Send us a text This episode explores our work to remove one of California's most controversial invasive species—eucalyptus. At Elkhorn Slough, removing eucalyptus trees preserves groundwater, reduces wildfire risks, and restores balance to native ecosystems. But our approach is not one-size-fits-all. Juan talks with outgoing Elkhorn Slough Reserve Manager Dave Feliz, ESF Stewardship Director Dash Dunkell, and ESF Land Steward Ken Collins about where, and how, we approach this delicate and t...
Feb 06, 2025•20 min
Send us a text In this episode, Juan and Ross dive into the ecological magic of dung beetles in the coastal prairie habitat at ESF's Porter Ranch. Suzanne Lipton, PhD candidate at UCSC, shares the many beauties of beetledom and explains how innovative pasture management can enhance soil health both above and below ground. TED-Ed: Why isn't the world covered in poop? - Eleanor Slade and Paul Manning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSTNyHkde08 Suzanne's research paper about dung bee...
Aug 13, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text In this episode, Juan and Ross learn about coast live oak restoration (Quercus agrifolia) on a former strawberry farm. Connor O'Hara Baker, one of ESF's land stewards, shares an innovative experiment to see whether planting whole soil communities alongside acorns can accelerate forest recovery—and invites us into his personal journey of becoming a restoration ecologist. Music by Ross Robertson Original Cover art by Lena Champlin. Visit our website for events: https://elk...
Jun 13, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode, Juan and Paola learn how to preserve water and stop erosion using "process-based restoration." With Cameron Chao, Stewardship Specialist for the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, they explore a 100-year-old gully near Elkhorn Slough and witness some dramatic changes to the landscape engineered by our talented stewardship team. Music by Ross Robertson Watch the latest on ESF stewardship projects: https://www.instagram.com/elkhornslough_org/...
Feb 15, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Send us a text In this episode, Juan learns about native plants with Mary Paul and Kalipay Somosot, two native plant stewards. Mary and Kalipay discuss plant relationships, native species restoration, seed farming, and what makes natives so unique and important for healthy ecosystems. Music by Ross Robertson
Nov 27, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Send us a text In this episode, Juan explores the restoration story of Sand Hill Farm on a hike with Stewardship Director Dash Dunkell. Learn all about how ESF is healing damaged ecosystems, preventing erosion, and restoring habitats on former farmland. Music by Ross Robertson. Video Podcast available on Youtube. https://youtu.be/8L9f72AaGG0...
Nov 01, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Send us a text In this episode, Juan takes a boat trip through the slough with the legendary Ron Eby, one of the Reserve's foremost otter experts. Join them for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hester Marsh restoration and get up close and personal with the amazing otters of Elkhorn Slough. Music by Fish Williams Want to watch the episode on Youtube? Click the link below: https://youtu.be/hcJlbMD0OKk...
Aug 02, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Send us a text In this episode, Juan goes searching for rare amphibians with Reserve biologist Susie Fork. While Juan learns how to use a dipnet, Susie talks about why habitat protection is so important for these endangered species in Elkhorn Slough. Original music by Ross Robertson.
May 16, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us a text In this episode, Juan sits down with Dash Dunkell, Elkhorn Slough Foundation's Stewardship Director. They talk about eucalyptus trees, why they're a problem, and even how to turn them into the magical eco-charcoal known as "biochar." Join us as we explore how to heal forests and farms at the same time. Original music by Fish Williams.
Jan 27, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode, Juan sits down with Ross to talk about his approach to community outreach. Juan discusses the importance of building a relationship with ourselves, each other, and nature. Original music by Ross Robertson.
Nov 27, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Send us a text In our second episode, we sit down with Ken Collins, the “land dude.” Ken talks about his work throughout the watershed, the impact this place has had on him—and bats . These cute little animals have been his tenants at Porter Ranch, providing him with entertainment every night. Learn all about how bats are helping the land right here in Elkhorn Slough. Original music by Ross Robertson...
Oct 27, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome to the Slough Cast! In our first episode, we’ll introduce you to Elkhorn Slough and explore how special this place is with our guest Ariel Hunter, the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Ariel describes a magical experience you don’t want to miss. Original music by Fish Williams
Oct 27, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 1
