treehugger podcast

In this episode, Michael talks with evolutionary biologist and urban ecologist Dr. Elizabeth Carlen about how cities - shaped by war, politics, religion, and everything in between - are evolving alongside the wildlife that calls them home. Liz is an urban evolutionary biologist whose research explores how human social structures, from redlining to sacred groves, shape the genetics, behavior, and survival of city-dwelling creatures like squirrels and pigeons. We dive into the often-overlooked ways that social histories leave their mark not just on human communities, but on the DNA of the animals that live among us. From prayer animal releases and colonial land grabs to the silent corridors of segregation - era parks, we trace how the built environment (and the power structures behind it) drive biological change. Together, we explore how urban wildlife, often seen as out-of-place or alien, can actually reveal deep truths about the endurance of life, adaptation, and the stories we tell ourselves about nature in cities. From the sidewalks of New York to the treetops of St. Louis and the birds of Mexico City, this is a rich and fascinating conversation on the entangled evolution of people and animals in the urban jungle. Episode Links The Conversation article:  War, politics and religion shape wildlife evolution in cities Dr. Elizabeth Carlen's website:  www.elizabethcarlen.com  Nature Cities review article "Legacy effects of religion, politics and war on urban evolutionary biology": https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-025-00249-3 Stay Connected Explore this episode and others at treehuggerpod.com, or reach out anytime at treehuggerpod@gmail.com. Follow us on social media: @treehuggerpod Support Treehugger Podcast It takes a community to keep this independent podcast going. If you value the conversations we're having, consider donating to help cover the small but real overhead costs: PayPal: paypal.me/myadrickVenmo: @myadrickCashApp: $michaelyadrickjr Subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite platform to help others find these conversations. And of course, tell a friend. Music from the episode: Alge, MK2, Lish Grooves

In this special episode, we welcome author and storyteller Martin Goodman to explore the extraordinary living story of the Bishnoi people—a community in the Western Thar Desert of India who have made protecting life, in all its forms, their deepest devotion. Three centuries ago, 363 Bishnoi villagers led by Amrita Devi gave their lives to defend the sacred khejri trees from destruction, speaking the words still taught to Bishnoi children today: "My head for a tree is a cheap price to pay."  But the Bishnoi are not just a story of sacrifice from the past—they are still here, still tending, still fighting for the beings and ecosystems that sustain us all. Martin shares the serendipitous journey that brought him to the Bishnoi, the profound lessons he learned among them, and the creation of his new book, My Head for a Tree: The Extraordinary Story of the Bishnoi, Guardians of Nature. We talk about devotion, care as daily practice, the ecology of love, and what it means to live in relationship with the smallest creatures. We hope this conversation reminds you: Love is not only an action. It is also a meditation. A daily practice of belonging. A vow, renewed again and again, to defend life-affirming practices. ✨ Highlights include: The origin story behind the term "treehugger" and why it still matters today The 29 rules of the Bishnoi faith: a life built around ecological care The emotional and spiritual legacy of Amrita Devi's sacrifice How the Bishnoi resist extractive forces with devotion and fierce tenderness Reflections on love as an ecosystem, not just an emotion How we can follow the Bishnoi's example without appropriating their sacred ways 🌱 Resources and Links: 📚 Buy My Head for a Tree by Martin Goodman: Bookshop.org Link 📖 Learn more about Martin Goodman, the author of twelve books of award-winning nonfiction and fiction, including Client Earth and Suffer & Survive. He is emeritus professor of Creative Writing at the University of Hull and the director of the Philip Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing. Martin lives between Los Angeles and London with his husband, environmentalist and Zen priest James Thornton. Martin Goodman's Website Martin Goodman's Substack Letters Home 🌿 Subscribe to Grit & Grove: Grit & Grove on Substack — my essays and reflections on planetary health, justice and ecological restoration, and imagining better ecological futures. 🎶 Listen to the treehugger podcast lightning songs 🌼 About the My Head for a Tree Co-Contributors: Ram Niwas Bishnoi Budhnagar is a leading Bishnoi activist, former leader of the Bishnoi Tiger Force, and president of the Youth Congress of Jodhpur. His work continues the Bishnoi tradition of fiercely protecting trees, animals, and ecosystems across Rajasthan and beyond. 💌 If you loved this episode... Please consider sharing it with a friend, a loved one, or someone who might be looking for new ways to imagine care and belonging. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, or simply telling someone, "Hey, this made me think differently about what love can look like." Your listening, your sharing, your tending — it all matters. Thank you for being here. 🌿

We are joined by Philip Stielstra, founder of PropagationNation, to explore the fascinating world of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Philip shares his inspiring journey from Seattle Tree Ambassador to becoming a leader in assisted migration, helping these ancient giants find a new future in the Pacific Northwest. We dive into: The unique traits that make coast redwoods and giant sequoias candidates for assisted migration, including their fire resistance, drought tolerance, and pest resistance. Challenges such as slow seed production, low natural regeneration, and the ecological and ethical considerations of introducing these species to non-native environments. Insights into Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship and how they inform restoration practices. Propagation Nation's Redwood Test Plot Grant Initiative, which studies the viability of these iconic trees in new environments. This episode builds on themes from previous treehugger podcast episodes featuring Dr. Sally Aitken on climate-smart forestry, Chelsey Armstrong on Forest Gardens and Indigenous knowledge systems, and last but not least the Climate Feels episode exploring the cultural dimensions of climate adaptation. Access key resources: PropagationNation website; Appendix 1 Selection of Seeds and Other Propagules for Restoration of the SER International Standards for Ecological Restoration; and, the Assisted Migration Best Management Practices for Pacific Northwest Habitat Restoration Projects. These key documents guide practitioners in selecting seeds and propagules for restoration projects, focusing on genetic diversity, climate-resilient traits, and future climatic scenarios. Key Takeaways: Assisted migration is an essential strategy for adapting forests to climate change, ensuring that both trees and ecosystems can thrive in evolving conditions. By blending science, ethics, and community involvement, we can create adaptive ecosystems for tomorrow's challenges. Coast redwoods and giant sequoias represent not just ecological resilience but also a vision of hope for future forests. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media @treehuggerpod to share your thoughts and continue the conversation. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Treehugger Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows!

treehugger podcast is 5 years old this month! In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Brown, author of A Natural History of Empty Lots, to uncover the stories hidden in the overlooked spaces of our cities. Christopher shares his unique perspective on urban landscapes—vacant lots, overgrown alleys, and forgotten corners—revealing the vibrant ecosystems and cultural narratives thriving within them. Drawing on his experience as a speculative fiction writer, he challenges us to rethink the value of these unintentional landscapes and their role in shaping our connection to the wider world. We discuss themes from his book, including the intersections of biodiversity, ecological restoration, and the unexpected beauty found in urban spaces. Christopher also reflects on how his dystopian fiction background shaped his views on resilience, adaptation, and our responsibility to imagine better futures. Whether you're an urban dweller, a nature enthusiast, or just curious about the life teeming in the margins of your city, this conversation will leave you inspired to see your environment through a new lens. Links and Resources Christopher Brown's Website: christopherbrown.com Field Notes: Reports from Edgelands Living Planet Index 2024 Report Christopher's Book, A Natural History of Empty Lots: Find it here Connect with Us Treehugger Podcast on Instagram: @treehuggerpod Twitter: @treehuggerpod Facebook: Treehugger Podcast Music for this episode provided by Kevin Macleod and Go By Ocean  

In this podcast episode, the discussion dives into the complexities and nuances of ecosystem monitoring, led by the Dylan Mendenhall's deep experience and passion for the field. He emphasizes the importance of well-defined questions to drive high-quality monitoring efforts, contrasting effective monitoring with what they term "zombie monitoring"—data collection that continues without purpose due to sunk cost fallacies or lack of clear objectives. The conversation spans from traditional techniques like plot-based sampling and transect surveys to advanced molecular methods like eDNA, which may revolutionize the way we monitor microbial life and species presence, such as salmon populations in streams. Remote sensing tools like LiDAR and Landsat are highlighted for their critical role in capturing landscape-level data, aiding in efforts to monitor urban canopy cover and assess heat disparities in historically under-resourced areas. Dylan stresses the challenges in ecological monitoring, from inconsistent funding—often dependent on short-term grants—to data management, where data hoarding hinders potential collaborations and broader ecological insights. He advocates for partnerships, especially when involving multiple stakeholders with complementary expertise, to foster sustainable, impactful monitoring efforts. Ultimately, the episode explores both the scientific rigor and the philosophical mindset needed in monitoring, encouraging listeners to consider ecosystems not just as research subjects but as collaborators in knowledge-building. Whether through "thinking like a mountain" or creating detailed conceptual models, we illustrate a holistic approach to monitoring that balances scientific inquiry with a deep respect for the natural world. Haven Ecology and Research Website Music for this episode courtesy of  The 126ers and Otis McDonald

We explore a fresh perspective on non-native and introduced species. Traditionally viewed as pests or threats to ecosystems, some of these species offer hidden benefits that are often overlooked in conventional pest management frameworks. We dive into the complexities of integrated pest management (IPM), discussing the importance of balancing ecological restoration with justice, health, and livelihoods. This episode was adapted from a talk originally given to an audience focused on integrated pest management. It encourages listeners to rethink the language we use around non-native species, while offering insights into their potential contributions to ecosystems, medicinal practices, and more. Key Topics Discussed: The impact-focused traditional approach of integrated pest management (IPM) The often-overlooked benefits of non-native species Political ecology and how power relations influence our views on species The relationship between ecological restoration and cultural responsiveness Medicinal uses of "weeds" and their place in autonomous healing practices How rethinking our language around invasive species can shift our environmental practices Further Reading and Resources: For those interested in diving deeper into the topics covered in this episode, here are some recommended readings and resources: "Just Language" Project Learn more about how changing the language we use around species management can transform our ecological and cultural approaches. Visit JustLanguage.org Herbal Astrology Oracle Deck by Anima Mundi and Ayana Ayales This oracle deck ties together herbalism, astrology, and ancient wisdom, making connections between plants, their medicinal uses, and astrological influences. A fun, creative way to learn more about the plants discussed in this episode. More on Herbal Astrology Oracle "Honorable Harvest" – Robin Wall Kimmerer For more on indigenous perspectives, Robin Wall Kimmerer's concept of the Honorable Harvest offers valuable ethical guidelines for interacting with nature. Watch her talk on YouTube "Invasive Plant Relations in a Global Pandemic: Caring for a "Problematic Pesto" by Gabrielle Doiran This paper explores the tensions surrounding invasive species management and advocates for a justice-centered approach to environmental restoration, incorporating ideas of multispecies entanglements and caring for invasive species. "Valuing the Contributions of Non-Native Species to People and Nature" by Dov Sachs et al. A framework that examines both the positive and negative impacts of non-native species on ecosystems, highlighting their contributions to social cohesion, food production, climate change mitigation, and mental health. Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us continue bringing you insightful conversations on ecological restoration and the healing power of nature. Follow Us: Instagram: @treehuggerpod | email: treehuggerpod@gmail.com Music for this episode courtesy of Adam McDougal and TrackTribe

Underground seed banks, passive restoration, and ecological memory - these elements are crucial in understanding and facilitating natural recovery processes in ecosystems. We'll explore how leveraging underground seed banks, which contain dormant seeds waiting for the right conditions to germinate, can support native plant regeneration. This approach is relational, often less expensive, and informs a long-range view. It also relies on the ecological memory, which refers to an ecosystem's ability to retain information about past states and disturbances, aiding its recovery and resilience. Topics Covered: Importance of underground seed banks in restoration Differences between passive and active restoration Concept and significance of ecological memory Examples of natural regeneration strategies Resources: High Country News article: "Underground seed banks hold promise for ecological restoration" by Josephine Woolington Read more about ecological memory for yourself at Google Scholar Social media: @treehuggerpod Support the Show: Donate via mobile payment services @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp. Subscribe, rate and review the show please on whichever podcast platform you enjoy listening to. It helps people find the show. Or tell a friend about the show. Music from the show Lish Grooves and MK2 Thanks for tuning in! See you in the woods.

This episode delves into the integration of artificial intelligence within the field of ecological restoration. Covering a broad spectrum from the practical to the philosophical, the conversation explores the potential for AI to reshape restoration practices, the ethical considerations at play, and the importance of balancing technological advancement with traditional ecological knowledge. Through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and a look towards the future, the guests offer a comprehensive exploration of how AI is shaping the landscape of ecological restoration and what that means for the environment and society. Episode Segments 1. Introducing the Experts Meet Sam Woodrich, a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, and Dr. Timothy Pape, a postdoctoral research associate at Bowling Green State University. Both bring a wealth of knowledge in environmental and social sciences and share their insights on AI in ecological restoration. Woodrich, Samuel T., and Timothy Pape. "Ecological restoration and artificial intelligence: whose values inform a project?." Restoration Ecology (2024): e14128. 2. Exploring AI in Ecological Restoration An overview of how AI is currently being utilized in ecological restoration projects. This segment covers practical applications, from predictive modeling to species identification. 3. Bridging the Gap: AI Tools as Assistants Discussion on AI tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app and iNaturalist, and how they assist in ecological monitoring and data collection. The segment emphasizes the collaborative potential between AI and human expertise. 4. Debating AI's Role and Impact A critical look at the limitations and biases of AI in ecological restoration. This segment explores the ethical considerations and the need for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with AI-driven methods. 5. Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? An exploration of AI's potential benefits and risks. The experts discuss whether AI can be a reliable partner in restoration efforts or if it poses significant challenges that need to be carefully managed. 6. Looking to the Future: AI, Restoration, and Beyond Insights into future advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on ecological restoration. The segment highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive management in leveraging AI for sustainable outcomes. 7. Wrapping Up and Rapid Fire Questions A fun and engaging wrap-up segment where the experts answer rapid-fire questions, sharing personal anecdotes and their visions for the future of AI in ecological restoration. Read more for yourself at  Google Scholar. A growing number of articles provide an overview of the current state and potential of AI in ecological restoration, addressing both the technical capabilities and the ethical considerations involved.  It takes a community to keep a podcast like this going. As an independent show, every contribution makes a difference. If you'd like to support us, you can donate via Paypal and Venmo and Cashapp and your generosity helps cover the small overhead costs of producing the show. Music from the episode is Lish Grooves

In this episode, we're joined by two extraordinary guests, Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hansen, who bring decades of experience and insight to the practice of ecological forestry. Their recent book, "A Forest of Your Own," serves as a comprehensive guide for forest stewards in Oregon and Washington, covering essential skills like evaluating land, sustainable management, wildfire risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. Seth and Kirk address the diverse needs of family forest owners, community forests, municipalities, and Indigenous tribes, offering insights on sustainable wood harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and watershed protection. Kirk Hanson is an experienced forest educator and pracitioner, skilled in guiding forest owners to managed their land sustainably. He has worked with a variety of landowners, and also blogs about his own family's experiences managing 200 acres of forestland in the South Puget Sound. As a journalist, Seth Zuckerman reported extensively on forests, salmon and the human communities that depend on them. He also serves as Executive Director of Northwest Natural Resources Group, and he is author of several books, including Saving Our Ancient Forests and Salmon Nation. During our conversation, Seth and Kirk discuss how ecological forestry differs from conventional industrial forestry, advocating for practices that prioritize ecosystem health and long-term sustainability. They share personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of interventions like thinning to promote forest resilience, especially in the face of climate change. Their book and work aim to empower forest landowners with the knowledge and tools to become responsible stewards of their land, promoting ecological health and resilience for the benefit of both people and the environment. As we explore the balance between human intervention and natural processes in forest management, Seth and Kirk address common questions and misconceptions about forest management, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers long-term ecological health and diverse benefits for future generations. They highlight the role of ecological diversity in promoting economic resilience and offer practical advice for forest observation and engagement. A Forest of Your Own book www.nnrg.org/book  Keeping Up with the Hansons Blog www.nnrg.org/hansonfamilyforest You can donate to help cover the small overhead for the show. @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp.  Music from the show Stayloose | Gunnar Olson | Cumbia Deli

In this episode, we delve into the world of plant medicines. Our guest, Natalie Hammerquist, a herbalist based in Washington state, shares her extensive knowledge and experience in herbalism and foraging local wild plants. Natalie's journey, rooted in a degree from The Evergreen State College, led her to explore herbalism, plant taxonomy, and food science. Under the guidance of renowned herbalists like Cascade Anderson Geller and Matthew Wood, Natalie integrated aspects of Chinese medicine and Western herbalism into her practice. What's particularly intriguing about our conversation is Natalie's emphasis on the importance of collaboration between restorationists and herbalists to ensure sustainable caretaking and the preservation of plant resources. Natalie also shares her personal journey into herbalism, shaped by her own health struggles during college, and highlights the diverse approaches within herbalism, blending scientific methodologies with traditional wisdom. Additionally, Natalie sheds light on the regulatory disparities between the United States and Europe, emphasizing the need for advocacy and education to support herbalism and holistic health practices. She offers insights into her forthcoming book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest," which aims to provide practical guidance and visual aids for identifying medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of accurate plant identification and ethical harvesting practices. We dig into topics such as the significance of timing in harvesting, ethical considerations inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's concept of the Honorable Harvest, and the therapeutic properties of plants like knotweed, blackberry, and hawthorn. Natalie advocates for sustainable harvesting practices that balance the benefits and impacts of these plants, promoting a mindful approach that honors the interconnectedness of all living beings and fosters responsibility for the wider environment. Adiantum School of Plant Medicine website | Instagram Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species Natalie will be presenting her new book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species," at Third Place Books in Seward Park on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 7:00pm. https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/event/natalie-hammerquist Music from this show: John Patitucci | Soy Emilia

This treehugger episode meanders through Ivyland and investigates the extensive properties and uses of ivy, Hedera helix. Ivies (Araliaceae) are a diverse genus of evergreen plants native to regions spanning Europe, across central-southern Asia, and N Africa. Its botanical name is rooted in Latin; Hedera is related to its traditional medicinal uses. Known for its climbing or ground-creeping nature, ivy offers various ecological benefits such as habitat and shelter for wildlife, acts as a late-season food source for pollinators, offers berries for birds, controls soil erosion, regulates microclimates, and contributes to carbon sequestration. Additionally, it has several human benefits, including air purification, aesthetic appeal, thermal regulation, stress reduction, and medicinal uses. The podcast explores ivy's role in herbal remedies, emphasizing its traditional uses in respiratory health, anti-inflammatory properties, skin health, antioxidant effects, and wound healing.  Then in a detailed conversation, treehugger guest, Toby Query, discusses the complexity of his relationship with ivy. We explore ivy's growth patterns, methods of removal such as mechanical means and herbicides, and concerns about the environmental impact of these methods. The conversation delves into the benefits of ivy, such as supporting wildlife and contributing to soil moisture and the mycorrhizal network. The need for a context-specific approach to ivy management is emphasized, challenging myths and emphasizing the importance of further research. Ultimately, ivy is recognized as a diverse and ecologically important plant with cultural and historical significance. Toby Query is an ecologist based in Portland, known for his extensive work in the city's Revegetation Program since 1999. He focuses on stewarding natural areas, particularly the Shwah kuk wetlands, in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Toby is also the founder of Portland Ecologists Unite!, a group which created spaces to learn, discuss, and connect over current ecological issues. He holds a certification as a Senior Ecologist from the Ecological Society of America and is an active contributor to The Nature of Cities website. Toby has a passion for mycelial networks and is engaged in learning and teaching about fungi. peruse the scientific literature on Hedera helix via Google Scholar, new select articles below: Detommaso, M., Costanzo, V., Nocera, F., & Evola, G. (2023). Evaluation of the cooling potential of a vertical greenery system coupled to a building through an experimentally validated transient model. Building and Environment, 110769. Lukas, K., Dötterl, S., Ayasse, M., & Burger, H. (2023). Colletes hederae bees are equally attracted by visual and olfactory cues of inconspicuous Hedera helix flowers. Chemoecology, 1-9. Milliken, W. (2023). Ethnoveterinary data in Britain and Ireland: can native herbal medicine promote animal health?. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 26, 1-32. Sax, D. F., Schlaepfer, M. A., & Olden, J. D. (2022). Valuing the contributions of non-native species to people and nature. Trends in ecology & evolution, 37(12), 1058-1066. Vercruysse, W., Kunnen, K., Gomes, C. L., Marchal, W., Cuypers, A., & Vandamme, D. (2023). Common Ivy (Hedera helix L.) Derived Biochar's Potential as a Substrate Amendment: Effects of Leached Nutrients on Arabidopsis thaliana Plant Development. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 1-12. Read Indigenous scholarship! Wehi, P. M., Kamelamela, K. L., Whyte, K., Watene, K., & Reo, N. (2023). Contribution of Indigenous Peoples' understandings and relational frameworks to invasive alien species management. People and Nature. It takes a community to keep a podcast going. I am totally independent, and you can donate to help cover the small overhead for the show. @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp. Subscribe, rate and review the show please on whichever podcast platform you enjoy listening to. It helps people find the show. Or tell a friend about the show. Music for this episode is from John Patitucci and TrackTribe

Kyle Flanagan asks us how we can truly address the roots of the climate crisis, and how we can keep each other safe in the years to come—while making sure that no one gets left behind. She wrote Climate Resilience, robust with short essays edited from interviews with 39 individuals who have been cultivating resilience for decades. There is a chapter dedicated to ecological restoration and issues related to river restoration, shifting the framing of environmental injustices, soil health, community composting and good fire. Intersecting with restoration, Kylie and the cohort of climate imaginaries foreground skills required in a warming world - relationship repair, participatory & decentralized economics, collective care, community adaptation, cultural strategy and people power.  Kylie is a climate communicator and the executive director of a small, climate justice-focused foundation. Originally from Miwok lands in the California Bay Area, she currently resides on Munsee Lenape lands in New York City. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College and received a master's in sustainability solutions from Presidio Graduate School. Driven by a desire to make the world more delicious, beautiful, joyous, and just, she has dabbled in goat midwifery, cheesemaking, tiny house architecture and construction, supper club hosting, edible landscaping, sustainable business consulting, and most recently, writing Climate Resilience.  Climate Resilience Project and www.climateresilienceproject.org (that launches in early August). pre-order the book on bookshop.org Climate Resilience features voices of Native Rights activists, queer ecologists, Gen-Z organizers, urban farmers, and others on the front lines: Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Ruth Miller, Niria Alicia, Morgan Curtis, Casey Camp-Horinek, Victoria Montaño, Heather Rosenberg, Cate Mingoya, Didi Pershouse, Ceci Pineda, Margo Robbins, Doria Robinson, Cassia Herron, Marta Ceroni, Crystal Huang, Moji Igun, Deseree Fontenot, Jacqueline Thanh, Janelle St. John, Miriam Belblidia, Lil Milagro Henriquez, Amee Raval, Marcie Roth, Eileen V. Quigley, Natalie Hernandez, Mindy Blank, Chief Shirell Parfait-Dardar, Eve Mosher, Irfana Jetha Noorani, Melissa Reyes, Patty Berne, Selin Nurgun, Sekita Grant, Mara Ventura, Kavaangsaar Afcan, Olivia Juarez, Sona Mohnot, Kailea Frederick, and Dominique Thomas Michael's podcast recommendations History is Gay & Other Men Need Help It takes a community to keep a podcast going. I am totally independent, and you can donate to help cover the small overhead costs for the show via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp.  Music from the show Patiño and TrackTribe

In the early 2020s, many conservation-related organizations seem to have accelerated their promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion as well as reckoning with their racist origins. The University of Puget Sound recently made the decision to remove the name "Slater'' and give back the original name of their natural history museum. Furthermore called Puget Sound Museum of Natural History, the institution calls this out as "an important step in acknowledging the often problematic figures intertwined in natural history museums and ensuring our museum is an inclusive space for all." My guest on this show, Grace Maria Eberhardt is a PhD student at the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign studying the history of science and race. She led the movement to remove the name "Slater" from the Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound, where she earned her B.S. in Biology and African American Studies, and Bioethics emphasis in 2020.  This episode contains discussion of sterilization, which includes involuntary or coerced removal of a person's ability to reproduce; murder by police; selective breeding of humans for the improvement of human race; and, genocide. Puget Sound Museum of Natural History website and @pugetsoundmuseum post about renaming The History of Eugenics at Puget Sound and Beyond Chang-Yoo, Albert. University tackles ugly history in Slater Museum renaming. University of Puget Sound's The Trail. May 13, 2022 Hodder, Sam. "Reckoning with the League Founders' Eugenics Past." Save the Redwoods League Blog (2020)  King 5 News. University of Puget Sound removes name of professor from on-campus museum. May 23, 2023 Miriti, Maria N., Ariel J. Rawson, and Becky Mansfield. "The history of natural history and race: Decolonizing human dimensions of ecology." Ecological Applications 33.1 (2023): e2748. Wohlforth, Charles. "Conservation and eugenics." Orion Magazine (2010). Yoon-Hendricks, Alexandra. University of Puget Sound to remove name of eugenics professor from museum. Seattle Times. May 19, 2023. Music from the show TrackTribe & Dyalla

Despite rapid environmental change, the foremost approach to ecological restoration is to find the elusive, historically-appropriate reference ecosystem as the target of ecosystem recovery. But, the emergence of novel ecosystems beckons new ecological science and political ecology as surprising species' relationships flourish out of dramatic anthropogenic change. There has been (maybe there still is) a debate within ecological restoration about both the existence of and how to restore ecosystems that some people think have crossed thresholds with no historical analog. Ecosystems that have 'tipped' or exhibit 'new' nature challenge our training and ecological theories while eliciting perspectives on what we value and respect, such as biodiversity and access. Mel PIneda-Pinto explores  nature-based solutions, with a particular focus on issues of justice in ecosystems often overlooked and found in interstitial spaces, sometimes characterized as ruderal, wild, wastelands or unintentional. She is currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Trinity College Dublin on the project NovelEco in which they are co-designing an online citizen science tool to better understand novel ecosystems in cities. Mel has experience in social research methods, inter-transdisciplinary collaboration, systems thinking and exploring human-nonhuman nature interactions. Previous architectural and planning experience in the industry and not-for-profit sectors gave her skills in design, project management, stakeholder engagement, and technical abilities. Her research interests include urban ecological sustainability, urban ecology, social-ecological-technical systems, environmental and ecological justice, transformative capacity, sustainability, climate and just transitions, environmental and multispecies planning/design.  Connect with Novel Eco https://noveleco.eu and on Twitter @NovelEco  Pineda-Pinto, Melissa, et al. "Finding justice in wild, novel ecosystems: A review through a multispecies lens." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening (2023): 127902. Gandy, Matthew. "Unintentional landscapes." Landscape Research 41.4 (2016): 433-440. Hobbs, Richard J., et al. "Novel ecosystems: theoretical and management aspects of the new ecological world order." Global ecology and biogeography 15.1 (2006): 1-7. Kowarika, I. "Novel urban ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation." Environmental Pollution 159.8/9 (2011): 1974-1983. Music from the show Quincas Moreira, Slynk, and TrackTribe

Renata Poulton Kamakura reminds us of the importance of nearby nature and the power in community that orbits around urban ecology. Renata is a PhD student at Duke University's Clark Lab, a NatureNet science fellow, and a NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Renata's current work is mostly within the realm of urban ecology. They have authored and collaborated on published research focused on the pace of tree migration and invasion in tallgrass prairies. Also, tree fecundity related size and age as well as indirect climate effects. Long story short, I also know Renata because they have some insights on phenology, growth, mortality and local adaptation of Pacific madrone. I cherish their contribution to the body of thought about madrone as well as their efforts at applying emergent strategy and expanding the possibilities for healthier urban forests in community with our neighbors. More about Renata and their current research on Duke University website https://sites.duke.edu/renatakamakura Kamakura, R. P., DeWald, L. E., Sniezko, R. A., Elliott, M., & Chastagner, G. A. (2021). Using differences in abiotic factors between seed origin and common garden sites to predict performance of Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii Pursh). Forest Ecology and Management, 497, 119487.  From treating ash trees to neighborhood outreach to petitions, residents rally to protect the urban forest. Chicago Tribune. June 12th, 2022. 'Urban areas are stressful': Ecologist shares how to help trees thrive amid city life. Spectrum News. March 23, 2022. The reimagine restoration store is now up! https://treehuggerpod.creator-spring.com | enter code REIMAGINE for 10% off until end of January 2023 It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp The music for the show you heard from Gunnar Olsen, Riot, MK2l, and Bad Snacks Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes

Some species walk into our spaces, uninvited – they don't belong. They can be trees we bring from the homeland to plant, insects that show up through international trade, or fish we stock for sustenance. However, when they liberate themselves from cultivation, they are portrayed as a potential threat to the economy or even challenge our conceptions of wild nature. This is a short presentation recorded in advance of the Partners in Community Forestry Conference that came to Seattle, hosted by Arbor Day Foundation. There is a growing underflow of writing and thought surfacing that grinds against the dominant thinking about how we not only talk about, but treat, our more than human relations. The words we use express our values, and are a portal to change how we treat the trees we do not think belong in our Landscapes. Organizing around "Just Language" is key first step to applying a lens of love, compassion and harm reduction to the practice of ecological restoration. The invitation is "What is the role for invasive species and what might they have to share for us?" Weekend Update: A Spotted Lanternfly on Being an Invasive Species - SNL https://youtu.be/K_x4soinsRQ Arbor Day Foundation Video of Just Language About "Invasive" Species Presentation Just Language in Ecology Education https://justlanguage.org It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes

Dr. Elies Gornish is an early career leader in the fields of arid land restoration and weed management and has published over 60 papers. Recently, she just self-published "A Kids Guide to Ecological Restoration," what she believes is the first children's book on ecological restoration. Gornish is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Ecological Restoration at the University of Arizona. The Gornish Lab focuses on developing practical strategies for effective restoration of dry land systems in the Southwest. She is also passionate about STEM inclusion and in 2018 become the Director of UA GALS (Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science). This new program focuses on providing science learning and leadership opportunities to traditionally underserved female high school students through backcountry programming. Elise Gornish profile | Gornish Lab | twitter A Kids Guide to Ecological Restoration It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes

Laura J. Martin is a historian and ecologist who studies how people shape the habitats of other species. She is author of Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration. One will also find articles of hers in journals such as Environmental History and Science as well as featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times. She is currently an environmental studies professor at Williams College and now with the publication of Wild by Design in the rearview mirror, Laura is not digging into a global history of hormonal herbicides.   Laura builds on scholarship that meets at the intersection of environmental history and science and technology studies. This blending of the sciences and the humanities s so essential. Wild by Design provides this crosswalk between various aspects of restoration. Laura J. Martin | historian and ecologist who studies how people shape the habitats of other species Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration is available from your local bookseller | Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble "The Women Who Saved Wildflowers," Sierra Magazine, June 2, 2022 "Earth Day is a Chance to Win the Messaging War Against Polluters," The Washington Post, April 23, 2022 "Is Humanity Doomed? That Depends On Us," Los Angeles Times, 28 March 2022 The music for the show you heard from MK2, Astron and Noir Et Blanc Vie. It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp Music on the show was from Twin Musicom, Bad Snacks, Text Me Records Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes

My guest on this show is mother and grandmother, Renate Rain. She is the convener and healer behind the Puget Sound Plungers and certified Deliberate Cold Exposure guide. Renate described herself as just a person looking for relief from chronic pain problem when she slipped into the cool waters of Puget Sound. Alleviating pain came along with an ever-growing community she didn't even know she needed. What is Puget Sound and how cool is it? Puget Sound is a "sound" of the Pacific Northwest, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, and part of the Salish Sea. The cool measurement is an average annual temperature of about 10° C (50° F). Cool, clean water is the lifeblood of this complex estuarine system of interconnected marine waterways and basins, with myriad connections to the open Pacific Ocean. Puget Sound Plungers on Facebook and Instagram Puget Sound Institute Salish Sea | Encyclopedia of Puget Sound Huberman Lab (2022). Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance. Podcast and YouTube. April 4. Quantum Biology Collective https://www.quantumbiologycollective.org/ Morozko Forge https://www.morozkoforge.com/ It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp Music on the show was from MK2, Astron and Noir Et Blanc Vie Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes

This is the episode where we discuss Indigenous Science with Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti' scholar Dr. Jessica Hernandez. Dr. Hernandez is a transnational Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. Her work is grounded in her Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing with a background that ranges from marine sciences, land restoration, environmental physics and justice. Currently, one can find her completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Washington Bothell, a Climate Justice Policy Strategist at the International Mayan League and the Environmental Justice Representative on the City of Seattle's Urban Forestry Commission. Dr. Hernandez has been finding her way in academia and academy hasn't always embraced her ways of knowing and engaging with Western science. She has published some inspiring articles and is recent author of Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes with Indigenous Science. She weaves powerful personal stories and family histories that expand our conception of Indigeneity while centering ecofeminist voices of women, non-binary relationships and protectors of lands and waters.​ It also blends sharp and cogent critiques of western conservationism while also offering Indigenous models informed by case studies and a framework that elevates Indigenous leadership. Working at the nexus of climate science and justice Jessica tells us she is in the process of writing her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate. Our conversation wanders from talking about her journey to becoming a scientist, supporting Indigenous-led movements that seek self-determination and autonomy, her current research at the intersection of energy and equity, specifically climate science to climate refugees. We also look back at efforts of hers in Seattle that informed her dissertation about Indigenizing Restoration in urban parks. Doctora Nature Website, Instagram and Twitter   Native Land is an app to help map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages https://native-land.ca Hernandez, J. (2022) Fresh Banana Leaves - Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science- North Atlantic Books. Hernandez, J., Meisner, J., Bardosh, K., & Rabinowitz, P. (2022). Prevent pandemics and halt climate change? Strengthen land rights for Indigenous peoples. The Lancet Planetary Health, 6(5), e381-e382. Hernandez, J., & Vogt, K. A. (2020). Indigenizing Restoration: Indigenous Lands before Urban Parks. Human biology, 92(1), 37-44. It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp Music on the show was from NEFEX, Yung Logos, and Mini Vandals Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @treehuggerpod Review treehugger podcast on iTunes