Episode 15: Sustaining Habitats
Show Notes
Podcast: Episode 15: Sustaining Habitats First air date: May 13, 2023
Host: Julie B Adler
Guests:
Jenny Hansell, President, Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Doug Brown, Director of Stewardship, Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Laura Marx, Climate Solution Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Chapter
Elizabeth Dillman, Hiking organizer and leader, instructor at Berkshire OLLI
In This Episode: We explore our guests’ fascinating work creating environments that respond to climate change and support a healthy ecosystem. Our knowledgeable guests share insights on conservation strategies, including adapting landscapes to climate patterns and preserving biodiversity. They also highlight inspiring stories of successful projects, showcasing the positive impact of collaboration and conservation efforts on communities and the environment. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, climate advocate, or curious about sustainable practices, join us on this captivating journey of discovery and inspiration.
Show Notes:
Berkshire County, MA. Is a rural county in western Massachusetts where local land trusts, national conservation organizations, individuals and governmental entities work to protect and preserve a healthy environment for all living things.
Jenny Hansell, Doug Brown, Laura Marx, and Bess Dillman work in a variety of ways take this happen, including:
Following climate smart practices in taking care of their lands
Using scientific information to evaluate the best practices as basis for their decisions on land protection, sustainability, and resilience
Creating opportunities for people to get involved in enjoying nature
They believe that connecting people with nature is essential for the health of our planet and our communities.
Guest Bios:
Jenny Hansell is the President of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC). BNRC is a non-profit organization that works to protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires.
Doug Brown is the Director of Stewardship at the BNRC.
Laura Marx is a Climate Solution Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Chapter. The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to conserve the natural world.
Elizabeth Dillman, a life-long resident of the Berkshires, is a hiking organizer and leader, including at Berkshire OLLI. Berkshire OLLI is a non-profit organization that offers lifelong learning opportunities for adults over 50.
To learn more about BNRC, visit their website at www.bnrc.org.
To learn more about the High Road Project, visit here
To learn more about The Nature Conservancy (TNC), visit their website at www.nature.org.
To learn more about the TNC Family Forest Program click here.
To learn more about the Staying Connected Initiative click here.
To learn more about Berkshire OLLI, visit their website at www.berkshireolli.org.
Resources:
Seek from iNaturalist. Seek is a free mobile app that helps people identify plants and animals.
Merlin from Cornell. Merlin is a free online tool that helps people identify birds.
Some questions for the Guests:
What lands should we preserve, why, and how?
What are invasive plants, how did they get here, what are you doing about them?
How has climate change affected wildlife, what are you doing to reduce the effects?
Explain carbon sequestration-why do we need it, how do forests store carbon?
What advice would you give to people who want to connect with nature?