Ep. 68 - From Seed to Orchid: A Behind the Scenes Look at Orchid Conservation

Growing orchids from seed is no simple task. It's not a matter of throwing seeds in soil and waiting for nature to take its course. That is where people like Matt Richards come in. Using specific laboratory techniques, Matt has made a career out of propagating rare and endangered orchids from all over the world. His efforts have led to amazing conservation efforts that are working towards restoring native orchid populations in places like Georgia and Florida. Join me for a fascinating discussion about what it takes to grow and orchid and find out what places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden are doing to save some of our most precious botanical treasures. This episode was produced in part by Mark and Gregory.

Click here to learn more about plant conservation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Click here to learn more about the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance.

Click here to support this podcast.

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 67 - For the Love of Moss

For Dr. Lily Lewis, a love for mosses came early. This passion for bryophytes has taken her far up into Alaska and all the way down into Subarctic Chile. She has made some incredible discoveries along the way. From the feces of mammals to the feathers of birds, Dr. Lewis and her collaborators have uncovered some incredible aspects of moss ecology no one knew existed. Join us for a fascinating discussion about these underrated plants and learn how moss conservation may have serious consequences for ecosystem health. This episode was produced in part my Mark and Gregory. 

Follow Dr. Lewis on Twitter

Read more about Dr. Lewis' work

Click here to support this podcast

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 50 - Restoration Ecology with Author Paddy Woodworth

Restoration ecology represents a juxtaposition between science, the public, and human values. It is often a hot button topic full of strong and sometimes contentious opinions. The practice itself offers humanity a chance to regain what has been lost, to right at least some of our environmental wrongs. Whereas the science of restoration is in its infancy, the effort has been ongoing, sometimes for decades. Author Paddy Woodworth has written a wonderful book on the subject called "Our Once and Future Planet." He joins us for a thoughtful discussion regarding what he has learned about the subject after a decade of investigating it. As you will hear, he demonstrates just how complex the very idea of restoration can be, especially in a century of rapidly changing climate. This episode was produced in part by Allan of Kenosha, WI. 

Click here to pick up your own copy of "Our Once and Future Planet."

Click here to learn more about Paddy Woodworth

Click here to support this podcast

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 35 - Soils

Soil is the black box of terrestrial ecology. Despite its importance, we know very little about it. That is where people like Dr. Elizabeth Bach come in. Her work on soil ecology is shedding light on some of what makes soil so special. Join us for an enlightening discussion about this wonderful substance. 

Dr. Bach's website - www.soilorganicmatters.org

Twitter - @soilorgmatters

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 21 - The Birds And The Seeds

I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Coweeta Hydrologic Lab's Summer Meeting. There I attended a day long seminar series showcasing the different kinds of research going on in the basin. One of these talks was given by Dr. Robert Warren regarding a novel form of seed dispersal involving birds. I know what you're thinking and no this doesn't have to do with berries. Bonus Q & A session at the end! 

Dr. Robert Warren's Website

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 16 - Plants, Pack Rats, and Paleoclimate

Novel approaches are always fun. Nowhere is this more apparent than in today's podcast. I am joined by Dr. Camille Holmgren from SUNY Buffalo State to talk about her research reconstructing ancient desert climates using pack rat middens. Join us for a fun and interesting discussion that will take you back thousands of years in the past. 

Click here to read more about Dr. Holmgren's work

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 13 - Conifers, Mountains, and Life as an Ecologist in Training

This week I take some time to catch up with an old friend. Melissa and I met while training for a seed collection job out west and since then she has been quite busy working on an advanced degree in ecology. We talk about her work in the so-called "Miracle Mile," which is a hotspot for conifer diversity and just how lucky we are to be pursuing a career investigating the natural world. It's always nice to see people who are passionate about the natural world. 

Read more about the Miracle Mile here. 

Music by Moneycat