A Little Greener

Wildlife of Ukraine

With heavy hearts for those suffering from conflict, Casey and Sara take a look at the wildlife of Ukraine and discover that it feels surprisingly close to home! 
 
Resources for this episode:
20 Endangered Species At Risk in Ukraine
Wildlife in Ukraine
Common Nightingale Audio
Here's How You Can Help the People in Ukraine (NPR article)

Talking Parks With Remarkable Parks Podcast

On this lighthearted episode, Casey and Sara chat with Olivia, creator and host of Remarkable Parks podcast, about the importance of parks, which parks they want to visit most, and some of the challenges our parks face. Sara and Olivia also take on Casey's National Park Trivia Challenge!
Resources for this episode:
https://findyourpark.com/
Benefits of parks: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Resources/Parks-Recreation-Essential-Public-Services-January-2010.pdf
Overcrowding in parks:
https://www.livescience.com/overcrowding-us-national-parks.html 

Killer Cats

We love cats. Cute, cuddly, and playful, as well as tough and independent, domestic cats are found around the world. A study from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that there are around 58 million pet cats in the United States alone. While cats can make great pets, when they're left to roam the great outdoors, they have a detrimental impact on native wildlife and ecosystems--not to mention their own health. Join Casey and Sara for a challenging discussion on how to approach the complex issue of cats as invasive species.

Invasive Species

What's the difference between a non-native species and an invasive species? Why does it matter if a species ends up outside of its native range? What does Shakespeare have to do with any of this? And what on earth are Eco-Men in Black? Find answers to all of this and more in this week's episode.
Resources for this episode:
Definition of invasive species: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species
Burmese python introduction to Florida: https://www.history.com/news/burmese-python-invasion-florida-everglades
General information on invasive species: https://www.history.com/news/invasive-species-list-mammals-birds-aquatic
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species 

What is a Species?

What is a species? You probably thought you learned this in middle school science class, but we're here to tell you the answer is more complicated than it seems! Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on how, why, and by whom decisions on species are made.
 
Resources for this episode:
A Few Bad Scientists are Threatening to Topple Taxonomy: Smithsonian magazine article covering Raymond Hoser. NOTE: The article states he has named over 800 taxa, not species, as we stated in the episode. This could mean species or genera, or other category--still a lot of naming!
IUCN Red List

Digging In To Composting

Although composting might feel overwhelming at first, it's really a simple process, and most issues that might arise have a simple solution. This week, Sara and Casey discuss some common composting questions and concerns, like dealing with smelly compost, protecting your pile from unwanted guests, and how to compost (or not) in the winter. 
Resources:
Earth 911: Composting Cheat Sheet
Farmer's Almanac: Trench Composting
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey Bay: 7 Solutions to Common Compost Problems
Planet Natural: Troubleshooting Composting Problems
Gardening: Knowhow: How to Fix Bad Smelling Compost
Honestly Modern: Carbon Emission Analysis of the Vitamix FoodCycler

Superb Owls

What makes an owl an owl? Whether you are already an owl aficionado or you don't yet know a screech owl from a snowy owl, we guarantee you will come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for these beautiful birds of prey.
 
Resources for this episode:
Audubon Society: Thirteen Fun Facts About Owls
Owl Research Institute: About Owls
Animal Diversity Web: Tytonidae
Owls of North America and Their Calls (VIDEO)
 
Owl Conservation Organizations:
Owl Research Institute
The Barn Owl Project
The Barn Owl Trust

An Introduction to Composting

Composting is a great way to help improve soil quality and reduce waste going to landfill, while cutting out some greenhouse gas emissions in the process. However, it can feel a little overwhelming to get started! Join Casey and Sara as they discuss the what, why, and how of composting and give you some steps to get started composting in your own home. 
 
Resources for this episode: 
The Finished Product: benefits of composting and a look at how to use the finished product
The Lazy Gardener's Guide to Compost: a reminder that our composting system doesn't have to be perfect to work
Composting 101: a comprehensive overview, including the information on San Francisco's composting success
Compost Basics: a great infographic on what and how to compost
Composting: summary article with charts on greens/browns and choosing a composter
What's the Difference Between Hot, Cold, and Warm Composting?

Cheetah Conservation

Join Casey and special guest-host, Kristen Latzke, co-founder of the Indiana Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a discussion about cheetahs. With an estimated population of only about 7,000 individuals, cheetahs need our help. Learn about the challenges these animals face, the work being done to protect them, and how you can get involved.
 
Links for this week's episode:  
Cheetah Conservation Fund website
IUCN Red List profile on cheetahs
CCF Teacher's Resource Guide: see page B10 for source on the genetic relatedness of cheetahs
For further reading on cheetah genetics: Genetics of the African cheetah continue to inspire and excite researchers
 

Exploring Florida

Happy 2022! To kick off the new year, Sara and Casey take a look at some of the iconic wildlife that can be found in Sara's new home state of Florida and discuss what's on their wildlife viewing bucket lists.