even "natural" in nature? In a world where everything is constantly changing, the human desire to define things as "normal" has broad implications on how we see the world, and how we choose to conserve it (or not conserve it!).
This desire to establish a personal "normal" leads to a quirk of psychology called Shifting Baseline Syndrome.
Learn about the dramatic impacts that it has in this Jumpstart Nature episode.
Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he explores what shifting baseline syndrome is through some incredible examples. With the help of Dr. Loren McClenachan, Dr. Alison Whipple (San Francisco Estuary Institute), Ben Goldfarb (author and environmental journalist), and Francisco Saavedra Jr (forestry student and member of the Pit River Tribe Madesi band), we look at the many ways that shifting baselines steer us in the wrong direction.
See the full show notes and images on jumpstartnature.com.

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
Links to Topics Discussed
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, by Ben Goldfarb
Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers, and Why They Matter, by Ben Goldfarb
Everyone’s Guide to Helping our Planet, Jumpstart Nature's list of easy things you can do...TODAY.
Loren McClenachan on Nature's Archive Podcast
Redwoods Rising
The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, by Susan Casey
Links to Additional Resources
Anecdotes and the Shifting Baseline Syndrome of Fisheries (Daniel Pauly)
Daniel Pauly’s TED Talk
Documenting Loss of Large Trophy Fish from the Florida Keys with Historic
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Lofi Prairie by Brian Holtz Music
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie

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#3: The Age of Connectivity Oct 16, 2023

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Human society is more connected than ever. Between mobile phones and internet applications, we can connect with each other instantaneously, around the globe.
And more traditionally, the United States alone is home to nearly 4 million miles of roads, structures which, for many of us, have only served to enhance our sense of connectedness to the cities we live in, to our families and friends, and to the larger world around us. Yet, these same roads that connect people have the opposite effect to the natural world, extracting an extreme toll on the plants and animals around us, and in many unexpected ways.
And roads and highways are just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as we unravel the many complex dimensions of wildlife connectivity while revealing the surprising toll that human activity has inflicted on the movement of species. Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he is helped by experts Ben Goldfarb, Beth Pratt, and Robert Rock, who will also teach us how we can help restore essential links while supporting the health of the living beings around us.
FULL SHOW NOTE ON JUMPSTARTNATURE.COM
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Links to Topics Discussed

Anthropophony

Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, by Ben Goldfarb

Lights Out Program from the Audubon Society

Living Habitats, Robert Rock's landscape design company

Phantom Road Experiment

Save LA Cougars
Related Podcasts
Full Interview with Beth Pratt
Full Interview with Ben Goldfarb
More on connectivity from the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative

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#2: Plant Your Birdfeeder Oct 09, 2023

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Feeding birds is a cherished nature pastime in the United States, the UK, and Canada. It brings the wonders of the wild right to our backyards, allowing us to marvel at the beauty and behaviors of our feathered friends up close. Plus, there's the satisfaction of knowing we're contributing to wildlife's well-being!
But have you ever wondered about the impact of bird feeding? What about the recent concerns regarding disease outbreaks? And do you know where the birdseed you use comes from?
Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of bird feeding with insights from experts in the field: Dr. Emma Greig from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Dr. Alex Lees from Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr. Doug Tallamy (see last week's episode for much more from Dr. Tallamy!), and Mary Phillips. They'll help our host, Griff Griffith, unravel the mysteries, so you can feel confident that your bird feeding habits are indeed making a positive difference for our avian companions.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
FULL SHOW NOTES ON JUMPSTARTNATURE.COM
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.

Links to Topics Discussed
Full Nature's Archive Interview with Dr. Emma Greig "From Fairywrens to FeederWatch"
Killing with kindness: Does widespread generalised provisioning of wildlife help or hinder biodiversity conservation efforts? - scientific paper by Jack Shutt and Alex Lees
Preventing Window Strikes
Project FeederWatch - Begins on November 1!
2021 Pine Siskin Salmonella Outbreak
3 Billion Birds Gone - the detailed study that determined that we've lost 3 billion birds since 1970.

Links to Additional Resources
Homegrown National Park
Seven Actions to help birds
Jumpstart Nature Merch
Send feedback to podcast AT jumpstartnature.com.
Credits

This podcast episode was written and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host is Griff Griffith. Michelle Balderston is our associate producer.
The following music was used for this media

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#1: The Yard of the Future Oct 02, 2023

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Without noticing, homeowners across the country have destroyed habitat covering an area the size of New England or Florida. As bad as that sounds, it actually gets worse.
But we can easily fix this problem - and it actually saves you time and money.
With the help from Dr. Doug Tallamy, Mary Phillips, and Leslie Inman, Griff explains what’s going on here, and how you can help create The Yard of the Future.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
FULL SHOW NOTES ON JUMPSTARTNATURE.COM
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.

Topics and Resources Mentioned in the Show
Homegrown National Park and their Map
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Garden for Wildlife Program
NWF Native Plant Finder
Pollinator Friendly Yards on Facebook
Leslie Inman on Nature's Archive Podcast
Doug Tallamy on Nature's Archive Podcast

Additional Resources
Calscape - find hyper-local native plants in California
Native Plant Societies across the USA

Also find Jumpstart Nature on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and the web.
Subscribe to the Jumpstart Nature bi-weekly newsletter for inspiration and resources.
Jumpstart Nature Merch
Send feedback to podcast AT jumpstartnature.com.
Credits

This podcast episode was written and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host is Griff Griffith. Michelle Balderston is our associate producer.
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Sunny Morning by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7813-sunny-morning
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Horde Of Geese by Alexander Nakarada
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9835-horde-of-geese
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Get Ready for Jumpstart Nature! Aug 16, 2023

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Prepare to shatter preconceptions and debunk myths about the world around us, all while uncovering the astonishing truths hidden within nature and climate. Embark on a transformative journey with Jumpstart Nature, an innovative podcast that melds captivating storytelling with cutting-edge science.
Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as each episode whisks you away on an immersive adventure like no other. From unearthing hidden wonders to sparking a passion for change, Jumpstart Nature promises to entertain, enlighten, and empower.
Are you ready to be captivated, surprised, and inspired to make a lasting impact? Tune in to Jumpstart Nature and experience nature's mysteries as never before.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Unseen by Phat Sounds
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11194-unseen
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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