Climate Disruption § Feels § Shaping Change with the Forest Adaptation Network
Release Date: 12/29/2021
My Head for a Tree with Martin Goodman
treehugger podcast
In this special episode, we welcome author and storyteller Martin Goodman to explore the extraordinary living story of the Bishnoi people—a community in the Western Thar Desert of India who have made protecting life, in all its forms, their deepest devotion. Three centuries ago, 363 Bishnoi villagers led by Amrita Devi gave their lives to defend the sacred khejri trees from destruction, speaking the words still taught to Bishnoi children today: “My head for a tree is a cheap price to pay.” But the Bishnoi are not just a story of sacrifice from the past—they are still here, still...
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Giants on New Ground with Philip Stielstra
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We are joined by Philip Stielstra, founder of, to explore the fascinating world of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Philip shares his inspiring journey from Seattle Tree Ambassador to becoming a leader in assisted migration, helping these ancient giants find a new future in the Pacific Northwest. We dive into: The unique traits that make coast redwoods and giant sequoias candidates for assisted migration, including their fire resistance, drought tolerance, and pest resistance. Challenges such as slow seed...
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A Natural History of Empty Lots with Christopher Brown
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treehugger podcast is 5 years old this month! In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Brown, author of A Natural History of Empty Lots, to uncover the stories hidden in the overlooked spaces of our cities. Christopher shares his unique perspective on urban landscapes—vacant lots, overgrown alleys, and forgotten corners—revealing the vibrant ecosystems and cultural narratives thriving within them. Drawing on his experience as a speculative fiction writer, he challenges us to rethink the value of these unintentional landscapes and their role in shaping our connection to the wider...
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Ecosystem Monitoring with Dylan Mendenhall
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In this podcast episode, the discussion dives into the complexities and nuances of ecosystem monitoring, led by the Dylan Mendenhall's deep experience and passion for the field. He emphasizes the importance of well-defined questions to drive high-quality monitoring efforts, contrasting effective monitoring with what they term “zombie monitoring”—data collection that continues without purpose due to sunk cost fallacies or lack of clear objectives. The conversation spans from traditional techniques like plot-based sampling and transect surveys to advanced molecular methods like eDNA, which...
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medicinal weeds: rethinking integrated pest management
treehugger podcast
We explore a fresh perspective on non-native and introduced species. Traditionally viewed as pests or threats to ecosystems, some of these species offer hidden benefits that are often overlooked in conventional pest management frameworks. We dive into the complexities of integrated pest management (IPM), discussing the importance of balancing ecological restoration with justice, health, and livelihoods. This episode was adapted from a talk originally given to an audience focused on integrated pest management. It encourages listeners to rethink the language we use around non-native species,...
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Seed Banks and Ecological Memory
treehugger podcast
Underground seed banks, passive restoration, and ecological memory - these elements are crucial in understanding and facilitating natural recovery processes in ecosystems. We'll explore how leveraging underground seed banks, which contain dormant seeds waiting for the right conditions to germinate, can support native plant regeneration. This approach is relational, often less expensive, and informs a long-range view. It also relies on the ecological memory, which refers to an ecosystem's ability to retain information about past states and disturbances, aiding its recovery and resilience....
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Artificial Intelligence and Ecological Restoration with Sam Woodrich and Timothy Pape
treehugger podcast
This episode delves into the integration of artificial intelligence within the field of ecological restoration. Covering a broad spectrum from the practical to the philosophical, the conversation explores the potential for AI to reshape restoration practices, the ethical considerations at play, and the importance of balancing technological advancement with traditional ecological knowledge. Through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and a look towards the future, the guests offer a comprehensive exploration of how AI is shaping the landscape of ecological restoration and what that...
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Ecological Forestry with Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hanson
treehugger podcast
In this episode, we're joined by two extraordinary guests, Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hansen, who bring decades of experience and insight to the practice of ecological forestry. Their recent book, "," serves as a comprehensive guide for forest stewards in Oregon and Washington, covering essential skills like evaluating land, sustainable management, wildfire risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. Seth and Kirk address the diverse needs of family forest owners, community forests, municipalities, and Indigenous tribes, offering insights on sustainable wood harvest, wildlife habitat...
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Restoration & Herbalism United with Natalie Hammerquist
treehugger podcast
In this episode, we delve into the world of plant medicines. Our guest, Natalie Hammerquist, a herbalist based in Washington state, shares her extensive knowledge and experience in herbalism and foraging local wild plants. Natalie's journey, rooted in a degree from The Evergreen State College, led her to explore herbalism, plant taxonomy, and food science. Under the guidance of renowned herbalists like Cascade Anderson Geller and Matthew Wood, Natalie integrated aspects of Chinese medicine and Western herbalism into her practice. What's particularly intriguing about our conversation is...
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Ivyland with Toby Query
treehugger podcast
This treehugger episode meanders through Ivyland and investigates the extensive properties and uses of ivy, Hedera helix. Ivies (Araliaceae) are a diverse genus of evergreen plants native to regions spanning Europe, across central-southern Asia, and N Africa. Its botanical name is rooted in Latin; Hedera is related to its traditional medicinal uses. Known for its climbing or ground-creeping nature, ivy offers various ecological benefits such as habitat and shelter for wildlife, acts as a late-season food source for pollinators, offers berries for birds, controls soil erosion, regulates...
info_outlineWhich tree species impacted by climate change are we getting nervous about? This is the episode where we talk about climate disruption, our anxiety & grief as witnesses to tree loss while also coming to terms with environmental change in discussion with a few members of the Forest Adaptation Network.
- Rowan Braybrook, Director of Programs for Northwest Natural Resource Group
- Jake Bentzen Biological Science Technician (Insects & Disease) Forest Service Northern & Intermountain Regions Forest Health Protection
- Joey Hulbert, Washington State University Ornamental Plant Pathology Program and Forest Health Watch
- Brandon Drucker, Restoration Ecologist with the City of Tacoma Passive Open Space Program
“Change is constant. You can’t stop change, control change, or perfectly plan change. You can ride the waves of change, partner with change, and shape change. Adaptation is long term or structural change in a creature or system to account for a need for survival. Adaptation is not about being reactionary, changing without intention, or being victimized, controlled and tossed around by the inevitable changes of life. It’s about shaping change and letting changes make us stronger as individual and collective bodies. How do we get relaxed and intentional in the face of change?"
- adrienne maree brown from Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Mediation
Forest Adaptation Network https://www.nnrg.org/climateadaptation/forest-adaptation-network
Forest Health Watch https://foresthealth.org
Betzen, J. J., Ramsey, A., Omdal, D., Ettl, G. J., & Tobin, P. C. (2021). Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, decline in western Washington, USA. Forest Ecology and Management, 501, 119681.
Michelle Ma. (2021, September 30). Bigleaf maple decline tied to hotter, drier summers in Washington. UW News.
Lynda V. Mapes. (2021, July 11). Newly discovered fungus spores spurred by heat and drought are killing Seattle street trees. Seattle Times.
University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (2020, October 23). Culturally competent approaches in conservation biology: A case study presented by the Washington Cascade Fisher Reintroduction. Presented by Tara Chestnut. Streamed live and recorded on YouTube.
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