#127: Salt Lakes – An Unnatural History with Caroline Tracey
Caroline Tracey’s captivating book “Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History” unveils the hidden wonders of the world’s over 100 salt lakes, rich in biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It highlights their ecological significance amid urgent threats like water diversion and climate change. This compelling narrative calls for awareness, action, and reverence for our planet’s overlooked treasures.
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Plankton of the Land: The Hidden World of Aphids
Aphids, often dismissed as pests, are vital players in the ecosystem, dubbed the “plankton of the land.” Their rapid reproduction supports immense biodiversity, serving as food for various species. These tiny creatures highlight nature’s intricate connections, reminding us that even the smallest organisms have significant roles in sustaining life.
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#126: New Hope for Sunflower Sea Stars
In today’s episode, the Sunflower Star Lab shares a hopeful narrative about the recovery of sunflower sea stars, keystone species devastated by an outbreak of sea star wasting disease. The lab’s innovative research, community partnerships, and aquaculture advancements promise brighter days for fragile kelp forest ecosystems once populated by billions of these extraordinary creatures.
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#125: The Plankton of the Land: The Alien World of Aphids with Natalie Hernandez
Dive deep into the bizarre world of aphids—creatures born pregnant, continuously reproducing without a mate, and pivotal to our ecosystems. Entomologist Natalie Hernandez unveils their mind-blowing biology, revealing their symbiotic dance with ants and vital roles in the food web.
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#124: The Moving Target of Climate: The Future of Stewardship with Dr. Zac Cannizzo
Land stewards are caught in a high-stakes dilemma: cling to familiar ecosystems or embrace inevitable change. Climate-informed conservation demands a mindset shift to proactive design for the future. Dr. Zac Cannizzo champions this transformative approach, proving that hope exists even amidst ecological upheaval.
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#123: A Look at Biodiversity
In 2025, Jumpstart Nature and Nature’s Archive celebrate biodiversity with captivating episodes exploring essential yet overlooked species, like mistletoes and aphids. This compilation showcases their intricate roles in ecosystems, highlighting their importance in food webs and climate resilience. Join the journey of discovery as we deepen our connection to nature’s wonders!
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#122: Leave the Leaves: Hidden Layers of Benefit with David Mizejewski
One simple act of omission – “leave the leaves,” – has many layers of benefits for the environment. David Mizejewski reveals how leaves bolster soil health and provide critical wildlife habitat. This eco-friendly practice combats landfill waste and promotes biodiversity, inviting homeowners to honor nature by embracing natural aesthetics.
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Critical Mast: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig
Acorn woodpeckers are a curious, complex species steeped in intriguing behaviors. Dr. Walt Koenig’s decades of research reveal cooperative breeding, unique acorn storage practices, and mysterious masting phenomena. As nature’s jester, they thrive in large familial groups, showcasing dynamics that will leave any nature lover spellbound.
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#121: Metamorphosis: The Actor Who Became a Butterfly Scientist – Liam O’Brien
Liam O’Brien’s metamorphosis from stage actor to butterfly artist and scientist is nothing short of extraordinary. He trades the spotlight for the delicate study of lepidoptery, discovering profound beauty and creativity in nature. His book, “Butterflies of the Bay Area,” captures this journey, urging all to recognize the wonder around them.
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#120: Just Listen: Amy Martin on the Unheard World Around Us
Natural sounds – large and small – have a profound effect on us, and on the plants and animals of this world. Join today’s guest, Amy Martin, to learn about her wide array of experience documenting this complex interplay in Threshold podcast’s season, Hark!, where soundscapes of nature tell surprising, often unseen stories.
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