Jumpstart Nature

Send us a Text Message.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 i...

Send us a Text Message.Periodical cicadas are amazing animals - they spend nearly 13 or 17 years underground, and all decide, together, to come out and party in your trees at the same time.They are loud, and perhaps you think they are annoying. But they are one of the most accessible demonstrations of nature's abundance that still occurs.But cicadas are super important to our ecosystems and the food webs that support life. Their story is full of history, drama, and even optimism. And right no...

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever seen a bird or a tree, and wondered what it is? Why did that bird show up here? How come I've never seen that tree anywhere else?Just a few years ago, you'd need to consult an expert or spend loads of time reviewing field guides and natural history books to get those answers. Today, the answers are at your fingertips. And with curiosity comes the satisfaction of learning.Explore the transformative power of the iNaturalist app through the journeys of Jennif...

Send us a Text Message.Jumpstart Nature's next season is making great progress, but it's still a few weeks away. So we decided to share one of our top episodes from our sister podcast, Nature's Archive. It's with Dr. Doug Tallamy, the world renowned author, entomologist, native plant advocate, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park (instagram). In this episode of Nature's Archive, Dr. Tallamy discusses why oak trees are perhaps the most important tree on Earth! And despite their reputation...

Send us a Text Message.Please Join the Jumpstart Nature Patreon to support creation of future episodes Our pilot season is over, but Griff Griffith and Michael Hawk have more great nature knowledge to share!Today's episode answers your questions about the Jumpstart Nature episodes we've already published and gives you an exciting peak into what comes next.In fact, maybe YOU can be part of a future podcast episode? Be sure to listen to hear how.And perhaps most importantly, Griff, Michael, and...

Send us a Text Message.What is "normal" or even "natural" in nature? In a world where everything is constantly changing, the human desire to define things as "normal" has broad implications on how we see the world, and how we choose to conserve it (or not conserve it!).This desire to establish a personal "normal" leads to a quirk of psychology called Shifting Baseline Syndrome. Learn about the dramatic impacts that it has in this Jumpstart Nature episode.Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he...

Send us a Text Message.Human society is more connected than ever. Between mobile phones and internet applications, we can connect with each other instantaneously, around the globe. And more traditionally, the United States alone is home to nearly 4 million miles of roads, structures which, for many of us, have only served to enhance our sense of connectedness to the cities we live in, to our families and friends, and to the larger world around us. Yet, these same roads that connect people hav...

Send us a Text Message.Feeding birds is a cherished nature pastime in the United States, the UK, and Canada. It brings the wonders of the wild right to our backyards, allowing us to marvel at the beauty and behaviors of our feathered friends up close. Plus, there's the satisfaction of knowing we're contributing to wildlife's well-being!But have you ever wondered about the impact of bird feeding? What about the recent concerns regarding disease outbreaks? And do you know where the birdseed you...

Send us a Text Message.Without noticing, homeowners across the country have destroyed habitat covering an area the size of New England or Florida. As bad as that sounds, it actually gets worse. But we can easily fix this problem - and it actually saves you time and money. With the help from Dr. Doug Tallamy, Mary Phillips, and Leslie Inman, Griff explains what’s going on here, and how you can help create The Yard of the Future.Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore mo...

Send us a Text Message.Prepare to shatter preconceptions and debunk myths about the world around us, all while uncovering the astonishing truths hidden within nature and climate. Embark on a transformative journey with Jumpstart Nature, an innovative podcast that melds captivating storytelling with cutting-edge science. Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as each episode whisks you away on an immersive adventure like no other. From unearthing hidden wonders to sparking a passion for change, Jump...