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#77: Unraveling the Secrets of Road Ecology with Ben Goldfarb Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

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It's hard to imagine a time without roads that connect us, facilitate commerce, allow us to reach hospital schools, family, and friends. And in plain sight, they grow in width, link density and traffic volume slowly and continually.
Amidst to the sprawling network that shapes our lives. There's a realm often overlooked, but equally profound. A domain where the intersection between humanity and nature takes an unforeseen twist.
Our guest today has Ben Goldfarb, author of the new book "Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet". You might remember Ben from a past episode where he discussed his book on beavers appropriately titled eager. And in typical Ben form, he reveals a hidden world in plain sight, full of surprises. From rapid adaptation by some animals to the intractable ways that 70 mile per hour traffic hack many animal's ability to cope. Ben's book will be released on September 12th. You can find more details at bengoldfarb.com.
FULL SHOW NOTES
LINKS
Ben Online: bengoldfarb.com, Instagram, Twitter
Crossings by Ben Goldfarb - Ben's new book
Nature’s Archive #30: Dr. Jaret Daniels – Butterflies, Creating Habitat in Overlooked Landscapes, and Leveraging Creative Outreach
Nature’s Archive #35: Ben Goldfarb – Eager Beavers, The Quintessential Keystone Species
Nature’s Archive #38: Beth Pratt – The Age of Wildlife Crossings
Sandra Jacobson - A behavior-based framework for assessing barrier effects to wildlife from vehicle traffic volume
Ware et al. - A phantom road experiment reveals traffic noise is an invisible source of habitat degradation
Marcel Hauser - Dutch road ecologist

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Discover the Jumpstart Nature Podcast - entertaining and immersive, it's the nature fix we all need.
Check past Nature's Archive episodes for amazing guests like Doug Tallamy, Elaine Ingham, and Rae Wynn-Grant, covering topics from bird migration to fungi to frogs and bats!

#76: Nature Unleashed: Inspiring Passion for Nature with Griff Griffith Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

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Griff Griffith is former host of Animal Planet’s Wild Jobs, current spokesperson for Redwoods Rising, and he’s a volunteer for Jumpstart Nature.
Griff has dedicated his career to honing his expertise in effectively communicating and motivating people to care about the environment. From the youth he led in the California Conservation Corps, to people he engaged with at State Parks, to the 4 million people that watch his videos on TikTok. He’s also been on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Kelly Clarkson, and more, so he knows a thing or two about engaging people.
And if you are like me, you care for nature, and want to share your love of nature with others.
So today, Griff shares his secrets to success in ways that can work for anyone, regardless of your personality or approach.
One of Griff’s messages is that you have to always make things relevant to your audience, so we try to do that today by including lots of specific examples, including stories like you just heard, discussion of goose pen trees (what? Yes goose pen, like goose like the honking bird), invasive clams, and the magic of photosynthesis.
You’ll learn about analyzing an audience, being authentic, dealing with doubters, and more.
So if you talk about nature with family and friends, lead walks or trips, or want to talk nature on Tik Tok or Instagram, we’ve got you covered.
Follow Griff on TikTok and Facebook, or Redwoods Rising on TikTok or Facebook.
FULL SHOW NOTES

Links To Topics Discussed
Griff's Past Appearance on Nature's Archive
Keith Williams talking river snorkeling on Nature's Archive
Alexis Nicole Nelson (The Black Forager)
Native Habitat Project (Kyle Lybarger)

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#75: Birding Under the Influence with Dorian Anderson Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Today we hear from Dorian Anderson, who you might recognize from episode #1 of Nature’s Archive.
Dorian has been a prominent figure in the birding world since 2014, when he bicycled nearly 18000 miles across the USA in what is known as a Big Year - an attempt to see as many bird species as possible.
Dorian loves a challenge, so his Big Year was much more than just trying to find lots of birds. His was a bicycle powered trip that didn’t use fossil fuels. He maintained a strict budget, built community as he went, and continued his personal journey of overcoming substance abuse. Amidst the trials of essentially being an extreme endurance athlete, Dorian also faced the inherent safety challenges of cycling on roads not necessarily designed with bicyclists in mind.
And today we have some exciting news - Dorian’s memoir, weaved into the story of the Big Year, is about to be released as a book titled “Birding Under the Influence”, which by the way is available for pre-sale now.
So in this episode we recap the Big Year, discuss the book and all that went into that, and how the Big Year launched a new career for Dorian as an international birding guide.
Dorian has some new stories to share. And if you aspire to be a bird guide, or just want to get some productive birding in on your next vacation, Dorian has some excellent advice and practical tips.
As for the Big Year itself, we chronicled much of this exciting story in episode 1, and the last 40 minutes or so of this episode are excerpts from that first discussion so that you can get the full story.
Find Dorian on Instagram or his photography website.
FULL SHOW NOTES

Links
People, Websites, Organizations
Chelsea Green Publishing
Dorian Anderson Photography - Dorian's photographic website.
The Speckled Hatchback - Dorian's Blog
Tropical Birding

Books
Note: links to books are affiliate links
Birding Under the Influence: Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery by Dorian Anderson [Bookshop.org link]
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner
Podcasts
Episode #1 of Nature's Archive, with Dorian! Notes that most of episode 1 is appended to this episode.

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#74: Just What is the Anthropocene? With Dr. Anya Gruber Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

Have you heard about the Anthropocene? Well, we're living in it right now, but that's not necessarily a good thing.
Joining us is paleoethnobotanist, Dr. Anya Gruber, whose expertise uniquely positions her to guide us through the human relationship with the environment. We begin by learning about Dr. Gruber's world, where she skillfully utilizes plant remains to reconstruct the environments of bygone eras and decipher human interactions with nature.
Building on this foundation, our conversation shifts towards the Anthropocene—the epoch that places humanity under scrutiny for its pervasive and often detrimental impact on the Earth. Dr. Gruber helps us understand the concept's essence, its definition, and the methodologies employed to assess its effects.
Within the context of the Anthropocene, we confront the uncomfortable reality of our collective responsibility for the environmental challenges we face. We also explore the nuances of distributional impacts, acknowledging that the burden is not evenly shared across all individuals.
I hope today's episode serves as a good introduction to the Anthropocene, and that by comprehending the profound implications of the Anthropocene, we can ignite a transformative drive towards a more harmonious relationship with our planet.
You can find Dr. Gruber on Instagram @anyagruber, or on her website at anyaegruber.com.
FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
People and Organizations
SAPIENS Anthropology Magazine – https://www.sapiens.org/
Atlas Obscura – https://www.atlasobscura.com/

Upcoming article about the queer history of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow house.

Books and Other Things
Note: links to books are affiliate links
Finding Mrs. Jackson Sapiens Podcast Episode
Two of Dr. Gruber’s recent articles

SAPIENS | Can Digitizing Gravestones Save History?
Atlas Obscura | Burial Hill’s Historic Gravestones Are Coming to Your Screen

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#73: From Dirt to Life: How Regenerative Agriculture Rebuilds Biodiversity with Gabe Brown Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

I’ve been really lucky to have some amazing guests on Nature’s Archive. Guests who open my eyes, and hopefully yours as well, to new ways of seeing nature. Today’s guest opens our eyes to agricultural practices that work in harmony with our ecosystems.
Why is this important? Well, by some estimates, as much as 44% of the land in the United States is used for some form of agriculture. And the principles of regenerative agriculture serve as a great primer for understanding important aspects of soil health and the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
We discuss the impacts of soil disturbance on soil biology, the importance of fungi and microorganisms, nitrogen fixing, and much more.
Our guest and guide today is Gabe Brown, author of Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture, which by the way has 1500 Amazon reviews, and not one below 3 stars. Gabe has been called a pioneer of the soil health movement, and his personal story of migrating his 5000 acre property to regenerative practices is both inspiring and a great education tool.
Today we discuss Gabe’s story, and dig into the 6 principles of soil health, and how they drive four ecosystem processes.
Gabe’s also working to spread regenerative farming to more people, and he’s working to make it easier for consumers to locate and purchase foods grown with regenerative practices. You can even apply these practices in your own garden.
You can find more about Gabe and his work at UnderstandingAg.com and soilhealthacademy.org. And you can find UnderstandingAg on Twitter.
FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
Related Podcast Episodes
Dr. Elaine Ingham - The Soil Food Web
Tom Biebighauser - Wetlands

People and Organizations
Regenified
Soil Health Academy
Understand Ag
Books and Other Things
Note: links to books are affiliate links
Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture by Gabe Brown
Thanks to Michelle Balderston for editing assistance.
Thanks to Jess Hasenplaugh for production assistance this episode

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#72: The Nature of Viruses with Dr. Robert David Siegel Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever been surprised to discover that something you thought you knew, like a milkweed or a bumblebee, actually encompasses a vast array of distinct species? Well, today we're diving into a world that's equally diverse and captivating: viruses. They may not be as readily observable as plants and animals, but they're an essential part of our natural world.
Joining us today is Dr. Robert David Siegel, a renowned professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. With his extensive expertise in virology, Dr. Siegel sheds light on how viruses fit into the broader ecological landscape. We'll explore their types, diversity, and the intriguing ways they infect their hosts and evolve.
Ever wondered why some viruses have the ability to infect multiple species or make astonishing jumps from one species to another? We'll delve into this topic, with a focus on well-known examples like influenza and coronaviruses.
And let's not forget our own immune system, the incredible shield protecting us from viral invaders. Dr. Siegel takes us on a journey through the basics of our immune response, including insights into the innate and adaptive systems. And did you know that the reaction we get from poison oak and poison ivy is actually an immune response? If you think you are immune to these plants, I suggest you listen.
And of course, we can't conclude our discussion without addressing the promises and myths surrounding mRNA vaccines—a vital aspect of virus control.
But that's not all! Dr. Siegel, a nature lover and accomplished photographer, shares his tales of chasing and photographing every order of birds in the world. Prepare to be inspired by his remarkable nature endeavors, which he graciously recounts during the final part of our conversation.
Get ready to embark on an enlightening and awe-inspiring journey into the world of viruses, their ecological significance, and the wonders of our immune system.
FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
Websites
iNaturalist
ViralZone Website

Books and Other Things
Note: links to books are affiliate links
An Immense World - by Ed Yong
Breathless: The Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus - by David Quamman
Darwin: The Origin of Species | The Voyage of the Beagle
The Demon in the Freezer: A True Story - by Richard Preston
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus - by Richard Preston
Microbe Hunters: The Story of the Microscopic Discoveries that Changed the World - by Paul de Kruif
Some of Dr. Siegel's nature photography and writing in Punch Magazine

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#71: Wetlands Rediscovered - Exploring Nature's Hidden Gems and Restoring Their Glory with Tom Biebighauser May 22, 2023

Show notes

Wetlands are phenomenally important to biodiversity, water quality, and flood control. Yet they are often overlooked and dismissed.

Today's guest is Tom Biebighauser. Tom is perhaps the most enthusiastic wetland advocate that you’ll ever encounter. He’s been restoring and designing wetlands since 1979, and is widely regarded as one of the worlds experts in these endeavors.
Today Tom sets the record straight for wetlands. We discuss the many types of wetlands that naturally occur, including my personal favorite, vernal pools, and what makes each of them distinct, including the plant and animal communities they support.
Tom tells us about the benefits of wetlands, and why so many wetlands were drained over the years.
The good news is that many land managers are recognizing the critical importance of wetlands, and are now working to restore them. But there is much more work to be done. Tom and his organizations offer books, training, and support for individuals and for organizations considering building or restoring wetlands. Did you know you can even create one in your own yard? And no, they won’t be mosquito magnets.
It was a pleasure to speak with Tom, and I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I did.
FULL SHOW NOTES

People and Organizations
Sheltowee Environmental Education Coalition
Wetland Restoration and Training LLC

Books
Note: links to books are affiliate links

Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter - Ben Goldfarb
Wetland Restoration and Construction A Technical Guide - Tom Biebighauser
Wetland Drainage, Restoration, and Repair - Tom Biebighauser

Podcast Episodes We Referenced
Beavers with Ben Goldfarb
Save the Frogs with Dr. Kerry Kriger

Thanks to Michelle Balderston for editing help in this episode.

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#70: Talaterra Crossover - Michael Hawk on Tech and Jumpstart Nature May 08, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode is a crossover episode from the Talaterra feed. Talaterra is a podcast for and about environmental educators, and host Tania Marien recently interviewed me about my tech background and how I've transitioned to form Jumpstart Nature.
Jumpstart Nature is forming its first board of directors, just launched It's All Connected, our bi-weekly newsletter, and now has 10+ volunteers helping in a variety of ways. And we're hard at work on our inspiring short-form narrative podcast!
Thanks to Tania for hosting me, and be sure to check out Talaterra on your podcast apps!
And be sure to stay tuned for upcoming episodes on viruses in nature, wetlands and wetland restoration, and even the Harpy Eagle!

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#69: Behind the Scenes of Bird Banding with Dr. Katie LaBarbera of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how bird banding works? How the birds are captured, safely handled, and released? And why is it done at all?
Thanks to Dr. Katie LaBarbera, Science Director for the Land Bird Program at the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO), we have you covered.
Banding is specifically the scientific technique used to study bird behavior, migration, and populations. By safely capturing and placing bands on birds' legs, researchers can track their movements and gain valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Today’s episode is a unique one - it’s part field recordings and part traditional Nature’s Archive interview. We’ll jump into the entire banding process, from capture and extraction to the measurements taken and placing the band on it.
We’ll then discuss the outcomes and observations from this long term monitoring effort, along with some fascinating observations about birds ranging from American Goldfinch to Bewicks Wrens.
Katie also tells us about MOTUS, an exciting telemetry technology that will help create a network of automated observation stations to further advance bird migration monitoring. This technology promises to augment and amplify the work performed by banding stations.
And just one more thing. This was a really fun episode to produce, though challenging at times. A big thanks to Katie for allowing these visits despite a challenging season of weather disruptions, and having to re-record parts of it. Thank you to Wendy Gibbons, who walked us through the netting and extraction processes, as well as several other SFBBO volunteers who provided insights and information on my first visit in February.
See the FULL Show Notes for some amazing photos from the banding station!
Also find SFBBO on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thanks to Emily Smith for production assistance in this episode.
Links To Topics Discussed
Wendy Gibbons - an SFBBO volunteer who walked me through the capture and extraction process in today's episode.
The Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner
MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System

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#68: Spring Galls: Nature's Master Geneticists, a conversation with Adam Kranz Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

If you're a long-time listener, you're already familiar with the remarkable world of galls and the “Gall Week” community science events that have taken place in the past. But today, we're taking a fresh look at galls with a specific focus on the importance of spring galls, which our guest Adam Kranz of gallformers.org, describes as the most scientifically interesting galls!
OK, for those who haven’t heard those past episodes - that’s OK. The first 31 minutes of today’s episode is entirely new content, and I’ve appended our first conversation with Adam at the end.
Plant galls are unique organs induced by a variety of organisms, ranging from wasps to moths to midges to mites to fungi. These organisms have figured out how to modify a plant’s genetic expression for the benefit of its own lifecycle. It really is magical.
Today, Adam tells us why spring galls are, perhaps the most scientifically interesting, and have the most opportunity for new discoveries - possibly even by you. And I really enjoyed how our conversation strays into broader ecology and phenology topics, too. Galls have a lot to teach us!
Spring Gall Week is from April 15th to 23rd, yes, there is a bonus weekend added to it. During that time be sure to get out and look at your oaks, hackberries, hickories, and other plants and document the galls you find on iNaturalist. Here's the link to the iNaturalist project to make it easy for you to get involved.
And a big thanks to Dr. Merav Vonshak and Adam for continuing to coordinate these events.
FULL SHOW NOTES

Organizations and Tools
Biodiversity Heritage Library
Gallformers
Gall Phenology Tool
Gall Week Spring 2023 iNaturalist Project