treehugger podcast

The show where we reimagine ecological restoration through sciences, justice, human health, livelihoods, and the complicated relationships between people and ecosystems in a warming world.

Navigating Climate Anxiety with Leslie Davenport 09/14/2026

New Restoration Standards Reveal 07/22/2026

New Restoration Standards Reveal The Society for Ecological Restoration has released the Third Edition of the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration, and this episode is less of a book review than a reflection on what these new Standards reveal about our profession. I explore how ecological restoration has evolved over the past two decades through the lenses of justice, human health and livelihoods, climate readiness, accountability, and communities of practice. I also share why I think the first four principles form the philosophical heart of the new edition, where I'm still wrestling with the Restorative Continuum, and what I hope future editions might look like. Read more on the , and here are a few hot takes... Ecological restoration has grown from a conversation among ecologists into a global movement involving Indigenous Nations, communities, governments, planners, policymakers, and funders. The addition of the word "native" isn't just a definition change - it helps clarify ecological restoration's identity within the much broader ecosystem restoration movement. The Third Edition reflects a profession becoming more people-centered, climate-ready, accountable, and connected to public policy. Standards don't just describe good practice - they reveal what a profession values, who is participating in the conversation, and where it may be headed next. The future of restoration won't be shaped only by better science, but by welcoming new voices, new perspectives, and a variety of knowledge systems. Read them critically. Celebrate what resonates. Challenge what doesn't. The best standards aren't static documents sitting on a shelf... idling in the nether regions of our computer networks... or chilling five clicks into the SER website. They're invitations into an ongoing conversation. Society for Ecological Restoration. International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration (Third Edition) Gann, G.D., McDonald, T., Walder, B., Aronson, J., Nelson, C.R., Hallett, J.G., Guariguata, M.R., Gonzales, E.K., Hua, F., Echeverría, C., Eisenberg, C., Liu, J., Decleer, K., Barr, Z.E., Bartholomew, D.C., Best, M., Chazdon, R., Cliquet, A., Cortina-Segarra, J., Kalirai, H., MacCallum, K., Mosyaftiani, A., Pedrini, S., Young, R. and Dixon, K.W. (2026), International principles and standards for the practice of ecological restoration. Third edition. Restor Ecol, 34: e70441. more A special thank you to Madrone Grove Adaptation & Restoration for supporting this episode and for advancing climate-ready ecological restoration throughout the Pacific Northwest. Opening and closing music by: and /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/42177350

Ecosystems of The Mandalorian and Grogu 05/27/2026

Ecosystems of The Mandalorian and Grogu *Spoilers throughout. You've been warned. Michael went to see The Mandalorian and Grogu as a lifelong Star Wars nerd and Pedro Pascal fan. He left thinking about wetland tipping points, cryosphere feedbacks, and sacrifice zones - which, for this show, tracks. This episode tours four planets as ecological field sites: a remote ice world doing load-bearing planetary work, a deliberately degraded Hutt swamp holding medicine in its margins, a neon urban underworld where ecology persists in the cracks, and a volcanic home in slow, hopeful succession. Along the way we meet characters, like Gatori, the bog-dwelling herbalist who heals Mando after a dragonsnake bite, and Grogu building a mud hut in the Nal Hutta swamp while his dad recovers is the most quietly profound act of restoration in the whole movie. We also get into who gets to decide what a landscape becomes, why the Outer Rim has always been the sacrifice zone regardless of who's running the Senate, and what the Star Wars universe has been teaching us about ecosystem health, justice, and recovery for fifty years. The hope in this film — like the hope in restoration work — lives not in institutions, but in relationships: between a Mandalorian and his foundling, between a people and their place, between pioneer species and bare rock that is slowly becoming soil. Star Wars Canon: Where to Learn More Most of the creature and character detail in this episode comes from — the fan-maintained Star Wars wiki. If this episode sent you down a Star Wars ecology rabbit hole, that's your next stop. Planets: , Characters and Creatures: About the Host Michael Yadrick is an ecological restoration practitioner, creator of treehugger podcast, co-founder of and a member of the Society for Ecological Restoration. He records on Puyallup Territory in Tacoma, Washington. For consulting work on ecological restoration, climate adaptation, and the intersection of ecosystem health with human health and livelihoods. Reach Michael through Madrone Grove Adaptation & Restoration LLC at , and . This episode will be expanded in writing on Grove Grit Substack. Music sourced from the - /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/41435125

Default Prescriptions with Timothy Pape & Sam Woodrich 04/16/2026

Default Prescriptions with Timothy Pape & Sam Woodrich A couple years after our first conversation on artificial intelligence and ecological restoration, I sat back down with Timothy Pape and Sam Woodrich to ask: what’s actually happening now? Their new research looks at how mainstream AI chatbots generate restoration plans across North American ecosystems. The results are familiar; almost too familiar. Plant native species. Remove invasive plants. Repeat. A longer show title might be - Default Prescriptions: AI, Ecology, and the Stories We Repeat. In this follow-up conversation, I reconnect with Timothy Pape and Sam Woodrich to explore what’s changed—and what hasn’t. Their recent study examines how AI chatbots generate restoration prescriptions across different ecosystems, and what emerges is a kind of pattern recognition loop: vegetation-first, context-light, and strikingly similar across places that should demand very different approaches. Woodrich, S. T., & Pape, T. (2024). Ecological restoration and artificial intelligence: Whose values inform a project? Restoration Ecology, 32(4), e14128. We talk about why that happens, what it says about the knowledge systems AI is trained on, and how these tools may be reinforcing the dominant narratives already present in restoration ecology. Along the way, we get into: why AI defaults to “plant natives and remove invasives” the absence of social, cultural, and economic context in restoration plans the limits of chatbots when it comes to asking deeper questions how practitioners are actually using AI in the field (for better and worse) the risk of “convincingly shallow” answers and the paradox of using resource-intensive technology to plan ecological repair This episode sits at the intersection of ecology, technology, and values—and asks what happens when we let machines reflect our field back to us. Guests Timothy Pape Assistant Professor, Bowling Green State University Focus: ecological restoration, environmental studies, systems thinking Sam Woodrich PhD Candidate, Oregon State University Focus: predator ecology, riparian systems, restoration science Work With Me Interested in restoration strategy, climate adaptation, or ecological storytelling? Reach out through Madrone Grove Adaptation & Restoration - Read more reflections: (Substack) Music from this episode is from YouTube Audio Library: , Listen to the /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/40901460

Scapegoat with Clare Follmann 02/18/2026

grove & grit restoration brief on foraging & food sovereignty 02/12/2026

grove & grit restoration brief on foraging & food sovereignty Let's explore foraging as a living, contested relationship between ecology, culture, law, and survival. Beginning with za’atar - a resilient wild thyme central to Palestinian foodways - we examine how conservation policy can criminalize cultural harvest. From there, we move briefly through international access models (UK personal-use law, Nordic everyman’s rights, regulated European mushroom harvest), and closer to home: US National Parks, Washington State Parks, Seattle, and Tacoma. We unpack how language like management, stewardship, and resource protection can obscure power, and we ground the conversation in ecological restoration, justice, livelihoods, and human health. We also highlight examples of agencies attempting to align policy with principle and how there is a new story emerging that could signal change - if we demand it. Ultimately, the question remains: Who gets to eat from the land? Selected References & Policies Hernandez, J., & Vogt, K. A. (2020). Indigenizing Restoration: Indigenous Lands before Urban Parks. Human Biology, 92(1), 37–44. Society for Ecological Restoration. (2021). International principles and standards for the practice of ecological restoration (2nd ed.) United Nations. (2007). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). National Park Service. (2023). Tribal leaders guide for NPS plant gathering. Washington State Legislature. (2008). WAC 352-28-030: Harvest of edibles. Seattle Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations General park conduct and prohibited activities (including damage or removal of park property ➝ plants, trees, soil, etc.). Parks Tacoma Conduct in Parks City parks code regulating conduct on Tacoma park land including damage or removal of plants, shrubs, trees, etc. Support the Work Full show notes and additional essays live on the Grove & Grit Substack If this episode resonated, you can support treehugger podcast through the donation links in the show notes. Your contributions help cover research, editing, hosting, and independent production. Venmo: | PayPal: | CashApp: Ratings and reviews also help more people find the show. Music Intro/outro music by MK2 and Grey Room, courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/40083340

grove & grit restoration brief January 18, 2026 01/18/2026

grove & grit restoration brief January 18, 2026 grove & grit launches with local restoration in Hilltop, Dublin Bay oyster recovery, UN World Restoration Flagships, and an ecological reckoning on war, climate, and accountability — plus two essential upcoming reads from Emma Marris and Clare Follmann. This episode is released during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, grounding restoration work in a shared ethic of collective liberation. Local Action (Tacoma) Tacoma Tree Foundation - Green Blocks: Hilltop A neighborhood-based urban forestry program supporting residents with tree selection, permits, delivery, and planting assistance. 🔗 January 28 Webinar - “Plants as Teachers, Messengers & Climate Partners” A Tacoma Tree Foundation webinar with Michael Yadrick on habitat care as climate adaptation and what plants reveal about heat, water, and future conditions. 🗓 January 28, 2026 | 12–1 PM (PT) 🔗 International Restoration Dublin Bay Oyster Reef Restoration (Ireland) The Green Ocean Foundation is restoring European flat oyster reefs in Dún Laoghaire Harbour using broodstock baskets, volunteer maintenance, and scientific monitoring with Dublin City University. 🔗 UN World Restoration Flagships UNEP and FAO recognition of large-scale restoration initiatives anchored in Indigenous and local leadership, including shellfish reef recovery in Australia under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. 🔗 🔗 Harm & Repair Environmental reporting and analysis on how war damages soil, water, air, food systems, and long-term restoration capacity, with emerging efforts to document harm for accountability and repair. International Committee of the Red Cross — Environmental damage and armed conflict 🔗 UNEP — Environmental risks and devastation in Gaza 🔗 Environmental Law Institute — Environmental damage in Ukraine and paths to accountability 🔗 Good Reads Emma Marris et al. — “Many Pasts, Many Futures” (forthcoming) A future-oriented exploration of species reshuffling, conservation values, and how restoration can prevent extinctions without clinging to a single ecological past. 🔗 Clare Follmann — Scapegoat: What the Invasive Species Story Gets Wrong (AK Press, forthcoming) A sharp critique of invasive species narratives and how ecological fear stories can obscure deeper political and economic drivers of harm. 🔗 Music for this episode is from "Down the Rabbit Hole" found on YouTube Audio Library. /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/39776645

Forest History with Jennifer Ott 01/11/2026

Forest History with Jennifer Ott What happens when we trace the history of our forests? Not just through trees, but through people, policy, and place? In this episode, I talk with Jennifer Ott, Executive Director of , Washington’s free online encyclopedia of history. Jennifer is an environmental historian, author of Olmsted in Seattle: Creating a Park System for a Modern City, and co-author of Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal. She brings a deep knowledge of Seattle’s reshaped landscapes; it's filled tidelands, leveled hills, and rechanneled rivers, and a lifelong commitment to accessible public history. We dig into HistoryLink’s new Forest History Project, a wide-ranging effort to tell the story of Washington’s forests through essays, oral histories, and educational curricula. Funded by the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the project includes over a dozen new feature essays - from Indigenous land stewardship to timber company towns, the Douglas fir to the Northwest Forest Plan - as well as 15 interviews with key figures from forestry, conservation, and tribal leadership. We talk about the relationship between ecological change and historical narrative, the legacies of environmental thinkers, and how public history can shape our understanding of climate adaptation, land stewardship, and just futures. This conversation is a reminder that forests are more than trees; they’re stories, struggles, and visions of what’s possible. Resources and Links Forest History Project (HistoryLink): Learn more about Olmsted in Seattle: Creating A Park System for a Modern City Seattle at 150: Stories of the City Through 150 Objects Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal This episode features music from The Grey Room / Golden Palms. Find more at: Upcoming Event: Plants as Teachers I’ll be giving a talk on January 28, called Plants as Teachers, Messengers and Climate Partners: Habitat Care and Adaptation in a Warming World, hosted by Tacoma Tree Foundation. As climate change reshapes our ecosystems, ecological restorationist Michael Yadrick invites us to rethink so-called “weeds” as allies in adaptation, revealing how plants respond to stress, guide our land care decisions, and help us imagine better futures. Register here: Support the Podcast + Connect Treehugger Podcast is a labor of love. If you’d like to help me cover costs and keep episodes like this one flowing, you can support the show here: Venmo: PayPal: CashApp: /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/39690275

Urban Evolution with Liz Carlen 11/29/2025

Urban Evolution with Liz Carlen In this episode, Michael talks with evolutionary biologist and urban ecologist Dr. Elizabeth Carlen about how cities - shaped by war, politics, religion, and everything in between - are evolving alongside the wildlife that calls them home. Liz is an urban evolutionary biologist whose research explores how human social structures, from redlining to sacred groves, shape the genetics, behavior, and survival of city-dwelling creatures like squirrels and pigeons. We dive into the often-overlooked ways that social histories leave their mark not just on human communities, but on the DNA of the animals that live among us. From prayer animal releases and colonial land grabs to the silent corridors of segregation - era parks, we trace how the built environment (and the power structures behind it) drive biological change. Together, we explore how urban wildlife, often seen as out-of-place or alien, can actually reveal deep truths about the endurance of life, adaptation, and the stories we tell ourselves about nature in cities. From the sidewalks of New York to the treetops of St. Louis and the birds of Mexico City, this is a rich and fascinating conversation on the entangled evolution of people and animals in the urban jungle. Episode Links The Conversation article: Dr. Elizabeth Carlen’s website: Nature Cities review article "Legacy effects of religion, politics and war on urban evolutionary biology": Stay Connected Explore this episode and others at , or reach out anytime at . Follow us on social media: Support Treehugger Podcast It takes a community to keep this independent podcast going. If you value the conversations we’re having, consider donating to help cover the small but real overhead costs: PayPal: Venmo: CashApp: Subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite platform to help others find these conversations. And of course, tell a friend. Music from the episode: MK2, /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/39205655

My Head for a Tree with Martin Goodman 05/15/2025

My Head for a Tree with Martin Goodman 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 tending, still fighting for the beings and ecosystems that sustain us all. Martin shares the serendipitous journey that brought him to the Bishnoi, the profound lessons he learned among them, and the creation of his new book, . We talk about devotion, care as daily practice, the ecology of love, and what it means to live in relationship with the smallest creatures. We hope this conversation reminds you: Love is not only an action. It is also a meditation. A daily practice of belonging. A vow, renewed again and again, to defend life-affirming practices. ✨ Highlights include: The origin story behind the term "treehugger" and why it still matters today The 29 rules of the Bishnoi faith: a life built around ecological care The emotional and spiritual legacy of Amrita Devi’s sacrifice How the Bishnoi resist extractive forces with devotion and fierce tenderness Reflections on love as an ecosystem, not just an emotion How we can follow the Bishnoi’s example without appropriating their sacred ways 🌱 Resources and Links: 📚 Buy My Head for a Tree by Martin Goodman: 📖 Learn more about Martin Goodman, the author of twelve books of award-winning nonfiction and fiction, including Client Earth and Suffer & Survive. He is emeritus professor of Creative Writing at the University of Hull and the director of the Philip Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing. Martin lives between Los Angeles and London with his husband, environmentalist and Zen priest James Thornton. Martin Goodman's 🌿 Subscribe to Grit & Grove: — my essays and reflections on planetary health, justice and ecological restoration, and imagining better ecological futures. 🎶 Listen to the 🌼 About the My Head for a Tree Co-Contributors: Ram Niwas Bishnoi Budhnagar is a leading Bishnoi activist, former leader of the Bishnoi Tiger Force, and president of the Youth Congress of Jodhpur. His work continues the Bishnoi tradition of fiercely protecting trees, animals, and ecosystems across Rajasthan and beyond. 💌 If you loved this episode... Please consider sharing it with a friend, a loved one, or someone who might be looking for new ways to imagine care and belonging. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, or simply telling someone, "Hey, this made me think differently about what love can look like." Your listening, your sharing, your tending — it all matters. Thank you for being here. 🌿 /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/36573850

Giants on New Ground with Philip Stielstra 01/26/2025

Giants on New Ground with Philip Stielstra 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 production, low natural regeneration, and the ecological and ethical considerations of introducing these species to non-native environments. Insights into Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship and how they inform restoration practices. Propagation Nation’s Redwood Test Plot Grant Initiative, which studies the viability of these iconic trees in new environments. This episode builds on themes from previous treehugger podcast episodes featuring Dr. Sally Aitken on , Chelsey Armstrong on Forest Gardens and , and last but not least the episode exploring the cultural dimensions of climate adaptation. Access key resources: website; Appendix 1 Selection of Seeds and Other Propagules for Restoration of the; and, the. These key documents guide practitioners in selecting seeds and propagules for restoration projects, focusing on genetic diversity, climate-resilient traits, and future climatic scenarios. Key Takeaways: Assisted migration is an essential strategy for adapting forests to climate change, ensuring that both trees and ecosystems can thrive in evolving conditions. By blending science, ethics, and community involvement, we can create adaptive ecosystems for tomorrow’s challenges. Coast redwoods and giant sequoias represent not just ecological resilience but also a vision of hope for future forests. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media @treehuggerpod to share your thoughts and continue the conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Treehugger Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows! /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/35009165

A Natural History of Empty Lots with Christopher Brown 11/23/2024

Ecosystem Monitoring with Dylan Mendenhall 10/26/2024

medicinal weeds: rethinking integrated pest management 10/22/2024

medicinal weeds: rethinking integrated pest management 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, while offering insights into their potential contributions to ecosystems, medicinal practices, and more. Key Topics Discussed: The impact-focused traditional approach of integrated pest management (IPM) The often-overlooked benefits of non-native species Political ecology and how power relations influence our views on species The relationship between ecological restoration and cultural responsiveness Medicinal uses of “weeds” and their place in autonomous healing practices How rethinking our language around invasive species can shift our environmental practices Further Reading and Resources: For those interested in diving deeper into the topics covered in this episode, here are some recommended readings and resources: "Just Language" Project Learn more about how changing the language we use around species management can transform our ecological and cultural approaches. Herbal Astrology Oracle Deck by Anima Mundi and Ayana Ayales This oracle deck ties together herbalism, astrology, and ancient wisdom, making connections between plants, their medicinal uses, and astrological influences. A fun, creative way to learn more about the plants discussed in this episode. More on "Honorable Harvest" – Robin Wall Kimmerer For more on indigenous perspectives, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s concept of the Honorable Harvest offers valuable ethical guidelines for interacting with nature. "” by Gabrielle Doiran This paper explores the tensions surrounding invasive species management and advocates for a justice-centered approach to environmental restoration, incorporating ideas of multispecies entanglements and caring for invasive species. "" by Dov Sachs et al. A framework that examines both the positive and negative impacts of non-native species on ecosystems, highlighting their contributions to social cohesion, food production, climate change mitigation, and mental health. Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us continue bringing you insightful conversations on ecological restoration and the healing power of nature. Follow Us: Instagram: | email: Music for this episode courtesy of and /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/33575602

Seed Banks and Ecological Memory 07/07/2024

Artificial Intelligence and Ecological Restoration with Sam Woodrich and Timothy Pape 06/03/2024

Artificial Intelligence and Ecological Restoration with Sam Woodrich and Timothy Pape 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 means for the environment and society. Episode Segments 1. Introducing the Experts Meet Sam Woodrich, a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, and Dr. Timothy Pape, a postdoctoral research associate at Bowling Green State University. Both bring a wealth of knowledge in environmental and social sciences and share their insights on AI in ecological restoration. Woodrich, Samuel T., and Timothy Pape. "." Restoration Ecology (2024): e14128. 2. Exploring AI in Ecological Restoration An overview of how AI is currently being utilized in ecological restoration projects. This segment covers practical applications, from predictive modeling to species identification. 3. Bridging the Gap: AI Tools as Assistants Discussion on AI tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app and iNaturalist, and how they assist in ecological monitoring and data collection. The segment emphasizes the collaborative potential between AI and human expertise. 4. Debating AI's Role and Impact A critical look at the limitations and biases of AI in ecological restoration. This segment explores the ethical considerations and the need for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with AI-driven methods. 5. Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? An exploration of AI’s potential benefits and risks. The experts discuss whether AI can be a reliable partner in restoration efforts or if it poses significant challenges that need to be carefully managed. 6. Looking to the Future: AI, Restoration, and Beyond Insights into future advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on ecological restoration. The segment highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive management in leveraging AI for sustainable outcomes. 7. Wrapping Up and Rapid Fire Questions A fun and engaging wrap-up segment where the experts answer rapid-fire questions, sharing personal anecdotes and their visions for the future of AI in ecological restoration. Read more for yourself at A growing number of articles provide an overview of the current state and potential of AI in ecological restoration, addressing both the technical capabilities and the ethical considerations involved. It takes a community to keep a podcast like this going. As an independent show, every contribution makes a difference. If you'd like to support us, you can donate via and and and your generosity helps cover the small overhead costs of producing the show. Music from the episode is /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/31571217

Ecological Forestry with Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hanson 04/29/2024

Ecological Forestry with Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hanson 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 enhancement, and watershed protection. Kirk Hanson is an experienced forest educator and pracitioner, skilled in guiding forest owners to managed their land sustainably. He has worked with a variety of landowners, and also blogs about his own family's experiences managing 200 acres of forestland in the South Puget Sound. As a journalist, Seth Zuckerman reported extensively on forests, salmon and the human communities that depend on them. He also serves as Executive Director of Northwest Natural Resources Group, and he is author of several books, including Saving Our Ancient Forests and Salmon Nation. During our conversation, Seth and Kirk discuss how ecological forestry differs from conventional industrial forestry, advocating for practices that prioritize ecosystem health and long-term sustainability. They share personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of interventions like thinning to promote forest resilience, especially in the face of climate change. Their book and work aim to empower forest landowners with the knowledge and tools to become responsible stewards of their land, promoting ecological health and resilience for the benefit of both people and the environment. As we explore the balance between human intervention and natural processes in forest management, Seth and Kirk address common questions and misconceptions about forest management, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers long-term ecological health and diverse benefits for future generations. They highlight the role of ecological diversity in promoting economic resilience and offer practical advice for forest observation and engagement. A Forest of Your Own book Keeping Up with the Hansons Blog You can donate to help cover the small overhead for the show. @myadrick via and and . Music from the show | Gunnar Olson | /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/31025823

Restoration & Herbalism United with Natalie Hammerquist 03/25/2024

Restoration & Herbalism United with Natalie Hammerquist 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 Natalie's emphasis on the importance of collaboration between restorationists and herbalists to ensure sustainable caretaking and the preservation of plant resources. Natalie also shares her personal journey into herbalism, shaped by her own health struggles during college, and highlights the diverse approaches within herbalism, blending scientific methodologies with traditional wisdom. Additionally, Natalie sheds light on the regulatory disparities between the United States and Europe, emphasizing the need for advocacy and education to support herbalism and holistic health practices. She offers insights into her forthcoming book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest," which aims to provide practical guidance and visual aids for identifying medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of accurate plant identification and ethical harvesting practices. We dig into topics such as the significance of timing in harvesting, ethical considerations inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's concept of the Honorable Harvest, and the therapeutic properties of plants like knotweed, blackberry, and hawthorn. Natalie advocates for sustainable harvesting practices that balance the benefits and impacts of these plants, promoting a mindful approach that honors the interconnectedness of all living beings and fosters responsibility for the wider environment. Adiantum School of Plant Medicine | Natalie will be presenting her new book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species," at Third Place Books in Seward Park on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 7:00pm. Music from this show: | /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/30524488

Ivyland with Toby Query 10/02/2023

Ivyland with Toby Query 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 microclimates, and contributes to carbon sequestration. Additionally, it has several human benefits, including air purification, aesthetic appeal, thermal regulation, stress reduction, and medicinal uses. The podcast explores ivy's role in herbal remedies, emphasizing its traditional uses in respiratory health, anti-inflammatory properties, skin health, antioxidant effects, and wound healing. Then in a detailed conversation, treehugger guest, Toby Query, discusses the complexity of his relationship with ivy. We explore ivy's growth patterns, methods of removal such as mechanical means and herbicides, and concerns about the environmental impact of these methods. The conversation delves into the benefits of ivy, such as supporting wildlife and contributing to soil moisture and the mycorrhizal network. The need for a context-specific approach to ivy management is emphasized, challenging myths and emphasizing the importance of further research. Ultimately, ivy is recognized as a diverse and ecologically important plant with cultural and historical significance. Toby Query is an ecologist based in Portland, known for his extensive work in the city's Revegetation Program since 1999. He focuses on stewarding natural areas, particularly the Shwah kuk wetlands, in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Toby is also the founder of Portland Ecologists Unite!, a group which created spaces to learn, discuss, and connect over current ecological issues. He holds a certification as a Senior Ecologist from the Ecological Society of America and is an active contributor to website. Toby has a passion for mycelial networks and is engaged in learning and teaching about fungi. peruse the scientific literature on Hedera helix via , new select articles below: Detommaso, M., Costanzo, V., Nocera, F., & Evola, G. (2023). Building and Environment, 110769. Lukas, K., Dötterl, S., Ayasse, M., & Burger, H. (2023). . Chemoecology, 1-9. Milliken, W. (2023). . Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 26, 1-32. Sax, D. F., Schlaepfer, M. A., & Olden, J. D. (2022). , 37(12), 1058-1066. Vercruysse, W., Kunnen, K., Gomes, C. L., Marchal, W., Cuypers, A., & Vandamme, D. (2023). . Waste and Biomass Valorization, 1-12. Read Indigenous scholarship! Wehi, P. M., Kamelamela, K. L., Whyte, K., Watene, K., & Reo, N. (2023). People and Nature. It takes a community to keep a podcast going. I am totally independent, and you can donate to help cover the small overhead for the show. @myadrick via and and . Subscribe, rate and review the show please on whichever podcast platform you enjoy listening to. It helps people find the show. Or tell a friend about the show. Music for this episode is from and /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/28205771

Climate Resilience with Kylie Flanagan 07/16/2023

Climate Resilience with Kylie Flanagan Kyle Flanagan asks us how we can truly address the roots of the climate crisis, and how we can keep each other safe in the years to come—while making sure that no one gets left behind. She wrote Climate Resilience, robust with short essays edited from interviews with 39 individuals who have been cultivating resilience for decades. There is a chapter dedicated to ecological restoration and issues related to river restoration, shifting the framing of environmental injustices, soil health, community composting and good fire. Intersecting with restoration, Kylie and the cohort of climate imaginaries foreground skills required in a warming world - relationship repair, participatory & decentralized economics, collective care, community adaptation, cultural strategy and people power. Kylie is a climate communicator and the executive director of a small, climate justice-focused foundation. Originally from Miwok lands in the California Bay Area, she currently resides on Munsee Lenape lands in New York City. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College and received a master’s in sustainability solutions from Presidio Graduate School. Driven by a desire to make the world more delicious, beautiful, joyous, and just, she has dabbled in goat midwifery, cheesemaking, tiny house architecture and construction, supper club hosting, edible landscaping, sustainable business consulting, and most recently, writing Climate Resilience. and (that launches in early August). Climate Resilience features voices of Native Rights activists, queer ecologists, Gen-Z organizers, urban farmers, and others on the front lines: Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Ruth Miller, Niria Alicia, Morgan Curtis, Casey Camp-Horinek, Victoria Montaño, Heather Rosenberg, Cate Mingoya, Didi Pershouse, Ceci Pineda, Margo Robbins, Doria Robinson, Cassia Herron, Marta Ceroni, Crystal Huang, Moji Igun, Deseree Fontenot, Jacqueline Thanh, Janelle St. John, Miriam Belblidia, Lil Milagro Henriquez, Amee Raval, Marcie Roth, Eileen V. Quigley, Natalie Hernandez, Mindy Blank, Chief Shirell Parfait-Dardar, Eve Mosher, Irfana Jetha Noorani, Melissa Reyes, Patty Berne, Selin Nurgun, Sekita Grant, Mara Ventura, Kavaangsaar Afcan, Olivia Juarez, Sona Mohnot, Kailea Frederick, and Dominique Thomas Michael's podcast recommendations & It takes a community to keep a podcast going. I am totally independent, and you can donate to help cover the small overhead costs for the show via and and . Music from the show and /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/27475596

Renaming a Natural History Museum with Grace Maria Eberhardt 07/09/2023

Finding Justice in Novel Ecosystems with Mel Pineda-Pinto 06/27/2023

Finding Justice in Novel Ecosystems with Mel Pineda-Pinto Despite rapid environmental change, the foremost approach to ecological restoration is to find the elusive, historically-appropriate reference ecosystem as the target of ecosystem recovery. But, the emergence of novel ecosystems beckons new ecological science and political ecology as surprising species’ relationships flourish out of dramatic anthropogenic change. There has been (maybe there still is) a debate within ecological restoration about both the existence of and how to restore ecosystems that some people think have crossed thresholds with no historical analog. Ecosystems that have ‘tipped’ or exhibit ‘new’ nature challenge our training and ecological theories while eliciting perspectives on what we value and respect, such as biodiversity and access. Mel PIneda-Pinto explores nature-based solutions, with a particular focus on issues of justice in ecosystems often overlooked and found in interstitial spaces, sometimes characterized as ruderal, wild, wastelands or unintentional. She is currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Trinity College Dublin on the project in which they are co-designing an online citizen science tool to better understand novel ecosystems in cities. Mel has experience in social research methods, inter-transdisciplinary collaboration, systems thinking and exploring human-nonhuman nature interactions. Previous architectural and planning experience in the industry and not-for-profit sectors gave her skills in design, project management, stakeholder engagement, and technical abilities. Her research interests include urban ecological sustainability, urban ecology, social-ecological-technical systems, environmental and ecological justice, transformative capacity, sustainability, climate and just transitions, environmental and multispecies planning/design. Connect with Novel Eco and on Twitter Pineda-Pinto, Melissa, et al. "" Urban Forestry & Urban Greening (2023): 127902. Gandy, Matthew. "." Landscape Research 41.4 (2016): 433-440. Hobbs, Richard J., et al. "" Global ecology and biogeography 15.1 (2006): 1-7. Kowarika, I. "" Environmental Pollution 159.8/9 (2011): 1974-1983. Music from the show , , and /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/27284307

How We Exist With and Amongst Each Other with Renata Kamakura 01/01/2023

Invasive Resistance (treehugger solo) 11/19/2022

A Kids Guide to Ecological Restoration with Elise Gornish 08/01/2022

The Rise of Ecological Restoration with Laura J Martin 07/12/2022

Plunging Puget Sound with Renate Rain 06/23/2022

Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science with Dr. Jessica Hernandez 06/13/2022

Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science with Dr. Jessica Hernandez This is the episode where we discuss Indigenous Science with Binnizá & Maya Ch’orti’ scholar Dr. Jessica Hernandez. Dr. Hernandez is a transnational Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. Her work is grounded in her Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing with a background that ranges from marine sciences, land restoration, environmental physics and justice. Currently, one can find her completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Washington Bothell, a Climate Justice Policy Strategist at the International Mayan League and the Environmental Justice Representative on the City of Seattle’s Urban Forestry Commission. Dr. Hernandez has been finding her way in academia and academy hasn’t always embraced her ways of knowing and engaging with Western science. She has published some inspiring articles and is recent author of Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes with Indigenous Science. She weaves powerful personal stories and family histories that expand our conception of Indigeneity while centering ecofeminist voices of women, non-binary relationships and protectors of lands and waters. It also blends sharp and cogent critiques of western conservationism while also offering Indigenous models informed by case studies and a framework that elevates Indigenous leadership. Working at the nexus of climate science and justice Jessica tells us she is in the process of writing her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate. Our conversation wanders from talking about her journey to becoming a scientist, supporting Indigenous-led movements that seek self-determination and autonomy, her current research at the intersection of energy and equity, specifically climate science to climate refugees. We also look back at efforts of hers in Seattle that informed her dissertation about Indigenizing Restoration in urban parks. Doctora Nature , and Native Land is an app to help map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages Hernandez, J. (2022) - North Atlantic Books. Hernandez, J., Meisner, J., Bardosh, K., & Rabinowitz, P. (2022). . The Lancet Planetary Health, 6(5), e381-e382. Hernandez, J., & Vogt, K. A. (2020). Human biology, 92(1), 37-44. It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via and and Music on the show was from , , and Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter Review /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/23418449

Rethinking Invasive with Jenny Liou 05/07/2022

A Rewilding of American Letters with Dr. Laura Smith 04/23/2022

A Rewilding of American Letters with Dr. Laura Smith Dr. Laura Smith is a geographer at the University of Exeter, U.K. She works across cultural geography and the environmental humanities, with research interests in ecological restoration and rewilding, the history and conservation of U.S. public lands, national parks, American literature, and environmental protest and activism. and Her first book, Ecological Restoration and the U.S. Nature and Environmental Writing Tradition: A Rewilding of American Letters, was published earlier this year, on the American environmental writers Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and Edward Abbey, looking at how the connections between writers and places, and the texts produced, have helped shape ecological restoration programs. Dr Smith takes us on an exploration of the entanglements between these famed writers and the places they focused they’re writing on presented in her own storying—restorying—restoring framework on early American environmental literature. From her unique perspective, Dr. Smith lays out an intricate human geography that she says lead to and continues to impart “literary interventions in restoration politics.” She shows us how these early writings have been used and recycled far and wide by conservationists, activities, policymakers to defend U.S. public lands and ideas about wilderness, restoration and rewilding. The takeaway is that we should pay attention to environmental writing, because it has a powerful role in guiding references for restoration, practice on the ground or contributing to policy debates. These are the legends baked into our origin stories, ethical intentions, organizational missions and politics. This discussion is an opportunity to crack those letters open again to ponder where we came from collectively and reinvigorate our imaginations about what exactly we are conserving and with whom we are comrades in restoration. Walden Woods Project: Restore Hetch Hetchy: Aldo Leopold Foundation: Friends of the Everglades: Glen Canyon Institute: Penguin Green Ideas book series: Eden Project: It takes a community to keep a podcast going. Donate to the show @myadrick via and and Music on the show was from and , and . Tell a few friends about the show and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter Review /episode/index/show/treehugger/id/22884479

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