Show Notes: Doug McConnell, the face of conservation in Northern California and the spirited host of "Open Road," recounts his evolution from a youngster enamored by California's natural grandeur to a venerated environmental communicator. Our discussion covers Doug's formative years in the Californian wilderness to his pioneering role in broadcast media. His heartfelt anecdotes, infused with humor and a sense of nostalgia, take us on a journey through his career and his unwavering commitment to safeguarding our planet's precious ecosystems.

Since this podcast was recorded Doug’s TV series has been retitled to, ‘OpenRoad with Doug McConnell and Friends’ and features two of Doug’s longtime colleagues. It’s currently in its 10th season.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Exploring Conservation With Doug McConnell
• (14:03) Conservation, Youth, and Public Lands
• (23:42) Finding Passion and Hope in Work
• (34:08) Path to Passion
• (37:13) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Conservation, Environmental Storytelling, Northern California, Open Spaces, Media, Youth Engagement, Public Lands, Passion, Hope, Television, Broadcasting, Teamwork, Endangered Species, Ecological Heritage, Career Advice, Outdoor Activities, Hiking, Nature, NBC Bay Area

Show Notes: Kate Berry of Save the Redwoods League brings you behind the curtain and shares how she builds a nurturing community that treasures and supports our planet's ancient redwood forests. This lighthearted conversation weaves through the narrative of land conservation fundraising, where Kate's mastery of direct mail and digital marketing meets personal anecdotes and the art and science of direct marketing. This episode is a celebration of the connection donors forge with our natural world and is a reminder of our shared commitment towards safeguarding the tranquility of natural places like Hendy Woods State Park and beyond.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Fundraising for Land Conservation
• (09:18) Accidental Fundraiser Finds Passion in Nonprofit
• (14:47) The Power of Nature and Fundraising
• (20:45) Exciting Trends in Conservation Fundraising
• (31:52) Balancing Ethics and Effectiveness in Outreach
• (36:37) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Land Conservation, Fundraising, Nonprofit, Nature, Redwoods, Save the Redwoods League, Environmental Stewardship, Digital Strategies, Direct Mail, Philanthropy, Data Analysis, Creative Strategy, Pandemic, Donations, Strategic Communication, Climate Change, Parks, Database Migration, Wildfire Devastation, Donor Retention, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Organizational Growth, Social Justice, Outdoor Activities

Show Notes: Join us at the Oat Hill Mine Trail with Deb St Cyr, an ardent trail advocate, whose personal journey of healing and growth has been deeply intertwined with the great outdoors. Our conversation reveals how the pandemic rekindled a widespread passion for nature, as seen through the vibrant tapestry of runners, hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers sharing the paths. Deb's transition from bookkeeping to trail advocacy, spurred by the Valley Fire's impact on her local trails, showcases the profound role these spaces play in community healing and resilience.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Importance of Trails in Personal Healing
• (13:37) Unity in Conservation and Trail Management
• (27:18) Outdoor Advocacy and Volunteer Opportunities
• (32:22) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Trails, Trail Advocacy, Outdoor Access, Community Recovery, Pandemic, Inclusivity, Environmental Stewardship, Conservation, Recreation, Unity, Trail Development, Outdoor Equipment, Changing Perceptions, Mountain Bike Alliance, Oat Hill Mine Trail, Valley Fire, Boggs Mountain, Multi-use Trails, Mental and Physical Well-being, Diversity, Youth Programs, Bay Area Ridge Trail, Friends of Boggs Mountain, Disabilities, Mo

Show Notes: Learn about the secrets of harmonizing agriculture with environmental conservation as we sit down with Brittany Jensen and Valerie Quinto, leaders of their respective Resource Conservation Districts in Northern California. Journey with us through the sustainable initiatives that are shaping the future of our lands, from salmon habitat restoration to cutting-edge soil conservation practices. Learn how these RCDs are not just preserving our environment but enhancing agricultural productivity through groundbreaking public-private partnerships, setting a precedent for ecological stewardship that invites the community to play a pivotal role.

Since this podcast was recorded, Valerie has moved on from her position at the Sonoma RCD. She remains involved with conservation in Sonoma County and beyond, and will be a lifelong fan of RCDs.

Websites:

• https://goldridgercd.org/
• https://sonomarcd.org/
• https://soilhub.org/
• https://www.rcdprojects.org/

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Conservation Work by Resource Conservation Districts
• (13:55) Balancing Human Needs and Environmental Protection
• (17:31) Environmental Education and Agricultural Work
• (22:29) Soil Conservation Districts
• (32:18) AmeriCorps Opportunities and Outdoor Engagement
• (34:16) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Resource Conservation Districts, RCDs, Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Salmon Habitat Restoration, Soil Conservation Practices, Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainable Initiatives, Northern California, Sonoma County, Environmental Stewardship, Community Involvement, AmeriCorps, Outdoor Engagement, Environmental Education, Carbon Storage, Soil Quality Improvement, Natural Resource Concerns, Environmental Decision-Making, Social Media, North Coast Soil Hub

Show Notes: Discover the transformative power of nature as we chat with Che Casul—an extraordinary individual who marries the worlds of social services, environmental conservation, and agriculture. Che's journey, which originated on a family ranch in Sonoma County, has led him to spearhead initiatives that uplift at-risk youth. His stories illuminate how hands-on conservation efforts can offer hope and perspective to those who need it most. Che's optimism, driven by his young son and the positive shifts in community attitudes towards sustainability, is contagious. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Conservation Work With At-Risk Youth
• (10:39) Land Conservation and Wildfire Prevention
• (18:44) Finding Hope in Conservation Efforts
• (31:40) Making a Difference in Fire Prevention
• (33:55) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Conservation, At-Risk Youth, Environment, Community Work, Sonoma County, Circuit Rider, Land Management, Wildfire Prevention, Sustainable Practices, Empowerment, Ocean Ecosystem, Ecological Preservation, Restoration Projects, Hope, Stewardship, Biodiversity, Volunteer Work, Fire Prevention, Resilience, Sustainable Power Solutions

Show Notes: Embark on a journey through the windswept landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore with John Dell'Osso, a seasoned expert whose tenure with the National Park Service spans over three decades. Our conversation walks through John's remarkable transition from a seasonal ranger to the Chief of Interpretation and Resource Education, as he paints a vivid picture of his devotion to nature and the essence of public service. His personal anecdotes reflect a profound connection to the environment and highlight the unique challenges and triumphs encountered while nurturing and protecting the precious landscapes of Sonoma County.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Exploring Point Reyes National Seashore
• (14:10) A Career of Public Service
• (22:54) Challenges in Conservation and Management
• (30:16) Passion for Natural Resource Preservation
• (40:46) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Point Reyes National Seashore, John Del’Osso, National Park Service, Public Lands, Wildlife, Sonoma County coast, Conservation Management, Human Interaction, Non-Native Species, Environmental Stewardship, Human Experiences, David Sibley, Birding, Novices, Environmental Stewardship, Nature, Community, Public Service, Passion, Natural Resource Preservation, Hope, Animal Rescue, Environmental Groups, Rescue Pets, David Allen Sibley, Bird Behaviors, Outdoor Favorites, The Big Year, Avian Behavior, Interviews

Show Notes: Join the chorus for change with Irma Cuevas, a fierce champion for equity in the outdoors. Listen in as she shares her inspiring story of growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Mendocino County, and how this experience forged her deep connection to nature. With a passionate voice, she advocates for inclusive outdoor spaces that embrace cultural diversity, and reveals her efforts to ensure the outdoors is a welcoming place for all. Discover how Irma's unique perspective is shaping the future of environmental stewardship and the way we all experience the natural world.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Champion for Equity in Outdoors
• (07:15) Challenging White Supremacy in Outdoor Spaces
• (15:04) Building Diversity and Inclusion in Parks
• (19:39) Community Engagement and Youth Programs
• (32:38) Nature Access and Conservation Vision
• (37:34) Equity and Inclusion in the Outdoors
• (42:49) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Nature, Inclusivity, Equity, Outdoor Spaces, Diversity, Indigenous Knowledge, Environmental Stewardship, Community Engagement, Youth Programs, Conservation, Access, Cultural Relevance, Parks, Latinx, BIPOC, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Inclusion, Environmental Education, Recreation

Show Notes: Curious to learn about the dance between our environment's health and the choices we make? Explore the intersection of geography, conservation, and technology with our guest, Tom Robinson, a conservation professional who champions the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in tackling environmental challenges. Listen in as Tom shares his insights on prioritizing land conservation efforts and the significance of scientifically-informed decision-making in the fight against climate change. His experience spans collaborating with diverse organizations, from local open space districts to federal agencies, and his projects range from Coho salmon recovery to sea-level rise planning. Tom's passion for the outdoors and his dedication to data-driven solutions for a sustainable future are sure to captivate and inspire.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) GIS in Conservation and Climate Change
• (09:25) Climate Change Leadership and Hope
• (28:17) Lightning Round: Outdoor Favorites

Keywords: Conservation, Geographic Information Systems, GIS, Environmental Stewardship, Coho Salmon, Sea-level Rise, Climate Change, Data-driven Approaches, Preserving Landscapes, Climate Change Leadership, Hope, Outdoor Spaces, Media, Environmental Protection, Sustainability, Habitat Protection, Local Leadership, Outdoor Experiences, National Seashore, Kayaking, Camping, 'Into the Wild', 'Let's Talk Outside', Podcast, Passion, Great Outdoors