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On a 1983 morning, Steve Jobs scouted Coyote Valley for Apple's new headquarters. Despite his plans, Coyote Valley remains one of the most important undeveloped landscapes near Silicon Valley.

This episode tells the story of its conservation through unexpected alliances, resilience, and the invaluable ecosystem services it provides. From critical wildlife connectivity to indigenous cultural significance, discover how perseverance and community action can protect cherished landscapes.

Join host Griff Griffith and our guests, Andrea Mackenzie, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez, Megan Fluke, Nick Perry, and Dr. Stuart Weiss as they provide unique and inspiring perspectives as they explore how to protect and steward unique lands like Coyote Valley, whether near Silicon Valley or your own backyard.

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.

Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and learn what YOU can do to help nature.

FULL SHOW NOTES with Photos

LINKS
Amah Mutsun Land Trust

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Cars, Cows, Checkerspot Butterflies - Dr. Stuart Weiss's paper

Creekside Science

Green Foothills

Obi Kaufmann

P-22, The Mountain Lion of Hollywood

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

Podcasts Referenced
The Age of Connectivity - Jumpstart Nature Episode 3
Full Interview with Dr. Stuart Weiss on Cars, Cows, and Checkerspots

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What do parasitic plants, 600 year old oak trees, salmon, and hoverflies have in common? Well, they are some of Griff's, Michelle Fullner’s and my favorite wild organisms!

Today’s episode is a fun conversation with Michelle Fullner, Griff Griffith, and myself, Michael Hawk, where we advocate for our 10 favorite animals and plants. We each bring three species to the conversation…well, not physically. And we had a bit of a game to decide who got to pick the 10th one. All I’m saying is that I still think that aphids would be good at soccer, but you’ll have to listen to hear what that’s about.

This idea was all Michelle’s - and if you don’t know Michelle, she’s the host and producer of the Golden State Naturalist podcast, which is a fun and entertaining California-centric nature podcast. Her fourth season is about to launch, and she plans to cover topics that I know you’ll love - wildlife crossings, coastal wetlands, red-legged frogs, and much more. Be sure to check out her podcast and follow her social media, too.

And looking ahead, Jumpstart Nature is in the late stages of three new episodes for this fall, covering invasive species, outdoor cats, and an inspiring land conservation story that succeeded against all odds. And if you’re listening to this on the Nature’s Archive feed, well, we have plenty of fun episodes coming too - covering topics ranging from wildlife forensics to ants!

FULL SHOW NOTES (be sure to check it for some great photos!)

LINKS
Snakes with Emily Taylor - Nature's Archive
Newt Patrol

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Many well meaning people, seeking to help wildlife, mistakenly become a birdnapper. Or a turtlenapper. Or even a bunnynapper.

And it's all too easy to mistakenly harm an animal that you might think is distressed or in trouble.

Do you know what to do if you see a bird on the ground? Or a turtle in the road? Or newborn bunnies in your yard?

Spurred by a personal story from a follower, Griff and Michael discuss all of these scenarios and more, and wildlife coexistence in general. With a little knowledge of the animals, and a few resources at your disposal (looking at you Animal Help Now), you'll be prepared to be the hero that your neighborhood animals need!

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.

Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.

FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
Animal Help Now [Apple App | Android App | quick link to emergency flow charts]

All About Birds - easy to use resource to learn about birds, where they nest, what they eat, and more.

California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Merlin Bird ID - wonderful app that helps identify birds

Touching Wings, Touching Wild: True Stories of Rescue and Return to the Wild by Ronnie James [Note: this is an Amazon link]

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