Conservation Connection

Having spent more than 7000 hours underwater, Dr. Sylvia Earle has some incredible stories to tell about life under the sea! In the final episode of season 9 we sit down at EarthX2024 with one of the biggest names in ocean conservation EVER, Dr. Sylvia Earle! Listen in to hear how she fell in love with the ocean, what it's like to follow the same eel everyday for weeks, and what you can do to protect life on our planet. If you want to check out Mission Blue, click HERE

When he learned that 95% of California's kelp forests had disappeared in the past 10 years, Adam Hussain devised a plan to put his underwater film skills to use saving the ecosystem that he loved! This week we sit down at EarthX with the director of the upcoming documentary Seaforestation to learn about the critical role that kelp forests play in the oceans and how researchers and citizens across the globe are solving the threats that kelp forests face! Check out the trailer to Seaforestation HERE

We interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Conservation Connection to bring you this special crossover episode with Crystal DiMiceli of the Forces For Nature Podcast and The Healthy Seas Podcast! Listen in for a sneak peak of Season 10 and to discover another incredible podcast!

Over 300 species rely on the Gopher Tortoise - and its burrows - to survive! This week we chat with disturbance ecologist Barbara Blonder at Flagler College to learn about the struggles and survival tactics of coastal gopher tortoises! She uses her research and her position as City Commissioner to help St. Augustine make the best possible management decisions.

EXGREEN20 We're wrapping up this season with some big changes, some quick announcements, and a conversation on the value of collaboration! Check back on April 2nd for the start of our next season when we'll be investigating coastal conservation in the American southeast, and come see us at EarthX in Dallas from April 22 to April 26th! Visit EarthX.org to buy passes, and don't forget to use discount code EXGREEN20 to get 20% off! Reach out to us on our instagram @ConservationConnection

On Georgia's southern border lies the Okefenokee Swamp, our nation's largest intact blackwater wetland. For thousands of years it's been a place of refuge and recreation, but modern industry is threatening to change it forever. Listen in this week to Deborah Reed (Reed's Grocery Store) and Rena Peck (Georgia River Network) as we discuss the value of the Okefenokee and the dangers that are threatening its future! www.ProtectOkefenokee.org www.GARivers.org

What's the point of studying our environment if we never take time to enjoy it? This week we sit with local student and river enthusiast Caroline Ellmer to hear her perspective of growing up on the Chattahoochee River and why it's so important to love where you live! Thank you to ⁠⁠Nia Impact Capital⁠⁠ for sponsoring this live recording!

As it turns out, not all crayfish are created equal; some species dig holes, some species displace others, and some species can only be positively identified by their genitals during breeding season! This week we welcome back Dr. Troy Keller of CSU to peek behind the curtain at the massive biodiversity of crayfish in the Southeastern US and how invasive species are changing the ecosystem. Thank you to Nia Impact Capital for sponsoring this live recording!

What lies at the intersection of social justice, environmental issues, and sustainability? Listen in as Dr. Michael Dorsey, the director and chair of the Rob and Melanie Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University, joins the podcast to discuss pressing issues surrounding environmental justice, sustainability, and the urgent need for a transition to green energy. We dive into the pervasive challenges of environmental racism and the disproportionate impact of pollution on marginalized communities, not only in the United States but around the world. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Dorsey's insights shed light on the path towards a healthier planet, demonstrating that the "good stuff" can indeed be profitable and sustainable! Click here to learn about ASU's Sustainability Solutions Service: https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/sustainabilitysolutions/ Click here to learn more about our nonprofit: ConservationConnection.co

How can the average homeowner or renter best take charge of their own climate contributions? Meet Lauren Fraser, co-founder of Canopy! Her organization is committed to helping everyday people decarbonize their lifestyles, from individual households to entire communities! Listen in to learn how Canopy is providing resources, local contractor recommendations, and concierge support to bridge the gap between intention and action in the quest for greener living. If you'd like to learn more about Canopy, click here: https://canopyclimate.com/ If you'd like to learn more about our nonprofit, click here: ConservationConnection.co

This week we sit down with David Banks to hear about his inspiring journey through the world of conservation and environmental advocacy! David is the Chief Conservation Officer of The Nature Conservancy, a global leader in protecting our planet's precious lands and waters. Listen in as we explore the value of nature, from its breathtaking beauty to the life-sustaining services it provides. Discover how conservation efforts are evolving to tackle the urgent challenges of our time, and learn how you too can make a positive impact, whether you're a seasoned environmental enthusiast or just beginning your journey towards a greener, more sustainable world. Tune in and get inspired to take action for the planet we all call home! If you'd like to learn more about the Nature Conservancy, click here: Nature.org If you'd like to learn more about our nonprofit, click here: ConservationConnection.co

How are shifting consumer trends changing the ways that businesses think about our future? Listen in to this week's conversation with Jaime Nack, founder and President of Three Squares Inc, a consulting firm that helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals! From major music festivals to the Democratic National Convention, Three Squares Inc has worked with titans of industry to improve their environmental impact and protect the future of our planet! Jaime also helps lead Arctic Expeditions to educate and engage global leaders in climate action and sustainability efforts, taking them to the Arctic to witness the impacts of climate change firsthand. These up-close and personal interactions with the environment then inspire these influential people to lead the battle for our changing planet! To read Jaime's article on LinkedIn click here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/looking-jumpstart-your-environmental-career-you-alone-jaime-nack/?trackingId=e9W95ARlTa2h3BG%2Bn5xQJg%3D%3D To visit Three Squares Inc's website click here: http://www.threesquaresinc.com/ To watch the glacier calving video on youtube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdtNzI54SuA

How can we repurpose waste products of the timber industry to capture carbon, improve soil, and generate electricity? In this episode of Conservation Connection, we dive into the world of carbon sequestration with Lauren Breynaert, the Public Affairs Director of MYNO Carbon! MYNO Carbon is a recent startup with an innovative process which transforms waste biomass, including timber residuals and agricultural waste, into biochar – a highly porous material that sequesters carbon for up to a thousand years. Lauren shares how biochar supports regenerative agriculture, reduces carbon emissions, and fosters growth in timber economies. Biochar improves water retention and soil health, and can filter toxins in stormwater infrastructure. On top of all theses positive benefits, MYNO Carbon is partnering with power utilities to convert the waste heat from their manufacturing process into electricity that can power thousands of homes! Tune in to discover this remarkable carbon removal solution and its multi-faceted impact. Click here to learn more about MYNO Carbon: https://mynocarbon.com/ Click here to learn more about our nonprofit: ConservationConnection.co