BeProvided Conservation Radio
BeProvided Conservation Radio takes you from the Santa Cruz Mountains to Africa with expert interviews in wildlife biology, conservation, environmental education, eco tourism and much much more. Our interviews help bridge the gap between international conservation efforts and local conservation efforts. Learn how you can help close to home and worldwide to save our wildlife, plants, water and environment. *Music by http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music
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Navigating the Future of Water: Professor Sedlak's Vision for Sustainable Water Solutions
03/14/2024
Navigating the Future of Water: Professor Sedlak's Vision for Sustainable Water Solutions
About the Guest(s): Professor David Sedlak is a renowned civil and environmental engineer with a distinguished career focused on the intersection of technology and water resources. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he also leads as the director of the Berkeley Water Center. Professor Sedlak is celebrated for his significant contributions to the field, including his award-winning book "Water 4.0," which discusses the past, present, and future of the world's most vital resource. His latest work, "Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate," further solidifies his standing as an influential voice in water conservation and management. His expertise has been recognized and featured in prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Nature, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Review of Books. Episode Summary: In this episode of BeProvided Conservation Radio, we're joined by the esteemed Professor David Sedlak to discuss the vital issue of water accessibility and the impacts of climate change on global water resources. With his new book "Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate" as the centerpiece of our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of solving one of humanity's most pressing challenges. Professor Sedlak highlights the evolving water landscape, characterized by six distinct but interconnected water crises that affect communities worldwide. From the wealthy urban dwellers facing scarcity head-on to the unconnected billion without reliable water sources, the potential solutions are as diverse as the problems. Advanced treatment technologies, managed aquifer recharge, and community-led initiatives are just a few themes explored, revealing actionable strategies and future-oriented innovations. Key Takeaways: Professor Sedlak identifies six separate water crises: water for the wealthy, the many, the unconnected, safe drinking water, growing food, and healthy ecosystems. He emphasizes the importance of innovative water management strategies, such as in-building water recycling and managed aquifer recharge, to combat these crises. The conversation highlights the potential of technology transfer, where solutions working in wealthy nations could be adapted to help water-scarce communities in developing countries. The idea of water rights, both for humans and nature, is discussed as a critical component of future water policy and conservation efforts. The overall tone is one of cautious optimism, underscoring that despite the daunting challenges, there are viable solutions and opportunities for significant progress. Notable Quotes: "I'm pretty optimistic that if we set our minds to it, we can solve some of the most pressing water crises we're going to face." "When you look around the world, we can see pockets of innovation where people are pioneering new solutions." "Simply doing nothing is no longer much of an alternative, because solving a problem in the midst of a crisis is often not the way we want to go." "The water crises that we're seeing today are just a harbinger of what we see in the future, because climate change is having a larger and larger impact on the water cycle." Resources: Professor Sedlak's latest book, "Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate," published by Yale University Press. Feel encouraged to listen to the full episode and join us for more insightful conversations. Stay tuned to BeProvided Conservation Radio for compelling discussions that yield understanding and action in conserving our planet's vital resources.
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The Power of Social Media: How You Can Help Stop the Exploitation of Wild Animals With Devan Showe: Born Free USA
02/08/2024
The Power of Social Media: How You Can Help Stop the Exploitation of Wild Animals With Devan Showe: Born Free USA
About our Guest: Devan Showe is a wildlife conservation advocate and a committed professional actively contributing to the welfare of wild animals. She currently holds the position of Campaigns Associate at Born Free USA, an organization devoted to preserving wildlife and ending animal exploitation. With academic credentials from Oxford Brookes University in conservation, Devan couples her theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience garnered from her time as a primate caregiver and veterinary assistant at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Texas. Devan's work significantly revolves around campaigns aimed at topics like the fur trade and animal trapping, striving to educate the public and initiate action against the exploitation of wild animals in captivity. Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of BeProvided Conservation Radio, host Marcia Sivek converses with Devan Showe whose mission is to safeguard wildlife and halt the ill-usage of animals. The session begins by delineating Devan's passionate background, her educational endeavors, and her significant roles in animal welfare movements. The narrative proceeds with a dive into Devan's enriching experiences at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, underlining the transformative journeys of primates from captivity to more natural environments. Devan also deliberates on pressing challenges in the framework of wildlife conservation, particularly addressing the misconceptions perpetuated by zoos and the need for accurate public information. The conversation offers an in-depth view of Born Free USA’s strides and victories in legislation, underpinning the tenet that safeguarding wildlife is intertwined with public health and safety. Key Takeaways: Born Free USA has been instrumental in passing legislations like the Big Cat Public Safety Act, signifying a landmark triumph in the wildlife conservation arena. Challenges in wildlife conservation often stem from misconceptions propagated by zoos regarding animal captivity and spurious claims of contribution to species conservation. Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions about wildlife, and Devan underscores the importance of using social platforms responsibly to protect animal welfare. A gradual phasing out of zoos, halting captive breeding, and prioritizing animal welfare over entertainment are some of the goals Devan Showe envisions for the future. The episode highlights personal animal rescue stories from the sanctuary, unveiling the profound emotional impact these endeavors have on conservationists. Notable Quotes: “And when they’re prevented from doing these behaviors, they get very frustrated, and so they do other things to pass their time.” “Zoos keeping these animals in these environments and saying that it’s good for them, and also having the sort of interactive experiences they offer… those are all very harmful to people’s perceptions of wild animals.” “I wish that people could… speak out against [zoos] in the same way so that the demand would decrease for zoos to stay open and keep perpetuating the captive lives that they do in their institutions.” “They are not prepared to have this being who is going to require around the clock care, expensive care for the next 20-25 plus years.” “They never learned from their mother or other monkeys how to appropriately behave or submit… That results in monkeys having to live by themselves, just close to other monkeys, and not being able to interact with anyone for a while.” Resources: Born Free USA Website: Born Free USA Action Center: (Link to be accessed on the Born Free USA website) Born Free USA Activist Toolkit: (Link to be accessed on the Born Free USA website) Dive into this essential conversation with Devan Showe to grasp the complexities of wildlife conservation, the journey towards more ethical treatments of animals, and the optimistic strides towards legislative change. Tune in for this compelling and transformative episode, and stay connected with BeProvided conservation Radio for more enlightening discussions that challenge and inspire our role in the natural world. *Show notes were outlined with Decipher AI and edits were made by author for more detail.
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The Global Effort to Conserve Cheetahs With Dr. Laurie Marker of CCF
02/01/2024
The Global Effort to Conserve Cheetahs With Dr. Laurie Marker of CCF
The Global Effort to Conserve Cheetahs With Dr. Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund About the Guest: Dr. Laurie Marker is a pioneer in the field of wildlife conservation, with a keen focus on the preservation of cheetahs. As the Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) since 1990, Dr. Marker's journey in conservation commenced at a wildlife safari park in the United States. Her pioneering research has traversed continents, leading her to the grasslands of Namibia. There, she uncovered the grim reality of wild cheetahs being killed due to human-wildlife conflict, a revelation that prompted the inception of CCF. Dr. Marker is acclaimed for her groundbreaking efforts, resultant research, and unwavering dedication to the fastest land animal on Earth. Episode Summary: In this exclusive episode of BeProvided Conservation Radio, we embark on a profound exploration of the challenges and strategies involved in cheetah conservation, featuring the esteemed Dr. Laurie Marker. As we delve into the pressing matters faced by the cheetah population, listeners are offered an intimate glimpse into the groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Marker and her team at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In the heart of Namibia, Dr. Marker uncovered a harrowing threat to cheetahs—hundreds being killed by livestock farmers. This drove her to establish the CCF and become a central figure in cheetah conservation. The episode further highlights the Global Cheetah Summit in Ethiopia, a milestone gathering where experts and organizations like Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and the IUCN specialist groups convene to discuss the future of these majestic animals. With urgent vigor, guests are transported to Africa, where the stakes for the cheetah's survival are laid bare, and the collaborative efforts for their preservation are underscored. Key Takeaways: Dr. Laurie Marker is a pioneering figure in cheetah conservation, with a career spanning over 30 years dedicated to saving these endangered animals. The Global Cheetah Summit in Ethiopia serves as a critical platform for worldwide experts to develop an action plan and address the several threats to the cheetah population. Cheetahs play a vital role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of their ecosystems, yet they face numerous threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. There are approximately 7,100 cheetahs left across 23 countries, representing less than 10% of their historical population. Engaging communities and developing conservancies are key to creating sustainable habitats for cheetahs and providing alternative livelihoods for people living in these regions. Notable Quotes: "We can't save the cheetah without the people. And our motto has always been, save the cheetah, change the world." – Dr. Laurie Marker "About 80% of [cheetahs] are found outside of protected areas." – Dr. Laurie Marker "The cheetah is actually in these fragmented areas and really struggling to survive." – Dr. Laurie Marker "The future is in the people's hands." – Dr. Laurie Marker Resources: Cheetah Conservation Fund website: Marcia Sivek's email for inquiries regarding being a working guest at CCF: [email protected] Discover the intricate world of cheetah conservation and the riveting strategies devised by experts like Dr. Laurie Marker by tuning in to this captivating podcast episode. Understand how every step toward the conservation of these majestic creatures leads us toward a more sustainable future. Stay connected for upcoming content that promises to enlighten and inspire.
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Multifaceted Approach to Orangutan Conservation: Leif Cocks Founder of Orangutan Project
12/17/2023
Multifaceted Approach to Orangutan Conservation: Leif Cocks Founder of Orangutan Project
About The Guest(s): Leif Cocks is the founder of the Orangutan Project and Wildlife Conservation International. He has dedicated his life to orangutan conservation and has worked with these great apes for over 30 years. Leif is also the author of several books, including "Finding Our Humanity" and "Orangutans: My Cousins, My Friends." Summary: Leif Cocks, founder of the Orangutan Project and Wildlife Conservation International, discusses the challenges and importance of orangutan conservation. He emphasizes the need for diverse support and funding across ecosystems and highlights the significance of grassroots involvement and community engagement. Leif shares heartwarming stories of his experiences working with orangutans and explains the role of orangutans in the ecosystem. He also discusses the current challenges faced by conservation efforts and the importance of securing funding for meaningful change. Key Takeaways: Orangutans have intrinsic value and deserve conservation efforts for their own sake. Saving the rainforest, which is the habitat of orangutans, is crucial for mitigating climate change. Indigenous communities play a vital role in orangutan conservation and need support to improve their livelihoods. Funding is a major challenge for conservation efforts and is crucial for achieving meaningful progress. Quotes: "Saving the rainforest is the most effective way of mitigating the worst effects of climate change." "To dismiss the value and importance of individuals and their rights is to create a world that is worse for everybody." "Knowledge not only has to be gained, it has to be selflessly applied in an intelligent way to achieve meaningful impact." "Hope can come with despair, but having love and compassion and energy to keep working is a more effective strategy." Note: The quotes provided are direct quotes from the transcript. Websites: Adopt: Donate: Learn More:
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The Resilient Redwoods With Ian Rowbotham: Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirons Fund
11/26/2023
The Resilient Redwoods With Ian Rowbotham: Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirons Fund
About The Guest(s): Ian Rowbotham is the Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund. With a master’s degree in Earth Systems from Stanford University, he is an expert in redwood conservation and restoration. Ian has dedicated his career to protecting and restoring redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Summary: Ian Rowbotham, the Senior Land Stewardship Manager of Sempervirens Fund, discusses the pivotal role of redwoods in the face of climate change. Redwoods are resilient giants that can sequester carbon and provide essential habitat for a diverse range of species. Despite the challenges they face, such as drought and wildfires, redwoods continue to thrive and adapt. Sempervirens Fund focuses on active management and restoration projects to protect and restore redwood ecosystems. Through fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and wetland restoration, they aim to create more resilient forests and safeguard these iconic trees for future generations. Key Takeaways: - Redwoods are resilient and adaptable, with the ability to re-sprout and regrow branches from their trunks. - Redwoods play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and providing habitat for a diverse range of species. - Restoration projects, such as fuel reduction and prescribed burns, are essential for creating more resilient forests. - Wetland restoration projects can provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the California red-legged frog and Western pond turtle. - Redwoods are not only important for their ecological value but also as cultural icons that inspire and connect people to nature. Notable Quotes From Our Discussion: “Redwoods are these incredible sinks for carbon, living 2000 years.” - Ian Rowbotham “Redwoods are sheltering and providing a last harbor for other species that rely on them.” - Ian Rowbotham “Redwoods have this incredible will to live and adapt to various challenges.” - Ian Rowbotham “We’re trying to restore ecosystem processes and create more resilient forests.” - Ian Rowbotham
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Carl Safina: Author of Alfie and Me: What Owls Know and What Humans Believe
11/06/2023
Carl Safina: Author of Alfie and Me: What Owls Know and What Humans Believe
About The Guest: Dr. Carl Safina is an ecologist and author known for his work on animal behavior. He has received numerous fellowships and has written for prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Time, the Guardian, and National Geographic. He is the author of many books, including "Alfie and Me: What Owls Know and What Humans Believe." Summary Dr. Carl Safina joins the podcast to discuss his new book, "Alfie and Me: What Owls Know and What Humans Believe." He shares his personal experience caring for a wild Eastern screech owl named Alfie and delves into the fascinating world of owls and their behavior. Dr. Safina also explores the historical and cultural perspectives on humanity's relationship with nature, highlighting the Western view of humans as separate from and superior to the natural world. He emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset and offers insights into how individuals can make a positive impact on the environment. Key Takeaways: - Dr. Safina's relationship with Alfie, a wild Eastern screech owl, led him to explore the deep connections between humans and nature. - Owls, like screech owls, have complex behaviors and form deep emotional bonds with their mates and offspring. - Many cultures throughout history have viewed humans as part of nature and emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance of the natural world. - Western culture, influenced by Plato and religious ideologies, has perpetuated the idea that the world is not valuable and that humans should focus on an afterlife. - Individuals can make a difference by making conscious choices in their daily lives, such as choosing sustainable food and transportation options and supporting leaders who prioritize environmental conservation. Today’s music was provided by royalty free music. The song is Cabin In the Woods by Brent Wood. Dr safina was generous to provide some photos of Alfie and they are posted in our show notes at or you can just purchase a copy of Alfie and Me and see some of the photos in the book. Alfie and Me was published by Norton and is available at your local bookstore or by visiting
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Kenny Elvin: Full Circle Falconry and Wildlife Management
10/24/2023
Kenny Elvin: Full Circle Falconry and Wildlife Management
Did you know that Herpetology (study of frogs, snakes, newts and many more!) is a crossroads to falconry? I didn't either! But it was for our guest today, Kenny Elvin. In 2022, Kenny gave a talk to the Bay Area Herpetology group if you want to learn more about the falconry/herpetology connection! Our guest today is Kenny Elvin of . He flies his raptors for groups and events around the state of California, not only for education of raptors but also for wildlife management. He is also known as King Mighty Flighty at local Renaissance Faires! I had the pleasure of meeting with Kenny in person to meet a few of his birds thanks to a friend and co-worker, Lisa Villasenor in Los Gatos for this interview. We had great fun and good conversation, though it is easy to get distracted and lose your train of thought when you have a beautiful Eastern Screech Owl and a Peregrine Falcon close by! But I think we did ok and the interview is informative, casual and fun. I hope you all enjoy it! Kenny can be found October 28th at Sanborn County Park in Santa Clara with Lisa Myers of Los Gatos Birdwatcher at a special Raptor Event and Workshop. See below for more information: Pictures of our meeting can be found in the shownotes at .
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Mark Haviland Discusses Conscious Careers and Train My Generation
10/20/2023
Mark Haviland Discusses Conscious Careers and Train My Generation
Welcome to with host, Marcia Sivek. Mark Haviland is founder of Conscious Careers, co-founder of Train My Generation and Vice Chair of Marine Conservation Society UK. Mark has spent over 25 years in big corporations such as Disney and CNN before changing career paths to the non-profit world. Train My Generation and Conscious Careers help future generations understand their roles in any career choice bridge community, education and environmental restoration. Train My Generation is a volunteer community organization focused on bringing essential infrastructure, expertise, and resources to the islands of Mfangano, Lake Victoria, just off the coast of Kenya. Conscious Careers gives school aged children and young adults the skills to go into a career with the world in mind. Mark is visiting 100+ schools in 2023-2024 all over the UK and creating workshops designed to inspire understanding, confidence and optimism in future careers. The Marine Conservation Society UK is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean. They have over 25,000 volunteers donating their time to help clean up beaches, research and fundraise. Please visit the following websites to learn more Mark Haviland’s work: Video link to the podcast: Photos from Mark:
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Rebecca Wildbear: Author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration and Advocacy for the Earth
04/03/2023
Rebecca Wildbear: Author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration and Advocacy for the Earth
I am excited to introduce my guest today. Her name is Rebecca Wildbear and she is the author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration and Advocacy for the Earth. The book is published by New World Library In her book, Rebecca writes, “ When we are in our bodies, at one with nature, we are in touch with intelligence more significant that our minds. Nature can inspire our movements, align us with our instincts, initiate us into living our soul’s purpose, and guide us in tending the well-being of all life.” Rebecca Wildbear is the creator of Wild Yoga and has been teaching yoga since 2004. She has been on the faculty at Nosara Yoga Institute and guides vision quests and other programs through Animas Valley Institute. Speaking of Animas Valley Institute, Rebecca is leading a Soulcraft Intensive for Earth Activists June 13-17th, 2023 through the institute. This is a great intensive for anyone fighting to protect the earth but is feeling the stress and despair of devastation and compassion fatigue. If you are feeling the need to foster greater resiliency and vision in your mission to protect the physical ecology this is for you. You can please visit for more information. For more information about Rebecca visit Visit New World Library at Today’s music was downloaded from sound . The piece is titled Into the Deep by Daniele Musto Additional information and links related to today’s show and other related shows can be found at Thank you again for listening and stay safe and stay healthy.
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The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa's Greatest Lake With Author Mark Weston
03/08/2023
The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa's Greatest Lake With Author Mark Weston
My guest today is Mark Weston. Mark was sent to live on a remote island in the Tanzanian half of Lake Victoria where he found a community grappling with one of the world's great unknown environmental crises. In his new book, The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa’s Greatest Lake he tells the story of this environmental catastrophe through the experiences of the people on Ukerewe Island. He lived on the island for two years and was able to create long lasting friendships and gain trust of the community. As Mark says, the book is not all doom and gloom about the bad state of the fishing industry. The book is also about people, their religion and beliefs and rural island life. Mark and his wife became part of the community and formed lifelong friendships. Mark states it was a privilege to get to know these people and their way of life. I am happy to announce that The Saviour Fish was one of the Daily Telegraph's and Wanderlust Magazine's travel books of the year for 2022. In today’s episode, Mark first describes a bit about his experiences with the people and the island. Then we get into the environmental crisis about the Nile perch also known as the saviour fish of Lake Victoria, how the crisis came to be and what is going on now. Mark was able to go out with a friend who also happens to be an illegal fisherman and tells us a small portion of his experience going fishing. We end the interview on a lighter note discussing of all things, banana beer. So enjoy the show and enjoy the book. The Saviour Fish is available through John Hunt publishing, Amazon, and hopefully your local bookshop. The publishers link to the book is in my show notes along with some island photos and more information about Mark. I hope you enjoy our conversation and the book as much as I did!! About the Author Mark Weston Mark Weston has written about and broadcast on Africa for BBC Radio 4, Slate, the Royal African Society, South Africa's Mail & Guardian, and Roads & Kingdoms. He is the author of the West Africa travelogue The Ringtone and the Drum and the satirical novel African Beauty, and his research on global issues including public health, access to justice, education and demography has been published in some of the world's leading academic journals. He lives in London, UK. About the Publisher John Hunt Publishing is an independent publisher with sales teams worldwide welcoming new authors and unsolicited manuscript submissions. For our authors, we provide an automated production system, forums, a marketing database with over 40,000 contacts and other online tools to produce and market each book. We partner with our authors on marketing, reaching all the traditional bookstore markets for print books, worldwide, and all online retailers. BOOK LINK: Music downloaded from and is titled Ngoni Nights by Kora Kollective.
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Emergent: Rewilding Nature, Regenerating Food and Healing the World by Restoring the Connection Between People and the Wild With Author Miriam Kate McDonald
02/15/2023
Emergent: Rewilding Nature, Regenerating Food and Healing the World by Restoring the Connection Between People and the Wild With Author Miriam Kate McDonald
Humans have existed for about 300,000 years. And played a huge role in their environment in a positive sustainable way. They grew and killed what they could eat. Gradually, over most of that time or gradually until less than a century ago, humans somehow became separate from their landscape and began extracting from their landscape more than was needed. Small sustainable farms became overrun by industrial agriculture. Now the farms in the middle of the US are mostly monoculture crops or single crops to feed cows and livestock stuffed in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The cereal grains grown to feed these animals are not the foods that they are normally meant to be eating. So the animals are injected with hormones and antibiotics just to keep them alive enough until they get slaughtered. Growing enough cereal grains in abundance to feed the livestock crammed into CAFOs gave birth to chemical farming, genetic modifications and heavy pesticide use. The meat from these unhappy animals and grains are passed onto humans. Most of these meats go to feed the masses a cheaper source of meat like those found in the many fast food chains. Nowadays a week doesn’t go by when I don’t hear livestock being blamed for the climate crisis. We are told to not eat meat if we want to save the planet. This is so frustrating to me, because all meat is not the same. When we are told this there should be a disclaimer, don’t eat meat from CAFOs. Meat from sustainably operated farms where humans are playing a role in helping livestock eat what they should, rotating crops to save soil, making use of pollinators and natural bug eaters like bats for pesticide control is completely different than meat from a CAFO. In sustainable farms the cows are happy not sick, the land is happy and not contaminated and the food makes people are healthier. So the thought here is, in order to be healthier, have healthier livestock that lives on healthier earth - being more a carbon sink than a carbon source, should humans and livestock be considered keystone species? This is one of the topics in todays episode I am excited today to be interviewing Miriam Kate McDonald, the author of Emergent: Rewilding Nature, Regenerating Food and Healing the World by Restoring the Connection Between People and the Wild. In her book, McDonald explores how humans extracted from natural landscapes can be reintegrated to restore severed relationships with animals and the land. She discusses how regenerative farmers can help build soil, produce nutrient-dense food, healthy happy animals and foster a renewed sense of kinship with their communities. This ends todays episode. I hope you enjoyed it. Miriam’s book Emergent can be found to purchase at . Miriam’s website is and the website to her farm is . About Miriam Kate McDonald: Miriam Kate McDonald has over 15 years of experience in ecology, conservation and agriculture. Her fusion of science and practise lead her to the realisation that people are a part of the wild, entangled in interdependent relationships. She co-directs Midlands Restoration Hub, Woven Earth and Heartwood and lives at High Leas Farm, Derbyshire, UK. I will have more information about Miriam and some pictures of her farm in our show notes at www.beprovided.com. Music today was downloaded from and is titled Back on the Farm by Andy Elison. If you like what hear and want to hear more shows like this visit and drop us line, leave a review and let us know how we are doing. Again this is Marcia Sivek of BeProvided Conservation Radio. Until next time stay safe and stay healthy. About Marcia Sivek: Marcia Sivek has over 12 years experience in Environmental Engineering. In 2010, she receicved a MS in Nutrition and has been helping people make better food choices since. She began the podcast in 2017 after returning from a working guest volunteer stint at the Cheetah Conservation Fund () in Namibia where she was inspired about the work being done there to save wildlife and people.
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Living in Harmony with Black Bears with Lori Howell Thompson and Toogee Sielsch
02/02/2023
Living in Harmony with Black Bears with Lori Howell Thompson and Toogee Sielsch
Most black bears in the wild will avoid people unless a person gets between a mama bear and her cubs or if the bear feels threatened somehow. It seems over the past couple of decades at least the black bears in South Lake Tahoe, CA are not as afraid of humans as they should. They have learned that humans throw away a lot of food scraps from their homes and businesses. The scraps are placed in easily accessible garbage bins. Some bears have also learned to open windows and doors. This can definitely be a problem for both the bear and the human it may encounter. This episode of BeProvided Conservation Radio discusses the urbanization of black bears in the South Lake Tahoe area. My guests are, Lori Howell Thompson author of the newly published book, Living in Harmony with the Wildlife in Lake Tahoe and Toogee Sielsch, black bear expert in Lake Tahoe. Their new book is a great resource for everyone living in and visiting gLake Tahoe. It is educational as it teaches us why these bears became so urbanized and offers tips o now people and bears can safely coexist with each other without harm to human or bear. You can buy a copy of the book, Living in Harmony with the Wildlife of Lake Tahoe at Lori's website, . You can learn more about Toogee and follow his work on and under the name Tahoe Toogee. As always, thank you again for listening. Enjoy the episode. If you like what you hear and find it informative and useful, please share and/or leave a comment to let us know how we are doing.
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Replay: Interview with Beth Pratt in Memory of P-22
12/22/2022
Replay: Interview with Beth Pratt in Memory of P-22
This is a replay of my live Facebook interview with Beth Pratt, CA Regional Executive Director of the Wildlife Federation, author, co-creator of Save LA Cougars and the all around cougar lady. The interview originally aired in 2020 during lockdown from the pandemic and I was experimenting with new audio equipment and FaceBook live. As many of you may know, the world lost a great soul on December 17, 2022. The world famous mountain lion, P-22, had to be compassionately euthanized. This is a summary in a written Eulogy for P22 by Beth Pratt of what the poor boy was suffering from : “Before I said goodbye, I sat in a conference room with team members from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the team of doctors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The showed me a video of P-22’s CT scan, images of the results, and my despair grew as they outlined the list of serious health issues they had uncovered from all their testing: stage two kidney failure, a weight of 90 pounds!!! (he normally weighs about 125), head and eye trauma, a hernia causing abdominal organs to fill his chest cavity, an extensive case of demodex gatoi (a parasitic skin infection likely transmitted from domestic cats), heart disease, and more. The most severe injuries resulted from him being hit by a car last week, and I thought of how terrible it was that this cat, who had managed to evade cars for a decade, in his weakened and desperate condition could not avoid the vehicle strike that sealed his fate.” I dedicate this replay to Beth and P-22 as well as all of the other people and organizations that have helped with bringing the vision of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing to reality. Here is a link to the wildlife crossing website and to Save LA Cougars that has live coverage of the construction. Here is the link to the moving eulogy for P-22 written by Beth Pratt. (have a tissue ready!)
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The Rescue Effect with Author Michael Mehta Webster
12/17/2022
The Rescue Effect with Author Michael Mehta Webster
Welcome to BeProvided Conservation Radio with host, Marcia Sivek. As temperatures rise and ecosystems are threatened, the news tends to make us feel there is no hope for our natural world. It is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in his new book, The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth, Michael Mehta Webster suggests that we can feel more optimistic about the survival life on earth because it is more resilient than we think. Webster shares stories of certain species rescuing themselves from extinction through six processes. He does not suggest that humans can sit idly but suggests that conservationists include the rescue effects of a species in their plans for protection or recovery. If you haven’t guessed already, my guest today is Michael Mehta Webster, author of The Rescue Effect. He is an expert in ecology, conservation, philanthropy, and non-profit management. His research interests focus on how organisms and ecosystems adapt to environmental change, how this information can be translated into effective conservation strategies, and the practical and ethical dilemmas that arise along the way. Please go check your local bookstore for Michael’s book, if they don’t have it, ask them to stock it! It is a great gift to your nature loving friends and family. His book is also available through your normal outlets like Amazon as well if you don’t have a local bookstore. Today’s music was provided by soundstripe.com and is titled Treehouse Instrumental by Andy Ellison. If you liked this podcast, please visit our website or where you get your podcasts for more episodes highlighting people who are dedicated to protecting our wild world. Thank you for listening and stay safe and stay healthy I am Marcia Sivek of BeProvided Conservation Radio
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REPLAY: Coyotes and Wildlife Killing Contests With Camilla Fox of Project Coyote
11/19/2022
REPLAY: Coyotes and Wildlife Killing Contests With Camilla Fox of Project Coyote
This is a replay of my interview with Camilla Fox, founder of Project Coyote (). We discuss the importance of coyotes and other carnivores to balance ecosystems. We talk about why there is fear around these and animals and most importantly, why there should not be fear around these animals. We also touch on the horrible act of wildlife killing contests. Something that I was hoping, wishful thinking, would be banned in all 50 states by now. Unfortunately it is still legal in most of our states. Listen in and learn how Camilla Fox and Project Coyote are dedicating their time to help the public change their negative thinking about these carnivores. Here is their website so you can learn more and find out ways you can help
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Halloween Episode: Northern California Bats with Corky Quirk
10/24/2022
Halloween Episode: Northern California Bats with Corky Quirk
Welcome to our Halloween edition about bats. But just so you know, bats are not scary! They just make for a great Halloween conversation. So stay tuned to learn why we should all love bats and not fear them. I am Marcia Sivek and this is BeProvided Conservation Radio. When my guest today is not giving bird talks and nature walks with the Yolo Basin Foundation she is rescuing and rehabilitating bats as well as educating people about bats. Mary Jean Quirk is the founder of Northern California Bats a rescue and rehabilitation organization in Sacramento Valley CA.
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Jenny Papka: Treating Raptors With Respect, Responsibility and Reverence
09/14/2022
Jenny Papka: Treating Raptors With Respect, Responsibility and Reverence
My guest today is Jenny Papka, an inspiring raptor educator. Her story began volunteering then eventually became staff at in Walnut Creek, CA. About 20 years ago she helped create (NBC) and is presently the Executive Director. NBC is an education and consulting organization and a place where injured or captive bred birds can live out the rest of their lives with respect, responsibility, and reverence. Please Visit: for more information on the work Jenny is doing with raptors. #raptors #raptorsarethesolution #conservation #podcast #wildlife #nature #birds #birdsofprey #eagles #owls #ratpoison
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Precision Harvesting of Invasive Aquatic Weeds (No Chemicals) With Tara Lordi and Bobby O'Shields
08/24/2022
Precision Harvesting of Invasive Aquatic Weeds (No Chemicals) With Tara Lordi and Bobby O'Shields
My guests today are innovative and creative when it comes to removing aquatic weeds. They identified a problem and because of their love for beautiful healthy waterways, they created a solution in their company that preserves the health of aquatic life and native aquatic plants without chemicals. Tara Lordi helped co-found WeeDoo with her husband and his father and was the marketing/salesperson. Since her husband’s death a few years ago, Tara has stepped up and is now running the show. She is very passionate about keeping waterways clean whether by using a precision weed harvesting boat like WeeDoo or by just getting out there and pulling the invasive weeds out by hand—any method if it doesn’t involve using chemicals. She also loves animals, is an avid equestrian and volunteers once a year to help victims of hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters. Listen in to hear her volunteer adventure to rescue dogs from the Virgin Islands during COVID. Unbeknownst to Bobby O’Shields his childhood job mowing lawns and tossing a rake with rope tied to it into a lake to pull out weeds, would help shape his role with WeeDoo today. Bobby started working with WeeDoo not too long after it was created. He now demonstrates and educates individuals, businesses, and governments in over 14 countries how to remove invasive aquatic weeds while preserving the native plants and aquatic life without using chemicals. Tara and Bobby joined me on Zoom to tell us about the important work they do. It was a great conversation with passionate and enthusiastic guests. To learn more about WeeDoo visit . They have some videos on their website showing the boats in action. Very cool to see if I say so myself. Enjoy the episode. Background music by: Downloaded from Soundstripe.com - Heads of People, Footwork Instrumental Pictures in show notes provided by WeeDoo. Instagram: @beprovided Facebook: Twitter: @beprovided Website: iTunes Podcasts:
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Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation with Julia Hyde and Jackie Foley
08/12/2022
Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation with Julia Hyde and Jackie Foley
Welcome Back Everyone! I think every little girl I know, including myself, LOVES horses. I was never in a place to actually ride horses but as soon as I could pick up a pencil horses were the first animals I sketched. I fell in love with their eyes and their sleek muscular bodies. I am Marcia Sivek and this is BeProvided Conservation Radio. If you cannot tell, today’s show is about horses, specifically horse rescue and rehabilitation with Julia Hyde, founder of Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation and her senior volunteer and outreach coordinator, Jackie Foley. Julia started Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation about 5 years ago when she realized horses needed her help. In today’s show, we talk about how horses come into their care. Julia and Jackie share stories on how domesticated horses are cared for and their dedication to getting them back to health and finding a new home. Julia also shares how our iconic wild horses in the American West are rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management using helicopters. We learn why these round ups are not good for the horses. Because of these acts, these symbols of freedom are diminishing from our lands. I learned so much, which makes me want to learn more. If you know someone working to help save our wild horses and would want to share their experience, please contact me through my website at www.beprovided.com. Enjoy the conversation. I start by asking my guests to introduce themselves and tell us a little bit about how they were inspired to dedicate their time to horse rescue. Upcoming Events at Canham Farm: Plein Air Painting Workshop at Canham Farm Horse Rescue with Art and Conservation Zoom With Date TBD for September! Stay Tuned Music by: Andy Ellison's Wild Bronco Resources: Donations: Volunteer: Adopt a Horse: Sponsor a Horse: https://canhamfarm.com/adopt-a-horse/virtual-adoption/ More information on Wild Horse Roundups: Return to Freedom:
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Cal Falcons Chat in 2020 About Annie and Grinnell
04/07/2022
Cal Falcons Chat in 2020 About Annie and Grinnell
Today’s episode is a replay of my FB live interview with two members of the Cal Falcons team who have been monitoring the nest of Annie and Grinnell since 2016. I wanted to replay highlights from our chat in May 2020 today in honor of Grinnell. On April 1, 2022, Cal Falcons sadly reported the world had lost Grinnell due to being struck by a car. I was hoping this would be some kind of bad April fools post, but I knew Cal Falcons would not tug at our heart strings with such a cruel joke. It was difficult to grasp that Grinnell was gone. I know I am not alone in mourning the loss of Grinnell, the cal falcons instagram page has over 10 thousand followers from all over the world. It is a terribly sad event for so many reasons, but heart wrenching because Annie just laid her second egg and Grinnell was hunting to bring food to her. It was reported a dead pigeon was found not far from Grinnell. My heart felt heavy for Annie, thinking that she would not be able to keep protecting and incubating the eggs without the help of a mate. But I am happy to say there is now hope for Annie and her eggs! Cal Falcons has reported that a New Guy, who has big talons to fill compared to Grinnell!, is helping Annie incubate the egg, providing food and defending the nest from other peregrine intruders. This is so promising! Music by Madirfan titled Both of Us on Pixabay.com Show notes with more video of falcons at www.beprovided.com
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The Magical World of Swamplands with Edward Struzik
02/04/2022
The Magical World of Swamplands with Edward Struzik
Today's episode is about the magical world of swamplands with author, Edward Struzik. Ed recently published his book, Swamplands: Tundra Beavers, Quaking Bogs, and the Improbable World of Peat with Island Press. You can buy his book at , your local bookstore or wherever you buy books. Please visit for photos, shownotes, video and audio of today's show. I hope you enjoy learning about the wonderful world of peat.
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Raptors and Raptor Rehabilitation With North Sky Raptor Sanctuary
10/17/2021
Raptors and Raptor Rehabilitation With North Sky Raptor Sanctuary
Do you love raptors? Have you ever wanted to work directly with raptors? Do you know what is involved with rehabbing raptors?
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The Elusive (AND Adorable!) Bobcat
10/07/2021
The Elusive (AND Adorable!) Bobcat
You may be surprised to that animals like bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions may roam our yards at night. AND it doesn't matter if you live in the country or city according to my guest today, Sarah Killingsworth. Sarah is a wildlife photographer and educator in Northern California.
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The Uncommon Knowledge of Elinor Ostrom
08/03/2021
The Uncommon Knowledge of Elinor Ostrom
Today our show is about a Elinor Ostrom, a woman who pushed the envelope in the academia world when women weren’t well respected in that community. I speak with Erik Nordman, an Ostrom Scholar and author of The Uncommon Knowledge of Elinor Ostrom: Essential Lessons for Collective Action.
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Tammy Cloutier: PhD with The Painted Dog Research Trust
08/01/2021
Tammy Cloutier: PhD with The Painted Dog Research Trust
Tammy Cloutier is my guest today, she is a children’s book author and former phd student of Dr. Greg Rasmussen of the Painted Dog Research Trust. She introduced me to Greg and I thought it important to share her story, it is inspiring to young and old to pursue what they are passionate about.
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Life Lessons From African Painted Dogs
07/30/2021
Life Lessons From African Painted Dogs
My guest today is Dr. Greg Rasmussen, founder of the Painted Dog Research Trust.
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Kids Can Save Animals, Project 15 and Club 15
07/12/2021
Kids Can Save Animals, Project 15 and Club 15
This week's episode is created from conversations with 11-yr old animal advocate and CEO of Kids Can Save Animals, Kate Gilman Williams and IoT Solutions Architect for Microsoft and creator of Project 15, Sarah Maston.
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Battling the CZU Fire and Fire Safety Information
06/27/2021
Battling the CZU Fire and Fire Safety Information
I am Marcia Sivek and this is BeProvided Conservation Radio. In today’s episode, I speak with Grey Hayes as some of you may remember he helped me start this podcast a few years back and did cohost several episodes with me.
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Creating Bird-Friendly Cities
06/04/2021
Creating Bird-Friendly Cities
Timothy Beatley addresses some of these challenges in his new book, The Bird-Friendly City: Creating Safe Urban Habitats. He is my guest on this episode of the podcast and our discussion includes the topics below:
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Michelle Lute: Carnivore Conservation Manager for Project Coyote
05/29/2021
Michelle Lute: Carnivore Conservation Manager for Project Coyote
My guest on this episode of the podcast is Michelle Lute, the Carnivore Conservation Manager for Project Coyote.
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