Happy Mother's Day, Nature Nerds! Jen surprises Megan with an amazing Mother's Day gift from Bind Weed Sketch Books! Then Megan shares some science news from listener Rebecca about Red Wolf pups as well as a second fun science news about manipulative dog micro-expressions. Jen then talk Lightning with some stories about lightening survivors like Roy Sullivan (thank you for that suggestion, Brian Lovell)!

Organizations to support: Shenandoah National Park Association

https://snpbooks.org/

The Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA), a non-profit organization, supports the interpretive and educational activities of Shenandoah National Park.

ALSO: 350.org

We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Jen tells us some science news about Magpies and Megan does a deep dig (?) into mining! Get your hardhats and gas masks ready! Thanks to listener, Bbqsheepdip for the suggestion!

Organization to support: https://earthworks.org/

Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions.

Thank you for your patience, Nature Nerds! This week, Megan shares a new study looking at microplastics in live human lung tissue, yikes! Then Jen talks about the lungs of the world, the Amazon, and the incredible story of Yossi Ghinsberg. Thanks to listener, Chandler, for this suggestion!

Organization to Support:

Amazon Conservation: https://www.amazonconservation.org/

They implement direct conservation solutions across 124 million acres of the Bolivian and Peruvian Amazons, the most biodiverse place on Earth. Larger than the state of California, this region contains a distinct set of interconnected iconic landscapes whose unique characteristics shape how we deploy our approach in each place.

Hey all you Nature Nerds! This week Jen gives some uplifting updates on previously critically endangered species and Megan presents: The Horse Episode! Thanks to listener Shane for sharing about our Organization to Support!

Organization to support: The Retired Racehorse Project

https://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/

The RRP exists to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition them.

Hey Nature Nerds! Thank you for your patience as we got this episode out! This week Megan talks pandemic mask mandate controversy (not really) and then Jen brings us the story of our last, but certainly not least (and maybe Jen's fav now), Trimate, Dr. Birute' M. Galdikas. We hope you learn lots about Orangutans and Palm Oil production!

Organization to support:

Orangutan Foundation International: orangutan.org

Rainforest Action Network: https://www.ran.org/

Borneo Orangutan Survival: https://borneoorangutansurvival.org/

The Orangutan Project, part of Wildlife Conservation International: https://www.theorangutanproject.org/

Orangutan Land Trust: https://www.forests4orangutans.org/

A Warning: This may not be appropriate for kiddos!

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Jen shares some science news about Galapagos Tortoises, then Megan talks Hyenas (or Hyaenas, if that floats your boat)! We hope you have a couple of laughs, but not the scary kind!

Organization to support: African Wildlife Foundation

www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/hyena

Wildlife species roam across a mosaic of vast and varied landscapes, that include protected areas, community, private and public lands. These large landscapes provide habitat for wildlife and vital ecosystem services that support rural development.

Hey Nature Nerds! This week Megan and Jen send out a big CONGRATS to Brian Glazer and Kevin Mukai of Hohonu for their work in tide monitoring and being named Island Innovators of 2022 by Hawaii Venture Capital Association! Then Jen talks a different set of islands- the Channel Islands of California, the Galapagos of North America and a very special inhabitant, Juana Maria.

Organizations to Support:

GABRIELENO (TONGVA) BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

https://www.gabrieleno-nsn.us/

The "San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians" Gabrieleno (Tongva) Band of Mission Indians was exclusively recognized by the State of California in 1994.

Chumash Indian Museum

https://www.chumashmuseum.org/

The Chumash Indian Museum is a historical site and living history center dedicated to restoring and preserving an awareness of the Chumash people and their historical, cultural, material and present-day influence, as well as the natural environment and historical significance of this site.

Channel Island Park Foundation

https://www.ciparkfoundation.org/

The Channel Islands Park Foundation, the authorized non-profit philanthropic partner of the Channel Islands National Park.

This week Jen shares about Shark toots and bouyancy. Then Megan tells Pam Bales' story "The Mystery on Mt. Washington," a story full of heart! Thank you to listener, Angelina, for this suggestion!

Organization to support: https://www.pemisar.org/

The Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team (PVSART) is a volunteer organization formed in 2005 to assist with woodlands searches for lost or missing persons and with carry outs. The primary response area for the team is Grafton County and the western side of the White Mountains.

PVSART also promotes hiker safety by providing trained speakers to address local school groups and other organizations and by posting safety information and resources for hikers on this site.

Membership is open to all hikers 18 and over in good physical condition who live in the local area. Contact them to join.

Coming out triumphant (hopefully) from battle with all the audio editing software in the world, YGDOT presents this year's Peace Corps Stories! It's time to celebrate Peace Corps, the organization that brought Jen and Megan together :)

First, Megan shares some news on the fighting in Ukraine and some organizations you can check out to help! Then we share three great stories from three amazing folks! We hope you enjoy!

Megan starts us off this week with some science news shared by a listener, Jen Eells, of Margaret Howe Lovatt and her relationship with Peter the dolphin as well as a tid bit shared from another listener, Lilly Bug, about the WHO recommending the groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk! Jen gets serious with us this week when she shares the story of Dian Fossey and mountain Gorillas. Get your tissues handy.

Organization to Support: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

https://gorillafund.org/

More than 50 years of successful conservation work in saving gorillas is based on a holistic model

This week Jen shares about the largest squid caught near Hawaii to continue on our cephalopod kick. Then Megan talks all things creepy with Bottlenose Dolphins...

Organization to Support:

World Animal Protection: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/

Our mission is to create a better world for animals: We end the needless suffering of animals, We influence decision makers to put animals on the global agenda, We help the world see how important animals are to all of us, We inspire people to change animals’ lives for the better, We move the world to protect animals

This week Megan shares a couple short science news' about birds who like to live on the edge! Jen's episode comes from a listener suggestion this week- thanks Cristina! Jen dives into the world of Octopuses and we learn a lot about sex arms, mimicry, and some fun folklore- so hold on to the deck and release the Kraken!

Organization to Support: Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. With more than 200 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.

https://gift.oceana.org/collections/adopt-an-octopus

Hi Nature Nerds! Jen talks forest fires and fire management in the wake of the devastating Colorado and California fires. Then Megan takes us on a Pacific Journey of love and loss. Thanks to Christine for this great suggestion!

Organization to support: The American Fisheries Society

https://fisheries.org/about/

The American Fisheries Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources.

We're back this week! Megan is bringing you some science news about possible cures for MS in the works. Jen then talks about the recent volcanic activity in Tonga, endemic Megapodes in Indonesia that rely on heat from volcanoes, and destructive eruption stories from around the world.

Organizations to support:

Relief for Tonga! https://www.redcross.org.au/

Alliance for Tompotika Conservation: www.tompotika.org

This week, Jen gives us some good news on lowering carbon emissions from cows! Then Megan talks Giant Pandas, attacks by the most chill member of family Ursidae, and some fun (?) conspiracy theories!

Organization to Support: World Wildlife Foundation wwf.org

Adopt a panda- Our mission is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. From our experience as the world's leading independent conservation body, we know that the well-being of people, wildlife and the environment are closely linked

Welcome to YGDOT 2-0-2-2! Happy New Year, Nature Nerds! We're starting off this year with a remembrance of the life and works of Edward O. Wilson, then Jen takes us on a twisting, turning journey in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Organization to Support: www.islandconservation.org

We work together with local communities, government management agencies, and conservation organizations on islands with the greatest potential for preventing the extinction of globally threatened species. We develop comprehensive and humane plans for the removal of invasive species, implement the removal of invasive species; and conduct research to better understand how invasive species removal changes and benefits island ecosystems and to inform future conservation action.

In this June bonus Patreon episode Jen tells us the story of Claire Nelson's survival in the Joshua Tree National Park. Learn a lot about Joshua Trees and yet another way to collect urine when surviving in a desert situation!

Organization to Support: Joshua Tree National Park Association

https://www.joshuatree.org/

The Joshua Tree National Park Association has been supporting programming at Joshua Tree National Park since 1962. As the park’s primary non-profit partner, we operate four visitor center park stores that are often the first stop for visitors from around the world; offer a field institute with classes taught by experts in natural sciences, cultural history, and the arts; and raise funds via donations and our membership program.

Get ready to learn about Nanga Parbat and the ill fated journey of two world class climbers up the Mummery Spine.

More info on ways to help the Sherpa Communities: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140424-sherpas-avalanche-help-donations

We want to say how thankful we are for all of you! Happy Super Belated Thanksgiving, Nature Nerds!

It's finally here! This week Jen gives us some fun facts about pig orgasms and other weird animal facts. Then Megan tells the intertwining story of the Powhatan people, Jamestown colonists, cannibalism, and Pocahontas. It's a cornucopia of information!

TW for stories of sexual assault.

Organization to Support:

https://indiancountrytoday.com/

Indian Country Today is a daily digital news platform that covers the Indigenous world, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. Indian Country Today is the largest news site that covers tribes and Native people throughout the Americas.

This week Megan takes us on an emotional journey with some Science News shared by Jen's mom, Julie, about the rare white Giraffes in Kenya. Then Jen goes full Science Teacher with a lesson about all kinds of Pigs followed by some gruesome, tragic stories- be warned!

Organization to Support: Conservation International at https://www.conservation.org/

To prevent irreversible harm to Earth’s life-support systems, humanity must emit less climate-warming greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, while also removing excess carbon from the atmosphere. This will require an urgent and large-scale transition to clean and renewable sources of energy. But even if the world stopped using fossil fuels completely, we would fail to avert a worst-case scenario if we did not also reverse the destruction of ecosystems such as forests that absorb and store carbon.

In other words: No matter what, if we don’t protect and restore nature, we will fail to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown.