A Natural History of Empty Lots with Christopher Brown

About this episode

In this episode, Michael T Yadrick interviews Christopher Brown about the hidden ecosystems and cultural narratives in urban empty lots.

treehugger podcast is 5 years old this month! In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Brown, author of A Natural History of Empty Lots, to uncover the stories hidden in the overlooked spaces of our cities. Christopher shares his unique perspective on urban landscapes—vacant lots, overgrown alleys, and forgotten corners—revealing the vibrant ecosystems and cultural narratives thriving within them. Drawing on his experience as a speculative fiction writer, he challenges us to rethink the value of these unintentional landscapes and their role in shaping our connection to the wider world. We discuss themes from his book, including the intersections of biodiversity, ecological restoration, and the unexpected beauty found in urban spaces. Christopher also reflects on how his dystopian fiction background shaped his views on resilience, adaptation, and our responsibility to imagine better futures. Whether you're an urban dweller, a nature enthusiast, or just curious about the life teeming in the margins of your city, this conversation will leave you inspired to see your environment through a new lens. Links and Resources Christopher Brown's Website: christopherbrown.com Field…

People in this episode

Host: Michael T Yadrick

Guest: Christopher Brown

Topics covered

• urban ecology
• biodiversity
• ecological restoration
• urban landscapes
• cultural narratives
• speculative fiction

Keywords

• empty lots
• urban spaces
• ecosystems
• cultural narratives
• dystopian fiction
• resilience
• adaptation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: treehugger podcast, Living Planet Index, Kevin Macleod, Go By Oce

Books & works: A Natural History of Empty Lots

Places: urban landscapes

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