Future Ecologies

Ethan Tapper is a forester and author of "How to Love a Forest," providing a Vermont perspective on ecological forestry. Brian Duff, from Forestry and Land Scotland, shares insights on restoring Glenmore Forest Park, while Keith Erickson discusses his experiences with forest restoration on Galliano Island. They explore the balance between industrial forestry and biodiversity, the intricate dynamics of forest management, and the critical need for community support in conservation efforts. Their conversations highlight the paradox of cutting down trees to save forests and emphasize the importance of restoring ancient ecosystems.

As is tradition, we're releasing all the original music we composed for the latest season of Future Ecologies as a set of soundtracks. For the first time ever, they are also available on all major music streaming services. Enjoy!Auditory Compost by Sunfish Moon LightBandcamp, Spotify, Apple MusicConvergence by ThumbugBandcamp, Spotify (Side A | Side B), Apple Music (Side A | Side B)– – –Find all of our seasonal soundtracks at futureecologies.net/albumsAnd get free download codes on our Patreon ✨

We're excited to share another beautiful guest episode with you today.In this piece, originally broadcast in 2 parts on The Wind (one of our favourite podcasts), producer Eleanor Qull is taking us on a pilgrimage in honour of, and in tribute to that most collective monarch — the monarch butterfly. Through those lepidopteran migrants, it’s a story of scale, agency, and spiritual offering in a changing world.Eleanor cooked up a special ~1 hour version just for us. It's spacious, equal parts silly and deadpan, with a big scoop of mono no aware.If you’d like to see pictures of the pilgrimage offerings from each stop, you can find them at thewind.org/episodes/the-merry-monarchs, along with complete list of citations, plus the original unabridged 2-part version — where the tour makes an additional stop (in space).

Dive into a world where emotions collide with climate realities. Students articulate fictional eulogies for vulnerable species, exploring the profound grief of ecological loss. From pteropods to wolves, the narratives reveal urgent truths about interconnected ecosystems. Discover the heartfelt stories of a farm's closure and the community's fight for sustainable practices. The power of collective action shines through, showcasing how artists, scientists, and activists unite against environmental challenges for a hopeful future.

Naomi Klein, a renowned author and filmmaker focused on climate change and social justice, joins series producer Judee Burr to discuss the emotional realities of the climate crisis. They explore how Klein's graduate seminar transformed students' feelings about climate change into evocative narratives. The conversation reveals poignant student reflections on grief, resilience, and the personal connections that intertwine with academic pursuits. They emphasize the urgent need for deeper emotional understanding in the face of ecological challenges.

Zoë Schlanger, author of 'The Light Eaters', explores plant intelligence, focusing on a mysterious vine in Chile that mimics other plants. The discussion challenges traditional views on plant cognition, highlighting microbial symbiosis and the complex nature of plant behavior. The episode delves into the interconnectedness of all living organisms, blurring boundaries and emphasizing our relationship with the botanical world.

In this conclusion to our trilogy, we're looking at a proposal to move beyond the concept of "rangelands" through the rewilding of the American west — meaning, the return of forgotten landscapes, species, and ecologies not commonly seen in generations (not to mention improved water and carbon storage). But at least one thing isn't compatible with this vision: grazing cattle on public lands.Catch up with Part 1 and Part 2And find citations, a transcript, and credits on our website— — —This ad-free podcast is supported by listeners just like you! Join our Patreon to get early episode releases, bonus content, merch, discord server access, and now toques! Head to futureecologies.net/join and choose whatever option works best for you.

Exploring the impact of grazing on landscapes and rare species, balancing conservation with sustainable grazing; unique ecosystem of 'the plug' in California attracting rare plant species; intricate balance between endangered butterfly, native plant habitat, and threats posed by cattle grazing; challenges of managing cattle grazing to prevent negative impacts on ecosystems.

The podcast dives into the contentious role of cattle in California's ecosystems. It challenges common beliefs that cattle are solely destructive, suggesting they may help biodiversity. Personal stories highlight the transition from urban to rural life and the bond through ranching. Key discussions include the ecological importance of rangelands and how managed grazing can mitigate wildfire risks. The series also examines the critical collaboration needed for sustainable ranching, and the ongoing challenges in California's public land management.

Future Ecologies is an independent podcast about the living world and its interrelations. The show varies in format, but this is a taste of what you can expect. New to the show? Find our whole back catalogue and subscribe for new episodes — right here in your podcast app, or at futureecologies.net Been with us for a while? Send this trailer with someone who shares the planet with you.— — —This ad-free podcast is supported by our listeners on Patreon. Join our community for as little as $1/month for early episode releases, bonus content, merch, discord server access, and more.