For What It's Earth
By Marissa Jacobs - The Art of Ecology
For What It's EarthMar 15, 2022
Turkey Tails: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about Trametes versicolor, our fungi for the season, the Turkey Tail fungi! We'll talk about ways to differentiate between the true Turkey Tail and the False Turkey Tail crust fungi, how to identify mushrooms using characteristics such as spore prints, cap color and texture, and habitat, what the Doctrine of Signatures is in herbalism, and how to powder the fungi to use to make delicious and nutritious hot cocoa!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Identifying Amber Jelly Fungus to Eat in Rice Video
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Dandelion Root: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion! We'll talk about the difference between introduced naturalized plants vs. introduced invasive species, how to ID the member of the Aster family, the role that dandelions play in soil health, and how to turn their roasted roots into a delicious latte!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Trails-to-Tasting: Dandelion Latte | Trails-to-Tasting Foraging Book (great for gift-giving or getting inspired for holiday get together punch bowls!) | Dandelion Anatomy Under the Microscope Video | Dandelion Ice Cream Video Tutorial
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Crabapples: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Quercus genus, which consists of oak trees, and the acorns that they produce. We'll talk about native oak tree seed dispersers, how to ID the tree from bark, to leaf, to acorn, how to leech out tannins, and how to turn acorn flesh into a delicious, earthy-sweet flour to use in baking!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Trails-to-Tasting: Crabapple Mimosa Tutorial | Trails-to-Tasting Foraging Book (great for gift-giving or getting inspired for holiday get together punch bowls!)
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Acorns: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Quercus genus, which consists of oak trees, and the acorns that they produce. We'll talk about native oak tree seed dispersers, how to ID the tree from bark, to leaf, to acorn, how to leech out tannins, and how to turn acorn flesh into a delicious, earthy-sweet flour to use in baking!
- Links: The Art of Ecology
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Smartweed: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Buckwheat family, focusing on Pennsylvania Smartweed, a commonly found plant across the United States. We'll talk about what plant anatomy and how to identify a sepal, the benefits of spicy foods, identifying and foraging invasive look-alikes and related species, and how to prepare this peppery-tasting plant!
- Links: The Art of Ecology
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Autumn Olive: Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on the how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Autumn Olive, what it means to be an invasive plant and how to mitigate invasive species spread, the benefits of lycopene, a carotenoid found in their fruits, and how to prepare this super vibrant and bright tasting fruit!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Trails-to-Tasting "Lip Pucker Shots"
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Birch Trees: a Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on the how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the birch (Betula sp.), their status as a native North American riparian zone and wetland tree, the herbal & nutritional benefits of of the twigs and bark tissue, how to harvest the bark with property pruning techniques, as well as how to prepare this minty/earthy plant!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Trails-to-Tasting "Birch Bubbly"
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Spicebush: A Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on the how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), their status as a native North American host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly, the herbal & nutritional benefits of of the leaves and drupes, the difference between a drupe and a berry, as well as how to prepare this autumnal-spicy herb!
- Links: The Art of Ecology
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Goldenrod: a Fall Foraging Feast
Join me for a series focusing on the how wild-edible plants can impact our bodies, and how foraging can impact our ecosystems! In each episode, we'll discuss how to identify the plant, where it grows, any ecosystem roles it possesses, how to properly forage/harvest the plant, and finally, how to prepare it to maximize its flavor and herbal benefits.
In this episode, I talk about the Solidago sp. (Goldenrods), their status as a native North American plant, their ecosystem role for pollinators and birds, how to tell between the goldenrods and their infamous look-alike, ragweed, as well as how to prepare this savory herb!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Goldenrod Vs. Ragweed (Allergies) Episode of For What it's Earth | Goldenrod Glow Trails-to-Tasting video tutorial
* Early video podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Learning Through Nature Journaling & Art - Featuring Michell Follett
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I am joined by Michell Follett (AKA MischeviousRedFox), and we talk about how important it is to learn through the visual art of nature journaling! We discuss the challenges and excitement about creating Instagram Art challenges, favorite birds, biodiversity, journaling as a meditative practice and more.
- Links: The Art of Ecology | MischeviousRedFox on Instagram | SkillShare | Cornell Lab of Ornithology | CreativeBug
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
The Art & Science of Botanical Dye, featuring Annie Cadden
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I am joined by Annie Cadden of Fisher Cat Fiber Co., and we talk about the wonders of botanical dye! There are so many incredible plants that give a dye, such as Black Walnut (which we both love), Hay Scented Ferns, Goldenrod and others, and we can utilize them to create more eco-friendly textiles. We also discuss sustainability, water conservation, and the importance of buying/making local.
Links:
- The Art of Ecology
- Fisher Cat Fiber Co.'s website
- The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar
- Harvesting Color by Rebecaa Burgess
- Wild Color By Jenny Dean
- The Barefoot Dyer on Instagram
- Cara Marie Piazza on Instagram
- The Dogwood Dyer on Instagram
- Botanical Colors online resource
* Early podcast access and exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Art & Plant Science of Kokedamas
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I give my guests a break and just talk about the art and science of Kokedama! What is a kokedama, what is its history, and how do we make one while keeping a plant's native habitat in mind?
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Garden Atelir on Instagram
* Video version (which shows what a kokedama looks like and how I made mine) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Natural History Illustration, featuring Caylin Jayde
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I am joined by Caylin Jayde, a talented natural history artist in Iowa, United States. We chat about invasive species, the role of documenting biodiversity through art as an educational tool, the role that public art can have on sparking conservation action as well as for raising awareness, and the beautiful prairie ecosystems of her home compared to the hilly forests of mine!
- Links: The Art of Ecology | Caylin's Website
* Video version (which shows our beautiful faces and more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Chemistry and Microscopic Fun in Art, Featuring Brandi Bundles
oin myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I am joined by Brandi Bundles, aka @SciArtBro on Instagram, for a conversation about chemistry, and how her art highlights the roles that toxins and other complex chemicals are used in wild plants and animals as defense mechanisms and as secondary metabolites.
- Links: The Art of Ecology | SciArtBro on Instagram | SciArtBro on Etsy
* Video version & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Nature Photography as a Storytelling Tool
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I talk about using photography as a storytelling tool to communicate about the natural world, some properties of nature photography, ways to use them to educate, as well as some conservation photography tips.
- Links: The Art of Ecology | National Geographic Society's Professional Development
* Video version (which shows photos, diagrams, art, and more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Communicating Science via Data Visualization Art: featuring Kat Dale
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I chat with Kat Dale, about her work studying eels and other marine fishes, how she has utilized art as a form of science communication and data visualization, as well as how the public can engage with art to learn more about the dry data that science tells us.
- Links: The Art of Ecology | KatfishOuttaWater on Instagram | Kat's Website | The Book of Eels - Patrick Svensson | Eels - James Prosek |
- Resources & Articles Cited: Marine protected area effect on morphology:Mehta, R.S., Dale K.E., & Higgins B.A. 2020. Marine protection induces morphological variation in the California moray, Gymnothorax mordax. Integrative and Comparative Biology. icaa061
- Giant sea bass transboundary work:Ramírez-Valdez A., Rowell T.J., Dale K.E., et al. 2021. Asymmetry across international borders: Research, fishery and management trends and economic value of the giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas). Fish & Fisheries: 1-20.
- Larval eel body shapes: Dale, K.E., Tinker, M.T. & Mehta, R.S. 2019. Larval morphology predicts geographical dispersal range of Eastern Pacific eels. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 128:107–121.
* Video version (which shows photos, movement, art, and more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Movement Artistry to Spark Eco-Change, feat. Katie Pustizzi
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I chat with Katie Pustizzi of Liquid Spine (and 2023 Mini-Grant for Conservation recipient), about the role of dance and being a movement artist as a way to spark conversations and change to better our marine ecosystems.
Links: The Art of Ecology | Katie Pustizzi's Website | Liquid Spine Cape Ann Film
* Video version (which shows photos, movement, art, and more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
The Role of Environmental Education & Art in Learning
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and several guests for a series focusing on the intersection of art and the natural world! In each episode, we'll discuss the role that art can play to enhance understanding of environmental science topics, as well as connect people to the natural world!
In this episode, I talk about various educational concepts (learning methods/multiple intelligences) and why incorporating art into education, or using art to solidify understanding of environmental phenomenon can be so helpful.
Links: The Art of Ecology
* Video version (which shows photos, diagrams, art, and more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version ONLY will be published for the public a week later.
Adventures with Mountain Gorillas - Nature Adventure Mini Series with Zack Jacobs
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Zack Jacobs for a light-hearted nature-adventure mini series! In each episode, Zack and I will go through an old-fashioned, nature-themed choose your own adventure book and see if we can survive or make it through! After we find if we can survive (or not), we will discuss the adventure's realism, how it relates to the natural world, and our thoughts as environmentalists into the book. We are both huge sci-fi/fantasy/anime nerds as well, so you will get a unique combination of our backgrounds as nerdy adventure-lovers and natural life scientists!
In this episode, Zack and I go through the "Search for the Mountain Gorillas" book by Jim Wallace. Throughout it, we try to track down the elusive Mountain Gorilla species to photograph for conservation photojournalism, while discussing the importance of biodiversity, a behind-the-scenes look at creating conservation research proposals and following through with funders, and what wildlife we would wish to document!
Links: Joel Sartore's Photo Ark | DBTree on Instagram | The Art of Ecology
* Video version (which this mini-series is great for since we share pictures from the book and you get to immerse yourself in our adventure a little bit more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Adventures with Fossil Fuels - Nature Adventure Mini Series with guest Zack Jacobs
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Zack Jacobs for a light-hearted nature-adventure mini series! In each episode, Zack and I will go through an old-fashioned, nature-themed choose your own adventure book and see if we can survive or make it through! After we find if we can survive (or not), we will discuss the adventure's realism, how it relates to the natural world, and our thoughts as environmentalists into the book. We are both huge sci-fi/fantasy/anime nerds as well, so you will get a unique combination of our backgrounds as nerdy adventure-lovers and natural life scientists!
In this episode, Zack and I go through the "Trouble on Planet Earth" book by R. A. Montgomery. Throughout it, we try to solve the mystery of where Earth's fossil fuel is disappearing to, while discussing the importance of renewable energy, electric & hybrid vehicles, and the importance of starting your environmentally-friendly journal where YOU are at, and not trying to jump to do something outside of your means. Do not worry if you have to start small and grow from there! It's the growth that matters, not the starting point.
* Video version (which this mini-series is great for since we share pictures from the book and you get to immerse yourself in our adventure a little bit more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Adventure Into the Ice Age - Nature Adventure Mini Series with guest Zack Jacobs
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Zack Jacobs for a light-hearted nature-adventure mini series! In each episode, Zack and I will go through an old-fashioned, nature-themed choose your own adventure book and see if we can survive or make it through! After we find if we can survive (or not), we will discuss the adventure's realism, how it relates to the natural world, and our thoughts as environmentalists into the book.
We are both huge sci-fi/fantasy/anime nerds as well, so you will get a unique combination of our backgrounds as nerdy adventure-lovers and natural life scientists!
In this episode, Zack and I go through the "Can You Survive the Ice Age" book by Blake Hoena. Throughout it, we talk about predatory hunting techniques, some incredible animals that used to be a part of our world, and we both learn about the Clovis people - a group of people that lived in North America during the ice age (all while having fun pretending to live out my own parallel reality where I'm an anime voice actress, getting to relate a choose your own adventure book to D&D, and make predictions about a certain character in this book being an antagonistic robot).
* Video version (which this mini-series is great for since we share pictures from the book and you get to immerse yourself in our adventure a little bit more) & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Climate Change & Where We Find Hope
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series! Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
In this mini-series finale episode, Sam and I talk about where our hope comes from as scientists, as well as people who live on this planet. We talk about faith, encouragement from an empowered & innovative next generation, and technological & scientific advancements.
Stay tuned for season 3, mini-series 2 starting up soon!
* Video version & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Climate Change & Soil Systems
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series! Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
This episode, we go in depth, deep, deep down into the earth's crust! Join Sam and I as we chat about how climate impacts soil systems, plate tectonics, and learn alongside us as we discover more about the importance of the permafrost layer and some current issues regarding the permafrost melting.
Of course, we end the episode on a high note with ways that people can make a positive impact on soil systems & conservation including protection of the incredibly important permafrost layer!
Link: Seed Bank Article
* Video version & exclusive mini-episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Climate Change & Terrestrial Ecosystems, ft. Sam Rebuck
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series! Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
This episode, we go in depth with my personal area of expertise - Terrestrial Ecosystems! Join Sam and I as we chat about how climate is impacting population movement, both of plants and wildlife, and how our wildlife encounters have changed throughout our lives.
Of course, we end the episode on a high note with ways that people can make a positive impact on our habitats with native plants and backyard sanctuaries, no matter what size of area you have to work with!
* Video version & exclusive "Post-podcast Ponderings" mini episodes only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Climate Change & Oceans, ft. Sam Rebuck
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series! Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
This episode, Sam carries the team as she educates me in the basics of weather patterns, what caused to hole in the ozone layer (and a conservation success story!), some of the implications of climate change impacting weather events, and how severe weather events are becoming more and more frequent as human-cased climate change continues.
Of course, we end the episode on a high note with ways that renewable energy can help to mitigate climate change!
* Video version only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio-only podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Link to Book: For the Love of Beer
Climate & Weather (Sky), featuring Sam Rebuck
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series! Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
This episode, Sam carries the team as she educates me in the basics of weather patterns, what caused to hole in the ozone layer (and a conservation success story!), some of the implications of climate change impacting weather events, and how severe weather events are becoming more and more frequent as human-cased climate change continues.
Of course, we end the episode on a high note with ways that renewable energy can help to mitigate climate change!
* Video version only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Climate Change Chat - "From Sky to Core" mini-series featuring Sam Rebuck
Join myself, Marissa of The Art of Ecology, and permanent guest, Samantha Rebuck for a climate change mini series!
Each episode we shall be chatting about climate change, our thoughts on it as scientists as well as just regular people living on this planet, and teaching each other about earth science concepts in an effort to make human-caused climate change less terrifying, more understandable, and to inspire people to make some positive changes to help mitigate climate change impacts.
This episode, we go over general climate change information, introduce some key words, and talk about how we've been able to see climate change throughout our own lives.
* Video version only available to patrons (patreon.com/theartofecology), audio podcast version will be published for the public a week later.
Season 3 Announcement & Updates
Hi all! I just wanted to give a little update on season 3 of For What it's Earth and what it will be comprised of! I've got 2 mini series that will make up season 3, and I am super excited to have a guest for each mini-series!
One will examine climate change from air to soil as well as how to still have hope amidst a climate crisis. The second mini-series will be much more light-hearted and will go through a few nature-themed adventure books! You won't want to miss either.
Hopefully, if all goes well with scheduling recording, we'll start publishing episodes in late September.
Season 2 Finale: Nature Trivia Gameshow
To end Season 2 of For What it's Earth with a bang, I am joined by 3 previous season 2 guests for a bizarre nature trivia gameshow! Join Marissa Jacobs, Alexandra Schmidt (Soil Science), Zack Jacobs (Arborist), and Lucy McGinty (Environmental Microbiology student) as we learn more about what animals make some super terrifying noises, how flowers live their lives, where humans rank in the category of "how well animals hear", and more!
For What it's Earth Season 3 is scheduled to start in Fall 2022 with a lineup of guests as well as a potential for a "Climate Change from Dirt to Sky Mini Series"! Interested in learning about something in particular? Email your suggestions to me (Marissa) at mjacobs@theartofecology.com
Links:
- The Art of Ecology on Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube (Environmental education through photography, illustration, and video)
- Alexandra Schmidt on Instagram (Soil science, Urban Ag, and gardening)
- Zack Jacobs on Instagram (Arboriculture, Trees, and dogs)
- Lucy McGinty on Instagram (Exploring the great outdoors)
Celebrating the Summer Solstice & World Giraffe Day
The upcoming Summer Solstice marks a special day to me - World Giraffe Day! This day was created by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) to raise awareness about and celebrate this vulnerable and endangered species. Learn more about the solstice and why we celebrate this animal on this day!
Links:
Outdoor Play Discovery Over Summer Break, featuring Willy Villalpando
This week, I am joined by fellow educator and nature lover, Willy Villalpando, as we discuss the importance of getting outside, exploring the natural world, and to continue learning throughout the summer vacation!
We talk about child development and the importance of play, having some tough conversations with kids, and how adults AND kids can learn and explore together for quality bonding time and to show kids that learning NEVER stops!
Links:
- Willy's Social Media - Instagram & Twitter - @MrWilly_prek
- Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Free pdf)
- National Geographic Educator Certification Podcast Episode
- FREE Geocache App
Celebrate International Day of Biodiversity
May 22nd, which just passed (due to recording times), was International Day of Biodiversity! So this week, I want to highlight the amazing animals of the world, and how vital they are to the health of our ecosystems!
Spring is for Baby Squirrels
Right now, after all of the leaves have budded out and the flowers are starting to bloom more and more every day, we have another sign of spring - animal babies! As these babies are coming out and exploring their world, they may fall from their nest or get lost and we can play an important role in getting these wildlife babies back where they need to go.
Learn how to identify baby squirrels by age to determine if you can help them by getting their mom to come and find them, or by placing them in their nest yourself, or if you need to take them to a rehabilitation center.
Links:
The end of season 2 is coming up! If you have any questions or topics you'd like to see in this podcast, let me know by emailing Marissa at mjacobs@theartofecology.com
Creepy Crawlies & Watchers of the Night
Did you know that May is National Be Kind to Animals month? Chances are, if you're listening to this podcast, you're already an animal and wildlife-lover, yet even as caring environmental stewards, there are often animals that go unloved or are even despised (I'm looking at you invasive spotted lanternfly!).
During this episode, learn about some of the 10 creepy, gross, or unloved animals and how they are important members of our ecosystem! Once you learn about them, hopefully we can all appreciate them more and understand how important it is to be kind to ALL animals in their native habitats!
Vitamin N & Outdoor Time, Featuring Arborist Zack Jacobs
This week I am joined by Arborist climber and nature-enthusiast Zack Jacobs as we chat about the observations we've made about the changes in our moods and mental well-being now that spring is officially here and the sun it out!
We talk a little bit about how important it was for him to get out of the office life and enter a career outdoors, but also about some ways that everyone can make sure they get their 20 minutes (at least!) of nature-time into their busy lives, regardless of your job setting.
Links: Zack mentions Moosejaw.com and Red Bull Branched Out - go support them and check out what a climbing competition looks like!
Creating Snake-Friendly Yards & Gardens
Discover more about the incredible species that snakes are and their role in our ecosystems! We'll discuss the food chain & web, along with some cool anatomical features of the snake (such as the Jacobson's organ), and how we can be good environmental stewards by caring for these underdog-wildlife species.
Get your Garden Pollinator Ready!
As the flowers in our communities start to bloom and the first of the honeybees and bumblebees start to emerge and visit those wildflowers, let's start thinking about how we can make our own gardens and yards pollinator-friendly!
Find plants native to your area that will support threatened pollinators with the National Audubon Society's Native Plant finder HERE.
Wetlands & Waterfowl Earth Month Special, Featuring Jess Schmit
Dive into the murky and wonderous wetland habitats with Wetland & Waterfowl biologist, Jess Schmit, as we take a look at the birds and animals of wetland environments, as well as how she is studying habitats of rails!
We'll discuss her research project, what she hopes it accomplishes, and how people can actively conserve wetland habitats and the wildlife in them in a simple way.
(Podcast episode photo courtesy of Jess Schmit)
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Earth Hour & Light Pollution Impacts
This past week was Earth Hour around the world and we celebrated by turning off the lights at 8:30pm for at least one hour. During this episode, we'll talk a bit about the purpose of Earth Hour, as well as how turning off lights can reduce light pollution. We'll also take a look at how light pollution impacts animals, specifically birds, who are busy in their spring migration right now.
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Mischievous Orchid & Their Pollinators
Explore the wonderful world of orchids and how they have developed some unique adaptations to lure in pollinators. We'll also discuss some threats to local orchid species as well as some ways to support orchid conservation.
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Discovering the Unseen of the Natural World., Featuring Lucy McGinty
This week I am joined by Lucy McGinty for a discussion about the unseen of the biosphere - microorganisms! Lucy, my Spring 2022 intern, is currently on her way to becoming an environmental microbiologist and she sheds a little light on what that entails, and about some of her favorite bacterium, along with how they can be incredibly useful for bioremediation work!
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Groundwater Impacts on Wildlife & Amphibians
For Groundwater Awareness week, let's take a look at what groundwater is, how it impacts wildlife such as amphibians like salamanders, toads, and especially frogs, as well as how we can improve groundwater quality at home.
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Creating a Healthy Garden from the Soil Up: Featuring Alexandra Schmidt
This week, on For What it's Earth, I am joined by soil scientist, Alexandra Schmidt, as we discuss soil health, what's so cool about it, and why gardeners should care about not just maintaining their plants, but their soil beds as well!
Learn more about local extension offices, how to get your soil tested so that you can treat your gardens the way they need to be, and explore how to plant the right plants in the right soil conditions!
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Rescuing Wildlife: Some Do's and Dont's
NOTE: This episode talks about death and injured animals. Listener's discretion advised.
As spring approaches, we may see more and more wildlife out and about. As we have more opportunities to observe them, we may notice animals that are injured, hurt, or alone. In this episode, I talk about when and why to rescue wildlife, as well as some tips for commonly found wildlife species.
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An Edible Flower Garden and It's Health Benefits
Mid- late February is a great time to start planning your spring garden. What is missing from your garden? Where do you have some extra space? What would you like to add? How can you incorporate more wildlife-friendly plants/features into the garden space?
This episode, discover the importance of wild & garden edibles in our diet, and the medicinal benefits we can gain from more than just the standard garden pepper or cucumber. We'll look at edible flower gardens and what they can do for us and wildlife!
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Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count Around the World
Do you love animals, nature, and all things science? Then get ready to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a community science effort put on by Cornell Lab of Ornithology! During this episode, you'll learn how to participate in the count, how to upload your bird count data, and what scientists might do with the data.
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Horticultural Therapy & Using Plants to Prevent the Winter Blues
This week I'm joined by Horticultural Therapist in training and gardening enthusiast, Kaitlyn Whalen, as we talk about the winter blues, how to prevent it, and the importance of using horticulture and the natural world in a therapeutic way. We talk about Alzheimer's and dementia patients, elder care, seasonal affective disorder, and more.
Links:
- www.TheArtofEcology.com
- American Horticulture Therapy Association
- Temple University - Horticulture Therapy Program
- Psychology & Smell
- The Nature Fix
Thermogenesis & Winter Wildflowers
How do some early season wildflowers manage to grow, even when buried in snow? For plants such as crocus, snowdrops, and skunk cabbage, it all comes down to a unique plant adaptation called Thermogenesis. Learn all about it with this episode!
Tracking Mammals in the Winter
Winter is a great time to get outdoors and track animals! There are so many signs of evidence, from scat & droppings, to buck rub, to bones, to footprints and more. This winter, explore the natural world around you after learning some basic tracking tips with this episode.
Winter Bird Diets & Feeding
Welcome back to For What It's Earth!
For the first episode of season 2, learn more about winter birds, how they have adapted to survive and thrive in cold weather, and how their diets change seasonally. We'll discuss bird food, what to look for on the back of bird seed bags, and little ways to create bird feeders to support winter birds!