Podcasts about eager the surprising

On this weeks episode Brendan sits down with Ben Goldfarb, an independent conservation journalist.  He's the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.  His work has appeared in a number of publications you've probably heard of, from The Atlantic, New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Science, The New Yorker, National Geographic, and many other publications! Ben talks about his first two books, how he connects with the audience, and a request for your input Fisheries Podcast listeners!  Ben is working on his next book about fish movement and migration.  If you're interested in talking to Ben about your work he encourages you to reach out!    Check out his website for his contact information, and information about his books! https://www.bengoldfarb.com/   Main point: "Don't be afraid to talk to journalists about your work!" Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary In this two-part episode, Jeff Ikler talks with author and environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. They explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and infrastructure, focusing on wildlife crossings, roadkill reduction, and habitat preservation. Ben highlights the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife-friendly infrastructure and discusses the importance of advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration to address the challenges posed by human development. Overall Takeaways Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X Overall Takeaways Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary In this episode, Jeff Ikler talks with author and environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. They explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and infrastructure, focusing on wildlife crossings, roadkill reduction, and habitat preservation. Ben highlights the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife-friendly infrastructure and discusses the importance of advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration to address the challenges posed by human development. Focus of Part 1 Defines road ecology Explains why crossings are critical How various groups—road ecologists, wildlife biologists, conservation aid organizations, government agencies, and transportation departments—collaborate to bring about beneficial solutions How crossings are financed Argues that we must commit to habitat preservation as well as providing safe passage Overall Takeaways Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X  

Ben Goldfab is an independent conservation journalist. He's the  author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Ben's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Science, The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Orion Magazine, Mother Jones, The Guardian, High Country News, Outside Magazine, Smithsonian, bioGraphic, Pacific Standard, Audubon Magazine, Scientific American, Vox, OnEarth, Yale Environment 360, Grantland, The Nation, Hakai Magazine, VICE News, and other publications.His fiction has appeared in publications including Motherboard, Moss, Bellevue Literary Review, and The Hopper, which nominated me for a Pushcart Prize. My non-fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Science & Nature Writing and Cosmic Outlaws: Coming of Age at the End of Nature. I live in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver.In this episode, Mark and Ben speak about beavers and their importance in balancing the ecosystems in which they live, animal migration patterns and how humans have impacted these routes and much more.  To read some of Ben's works, see the links below:Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our PlanetEager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They MatterArticles Save What You Love with Mark Titus:⁣Produced: Emilie FirnEdited: Patrick Troll⁣Music: Whiskey Class⁣Instagram: @savewhatyoulovepodcastWebsite: savewhatyoulove.evaswild.comSupport wild salmon at evaswild.com

About the Guest: Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist and prolific author known for his focus on the intersection of human activity and wildlife. His works, including Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, explore groundbreaking ecological concepts and have been recognized by outlets such as the New York Times. Goldfarb's influential book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter has received critical acclaim for its insightful examination of the ecological significance of beavers. He currently resides in Colorado. Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb. The focus is on the nuanced field of road ecology and its implications on desert ecosystems. Clarke and Goldfarb delve into the effects of roads on wildlife, touching on staggering statistics like the million animals killed by cars daily in the U.S. alone. They explore how roadkill, highways, and infrastructures challenge species such as desert tortoises and pronghorns in arid regions, combining environmental insight with ground-level observations. As the conversation unfolds, Goldfarb expands on the transformative role of road ecology—a growing scientific discipline that examines the relationship between transportation infrastructures and ecological systems. He highlights pressing issues including hydrological impacts, wildlife mobility, and innovative solutions like wildlife crossings to promote ecological connectivity. Clarke and Goldfarb also explore technologies, policies, and community efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of roads on the environment, weaving in discussions on living sustainability in desert habitats. Key Takeaways Road Ecology Definition: Road ecology is a dynamic scientific field focusing on how transportation infrastructure affects the environment, with extended applications from mitigating roadkill to supporting wildlife crossings. Impact on Desert Ecosystems: Roads in desert landscapes alter wildlife movement and hydrology, posing severe threats to species needing extensive ranges like the desert tortoise and pronghorn. Wildlife Crossings: Successful wildlife crossings such as the Liberty Canyon project are vital in reducing road mortality and ensuring wildlife connectivity, especially in regions with high biodiversity. Human Infrastructure Influence: The conversation highlights how human infrastructure can drive either positive ecological developments as in beaver habitats or embody detrimental impacts like excessive road development. Beavers in Arid Lands: Goldfarb emphasizes that beavers once played a crucial role in maintaining riparian ecosystems in deserts, underlining the potential for ecosystem restoration. Notable Quotes "Road ecology is this relatively small but fast-growing field of science that looks at all of the different connections between roads and nature." – Ben Goldfarb "Beavers are sort of integral to those systems… the amount of lush flourishing in desert landscapes is incredible." – Ben Goldfarb "Every ecological impact stems from a road to some extent. Roads are the root of all evil." – Ben Goldfarb "We happen to do it in a way that is incredibly detrimental to biodiversity." – Ben Goldfarb "In some ways, we and beavers are these weird mirror images of each other." – Ben Goldfarb Resources Ben Goldfarb's Book: Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet Ben Goldfarb's Book: Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter Don't miss out on this enlightening episode as Ben Goldfarb shares his invaluable insights into road ecology and its profound impact on desert ecosystems. Follow 90 Miles from Needles for more episodes that delve into pressing environmental issues and explore sustainable solutions.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some animals plod across roads without hesitation. Others dart across quickly, while still more freeze at the sight of an oncoming car. A final group avoids roads altogether. Four distinct approaches, yet roads can have devastating impacts on animals regardless of their type of response.  Thankfully, wildlife crossings can help.  Join me and award-winning author Ben Goldfarb as we explore a fragment of old growth oak woodland, discussing how roads impact the environment and imagining a future that's safer and more connected for humans and wildlife alike.  Make sure to check out Ben's book, Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, available just about everywhere books are sold. If you'd like to buy Crossings from The Bookery in Placerville, you can reach out to Heather and Darin via DM on Instagram @bookeryplacerville or give them a call at (530) 626-6454. If you're quick, you may even get a signed copy! They also carry Ben's first book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why they Matter.  Helpful Links:  Ben's Website California Crossings Map by the Wildlands Network  Report roadkill hotspots with CROS (California Roadkill Observation System)  Support Golden State Naturalist on Patreon and get perks starting at $4/month.  Follow me on Instagram.  My website is goldenstatenaturalist.com.  Bird song recordings are from Xeno-Canto. The western bluebird recording, XC237281, is by Denise Wright, and the Creative Commons license can be found here. The wrentit recording, XC408459, is by Frank Lambert, and the Creative Commons license can be found here.  by John Carrel License. The theme song is called “i dunno” by grapes and can be found here.

Episode Notes Episode Notes We spend a lot of our time on the road, commuting to work, running errands, meeting up with friends and family. In fact, maybe you'll listen to this episode while you're on the road. For all the possibilities that roads open up for us, it's not without a cost. To talk more about how roads impact our lives – and the lives around us – for better and for worse, today I'm joined by Ben Goldfarb, author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet. Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist. He's the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, which the New York Times named one of the best books of 2023. His previous book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, was the winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Ben's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Science, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and The New York Times, among others.

“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Every year, humanity's footprint casts a deadly shadow over our skies and landscapes, claiming the lives of billions of birds and other wildlife. What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Every year, humanity's footprint casts a deadly shadow over our skies and landscapes, claiming the lives of billions of birds and other wildlife. What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Every year, humanity's footprint casts a deadly shadow over our skies and landscapes, claiming the lives of billions of birds and other wildlife. What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“We actually do need these animals on the landscape, and we're going to protect them and restore them and help their populations increase. And so, to me, beavers are proof that what we're doing as conservationists is not futile, right? That there really is reason for hope and optimism, which beavers demonstrate. I think that's a really important lesson for young people to hear is that you're not just entering this world of eco-anxiety and climate change and depression. There are some really hopeful wildlife stories out there, and you can be part of that future.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Every year, humanity's footprint casts a deadly shadow over our skies and landscapes, claiming the lives of billions of birds and other wildlife. What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

What is road ecology? How are our roads driving certain species towards extinction? And what can we do about it?Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

“The creation of roads is this process that's sort of innate to all beings. You know, we're all sort of inclined to create and follow trails. We just do it at a much vaster and more permanent and destructive scale. I think we need to reconceive how we think about roads in some ways, right? I mean, we think about roads, certainly here in the U. S., as these symbols of movement and mobility and freedom, right? There's so much about the romance of the open road and so much of our popular culture going back to the mid-20th century when the interstate highway systems were built and writers like Jack Kerouac were singing the praises of the open highway. And certainly, roads play that role. I like driving. The iconic Western American road trip is kind of this wonderful experience, but you know, I think the purpose of this book is to say: Yes, roads are a source of human mobility and freedom, but they're doing precisely the opposite for basically all other forms of life, right? They're curtailing animal movement and mobility and freedom, both by killing them directly in the form of roadkill, but also by creating these kinds of impenetrable walls of traffic that prevent animals from moving around the landscape and accessing big swaths of their habitat. Right? So, that's kind of the mental reconfiguration we have to go through, which is to recognize that, hey, roads aren't just forms of mobility and freedom for us. They're also preventing that mobility in basically all other life forms.”Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.www.bengoldfarb.comhttps://wwnorton.com/books/9781324005896www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperbackwww.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist. The author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary This discussion highlights the beaver's role as a keystone species, an organism crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Beavers create ponds and wetlands, benefiting numerous species and providing vital services like water purification, flood control, and wildfire mitigation. Historically, unregulated trapping nearly decimated beaver populations in North America, causing dramatic ecological decline. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, the absence of wolves led to elk overgrazing, destroying beaver habitat. Beaver reintroduction efforts in the 1980s significantly improved the ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coexisting with beavers and wolves. Non-lethal solutions like "beaver deceivers" can mitigate property damage, while the ecological benefits (fish habitat, flood control) far outweigh minor inconveniences. The future of beaver management lies in learning to share our environment, not removing these valuable ecosystem engineers. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

This week on Truth to Power, we bring you a conversation about the vital role that biodiversity must play in rescuing us from climate chaos. Join Forward Radio hosts, Justin Mog (Sustainability Now!) and Hart Hagan (The Climate Report) for a conversation with Beck Mordini, Executive Director of Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, https://bio4climate.org/. Beck has over 20 years of nonprofit experience including protecting the biodiversity of native plants at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and protecting undocumented workers from exploitation in Washington state. Her studies of International Environmental Law in Nairobi, Kenya were her first exposure to the issues of desertification and the challenges to global action. While practicing law in Colorado, she and friends founded Climbing for Life, a technical rock-climbing program for at-risk youth. Beck's career shifted to nonprofit management as a grant writer, development director, marketing and communications manager, community liaison, and executive director. Beck has been a Pachamama Project Drawdown workshop leader, worked on the County Community Climate Action Plan, and testified on behalf of solar reforms to the Board of Supervisors.  She has degrees from the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary with coursework in Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable business from local colleges. On today's program, we hear Beck's story and learn about the organization she now heads called Biodiversity for a Livable Climate! Learn about planting Miyawaki micro-forests in the middle of cities to tap into the myriad benefits of functioning ecosystems; and explore with us the power and importance of Regenerative solutions to the climate crisis. For more on the importance of beavers, Justin recommends the book “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” by Ben Goldfarb. https://www.bengoldfarb.com/eager On Truth to Power each week, we gather people from around the community to discuss the state of the world, the nation, the state, and the city! It's a community conversation like you won't hear anywhere else! Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 4pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at http://forwardradio.org

In this episode, Kate sits down with author Ben Goldfarb to discuss the profound effects of beavers and humans on ecosystems, particularly through the construction of roads and habitats. Ben Goldfarb is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. In this episode we explore a world filled with paradox, interconnectedness, and circularity. It's a dialogue about the differences, and similarities, in how beavers and humans approach world building that uncovers thoughts on our built vs natural worlds and the implications for the future, the environment, and our communities. Ben shares some about the history of roads and how they bring us both closer to and further away from nature and from one another. Simultaneously, we explore how roads tend to beget more roads, just like how beaver dams tend to beget a more interconnected ecology. This is a big conversation, a fantastic interview that spans topics large and small to give listeners an idea of how we might build a better path forward. Find Ben:X (formerly Twitter): @ben_a_goldfarbCrossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our PlanetEager: The Suprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They MatterSupport the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time TipConnect with Kate:Instagramemail: kate@groundworkcollective.comCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGHKateK20 for 20% off Herbal Face FoodMINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off Redmond Real Salt

Voltamos com o primeiro episódio de 2024 do Escuta Essa, podcast semanal em que Denis e Danilo trocam histórias de cair o queixo e de explodir os miolos. Todas as quartas-feiras, no seu agregador de podcasts favorito, é a vez de um contar um causo para o outro. Neste episódio Danilo nos conta sobre o cérebro humano. Não deixe de enviar os episódios do Escuta Essa para aquela pessoa com quem você também gosta de compartilhar histórias e aproveite para mandar seus comentários e perguntas no Spotify, nas redes sociais @escutaessapod, ou no e-mail escutaessa@aded.studio. A gente sempre lê mensagens no final de cada episódio! ... NESTE EPISÓDIO - ATENÇÃO, alerta de episódio gráfico: no episódio há descrição de um acidente grave com detalhes que podem ser incômodos, mas escolhemos manter o relato para mostrar que apesar de tudo a vítima conseguiu se recuperar rapidamente. - No livro "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter", o escritor Ben Goldfarb conta que o castóreo é consumido desde a Antiguidade e que sua alta demanda quase levou os castores à extinção na Europa durante a Idade Média. - É possível ver aqui uma foto de Phineas Gage após o acidente e um esquema mostrando a barra em seu crânio (basta clicar nas imagens para vê-las na íntegra). - O crânio de Phineas Gage faz parte do acervo do Museu de História Médica de Harvard. - O cérebro não se regenera, mas é capaz de se reconfigurar para priorizar funções importantes. A área dedicada à visão passa a ter outros usos em pessoas cegas, por exemplo. - "O homem que confundiu sua mulher com um chapéu" e "Um antropólogo em Marte" são alguns dos muitos livros escritos pelo neurologista inglês Oliver Sacks. ... AD&D STUDIO A AD&D produz podcasts e vídeos que divertem e respeitam sua inteligência! Acompanhe todos os episódios em aded.studio para não perder nenhuma novidade.

Episode Notes We spend a lot of our time on the road, commuting to work, running errands, meeting up with friends and family. In fact, maybe you'll listen to this episode while you're on the road. For all the possibilities that roads open up for us, it's not without a cost. To talk more about how roads impact our lives – and the lives around us – for better and for worse, today I'm joined by Ben Goldfarb, author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet. _ _ Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist. He's the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, which the New York Times named one of the best books of 2023. His previous book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, was the winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Ben's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Science, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and The New York Times, among others.

In this week's episode, host Margaret Walls talks with Temple Stoellinger, an associate professor at the University of Wyoming, about state trust lands, which are public lands that states own and must use to raise revenue for public schools and other public beneficiaries. Stoellinger discusses how state trust lands historically have been used; the existing and potential uses of these lands for conservation; the legal and policy barriers to conservation efforts; and additional uses of these lands, including energy development and livestock grazing. References and recommendations: “Valuing conservation of state trust lands” by Temple Stoellinger; https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/publications/trends/2022-2023/march-april-2023/valuing-conservation/ “Opening the Range: Reforms to Allow Markets for Voluntary Conservation on Federal Grazing Lands” by Shawn Regan, Temple Stoellinger, and Jonathan Wood; https://dc.law.utah.edu/ulr/vol2023/iss1/4/ “Allow ‘nonuse rights' to conserve natural resources” by Bryan Leonard, Shawn Regan, Christopher Costello, Suzi Kerr, Dominic P. Parker, Andrew J. Plantinga, James Salzman, V. Kerry Smith, and Temple Stoellinger; https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abi4573 “Stolen” by Ann-Helén Laestadius; https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Stolen/Ann-Helen-Laestadius/9781668007167 “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” by Ben Goldfarb; https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperback/

Deer in headlights! Alligators in crosswalks! A possum in the oven? If you love wildlife, this is a must-listen to avoid killing critters with your car. Ben Goldfarb wrote the book on road kill and we chat about: wildlife crossings, skunk smells, moose impacts, ocelot facts, what to do if you see roadkill, how to avoid making more of it, and whether it's okay to pick up a dead thing. Ben is an award-winning science journalist with a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and I've waited LITERAL YEARS to talk to him about this topic as he wrote his latest book: “Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet.” Also: flip phones, sleep hygiene, and how to ask your boss for a raise. Visit Ben Goldfarb's website and follow him on Twitter and InstagramShop Ben's book, Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet (2023), and his award-winning first read, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter (2019)A donation went to Wildlands NetworkMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: P-22: The Life & Death of an L.A. Cougar, Cervidology (DEER), Lupinology (WOLVES), Testudinology (TORTOISES), Opossumology (O/POSSUMS), Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS), Gustology (TASTE), Scuridiology (SQUIRRELS), Acarology (TICKS & LYME DISEASE), Bisonology (BUFFALO), Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE FOODS)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing: Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts: Emily White of The WordaryWebsite: Kelly R. DwyerTheme song: Nick Thorburn

Did you know that there are 40 million miles of roadways on earth? While roads are practically invisible to humans, wild animals experience them entirely differently. Conservation journalist Ben Goldfarb has explored the environmental effects of this ubiquitous part of the modern world. In his book, Crossings, Goldfarb explains how creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; invasive plants hitch rides in tire treads; road salt contaminates lakes and rivers; and the very noise of traffic chases songbirds from their habitat. These effects on nature are everywhere, all because of human activity. Yet there is human activity that is working to combat these effects as well. Goldfarb describes conservation work such as highway wildlife bridges, similar to the I-90 wildlife corridor in Washington state. He explains how tunnels for toads and deconstructing old logging roads can make a difference. These projects and other research in road ecology are working toward lessening the hazards of roadways. While they may take up millions of miles of the planet, roads can leave a smaller impact in the future. Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist who covers wildlife conservation, marine science, and public lands management, as well as an accomplished fiction writer. His work has been featured in Science, Mother Jones, The Guardian, High Country News, VICE, Audubon Magazine, Modern Farmer, Orion, World Wildlife Magazine, Scientific American, Yale Environment 360, and many other publications. He is the author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Brooke Jarvis is an independent journalist based in Seattle. She's a contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine and a winner of the Livingston Award and the Whiting Award. Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet Third Place Books

Nearly a million animals are killed on roads every day. That's just in the U.S., and this sobering statistic is very likely an underestimate. “If anything, the number is probably quite a bit higher,” says Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist and author of the new book "Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of our Planet." The world is projected to build 25 million more miles of roads by 2050, so wildlife ecologists and engineers are searching for ways to integrate the needs of wildlife into their design. Goldfarb's book offers a deep examination of some of the most fascinating, inspiring, but also tragic ways human societies develop infrastructure alongside nature. He joins the Mongabay Newscast to explain the concept of ‘road ecology' and how wildlife-friendly designs are becoming part of landscapes globally. Related reading: Wildlife crossings built with tribal knowledge drastically reduce collisions For wildlife on Brazil's highways, roadkill is just the tip of the iceberg Hear Goldfarb's previous visit with this podcast, where he discussed his award-winning book "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter," by looking up episode #49 via your favorite podcast player or click play here: Podcast: Beavers matter more than you think Please invite your friends to subscribe to the Mongabay Newscast wherever they get podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, or download our free app in the Apple App Store or in the Google Store to get access to our latest episodes at your fingertips. If you enjoy the Newscast, please visit www.patreon.com/mongabay to pledge a dollar or more to keep the show growing, Mongabay is a nonprofit media outlet and all support helps! See all our latest news from nature's frontline at Mongabay's homepage: news.mongabay.com or find and follow Mongabay on all the social media platforms. Episode artwork: A bison crosses a road in British Columbia, Canada. Image courtesy of Ben Goldfarb. Please share your thoughts and feedback! submissions@mongabay.com.

“Name your environmental ill—dams, poaching, megafires—and consider that roads kill more creatures with less fanfare, than any of them.” That's according to conservation journalist Ben Goldfarb, who says that the problem's only getting worse as traffic increases. Roads have also forced animals to evolve, adapt and change their migration habits. Goldfarb's new book “Crossings” examines the impact of our planet's 40 million miles of roads on the natural world and how, through the study of road ecology, we can find ways to minimize noise and habitat destruction and engineer a system with bridges for bears, tunnels for turtles and other accommodations for our fellow creatures. Guests: Ben Goldfarb, conservation journalist; author, "Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet." He also wrote the book "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter."

Enjoy this lively book discussion between Fairfax County Public Library Director Jessica Hudson and Branch Manager Christine Jones. They're librarians who love a good book but almost never agree on what makes a book great. In this episode, Christine selects a non-fiction book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter by Ben Goldfarb. Start reading now to join us for the next episode about All Systems Reded by Martha Wells.

Ben Goldfarb, Environmental Journalist and author of such books as award winning, "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter" is about to release a new book, "Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet" in 2023. He wanders with us to discuss the impacts roads have on humans and wildlife, new habitats created by roads, and direct impacts to Minneapolis and St. Paul from highway construction. 

Enjoy this lively book discussion between Fairfax County Public Library Director Jessica Hudson and Branch Manager Christine Jones. They're librarians who love a good book but almost never agree on what makes a book great. In this episode, Jessica selects After Dark by Jayne Castle. She loves it but what will Christine think? Please note, this podcast discusses the entire book and contains spoilers. Start reading now to join us for the next episode about Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter by Ben Goldfarb.

Can losing beavers in our environment leave us with profound consequences? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Ben Goldfarb on his new #book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. #MomentsWithMarianne with host Marianne Pestana airs every Tuesday at 3PM PST / 6PM EST and every Friday at 10AM PST/ 1PM EST in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Not in the area? Click here to listen! https://tunein.com/radio/KMET-1490-s33999/Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist and winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. His next book, Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company in September 2023, and has been supported by grants from the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the Whiting Foundation. https://www.bengoldfarb.comFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com#bookclub #readinglist #book #bookish #MariannePestana #author #authorinterview #kmet1490am #beavers #environment #BenGoldfarb #eager #ecology #conservation

This week we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from the Artemis archives... Beavers are amazing! Artemis is diving straight into the beaver pond with Dr. Emily Fairfax, ecohydrologist, science story teller, and beaver dam enthusiast. Join us to hear how this keystone species shapes our landscape, supports wildlife, and improves our watershed wherever they slap a tail. Plus, don't forget to take our podcast listener survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Isle Royale Outfitters. The giveaway closes on Nov. 2.  2:00 "Beavers are a keystone species, which means they modify their environment in a way that influences the whole ecosystem." 3:30 First beaver experience... when your animal guide finds you 5:30 Idaho's beaver reintroduction efforts involved parachuting them in the Frank Church 7:00 Hauling a canoe over a beaver dam (over and over) in the Boundary Waters makes you realize what incredible engineers beavers are 9:00 Beavers are masters at helping lands retain water longer, which benefits a slew of other animal species – including fish, birds and ungulates! 11:00 In Nevada, beavers started improving cattle grazing land... but their real hero moment was during a drought, when areas with beavers stayed greener longer. 14:30 Now there's just two species of beaver: North American Beaver and the Eurasian Beaver. They're different enough that they can't interbreed, but both are dam-builders 15:00 There used to be 20-odd beaver species... some dug spiral burrows into the earth, others were Pleistocene-size beavers as big as linebackers 16:00 Dam-building was a hugely advantageous skill, evolutionary-wise... it meant beavers could build their own habitat pretty much anywhere there was water 17:00 Beaver populations remained stable pre-settlement, when some indigenous cultures had ways of self-regulating harvest. The European fur trade marked the start of beaver decline 19:30 "Ecological amnesia"... when people can't remember whether or not an animal is native to a landscape 21:15 Beaver dams generally don't stop the flow of water completely. Beavers then dig channels out from the dam, dispersing water, and also giving them routes back to the dam (so they're not just chicken nuggets waddling around on land). This is the chief mechanism of how beavers turn streams into wetlands. 26:00 Water retention, water temperature, and soil health in beaver habitat 28:00 How beavers overwinter... it's brilliant 31:30 Beaver family units... they mate for life!  33:00 Adult beavers can be enormous... up to 110 pounds, especially in northern climates. (They're also a favorite food for some wolf packs.) 38:00 BDA = beaver dam analog (basically a human-constructed beaver dam to replicate the species' effect on the landscape) 39:00 Beavers and people/private lands... we have some tricks for management, like the "beaver deceiver" 41:00 Beaver presence in Nevada... it's a big of a mystery how they got there. Beaver dispersal is difficult because they're not well-adapted to moving over land 45:00 Beaver misconceptions are a huge obstacle for beaver conservation. Education is an important arm of conservation. 48:00 Beaver ponds are remarkable fire deterrent, and they're refuges for wildlife, "emerald sanctuaries" 51:00 The West has lost 60-90 percent of its natural wetlands... this has likely affected how fire behaves on the landscape 52:00 Beaver ponds = duck city! 53:45 "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter" by Ben Goldfarb 55:00 How accurate is our perception of what a Western stream looks like? Those smooth-banked places we like to fish? They're not as natural as they look. 58:00 Find Emily @emilyfairfax on Twitter, or by email emily.fairfax@csuci.edu 59:00 Emily's film on beavers and wildfires 59:30 Beaver ponds are full of pointy sticks! But they're very stable to walk across

Did beavers get a publicist? Mother Jones magazine asked that question last week after a spate of national news stories appeared celebrating the rodents' role in protecting the environment. Long considered a nuisance, the furry dam-builders are finally being recognized for improving stream quality, mitigating wildfire and floods and fighting climate change, among other contributions. The state of California is even hiring a team of environmental scientists to work on “nature-based restoration solutions involving beavers.” We'll talk about efforts to restore habitat for the beaver, which Governor Newsom has called an “untapped, creative climate-solving hero.” Guests: Emily Fairfax, assistant professor of environmental science and resource management, California State University Channel Islands Ben Goldfarb, journalist and author, "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter" Chad Dibble, deputy director, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Frankie Myers, vice-chair, Yurok Tribe

Today we talk beavers with environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb, author of “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” and Cache Valley resident Nate Norman, who works with the USU Beaver Ecology and Relocation Center.

You may wonder why I've done a podcast about beavers. You may be greatly surprised by the beneficial interactions between beavers and trout habitat—I know I was after talking to Ben Goldfarb author of the book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, [43:26]. Beavers have a much more positive effect on trout streams besides just making deep pools, and they don't present any problems to migrating fish. And, yes, we do talk about how to fish a beaver pond, and how to find a good one. I think all fly fishers and nature enthusiasts will learn something new in this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting comments, questions, and tips, including: The state stocks big rainbows in my wild brook trout stream. What are your thoughts on this issue? I saw large trout jumping out of the water during a caddis hatch and could not catch any. What do you think they were doing? What are the advantages of a double-taper over a weight-forward fly line? A great story about how an injury caused a fly fisher to re-think priorities What size leader butt should I put on my saltwater lines? And should I use the permanent loop in my fly line for big fish like tarpon? How have Vermont trout streams fared after hurricane Irene? If I pinch the barbs on my flies with forceps, am I legal in places that specify “barbless hooks only”? A comment from a listener on how a generic description like “fly fisher” is also inclusive of people who identify as non-binary A comment from a listener who believes that encouraging women to fly fish will cause our rivers to become too crowded. A story from a listener who cautions us to be careful about sinkholes along the banks of trout streams. A great tip for practicing your cast before a big trip. What can I do to keep my large dry flies from twisting my leader?

Charity Nebbe talks with author Ben Goldfarb about his book "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter."

Today you'll become a Beaver Believer thanks to my guest, Ben Goldfarb. Ben is the author of the book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Aside from being an author, Ben is an environmental journalist, with writing appearing in The Atlantic, Science, The Washington Post, and many other esteemed publications. Ben holds a Masters of Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.Beavers truly are ecosystem engineers, capable of creating a series of habitats just by living their semi-aquatic lives. But did you know that not all beavers build dams and lodges? And in order to spend so much time in water, they have many amazing adaptations, such a a second set of lips behind their teeth that acts like a valve sealing off water.And this is just the tip of the beaver lodge, so to speak. Ben tells us so many great facts about beavers and their ecology that I'm sure you'll walk away with an expanded respect for these animals. Ben tells us why beavers are perhaps the quintessential keystone species, creating a disproportionate impact on the land. For example, beavers may actually help salmon populations, reduce and slow wildfires, recharge groundwater supplies, and much more. They create ponds, dig creek channels, and trigger ecological succession. We also discuss how beavers fit into the classic Yellowstone trophic cascade. Maybe I could have had a shorter interview if I just asked Ben what beavers don't do?Find Ben on his website, or on twitter. Full Show NotesLinksPeople and OrganizationsEmily Fairfax, PhD - Ecohydrologist who has researched how beavers make landscapes more fire resilientJoe Wheaton - Fluvial Geomorphologist who has studied how beavers are restorative, and can be used like a restoration tool.Sarah Koenigsberg - filmmaker for The Beaver BelieversBooks and Other ThingsEager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter - by Ben Goldfarb

On this episode of The Nitty Gritty, Noah talks to author Ben Goldfarb about his book "Eager - The Surprising, Secret Life Of Beavers And Why They Matter" and how North America looked completely different before Beaver eradication. Using Beavers for land management and getting rid of misconceptions around Beavers hurting the environment/ agriculture. Can we ask you for a favor? Please rate and subscribe on itunes, the 5 star kind of course! It really helps :) We will forever be in your debt, thank you. Ben Goldfarb: https://www.michaelfinkel.com/ (https://www.michaelfinkel.com/) Ben Goldfarb (Twitter): @ben_a_goldfarb INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dude_nature (https://www.instagram.com/dude_nature) WEBSITE: https://www.dudenature.com/ (https://www.dudenature.com/) ITUNES: https://apple.co/3jVyX6Z?fbclid=IwAR0XCtcAPJb0OALeOaweUgRQy9rXAkr_DDEA5tudnFkbFwrdoEexQm93kMk (https://apple.co/3jVyX6Z) FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dudenaturepod (https://www.facebook.com/dudenaturepod)

Enjoyable and informative conversation with award winner nature writer Ben Goldfarb. More about Ben I'm the author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter (Chelsea Green Publishing), winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. More about Ben's book Eager for Beavers -> Eager reveals that our modern conception of a natural landscape is wrong, distorted by the trapping of millions of beavers from North America's lakes and rivers. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: streams eroded, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of “Beaver Believers” — including scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens — recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, Believers are now restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts. Eager is the powerful story of how one of the world's most influential species can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and climate change — and how we can learn to coexist with our fellow travelers on this planet. See more on his website here, and check out great pictures on his twitter feed also https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb

In this episode Friends of the Chicago River's Executive Director Margaret Frisbie explores the history and natural history of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site which was a critical transit point between the Mississippi and the Great Lakes. Joining Frisbie are Gary Mechanic, founder of Friends of the Chicago Portage; Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter; and Mayor Sergio Rodriguez of Summit, Ill.

Ben Goldfarb is a beaver believer. He's author of the new book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. We talk about the historical role of beavers in the ecosystems of the entire North American continent, how they were nearly wiped out, and why many communities are brining them back—and with them lusher wetlands and rivers.

Donate to The Permaculture Podcast Online: via PayPal Venmo: @permaculturepodcast Ben Goldfarb joins me to talk about his new book,Eager: the surprising, secret life of beavers and why they matter. Drawing from his work and our experiences in resource management, conservation, and environmental education we talk about the role beavers had in creating and shaping the landscape, history, and people of the United States, and the importance of reintroducing and protecting beavers to return the world to the wetter, boggier place it once was. Visit our Partner: HomeBiogas Find out more about Ben's work at bengoldfarb.com and Eager at chelseagreen.com. What I love about this conversation is the way Ben talks about beavers and how we can connect to the world through the stories of others. From that, as I mentioned and he and I touch on, there is a deep value in good nature writing and how it can move us. Beautifully written, we hear the sound of a beaver's tail on the water or the concern of a conservationist to ensure a mother and her kit stay together. Through those words, we get a sense of place and loving bond with the other than human we may never know personally or get a chance to visit. We can care about something beyond our self or our local biome. If you'd like to read some of the best nature writing available, start with Ben's book. It is absolutely fantastic and one of the finest books I've read in years as he leads us through the importance of beavers in a funny, witty, and captivating way. You'll learn as much about beavers as you will the people, organizations, and history of human contact and interaction with these charismatic ecosystem engineers. If you'd like to read more, I then suggest you check out Dan Flores, who wrote the forward for Eager, and his book, Coyote America: A natural and supernatural history, and The Beekeeper's Lament, by Hannah Nordhaus. Both are excellent looks at the different connections between our lives and those of other animals, wild and domestic. After reading those, should you like to learn more about the other-than-human and how we interact with that side of the world, read David Abram's The Spell of the Sensuous. This book has had one of the most significant impacts on me and my understanding of how interrelated our relationships are with the sun and sky, earth and water, fish, fowl, insects, and mammals. How we are not alone, cannot live alone, and would not be human without them. What are some of your favorite works of nature writing? What do you think about this conversation with Ben? Let me know. Leave a comment in the show notes, give me a call: , send me an email: , or drop something in the post: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast From here the next episode is an interview recorded by David Bilbrey with Gregory Landua to follow-up on a discussion they started at ReGen 18 on regenerative business. Until then, spend each day looking for the impacts for rural beavers and their cosmopolitan siblings, while taking care of Earth, yourself, and each other. Resources Ben Goldfarb Eager The Methow Beaver Project Thinking Like a Mountain - Aldo Leopold The Beaver Institute Worth a Dam

Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Ben Goldfarb to #ConversationsLIVE to discuss his new book EAGER: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.