This Green Earth

Naturalist and author Jeremy Mynott discusses his new book, "The Story of Nature," which explores humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world and asks whether we are its observers, managers or caretakers. Then, local Parkite and longtime arborist, Keith Clapier comes on the show to discuss what factors to consider when choosing a tree species to plant.

Kahea Pacheco of the Women’s Earth Alliance discusses how the organization empowers women leaders on the frontlines of the climate crisis through people-first, regionally-led programs that promote environmental, social and economic justice. Then, Trish Kenlon, founder of Sustainable Career Pathways and president of the Utah Sustainable Business Network, helps professionals transition into climate and sustainability careers while supporting hundreds of Utah organizations in advancing sustainable business practices.

The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Youth Engagement, Kate Ireland and Marie Taylor, a young extern leader, talk about the National Geographic Society externship program. Then, Ryan Elman Langendorf, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, speaks about the importance of sea otters and the health of kelp forests.

Kyle and Trevor Ritland share how they turned their father’s bedtime stories into an extensive investigation into Costa Rica’s golden toad after it was presumed extinct. They dive into a deeper story about ecological grief, overlooked local wisdom, and the possibility that hope still lingers in the cloud forest. Then, renowned writer and journalist John Vailliant talks about his most recent book, "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World," in which he describes the science of fire and forest heath, the fascinating relationships between humans and fire, and the future of fire-related disasters.

Naturalist and writer Eric Eaton talks about one of the most misunderstood insects — the wasp. Wasps are incredibly diverse and can thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Then, award-winning environmental journalist Erica Gies shares her book, "Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge," which centers around the question of what does water actually want?

Biologist and author Karen Lloyd shares a firsthand account of the hunt for life beneath Earth’s surface in her newest book, "Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth." Then, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas discusses his experiences photographing some of the planet’s most elusive and endangered species from Ethiopia to the Congo.

Celebrate World Bee Day with Daniel Raichel, the acting director of the Pollinator Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who talks about the current state of bees and what these pollinators mean to biodiversity and human livelihoods. Then, journalist Chris Berdik shares his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take it Back." In it, he brings attention to a pollutant that may not be getting the attention it deserves.

Scientists Fay Wei Li and Jacob Suissa discuss their new book, "Ferns: Lessons in Survival From Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants." It explores the incredible world of these fascinating creatures which have survived for nearly 400 million years and continue to find ways to adapt to an ever changing planet. Then, Cara Giaimo takes readers on epic journeys around the globe from Antarctic deserts to lush jungles into the deepest fathoms of the oceans in her book, "Atlas Obscura: Wildlife."

Renowned climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla discusses his new book, "A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory." Widely praised as an inspiring and informative memoir, the book shares Dr. Shukla's groundbreaking work, which revolutionized weather forecasting. Then naturalist and photographer Charles Hood captures his nocturnal adventures all over the world in his new book, "Nature at Night." While most tales may warn us about the dangers that lie waiting in the dark, there is actually an abundance of thriving, colorful and even adorable creatures that live their best lives at night.

Nick Mucha, the environmental capacity building director at Patagonia and the editor of the recently published book, "Tools to Save Our Home Planet," talks about the contributions from 56 environmental leaders and the inspiration it provides to environmental justice movements. Then, Sara Jo Dickens discusses best practices for gardening and lawn maintenance as we head into the spring season.

National Campaign Manager Evan Raskin of earthday.org talks about the past, present and projected future of Earth Day — and how you can get involved. Then, Park City Community Foundation's Andy Hecht talks about the progress of their Zero Food Waste Initiative and shares a freshly launched partnership that will provide even more efficient food waste composting.

Native herpetology coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra talks about the different types of rattlesnakes in Utah and their important role in our ecosystem. Then, Walt Meier, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, talks about the current state of arctic sea ice. In March, arctic sea ice was at its lowest ever recorded for that month, measuring six percent below the long-term average.

Amanda Rodewald is the Senior Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Rodewald takes us through the finding of the recently-released State of the Birds report and shares which bird species are struggling and which are thriving.Award-winning environmental journalist Sophie Yeo author of "Nature's Ghosts, The World We Lost and How to Bring it Back" joins the show. She examines how the planet would have looked before humans scrubbed away its diversity: from landscapes carved out by megafauna to the primeval forests that emerged following the last Ice Age.

Ryan Langendorf, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, shares a recent study shedding light on sea otters as a keystone species helping to regenerate kelp forests. Then, marine biologist Ronja Steinbach talks about the world of marine fungi and the role they are playing in degrading plastics. Her research highlights a largely untapped resource that is helping to remove plastics from the ocean.

Terry Masear, a hummingbird rehabilitator, author and star of the acclaimed 2024 Sundance film, "Every Little Thing," highlights the hummingbird's ecological importance and inspires conservation efforts. Then, award-winning author Stephanie Anderson talks about her new book, "From the Ground up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture."

Award-winning author Zak Podmore talks about his latest book, "Life After Dead Pool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River." Then, local conservation easement landowner Wes Siddoway shares more about his family’s decision around land preservation.

Darren Parry, former chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, highlights the deep connection between Shoshone people and the land and shares how traditional practices reflect sustainability and environmental stewardship.Then, conservation biologist and author Thor Hanson shares ways in which to see nature through a different lens, providing a new perspective on its many wonders, in his new book "Close to Home."

Award-winning birder and acclaimed writer Pete Dunne shares remarkable stories of our feathered friends in his latest book, "The Courage of Birds." Then, David George Haskell illuminates and celebrates the emergence of the varied sounds of our world starting with the origins of animal song and traversing the whole arc of Earth history in his book, "Sounds Wild and Broken."

Jackson Looseyia, Solaash Morompi, and Tim Lapage talk about the new Ripoi Nature Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya. The conservancy was created to expand the protected land for wildlife. Then, marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Greg O'Corry-Crowe talks about a new study regarding a unique species of freshwater seals. He also shares details about the health and wellbeing of beluga whales and the elusive narwhal.

Dr. Joan Maloof, Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University and founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, discusses her new book "Nature’s Temples: A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests." Then, Dr. Kerry Cook, professor at The University of Texas at Austin teaching graduate Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics as well as Global Warming courses in the Department of Geological Sciences, talks about the second edition of her book "Climate Dynamics."