KPCW This Green Earth

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Stewardship Director Jeremy Lynch and Stewardship Coordinator Talitha McGuire highlight the successes of their 2025 Stewardship Programs to date, what is still to come this year and how you can get involved. Then, the Nature Conservancy's Director of Youth Engagement, Kate Ireland and Extern Marie Taylor who talk about about their externship programs on protecting the California sea otter.

Recycle Utah's Jim Bedell and Troy Holding, along with senior manager at AMP Robotics, Sarah Daschbach, talk about the future of recycling. Then, author Katherine Palmer Gordon talks about her new book, "This Place Is Who We Are: Stories of Indigenous Leadership, Resilience, and Connection to Homelands."

Naturalist and author Jeremy Mynott discusses his new book, "The Story of Nature," which explores humanity's evolving relationship with the natural world and asks whether we are its observers, managers or caretakers. Then, local Parkite and longtime arborist, Keith Clapier comes on the show to discuss what factors to consider when choosing a tree species to plant.

Kahea Pacheco of the Women's Earth Alliance discusses how the organization empowers women leaders on the frontlines of the climate crisis through people-first, regionally-led programs that promote environmental, social and economic justice. Then, Trish Kenlon, founder of Sustainable Career Pathways and president of the Utah Sustainable Business Network, helps professionals transition into climate and sustainability careers while supporting hundreds of Utah organizations in advancing sustainable business practices.

The Nature Conservancy's Director of Youth Engagement, Kate Ireland and Marie Taylor, a young extern leader, talk about the National Geographic Society externship program. Then, Ryan Elman Langendorf, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, speaks about the importance of sea otters and the health of kelp forests.

Kyle and Trevor Ritland share how they turned their father's bedtime stories into an extensive investigation into Costa Rica's golden toad after it was presumed extinct. They dive into a deeper story about ecological grief, overlooked local wisdom, and the possibility that hope still lingers in the cloud forest. Then, renowned writer and journalist John Vailliant talks about his most recent book, "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World," in which he describes the science of fire and forest heath, the fascinating relationships between humans and fire, and the future of fire-related disasters.

Naturalist and writer Eric Eaton talks about one of the most misunderstood insects — the wasp. Wasps are incredibly diverse and can thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Then, award-winning environmental journalist Erica Gies shares her book, "Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge," which centers around the question of what does water actually want?

Biologist and author Karen Lloyd shares a firsthand account of the hunt for life beneath Earth's surface in her newest book, "Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth." Then, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas discusses his experiences photographing some of the planet's most elusive and endangered species from Ethiopia to the Congo.

Celebrate World Bee Day with Daniel Raichel, the acting director of the Pollinator Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who talks about the current state of bees and what these pollinators mean to biodiversity and human livelihoods. Then, journalist Chris Berdik shares his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take it Back." In it, he brings attention to a pollutant that may not be getting the attention it deserves.

Scientists Fay Wei Li and Jacob Suissa discuss their new book, "Ferns: Lessons in Survival From Earth's Most Adaptable Plants." It explores the incredible world of these fascinating creatures which have survived for nearly 400 million years and continue to find ways to adapt to an ever changing planet. Then, Cara Giaimo takes readers on epic journeys around the globe from Antarctic deserts to lush jungles into the deepest fathoms of the oceans in her book, "Atlas Obscura: Wildlife."

Renowned climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla discusses his new book, "A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory." Widely praised as an inspiring and informative memoir, the book shares Dr. Shukla's groundbreaking work, which revolutionized weather forecasting. Then naturalist and photographer Charles Hood captures his nocturnal adventures all over the world in his new book, "Nature at Night." While most tales may warn us about the dangers that lie waiting in the dark, there is actually an abundance of thriving, colorful and even adorable creatures that live their best lives at night.

Nick Mucha, the environmental capacity building director at Patagonia and the editor of the recently published book, "Tools to Save Our Home Planet," talks about the contributions from 56 environmental leaders and the inspiration it provides to environmental justice movements. Then, Sara Jo Dickens discusses best practices for gardening and lawn maintenance as we head into the spring season.

National Campaign Manager Evan Raskin of earthday.org talks about the past, present and projected future of Earth Day — and how you can get involved. Then, Park City Community Foundation's Andy Hecht talks about the progress of their Zero Food Waste Initiative and shares a freshly launched partnership that will provide even more efficient food waste composting.

Native herpetology coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra talks about the different types of rattlesnakes in Utah and their important role in our ecosystem. Then, Walt Meier, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, talks about the current state of arctic sea ice. In March, arctic sea ice was at its lowest ever recorded for that month, measuring six percent below the long-term average.

Amanda Rodewald is the Senior Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Rodewald takes us through the finding of the recently-released State of the Birds report and shares which bird species are struggling and which are thriving.Award-winning environmental journalist Sophie Yeo author of "Nature's Ghosts, The World We Lost and How to Bring it Back" joins the show. She examines how the planet would have looked before humans scrubbed away its diversity: from landscapes carved out by megafauna to the primeval forests that emerged following the last Ice Age.

Ryan Langendorf, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, shares a recent study shedding light on sea otters as a keystone species helping to regenerate kelp forests. Then, marine biologist Ronja Steinbach talks about the world of marine fungi and the role they are playing in degrading plastics. Her research highlights a largely untapped resource that is helping to remove plastics from the ocean.

Terry Masear, a hummingbird rehabilitator, author and star of the acclaimed 2024 Sundance film, "Every Little Thing," highlights the hummingbird's ecological importance and inspires conservation efforts. Then, award-winning author Stephanie Anderson talks about her new book, "From the Ground up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture."

Award-winning author Zak Podmore talks about his latest book, "Life After Dead Pool: Lake Powell's Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River." Then, local conservation easement landowner Wes Siddoway shares more about his family's decision around land preservation.

Darren Parry, former chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, highlights the deep connection between Shoshone people and the land and shares how traditional practices reflect sustainability and environmental stewardship.Then, conservation biologist and author Thor Hanson shares ways in which to see nature through a different lens, providing a new perspective on its many wonders, in his new book "Close to Home."

Award-winning birder and acclaimed writer Pete Dunne shares remarkable stories of our feathered friends in his latest book, "The Courage of Birds." Then, David George Haskell illuminates and celebrates the emergence of the varied sounds of our world starting with the origins of animal song and traversing the whole arc of Earth history in his book, "Sounds Wild and Broken."

Jackson Looseyia, Solaash Morompi, and Tim Lapage talk about the new Ripoi Nature Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya. The conservancy was created to expand the protected land for wildlife. Then, marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Greg O'Corry-Crowe talks about a new study regarding a unique species of freshwater seals. He also shares details about the health and wellbeing of beluga whales and the elusive narwhal.

Dr. Joan Maloof, Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University and founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, discusses her new book "Nature's Temples: A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests." Then, Dr. Kerry Cook, professor at The University of Texas at Austin teaching graduate Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics as well as Global Warming courses in the Department of Geological Sciences, talks about the second edition of her book "Climate Dynamics."

Conservationist and author Thor Hanson discusses his book, “Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change.” Then, author Susan Casey shares more on her writings, including her latest book, “The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean.”

Anna Roberston from The Cool Down discusses the LA fires and how they are changing conversations about the future, including innovations in resilient home building and landscaping. Then, world-renowned researcher, speaker, advocate and co-founder of Food Tank, Daniele Nierenberg previews its 4th annual all day Food & Environment Summit during Sundance.

David Gilbert, author and political ecologist shares more on his new book, "Countering Dispossession, Reclaiming Land: A Social Movement Ethnography." Then, Utah State University's Larissa Yocom, an assistant professor of fire ecology in the Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, takes a closer look at fire ecology and the devastation from the recent California wildfires.

Author and longtime employee of the United States Forest Service Betsy Howell talks about her new collection of essays which chronicle her three-decade career studying wildlife. Then, author Erika Howsare discusses our complex relationship with deer, from mythology to modern-day coexistence challenges in her book, "The Age of Deer."

Local birder Nate Brown discusses the annual Audubon Christmas bird count. This citizen science event is the nation's longest-running community science bird project and fuels Audubon's work throughout the year. Then Professor Emeritus of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington, John Marzluff, discusses his highly acclaimed book, “Gifts of the Crow: How Perception, Emotion, and Thought Allow Smart Birds to Behave Like Humans.”

Biologist Naira de Gracia shares her book, "The Last Cold Place – A Field Season Studying Penguins in Antarctica," which looks at a generation of chinstrap penguins in Antarctica.Then, biologist and Michigan Tech professor, John Vucetich, talks about a study of wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park that led to his book, "Restoring the Balance: What Wolves Tell Us About Our Relationship with Nature.”

National Geographic Explorer and internationally acclaimed wildlife expert James Currie shares the evolution of his career from a wildlife safari guide in Africa to a birding show host and conservationist. Then, author and animal and plant correspondent for the New York Times, Cara Giaimo, discusses her most recent book, "Atlas Obscura: Wildlife."

Dr. Barrett Klein, renowned entomologist and author of "The Insect Epiphany," explores ways humans have used insects for silk, pigments, food and medicine, and how we recreate their attributes in flight technology and architecture, as well as how we mimic them in music and fashion. Then, National Geographic Explorer Greg O'Corry-Crowe talks about beluga whales, elusive narwhals and a new study regarding a unique species of seals.

Nalini Nadkarni, National Geographic explorer and professor emeritus at the University of Utah, talks about the importance of canopy plants and the effects human activities have on forest diversity and function. Then, freshwater ecologist and author David Strayer shares more about his latest book, "Beyond the Sea: The Hidden Life in Lakes, Streams and Wetlands."

Author and scientist, Lauren Oakes comes on the show to talk about how the path from climate change to a habitable future winds through the world's forests.Then Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center breaks down the latest information on what's happening with the planet's Arctic sea ice.

Author Jon Waterman talks about his new book, “Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis.” Then, author Robert McNally shares his new book, “Cast Out of Eden: The Untold Story of John Muir, Indigenous Peoples and the American Wilderness.”

Acclaimed science writer Ferris Jabr reveals a radical new vision of Earth where lush forests emit dust, pollen and bacteria to summon rain in his new book, "Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life." Then, Miranda Massie, the founder and director of the Climate Museum located in New York City, describes this first of its kind museum which explores the changing climate and how the public can take action to reduce their carbon footprint.

Award-winning environmental journalist Sophie Yeo examines how the planet would have looked before humans scrubbed away its diversity in her new book, "Nature's Ghosts: The World We Lost and How to Bring it Back." Then Andy Szabo, director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, shares insights from a study that sheds light on how humpback whales use tools to enhance their feeding strategies.

Artist, author, teacher—and TikTok and Instagram creator Geo Rutherford gets a little spooky talking about her first book that she wrote and illustrated called, "Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes that Dot Our Planet." Then, Audrey Thames from the Environmental Center at the University of Colorado in Boulder shares tips on how to have a more sustainable Halloween.

Award-winning graphic designer, Esther Gonstalla, talks about her new book, "Atlas of a Threatened Planet: 150 Infographics to Help Anyone Save the World." Then, local Anna Robertson, co-founder of The Cool Down, shares her mission to make it easier for everyone to help themselves while they help the planet. She provides tips on how to be more sustainable in our homes, especially as we move into the colder months.

Randall Wilson, author and professor of environmental studies at Gettysburg College, talks about his just released book, "A Place Called Yellowstone: The Epic History of the World's First National Park." Then, author and photojournalist Paola Gianturco talks about her book "Cool," which documents the work of women climate leaders globally and how they are showing the way to a livable planet.

Filmmaker, and founder of Stakeholder Business,Nathan Havey shares more about his documentary "Beyond Zero," which offers an inspirational roadmap for how business can reverse climate change. Then, climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe provides insights into her recent visit to Utah, where she highlighted the potential for clean energy solutions in our state.

Susan Cordone, Park City's conservation coordinator at the water department, discusses Park City Municipal's Landscape Incentive Program. Then, Tracy Harden with the nonprofit Citizens' Climate Lobby talks about their upcoming candidate forum. And, a familiar voice returns to the airwaves. This Green Earth catches up with special guest Nell Larsen.

Mike Luers, general manager of the Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District, discusses “forever chemicals” like PFAS and biosolids and how they are handled locally and statewide. Then, David Kinka, senior wildlife restoration manager at American Prairie, talks about his work restoring and monitoring wildlife on the Montana reserve, which includes re-wilding bison and the swift fox.

Travel to the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington state and British Columbia to learn more about the Discovery Islands and what one conservationist and island resident is doing to protect them. Then, Ken Goodson, director of the National Civilian Community Corps for AmeriCorps, talks about a new partnership they have with the U.S. Forest Service and what is being done right here in Utah as a result.

Sister Barbara McCracken from the Benedictine sisters of Mount St. Scholastica talks about faith-based activism and what a small group of nuns from Kansas is doing in the face of climate change. Then, Kevin Perry from the University of Utah's Department of Atmospheric Sciences discusses potential health hazards from the Great Salt Lake's dust.

Faith Jolley from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources walks us through the proposed changes to current fishing regulations in Utah, as well as a few other rule amendments. Chris and Claire also speak about the bill that bans thick single use plastic bags in California and their effects on marine wildlife.

Author and wilderness guide Michael Engelhard takes us on a journey through the Arctic and Grand Canyon. Then, Andy Szabo, director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, breaks down a recent study that explores how humpback whales create and manipulate tools to maximize their food intake.