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Brad Johnson is the Senior Regenerative Agriculture Advisor for The Nature Conservancy, where he helps farmers across Idaho and beyond explore new ways of working the land that build healthier soils, stronger operations, and more resilient communities. Brad's path into this work is deeply personal—he grew up on a multi-generational farm in northern Idaho, where as a teenager he saw firsthand how no-till practices could dramatically reduce erosion on the steep, fertile hills of his family's farm. That early “aha moment” set him on a winding path through farming, ranching, research, and even a stint in agricultural sales, before eventually joining TNC in 2019. In this conversation, Brad and I dig into the practical realities of regenerative agriculture—what it looks like on the ground, why it's both promising and challenging to scale, and how trust and relationships are every bit as important as science and technology. He shares stories from TNC's demonstration farms, where producers are experimenting with new biological practices that reduce reliance on fungicides and pesticides, and from high school programs where the next generation of Idaho farmers are already putting regenerative methods into practice. Brad's perspective is grounded in lived experience and a genuine respect for the farmers he works with. Whether you're deep in the ag world or simply curious about how food systems can adapt to a changing climate, this episode offers a clear, hopeful look at what's possible when conservation and agriculture work hand in hand. --- Brad Johnson Regenerative Farming at TNC Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/brad-johnson/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:47 - Intro, 100 years in Idaho 4:52 - Bluegrass sod and Idaho's land 6:53 - No-till drill 9:43 - Buying into no-till 10:54 - From no-till to regenerative 11:40 - Brad's farmer life pre-TNC 14:45 - The TNC introduction 18:46 - Roadblocks to switching to regenerative 20:52 - Examples of regenerative farms 22:54 - Spray to no-spray 28:05 - Another regeneration demonstration farm 31:04 - Success stories 33:27 - Working with a high school 36:34 - Scalability 39:32 - Building trust 41:09 - Looking forward and first steps 43:57 - Podcast recs 45:43 - Wrapping up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
What happens after you flush? Most of us don't think about it—but maybe we should. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into one of the ocean's biggest but least discussed threats: wastewater pollution.Join us as we talk with Jos Hill, Program Director for The Nature Conservancy's Wastewater Pollution Program and creator of the groundbreaking podcast "waste(d)water." Jos reveals the shocking scale of this crisis: 80% of wastewater worldwide is inadequately treated, 58% of coral reefs are exposed to wastewater pollution, and wastewater accounts for a staggering 40% of coastal nutrient pollution—nearly as much as agriculture.Discover how even highly treated wastewater can devastate marine ecosystems, why coral disease outbreaks in the Florida Keys have been traced back to human gut pathogens, and how nutrient-rich wastewater is making coral reefs more vulnerable to marine heat waves and climate change.But this isn't just doom and gloom—Jos shares inspiring recovery stories from Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii and Tampa Bay in Florida, proving that when pollution is addressed, ecosystems can bounce back. Learn about innovative nature-based solutions, including treatment gardens that clean water while growing food for coastal communities.From the intersection of wastewater pollution and social justice to practical steps you can take in your own community, this conversation breaks the taboo around a topic that affects every person on the planet. As Jos reminds us: everyone goes to the toilet, so this issue is relevant to everyone.It's time to start talking about the dirty secret of ocean pollution—because we can't solve problems we won't discuss.Featured Guest: Jos Hill, Program Director, Wastewater Pollution Program, The Nature ConservancyLearn more: Check out the waste(d)water podcast and follow @wastedwaterpod wherever you listen to podcasts.
[In Portuguese] Episódio 4 | O Caminho para a COP30 – Uma Série com a The Nature Conservancy No quarto episódio da nossa série de seis partes, conversamos com Lisa Ferguson, Diretora de Economias Regenerativas e Finanças Comunitárias da The Nature Conservancy, e Juliana Simões, Gerente Adjunta de Estratégia para Povos Indígenas e Comunidades Locais.
Chris Helzer is the Director of the Nature Conservancy in Nebraska and a fantastic blogger/photographer, The Prairie Ecologist. We had a great time with him, and we believe you will as well! Hokseynativeseeds.com (for CRP mixes and for hunting habitat mixes)
Too often, vision and values work ends up as lofty statements that don't translate into daily practice. But when it's done well, it can transform how teams collaborate, make decisions, and connect to a shared purpose. In this episode of On Connection, we're joined by Trisha Moslin from The Nature Conservancy's Gift Planning team, who helped lead an effort to co-create a vision and values that went beyond words on a page. Together, we explore what made their approach successful, how leadership shaped the process, and why the results have endured—strengthening both team culture and their ability to advance TNC's mission for the long term.Guest Bio: Trisha MoslinTrisha Moslin is the Director of Strategy and Planning in the Gift Planning department at The Nature Conservancy. She ensures strategic alignment and continued focus on priorities, works to improve communication and cross-team integration, advises and supports the department lead and management team, and manages cross-functional projects. She led the collaborative creation of TNC Gift Planning's Vision and Values and works to ensure they're integrated into the department's work. Before joining TNC in 2019, she spent 15 years in international development, including as a Peace Corps volunteer. She holds an MPH in Reproductive Health and Population Studies from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and a BBA magna cum laude in Marketing with an International Business minor from Texas A&M University. She's traveled to 26 countries and 30 U.S. states, plays a lot of tennis, and is always in the middle of several books.
Episode 4 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature Conservancy In the fourth episode of our six-part series, we sit down with Lisa Ferguson, Director of Regenerative Economies & Community Finance for The Nature Conservancy, and Juliana Simões, Deputy Manager, Indigenous People & Local Community Strategy.
Grownups, we've partnered with our friends at Aspen Institute, Geocaching, and Nature Conservancy to encourage the Wowzers in your life to learn how to better take care of our planet by exploring places that WOW! Visit tinkercast.com/planetwow to learn more about our trailblazing, audio-filled, adventure-packed GeoTour to uncover geocaches filled with trackable Planet Wow! trading cards and more WOW surprises! And don't forget to call us at 1-888-7WOW-WOW to share the places on our planet that make you say "WOW!"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to Real Food Recovery, a podcast created by two lifelong processed food addicts with over 100 years of addiction (and recovery) between them. Paige Alexander and Jamie Morgan Reno use their Real Food Recovery podcast and social media channels to share their struggles, lessons learned, tools, tips, and resources that freed them from decades of food addiction, obsession, and loss. Join us as we dive into environmental health with Carring Denning Jackson. Carrie is the Founder of Place as Medicine, an organization dedicated to building a healthier environment, from our homes to our neighborhoods and the broader world. Her mission is to share knowledge, elevate conversations, build healthy places, and drive change. Although she always recognized the importance of access to nature, physical activity, and social spaces, her perspective shifted after becoming a mother. Despite her 15-plus years in the industry, she was not fully aware of the profound connection between our living environment and our health. Carrie has spent her career working to enhance the places where we live, with roles at IBM Smarter Cities, Google's urban innovation team, Sidewalk Labs, and Jamestown LP, a global real estate investment and management company, where she leads their Innovation + Sustainability teams. She holds a BA, MA, and MBA from Stanford University and is on the board of the New York State chapter of The Nature Conservancy. In every Real Food Recovery episode, Paige and Jamie take time to answer viewer questions about processed food addiction, obsession, and recovery. Be sure to submit your question on their YouTube Channel or Facebook Page. You can also follow Real Food Recovery on Instagram (@realfoodrecovery4u), TikTok (@realfoodrecovery), or at www.realfoodrecovery4u.com.
The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, Fidelity Investments Canada, and Nature Conservancy of Canada.Alright, you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites! Back in July, when we had our immensely popular “The Chiefs” panel on the pod for the 8th time, I very casually mentioned: “maybe we should give you your own show.” Well, I'm chuffed to announce that while The Chiefs are far too busy and successful with their productive, real careers to slum it in podcast-land every week like me, they have agreed to appear regularly, every quarter here on The Herle Burly, to give us their governance wisdom! Today on show: We'll assess what each party tried to achieve post the election to the start of parliament. Were they successful? Prime Minister Carney's major projects, the upcoming budget, and thoughts on the big speech the PM needs to make.So, a big huzzah to The Chiefs – 3 former Chiefs of Staff to some of Canada's most accomplished heads of government:Ian Brodie – first Chief of Staff to Stephen Harper and central to the founding of the CPC. Now Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary, and Senior Advisor at New West Public Affairs.Brian Topp – former Chief of Staff to Rachel Notley in Alberta, Deputy Chief to Roy Romanow in Saskatchewan, a co-architect of Jack Layton's Orange Wave. Today he's a founding partner at GT&co.And, Tim Murphy – former Chief of Staff to Paul Martin. Now EVP and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer at AECON.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.The sponsored ads contained in the podcast are the expressed views of the sponsor and not those of the publisher.
Find out the difference between bison and buffalo...Amy and Darci talk with Dr. Elizabeth Bach from The Nature Conservancy about prairie restoration at Nachusa Grasslands. From reintroducing bison to boosting biodiversity, the conversation explores how science, history, and community come together to restore Illinois' tallgrass prairie. Resources to learn moreNachusa GrasslandsResearch by moonlight: Study shows bison alter ‘landscape of fear' for rodents in grasslandsPlant and bird responses to bison grazing at Nachusa GrasslandsGrassland Restoration NetworkInvertebrate responses to bison grazing and prescribed fire management (research article)Share your own Everyday ObservationWas there something about this topic we didn't cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast.Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives
Episode 3 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature ConservancyFreshwater is the Amazon's lifeblood—nourishing millions of people, sustaining diverse fisheries, and regulating global climate patterns. Yet these critical ecosystems are under mounting pressure from deforestation, pollution, and climate change.In this third episode of our six-part series, we sit down with Flavia Rocha Loures, Global Freshwater Policy Advisor for The Nature Conservancy, and Fernanda Silva, Amazon Freshwater Fisheries Scientist.
Episode 3 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature Conservancy Freshwater is the Amazon's lifeblood—nourishing millions of people, sustaining diverse fisheries, and regulating global climate patterns. Yet these critical ecosystems are under mounting pressure from deforestation, pollution, and climate change. In this third episode of our six-part series, we sit down with Flavia Rocha Loures, Global Freshwater Policy Advisor for The Nature Conservancy, and Fernanda Silva, Amazon Freshwater Fisheries Scientist.
Episode 2 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature Conservancy Deforestation remains one of the most urgent challenges in the global fight against climate change. At the center of this crisis is the Amazon—the world's largest rainforest and one of Latin America's most vital ecosystems. In this second episode of our six-part series, we sit down with José Otavio Passos, Director of the Brazilian Amazon for The Nature Conservancy, to unpack the forces driving deforestation—and the solutions that can turn the tide.
Curse of Politics was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, the Canadian Climate Institute, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Canadian Bankers Association.David Herle, Scott Reid, Jordan Leichnitz, and Kory Teneycke provide insights on the latest in Canadian politics.Thank you for joining us on #CurseOfPolitics. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from Curse of Politics via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.The sponsored ads contained in the podcast are the expressed views of the sponsor and not those of the publisher.
Curse of Politics was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, the Canadian Climate Institute, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.David Herle, Scott Reid, Jordan Leichnitz, and Kory Teneycke provide insights on the latest in Canadian politics.Thank you for joining us on #CurseOfPolitics. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from Curse of Politics via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.The sponsored ads contained in the podcast are the expressed views of the sponsor and not those of the publisher.
Coming August 2025 — The Road to COP30A six-episode podcast series in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy exploring the bold ideas and on-the-ground solutions shaping Latin America's path to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Mitti Labs is working with The Nature Conservancy to expand the use of climate-friendly rice farming practices in India. The startup uses its AI to verify reductions in methane emissions. In other news, Assort Health now valued at $750 million, is one of three that recently raised funding to use AI agents for helping healthcare practices answer patient calls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kelly Beevers is the Grazing Lands Partner Strategy Lead with The Nature Conservancy, where she helps guide collaborative efforts to support ranchers, strengthen communities, and conserve some of the most threatened ecosystems in North America. Based in Montana, Kelly has built her career at the intersection of real estate, land stewardship, and community-driven conservation—first working in commercial real estate, then private equity and consulting, before finding her home at TNC. Today, she leads TNC's work that champions rancher-led, peer-to-peer learning and innovation by strengthening, connecting, and activating all varieties of rancher networks. In this conversation, Kelly and I talk about her unlikely journey from Texas A&M finance classrooms to Montana ranch kitchen tables, and how those experiences shaped her approach to building authentic partnerships. We dig into the power of peer-to-peer rancher networks, why local knowledge and community leadership are essential for durable conservation, and how initiatives like Women in Ranching are reshaping the future of stewardship. Along the way, Kelly shares lessons from her career pivots, stories of on-the-ground innovation, and the hope she draws from the people she works with every day. She also offers a ton of excellent book recommendations, so be sure the check out the episode notes for links to everything. Kelly brings a rare mix of technical expertise, strategic vision, and deep human connection to her work, and I've had the privilege of calling her a friend for many years. It's been a joy to watch her career evolve, and I know listeners will take away both inspiration and practical insight from this conversation. Enjoy! --- Kelly Beevers Regenerative Grazing Lands at TNC Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/kelly-beevers/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:50 - Intro, Kelly's early real estate history 6:39 - Next steps after real estate 9:23 - What drew Kelly to the West 14:30 - Specializing in listening 19:49 - From a company of one to a national nonprofit 24:41 - Kelly's role at TNC 28:33 - Figuring out focus 36:23 - “All it took” 44:11 - How Kelly's work fits into the broader TNC picture 54:35 - Women in Ranching 1:00:11 - Earning hope 1:05:58 - Book recs 1:10:42 - Wrapping up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Forests thrive when people work together. In this episode, we talk with Kes Ebbs of The Nature Conservancy and Theresa Floberg of Dovetail Partners about partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to keep Northeastern Minnesota's woods healthy and resilient.Show Notes:Dovetail PartnersThe Nature Conservancy in MinnesotaSuperior National Forest
Even as efforts to transition Appalachia out of coal receive broad policy support, the fate of the landscape is ultimately driven by incumbent actors used to getting what they want. Dr Lindsay Shade and Dr Karen Rignall discuss their research about how legacies of land ownership frustrate equitable and effective transition strategies. While an "Abundance" argument suggests that "the Democratic fetish for legalistic procedure has in so many places, made it impossible to get stuff done," the afterlives of coal provides a stark reminder of the deeper powers that control what happens on the land. Confronting the legacies of landownership may be the only path to meaningful landscape transformation. Episode Links Dr Lindsay Shade Dr Karen Rignall Shade, L., Schwartzman, G., Rignall, K., Slovinsky, K., & Johnson, J. (2025). Afterlives of coal: land and transition dynamics in Central Appalachia. Environmental Research: Energy, 2(1), 015015. Also see: Shade, L., Rignall, K., Tarus, L., & Starr, C. (2025). The role of land in a just transition: the Appalachian Land Study collective. Environmental Research: Energy, 2(2), 025010. The ongoing Appalachian Land Study and the historic Appalachian Land Ownership Study Martin County solar project on the former Martiki mine The Cumberland Forest Project (The Nature Conservancy) Congressman Hal Rogers and prison development Carbon sequestration court case: Pocahontas Surface Interests and Forestland Group The Alliance for Appalachia The Appalachian Rekindling Project The Abundance critique of process The Heavens, by Sandra Newman Landscapes is produced by Adam Calo. A complete written transcript of the episode can be found on Adam's newsletter: Land Food Nexus. Send feedback or questions to adamcalo@substack.com or Bluesky Music by Blue Dot Sessions: “Kilkerrin” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). Podcast Guest Correction: "At minute 26.41 - 27.55 it is implied that The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired all 253,000 acres as a single parcel and that it all passed through Pocahontas Land Company and Heartwood Forestland Fund, and also that The Forestland Group "sold" land to the former. Heartwood Forestland Fund is managed by The Forestland Group and holds land under various subsidiaries. In the three states where TNC brokered land deals for the Cumberland Forest Project, the land is held by various LLC's that TNC controls, all of which purchased land from subsidiaries of either The Forestland Group or Molpus-Woodlands, two different timber investment management organizations (TIMO's). These TIMO's previously bought land and/or timber rights from various coal and natural resource landholding companies in the region, including Pocahontas. As we describe in our paper on p. 8, the trajectory of the land in our case study in East TN is as follows: the land was first consolidated by the 19th century British coal company and land speculation firm "The American Association Ltd," later sold to JM Huber Coal, and then to Molpus-Woodlands, before being acquired by Cumberland Forest LLC, which The Nature Conservancy has a controlling share and manages."
We'd love to hear from you about this episode.Humans have always found solace, support, and shared experience in our relationship with stories.Storytelling is deeply rooted in the human experience and has always played a critical role in our social, spiritual, and evolutionary development.The earliest form of human communication, storytelling, is a building block in how we learn, remember, process information and feelings, and build meaningful connections with others. Our experiences with nature have always been deeply interwoven into our stories.Our stories bout the natural world have created a sense of belonging, influenced our behaviors and philosophical perspectives, and inspired environmental stewardship.By observing and immersing themselves in the natural world, writers can find unique perspectives, vivid imagery, and deeper emotional connections for their stories.Welcome to Episode Sixty-Eight of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!! In this episode, we spoke with bestselling author and conservationist Steve Ramirez. After experiencing the healing power of nature, following a professional military and law enforcement career, Steve became a catalyst for helping others connect with nature and share in his desire to protect and respect the natural world. Join us as we talk to Steve about his strong connection to nature, the power of a well-told story in shaping human culture and behavior, and his desire to inspire others through his books to care for the planet proactively.Steve discusses some of the challenges facing both humanity and the environment, how he found healing on trails and in rivers, and how adversity can be a strong starting point for lifestyle change.Steve's story is definitely one we are excited to share.Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast. We appreciate you all.Be Well-NOW ™️ Steve's Website: https://www.steveramirezauthor.com/Steve's Instagram: @steveramirezuthorSIgned copies of Steve's books: https://www.bobwhitestudio.comTrout Unlimited: https://www.tu.org/The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan. *** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.
The Chestnut-collared Longspur is an icon of the Prairies – an aerial acrobatist, singing and dancing in the sky. Jody Allair shares his love for this longspur, helping us understand why this charming species should be on everyone's life list. As he describes his road trip to seek out the Chestnut-collared Longspur earlier this spring, Jody offers helpful advice on how to find a rare bird – this advice can be applied anywhere, to find any species. And with all Wake-up Call episodes, we'll also learn about threats and challenges, and how you can help the Chestnut-collared Longspur. We touched very briefly on how purchasing grass-fed beef can help grassland species. For more depth on this topic, listen to our episode Grasslands, Birds and Beef. If you live in the Prairies, try seeking out local organizations that are doing work to help grasslands, such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Nature Saskatchewan. In Saskatchewan you can report Chestnut-collared Longspur sightings to 1-800-667-HOOT or outreach@naturesask.caJody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Communications at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Bluesky and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada. Support the show
Discount link for upcoming webinar Matrix Planting Made Easy on Monday August 4 at 6 pm CDT.KELLY HOLDBROOKS BIOWith decades of experience in Western North Carolina's vast horticulture, Kelly Holdbrooks demonstrates her passion for fostering human connection with nature in everything she does. For more than a decade as executive director of Southern Highlands Reserve, a nonprofit native plant garden and research center on Toxaway Mountain, Kelly has built a network of conservationists and advocates for preserving the unique ecosystem of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Kelly's research in experiential methods and the humanism of nature earned her a master's degree in landscape architecture, with honors, from the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. She also earned bachelor's degrees in international studies and political science from Rhodes College and was a three-sport NCAA athlete. She is a founding member of the Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (SASRI), a public-private partnership working to restore the second most endangered ecosystem in the United States, the high elevation spruce-fir forests of the Southern Blue Ridge. She is a member of the Red Spruce Technical Advisory Board (RSTAB), headed by The Nature Conservancy, to make recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service for their regional planning efforts. She also participates in the quarterly All Lands Meeting held by the U.S. Forest Service to develop a long-term collaborative plan for natural resource conservation across Region 8. Kelly enjoys hiking, gardening, yoga, and playing in nature with her family. She is proud to call Western North Carolina her home.You can learn more about Kelly and Southern Highlands Reserve by visiting their website and Instagram @southern_highlands_reserve.THE PLANTASTIC PODCASTThe Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!ecologyflowerhome and gardengardeninggardennative plantgarden designersciencenaturenative plantswildflowersgarden designwildflowerhorticulturelandscape installflowersplantplants
Celene Hawkins is the new Colorado River Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, stepping into the role after years of impactful work in tribal water policy and place-based conservation across the basin. She's taking the baton from Taylor Hawes, who led the program for nearly 17 years and is now serving as the Colorado River Program's Special Advisor. It's a leadership transition at a critical moment for the Colorado River, and in this episode, I was lucky to sit down with both of them in person to talk through the handoff—what's changing, what's staying the same, and what the future of the river might look like. This is both Celene and Taylor's second time on the podcast, and we cover a lot of ground. We talk about the ongoing negotiations over new operating guidelines for the river—what's on the table, why the stakes are so high, and what happens if the basin states can't come to an agreement. We dig into tribal involvement—how things are (slowly) changing after decades of exclusion, and why stronger tribal participation is essential to any long-term solutions. We also explore how conservation groups are bringing new ideas, resources, and partnerships to the table, from modeling future scenarios to piloting creative water-sharing and resilience strategies across the West. And beyond the policy, we talk about what it actually takes to lead in a time of uncertainty—how to stay grounded, keep teams motivated, and maintain momentum when the challenges feel overwhelming. As always, Taylor and Celene bring a clear-eyed sense of purpose and a refreshing mix of realism and optimism to the conversation. We're releasing this episode just ahead of Colorado River Day, which falls on July 25th. So if you care about the West, public lands, rivers, or just want to better understand one of the most important water and conservation challenges in North America, this is a great place to start. Thanks for listening, I hope you enjoy! --- Celene Hawkins Taylor Hawes Announcement of Celene's new role as Director TNC's Colorado River Program Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/celene-taylor/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:02 - Intro, Taylor's career shift 7:27 - Celene's journey into Taylor's old role 9:07 - What Taylor's proud of 13:16 - Celene's pitch for the job 15:21 - Exciting initiatives 17:18 - Overview of the Colorado River Basin negotiations 22:42 - Sticking points 23:54 - Finding the Indigenous voice 28:38 - Alternatives 31:37 - Work outside of negotiations 37:07 - Federal funding freeze impacts 39:04 - Effects of uncertainty 40:57 - Not getting bogged down 44:49 - What Celene's learned from Taylor 46:28 - And how Taylor thinks Celene is well-positioned 47:22 - Book recs 51:37 - Wrapping up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Danae Wolfe is an award-winning conservation photographer, writer, educator, and the founder behind the @chasingbugs social media handle, focused on fostering appreciation and stewardship of backyard bugs and wildlife. Ever the pragmatic, she believes that everyone has the power to make a difference in combatting climate change and biodiversity loss. Danae was the 2022 recipient of the Garden Communicators International Emergent Communicator award, and her work has been featured in various outlets including CNN, The American Gardener magazine, and Nature Conservancy magazine. Through her community conservation initiative, Chasing Bugs, she has reached global audiences with science-based education about the importance of gardening for biodiversity and has inspired gardeners to appreciate the beauty of our natural world and embrace their role in its protection.Find Danae Wolfe and Chasing Bugs online: |Danae Wolfe - Chasing Bugs HomepageChasing Bugs with Danae Wolfe - FacebookChasing Bugs - TiktokDanae Wolfe Book - Grass Isn't GreenerFind me online:This Sustainable Life: Solve For Nature Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/solvefornatureBlog: https://verdantgrowth.blog/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/verdantgrowthBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/verdantgrowth.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realverdantgrowthInstagram: http://instagram.com/verdant.growth or http://instagram.com/verdantgrowthofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Debt-for-nature swaps are gaining traction as a way to restructure sovereign debt in exchange for conservation commitments. In this episode of ESG Currents, Bloomberg Intelligence director of ESG research Eric Kane and senior ESG associate Melanie Rua speak with Slav Gatchev, who leads The Nature Conservancy’s Sustainable Debt team, and Jake Harper, senior investment manager for Alternative Debt at Legal & General. Together, they discuss how these deals are structured, the role of new market standards in improving investor confidence and takeaways from landmark transactions in Ecuador and Gabon. Legal & General has invested nearly $500 million across four swaps, while TNC’s work has unlocked over $1 billion for conservation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the 'In the Woods' podcast by Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, host Jacob Putney interviews Thomas Stokely, a forest ecologist with The Nature Conservancy in Central Oregon. They discuss the significance of wildlife habitat connectivity, the impacts of habitat fragmentation and loss, the role of roads and recreation, and the importance of integrating fire management to promote ecosystem health. Thomas explains concepts like landscape ecology, connectivity, and fragmentation, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to balance human activities with conservation efforts. They explore specific projects like the Oregon Connectivity Assessment Mapping Project and strategies for mitigating human impact on wildlife through community involvement and science-based forest management practices. For more information and accessible transcripts go to inthewoods.com.
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.
In this episode of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted interviews Julia Kintsch, the Principal and Senior Ecologist at Eco-Resolutions. Julia grew up in Boulder, Colorado where she was ingrained with a deep love of nature. She went to University of Colorado at Boulder and earned a degree in Environmental Conservation. Then, after serving in the Peace Corps in Africa, she enrolled at Duke University and earned a masters degree in Landscape Ecology. After working for The Nature Conservancy and other non-profits, she formed Eco-Resolutions with the goal of minimizing and mitigating the impacts to nature of human activity.For the past 16 years, Julia has supported a number of transportation agencies and other groups... finding ways to protect both wildlife and motorists from accidents. She explains that her work with transportation ecology is at the intersection of the human and natural environment. She is a collaborator no doubt, bringing together diverse interests to build underpasses and overpasses and other roadway mitigation measures such as motorist warnings activated by cameras that detect the presence of wildlife. Every project and community is unique, different terrain and different species --deer, elk, moose, bears, coyotes, and smaller animals -- require different forms of crossings. Ted chimes in with his experience dodging deer in Vermont and monkees on roadways in Malaysia. Julia then presents the results of a number of her projects in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Virginia. The Colorado State Highway 9 wildlife protection project, she explains, is really a "system" made up of seven crossings, 10.8 miles of fencing, as well as 62 motion-sensor activated cameras at 49 locations to track the results of the protection systems. What years of careful evaluation has proven is a 90% decrease in accidents... a success rate that has earned significant recognition of the efficacy of careful and early planning, including both mitigation and crossing feasibility studies. Most recently, Julia has been consulting for Roaring Fork Safe Passages, working for its Director, Cecily DeAngelo, to prioritize wildlife crossings on Colorado State Highway 82, the busy transportation corridor that connects Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
This week, Alanna talks to Dr. Matt Mensinger, a postdoctoral researcher with the University of California Santa Cruz and The Nature Conservancy, to discuss his research on diadromous species. They discuss his prior work in Maine on American eel and Atlantic salmon as well as his current project focused on habitat restoration for endangered southern California steelhead in the Dangermond Preserve and Jalama Creek watershed. We hope you enjoy this episode! Main point: "Don't take yourself too seriously" Matt's email: mmensing@ucsc.edu 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).
In this episode, Tracey Testo-Smith, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, is our guest. The topic is a timely one, Carbon and Forests. Climate change and its ramifications have made us aware of the importance of halting excessive release of carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere. One of the main agents of sequestering and storing carbon on the planet is the planet's network of forests and woodlands. Tracey explains the importance of sequestering (gathering) and storage of carbon molecules in the tissue of plants. Trees are made up of fifty percent carbon, and as they grow and mature, they collect more molecules during their lifespan. Even after death, they hold the carbon until the stage at which they begin to decay. Even then, the carbon may be absorbed into the soil and continue to be stored there. Carbon exists in “pools” of standing live trees, the forest floor, and dead and decaying wood and leaf litter. In a healthy forest, the cycle continues for years. Forest owners, who are aware of these facts, strive to maintain healthy systems, and are encouraged to assess their property for value and balance. There are many carbon “market” programs in place to try to encourage landowners to keep a healthy carbon control in place, some regulatory, like in California, and many voluntary, both private and in cooperation with state and local governments. One in particular is the Family Forest Carbon Program, for owners with thirty or more acres of woodland. In conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, it gives smaller forest owners financial incentive to keep acreage in woodlands, and can provide long term contracts with some payments and access to forestry advice, planning, inventory and data.As owners of woodlots, Tim and Jean had many questions about specifics. Acknowledging that the most efficient carbon sequestration and storage happen in a healthy forest, Tracey addresses nine management strategies available. Among them are deer management, with deer exclosures getting considerable attention. How to recognize success can consist of monitoring the impact of such stresses as insects, diseases, population of invasives, and tracking the inventory of plants and other data. The goals are regeneration, a healthy canopy, and a balance of young and older growth plants. Tracey also has information about scorecards for keeping your forest healthy, and her office as well as many partner agencies can provide help and information. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Tracey Testo-Smith Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources
July 10, 2025 - Environmentalists are hoping the governor will sign legislation overwhelmingly approved by the legislature that is designed to expand the proliferation of crossbows. We hear the case for the measure from Paull Gallery, stewardship manager for the Nature Conservancy in New York, and Bill Cooke, a policy advisor with the Nature Conservancy in New York.
David & Ed chat with renowned scientist, author and Canadian, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe who argues that hope—not doom—is what drives action. Dr. Hayhoe is one of the world's most prominent climate communicators and known for crossing political, religious, and cultural lines to connect with audiences that most climate advocates can't or won't reach. It's an engaging discussion that delves into the psychology of despair, the limits of data in changing minds and behaviour, and whether hope still has a fighting chance. Show Notes:Available on the episode page on our website.About Our Guest:Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose research focuses on understanding what climate change means for people and the places where we live. She is the Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor of Public Policy and Public Law in the Dept. of Political Science at Texas Tech University. She is the author of the book, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, has given a TED talk with over 4 million views, and hosted the PBS digital series Global Weirding. Katharine has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People, Foreign Policy's 100 Leading Thinkers, and the United Nations Champion of the Environment.Produced by Amit Tandon & Bespoke PodcastsSend us a text (if you'd like a response, please include your email)___Energy vs Climate Podcastwww.energyvsclimate.com Contact us at info@energyvsclimate.com Bluesky | YouTube | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
In this episode, Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy join us to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved. Resources: Natural Climate Solutions: How nature can fight climate change (TNC) Carbon Markets (TNC) Carbon Markets Resource Center (TNC) The Nature Conservancy [website, NE chapter website] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne] Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Joining us this month on the podcast are Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved. Resources: Natural Climate Solutions: How nature can fight climate change (TNC) Carbon Markets (TNC) Carbon Markets Resource Center (TNC) The Nature Conservancy [website, NE chapter website] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne] Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Sean Claffey is the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Conservation Coordinator at the Nature Conservancy, a role that places him at the center of one of the West's most overlooked but critically important ecosystems: the sagebrush steppe. Based in Dillon, Montana, Sean works across public and private lands to protect and restore this sprawling, foundational landscape that serves as habitat for countless species, supports rural economies, and connects the region's valleys and mountain ranges. Through his leadership in the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership—a collaborative effort uniting agencies, landowners, and nonprofits—Sean helps ensure that the health of this “land in between” doesn't fall through the cracks. In this conversation, Sean and I dig into the complex threats facing sagebrush country, from invasive grasses and wildfire to conifer encroachment and land conversion. We talk about how fire suppression and ecological shifts have allowed evergreens like Douglas fir and juniper to overtake sagebrush, and how Sean's team is using a mix of prescribed burns, manual thinning, and innovative partnerships with local mills to restore balance to the landscape. He also shares how they're engaging young people in hands-on restoration work, creating pathways for rural youth to connect with the land and gain meaningful employment. Sean brings a unique blend of scientific insight, community-mindedness, and boots-on-the-ground experience to this work, and he's quick to credit the collaborative culture of southwest Montana for making so much progress possible. From low-tech wet meadow restoration to building a more resilient restoration economy, this is a hopeful, grounded conversation about how conservation can succeed when it centers people, place, and purpose. If you're a new listeners and want to go deeper on this subject, I'd encourage you to go back and listen to my earlier episode with Matt Cahill who gives an excellent crash course on the Sagebrush Sea and the epsiode with Austin Rempel and Nancy Smith, who dig deep into riparian restoration in Montana. But for this episode, be sure the check out the webpage and episode notes for some excellent videos about Sean's work and links to everything we discuss. Thanks for listening. --- Sean Claffey Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership Matt Cahill M&P episode Nancy Smith and Austin Rempel M&P episode Full episode notes, video, and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/sean-claffey/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:26 - Intro and Ed's love of Dillon 4:14 - The Sagebrush Sea 7:19 - Pressures on the sea 9:42 - Conifer expansion, the main reason for grassland reduction 12:00 - Ecological, environmental, economical 17:52 - Working with the timber industry 21:59 - Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership, not just another NGO 26:41 - Sean's first priorities with SW MT Sagebrush 30:11 - The way the water should flow 34:47 - Youth programming 40:53 - Cheatgrass, an actual cheater 43:47 - Containing cheatgrass 45:01 - Cheatgrass and fire 47:02 - Working with private landowners 52:58 - Connecting with the community 58:21 - A little more about Sean 1:01:10 - Career advice for people who want to make the world a better place 1:03:54 - Book recs and life recs --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Next year's Pennsylvania gubernatorial race is already on the political horizon. So far, the Republican field is shaping up with three prominent figures expressing interest. EMTs could soon be authorized to give caregivers medication that would reverse opioid overdoses, as a bill is quickly moving through the state Capitol. Pennsylvania could receive as much as 200 million dollars as part of a massive settlement with drug maker Purdue Pharma. That's according to PA Attorney General Dave Sunday. The payout is part of a $7.4 billion deal, stemming from the opioid crisis, in which prosecutors and addiction experts say Purdue and its owners the Sackler family played a major role. A portion of land in Somerset County is now protected through a recent acquisition by The Nature Conservancy. The land is part of a critical ecosystem, and it's being added to State Game Lands 82. Police say an 18-year old stabbed his father to death with a machete-style knife during an early-morning argument Tuesday in their West York home. Raw milk sold in Lancaster County and throughout Central Pennsylvania is contaminated and should be thrown out, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The milk is contaminated with an infectious intestinal disease. The affected milk is Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased since April 1 with sell-by dates between April 15 and July 8. A Pennsylvania college is addressing its growing financial issues by auctioning its art collection. Albright College, located in Reading, Berks County - according to a report by our partners at Spotlight PA - is preparing to auction more than 2,000 pieces of art. Gov. Josh Shapiro was joined by Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer LeSean McCoy, at the official ribbon-cutting for a new 41-unit housing complex in Harrisburg, to benefit low and moderate income home buyers. And comedian and actor Shane Gillis, a Mechanicsburg native, will be hosting this year's ESPYS awards show. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Brett Cyphers sits down with Temperince Morgan, a fourth-generation Floridian who brings both personal roots and professional expertise to Florida's most pressing environmental issues. Temperince shares her story, beginning with her upbringing alongside a father with deep roots in ranching. Raised in Jacksonville and spending time with family in Lake Okeechobee, her love for nature was shaped by family trips around Florida. Her childhood was deeply connected to water and land—where cattle ranches, the St. Johns River, and Florida's state parks sparked a lasting bond with the landscape and laid the foundation for a career dedicated to its restoration and protection. She walks Brett through her time as a biology major at Florida State University and how that led to a career in environmental science. The conversation explores her roles at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District, where she helped lead early efforts in Everglades restoration. Now, as Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy's Southern U.S. Division, she oversees large-scale environmental strategy across 10 states. They also dive into projects close to her, like the Pensacola East Bay Oyster Project. Rich in personal insight and professional depth, this episode offers an intimate look at one of Florida's most respected environmental leaders—and what it takes to protect the state's natural future. To explore the broader mission behind the work Temperince leads—conserving lands and waters across the U.S. and beyond visit The Nature Conservancy To hear more about the Florida-based initiatives Temperince references, including coastal resilience, water management, and Everglades restoration visit The Nature Conservancy in Florida To take a closer look at the project that Temperince highlights as an example of measurable, on-the-ground restoration visit Pensacola East Bay Oyster Project Temperince discusses values that are essential to future conservation success; this center reflects TNC's focus on science, outreach, and education. Find out more here Center for Conservation Initiatives As discussed in the episode, long-term land conservation is key to protecting Florida's water—to learn how TNC is doing it click here Florida Land Protection | The Nature Conservancy If Temperince's story inspired you, consider supporting the work she and her team are doing to build a more resilient Florida by visiting Donate Now to Protect Nature | The Nature Conservancy This episode is brought to you by our friends at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). RES is the nation's leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida's natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us This episode is also brought to you by our friends at Sea and Shoreline. Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast's leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com. Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and Brett as part of the environmental news and discussion brought to you by the Florida Specifier. To learn more about our flagship print publication, weekly newsletter and more, visit The Florida Specifier. You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach us directly at FLwaterpod@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions for who Brett should be talking with in the future. Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.
Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by The Nature Conservancy's Kelsey Molloy, Wyoming Migration Initiative's Andrew Jakes, Pheasants Forever's Casey Sill and PF's Montana State Coordinator Hunter VanDonsel for a discussion regarding the Montana Grassland Initiative. The dialogue spans the objectives for the initiative, emphasizing its advantages for Montana's diverse wildlife species as well as the farming and ranching community. Episode Highlights: • VanDonsel kicks off the conversation with a poignant narrative about walking across a Montana grassland while carrying his newborn daughter against his chest. This experience inspired VanDonsel to conceive the Montana Grassland Initiative and solidify his career aspirations. • Molloy and Jakes explain the significance of Montana's sagebrush habitat for sage grouse and pronghorn, particularly during their migration periods. • Jakes further discusses the distinct nature of pronghorns in North America, noting that their closest relative is Africa's giraffe. “On the Wing Podcast” is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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.
(Lander, WY) - Pat Mettenbrink and Maggie Eshleman from The Nature Conservancy stopped in to chat with KOVE's Today in the 10 Morning Show this week. We discuss what they do, why Wyoming is such a great place to work in nature and conservation and how your donations can help go a long way for the group. To donate and learn more, click here! To learn more about The Nature Conservancy, click here! The full conversation with The Nature Conservancy can be heard in the player below or by searching for the County 10 Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!
Farmers are leading the way in conservation efforts through producer-led watershed groups, and today we are going to learn more about these farmer networks, common conservation practices and future goals. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the following topics: Backstory of producer-led watershed groups Common conservation practices within the groups Challenges Opportunities to engage with the non-farming community Test sites and research Game-changing techniques Conservation practices that have potential Future goals and strategies This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm. Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment. Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin. Resources Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Grant Program Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers website Farm Stapels website Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 11. In Wisconsin, farmers created farmer-led conservation groups, known as Producer-Led Watershed Groups (PLWG), that are leading the way in conservation. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the backstory of the groups, common conservation practices and future goals. This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm. Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment. Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin. Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.
"The only way you're going to save the world is with a damn good story." Notable Moments 02:13 – Jeff's origin story: how a zoo letter changed his life 04:47 – Radical collaboration and partnerships across conservation groups 06:31 – Story of Pueblo Patagonia and local leadership in Chile 13:16 – Big change starts with one local champion 17:26 – Why storytelling is essential to conservation success 24:16 – Gabon's 30x30x30x30 model and protecting rivers, too 26:14 – Partnering with Disney for the Lion Recovery Fund 33:18 – Jody's zoo and creek story: early sparks of passion 37:52 – Jeff's advice for new park leaders: seek diverse experiences, tell good stories What if the future of conservation hinged less on policy and more on storytelling? Conservation doesn't start with land. It starts with people. And it lasts because of the stories we carry forward. In this episode, Jody Maberry talks with Jeff Parrish, Global Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy. Jeff shares how global conservation success starts with local champions, radical collaboration, and the power of storytelling. From protecting ancient forests in Chile to elephants in Gabon, Jeff emphasizes that people are the heart of conservation, not policy. He highlights partnerships with Disney and grassroots leaders, and reminds us that whether you're a donor or a ranger, your story matters. Read the blog and make sure to take a listen to hear more on how stories connect people to conservation. Episode Resources The Nature Conservancy About Jeff Connect with Park Leaders Show www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we travel through the story of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve with Bob Hamilton from The Nature Conservancy. Bob shares how this iconic Oklahoma landscape transitioned from a failed federal park plan to a flagship private conservation project. He recounts the acquisition of the land, the reintroduction of bison, and the development of a dynamic management model that utilizes fire and grazing to simulate natural prairie processes. Joining Oklahoma State University's John Weir and Dr. Laura Goodman, Bob discusses how fire behaves on the prairie, how patch-burn grazing supports a variety of wildlife, and how GPS tracking has helped compare cattle and bison behavior. From historic land surveys to present-day fireline strategies, this conversation highlights decades of dedication to restoring and maintaining Oklahoma's native grasslands. Resources - Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - Oklahoma Biological Survey
Jackie Miller is the Executive Director of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and Carlos Fernández is the Colorado State Director for The Nature Conservancy. Both are highly respected leaders in Colorado's conservation community, and they've played pivotal roles in shaping the state's approach to protecting land, water, wildlife, and outdoor access. While Carlos has joined me on the podcast several times before, this is Jackie's first appearance, and I was honored to have them both on to discuss one of the most significant conservation developments in recent memory. Just a few weeks ago, the State of Colorado announced the launch of its Outdoors Strategy—a comprehensive, collaborative roadmap designed to align the state's conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience efforts for decades to come. Developed through years of planning, dialogue, and consensus-building across hundreds of organizations and communities, the Strategy addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing Colorado's landscapes and communities. It's not just a plan—it's a shared vision backed by actionable goals, clear metrics, and powerful tools for implementation at the local and statewide levels. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the origin of Colorado's Outdoors Strategy, the urgency behind its creation, and the unique collaborative process that brought it to life. Jackie shares how GOCO's long-standing community partnerships and flexible funding model positioned the organization to lead at a statewide scale, while Carlos explains how the Strategy dovetails with The Nature Conservancy's science-based goals and priorities. We also explore the Strategy's three “North Star” goals, the innovative Resource Hub that supports on-the-ground action, and the importance of regional implementation and tribal engagement. It's a timely, inspiring look at how Colorado is setting a national standard for coordinated, community-driven conservation. --- Jackie Miller Great Outdoors Colorado Carlos Fernandez The Nature Conservancy in Colorado Colorado's Outdoor Strategy Episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/jackie-carlos/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:03 – Intros, Carlos then Jackie 5:09 – Explaining Great Outdoors Colorado 8:51 – How Jackie got to GOCO 11:37 – Carlos on GOCO 15:29 – Challenges that led to Colorado's Outdoors Strategy 19:04 – Opportunities that the Strategy will address 21:33 – Jackie's executive summary 27:01 – How the Strategy aligns with TNC's other goals 29:59 – North stars and measuring success 33:22 – The TNC tools Carlos is excited about 36:34 – Creating urgency to execute a plan 40:14 – Face-to-face 42:51 – Carlos's thoughts on execution 45:49 – How the plan affects the layperson 47:25 – What did we miss? First Jackie 51:29 – Then Carlos 53:31 – Book recs 57:42 – Wrap up words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
In this episode, we'll discuss the three different species of mangroves found in Florida, their northward migration, and the critical role they play in our coastal ecosystems. We'll also share practical actions you can take to help protect these vital habitats. Learn More: Florida's Mangroves - https://floridadep.gov/rcp/rcp/content/floridas-mangroves Mangroves - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/mangroves/ Mangrove Species Profiles - https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/southflorida/habitats/mangroves/species/ Mangrove propagule image - https://ocean.si.edu/ecosystems/coasts-shallow-water/floating-propagules Video of fiddler crab - https://youtu.be/y4dWVCdsXQU?si=M5KI0XjM_KlBhB5d&t=13 Mangrove Ecosystem Services Field Lesson by Holly Abeels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2dsmo6W2do How You Can Help: Participate in local mangrove planting and restoration projects. Avoid using harmful chemicals in your garden that can run off into coastal waters. Not sure where the water from your property flows, find out here: https://mywaterway.epa.gov/ If you have mangroves on your property that need trimming, please work with a certified mangrove trimmer - https://floridadep.gov/water/submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/state-authorized-professional Sources for this Episode: Narayan, S. et al. (2019) Valuing the Flood Risk Reduction Benefits of Florida's Mangroves, The Nature Conservancy. Assessing the role of mangrove forest in reducing coastal inundation during major hurricanes: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-017-3201-8 The Global Flood Protection Benefits of Mangroves - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61136-6
Firefighting is a career with an inherent cancer risk, but a full understanding of what those risks are has been elusive. An important registry designed to help understand the link between firefighters and cancer was taken offline on April 1 because of federal cuts, then restored six weeks later. Host Flora Lichtman discusses this with firefighter health researcher Sara Jahnke and reporter Murphy Woodhouse from Boise State Public Radio and the Mountain West News Bureau. Plus, pests and pathogens are ravaging keystone tree species in forests across the country. Flora discusses the innovative science behind breeding pest-resistant trees with Leigh Greenwood from The Nature Conservancy.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Landscape Photography Podcast
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with accomplished photographer Greg Vaughn to discuss his journey in photography, ethics in location sharing, and the nuances of workshop teaching. Vaughn, known for his photography guidebooks on Oregon and Washington, talks about how he chooses locations carefully to preserve sensitive environments. They also explore challenges like maintaining a balance between publicizing beautiful places and preventing environmental degradation. Vaughn shares insights from his career, which spans over four decades, emphasizing the importance of business skills in photography and the value of having a love for teaching when leading workshops. Check out the episode on YouTube Resources Mentioned: Greg's books - Photographing Oregon & Photographing Washington Muench Workshops - please email me if you're interested in joining me! NANPA Arthelper Support the podcast on Patreon Photographers Recommended: Dewitt Jones, Laurent Martres, Tom Kirkendall Greg is a photographer, traveler, writer, and photo educator. During his 40+ years as a full-time pro, Greg has worked in multiple photographic genres, including years as a freelance commercial and editorial assignment photographer in Hawaii. He was the campaign photographer for two of Hawaii's governors and was the official photographer of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona. Greg is a proud alumnus of the University of Hawaii, earning a degree in Zoology at the advent of the 1970's Ecology movement. Greg is now based in Eugene, Oregon. He and his wife/partner/soulmate Penelope love living in the Pacific Northwest, travel as much as possible, and especially enjoy exploring Mexico. Greg's photos have been published by National Geographic, Backpacker, Sierra Club, Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and many other travel, conservation, and lifestyle magazines and websites.
Sara Domek is Wyoming's Migration Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. Sara grew up in the small town of Kemmerer and later moved to Pinedale, giving her a rare, firsthand perspective on Wyoming's working landscapes—both from a natural resources and a conservation standpoint. Her upbringing, paired with years of experience working in nonprofits, agencies, and boots-on-the-ground conservation, makes her uniquely suited to lead TNC's efforts to protect Wyoming's world-renowned wildlife migrations. If you've spent any time driving through Wyoming, you've probably cruised past some of the most important migration corridors in North America—maybe without even realizing it. Sara and her team are working to keep those landscapes permeable, helping mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and other species continue the seasonal journeys they've been making for thousands of years. We talk about the science behind migration, how seemingly small barriers like fences can create big challenges for wildlife, and how collaborative conservation—between landowners, agencies, and nonprofits—can create real, lasting wins. Sara also shares some fascinating details about Wyoming's longest mule deer migration, the importance of building trust with local communities, why cheatgrass is a bigger villain than it looks, and how carefully designed wildlife crossings can benefit both animals and people. We also get into her favorite books, why she's hopeful about the future, and, once again, the simple but powerful idea that success in conservation often comes down to strong relationships. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with someone who truly embodies the spirit of collaborative, community-driven conservation. I hope you enjoy! --- The Right to Roam: Sustaining Wyoming's Migratory Herds Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/sara-domek --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:50 – Intro, growing up in Wyoming and valuing natural resources 6:09 – Pinedale and the Wind Rivers 7:15 – Plan after high school 10:37 – Finding TNC 14:16 – Sara describes her job 17:21 – Mule deer and pronghorn migration corridors 21:57 – Fencing and migration 26:25 – Getting the word out about fencing 29:27 – Migration primer: distance, predators and collisions 35:54 – Valley of the warm winds 42:37 – RCPP programs 45:27 – Cheatgrass 101 48:54 – Important partners 51:08 – Prioritizing projects 54:40 – What Sara's looking forward to 57:57 – Where to learn more 1:00:22 – Book recs 1:03:04 – Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts