Follow a drop of water from the Santa Cruz Mountains to your faucet at home in this episode with Heidi Luckenbach, Water Director for the City of Santa Cruz Water. Heidi walks listeners through the water sources and systems that deliver this precious resource throughout the community. With the mind of a civil engineer and a heart for public service, Heidi is passionate about helping people understand the infrastructure they engage with every day. Her team at the Water Department developed Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge—a board game that challenges players to keep water flowing through Santa Cruz as they draw action cards that reflect real-world weather events and project proposals. 

Tune into this episode today to hear Heidi discuss the intricacies of water management in a changing climate and hear her outlook on the future of water independence in Santa Cruz. 

Also, join us here at Seymour Center on August 22nd to play Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge for yourself!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Santa Cruz Water Supply

01:04 Heidi Luckenbach's Journey into Water Management

02:11 The Role of Civil Engineering in Water Utilities

04:22 Sources of Water in Santa Cruz

07:22 Managing Water Sources Seasonally

08:25 Water Mains and Distribution System

10:56 Community Conservation and Climate Impact

14:21 Regional Water Collaboration

29:13 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Explained

32:44 Other Water Supply Options: Recycled Water & Desalination

35:06 Desalination in Santa Cruz

37:38 Cost and Climate Considerations for Water Projects

39:45 Introducing Aqua Cruz: The Water Game

48:22 Community Values and Water Management

49:07 The Role of Public Engagement

50:40 Where to Find the Water Game and Community Events

51:11 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Resources:

Santa Cruz Water Department - https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/water

Aquacruz Water Game - https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/water/aquacruz

Keywords

water management, Santa Cruz, water conservation, water supply, aquifer storage, water infrastructure, climate change, groundwater recharge, drought resilience

Prepare to journey into a deep, mysterious realm on our planet from the comfort of your streaming device. In this special Field Diary episode, guest host Cassidy Beach follows marine biologist Steve Haddock from the podcast studio to a day of deep sea exploration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Steve’s research focuses on the boneless, bioluminescent beings in a slice of the ocean thousands of feet below the surface. He brings Cassidy inside the control room for the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ventana as it descends to search for these little glowing jellies, then gently brings them up to the surface where they come face to face with scientists.

Both in the studio and at sea, Steve and Cassidy discuss how the deep ocean is not a lifeless void, but a vast ecosystem teeming with fantastical lifeforms that support us surface-dwellers in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. Dive into this episode today to learn more about why this wondrous expanse deserves our protection and attention now more than ever before. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Deep Sea Exploration

01:04 Meet Steve Haddock and His Work at MBARI

03:22 Why the Deep Sea Matters to Us

06:25 Light in the Deep: Bioluminescence and Its Roles

10:59 Can We See Bioluminescence in Santa Cruz?

12:34 Accessing the Deep Sea: Technology and Location

13:28 Collecting and Studying Deep Sea Creatures

34:32 Threats to the Deep Sea: Mining and Pollution

43:36 The Impact of Human Activities on Deep Sea Ecosystems

44:21 Future of Deep Sea Research and Conservation

46:25 Citizen Science and Public Engagement in Marine Research

48:01 Lightning Round: Personal Insights from Steve Haddock

Resources:

MBARI Official Website - https://www.mbari.org

Steve Haddock - MBARI Profile - https://www.mbari.org/person/steven-haddock/

Steve’s book: “The Radiant Sea”  - https://bookshopsantacruz.com/book/9781419772375

Bioluminescence Documentary - David Attenborough’s Light on Earth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rpmiaCxyEk

Keywords

Deep Sea Research, Marine Biology, Bioluminescence, Monterey Bay, Ocean Conservation, Deep Sea Mining, Offshore Drilling, Marine Biodiversity

In this special “Deep Dive” episode, guest host Eric Palkovacs, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, sits down with Mark Carr. Mark is a living legend of marine ecology who helped pioneer the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPA'S) in California and now advises for new MPA’s all over the world.

As a scientist, Eric brings a different perspective to his interviews. He still gets to the core of why this research matters to our community, but he also asks for some key behind the scenes details that reveal the thoughts, twists, and turns behind the science. Mark and Eric discuss land versus ocean conservation, how keystones species fluctuations and climate change have altered California’s underwater ecosystems, and much more in this all-encompassing chat. 

If you’re a scientist or someone who likes watching the director’s commentary of a movie, then you’ll love this episode. Prep your SCUBA gear, because we’re going deep on this one. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mark Carr

02:09 Purpose of the deep dive episodes and scientific storytelling

04:55 Overview of California's Marine Protected Areas and their significance

09:02 History and motivation behind California's MPA network

12:06 Design principles and scientific basis for MPAs

17:07 Stakeholder involvement in establishing MPAs

22:01 Ecosystem types and habitat representation in MPAs

27:08 Monitoring outcomes and ecological responses to MPAs

33:03 Role of key predators and species in ecosystem health

38:52 Climate change impacts and resilience of MPAs

44:53 Future directions and expansion of the MPA network

51:50 Global perspectives and advice for other countries

01:00:03 Summary of lessons learned and importance of ongoing monitoring

Resources:

Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) - https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MLPA

California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs

UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences - https://marine.ucsc.edu

British Columbia Marine Protected Areas Planning - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/marine-conservation

First Nations Marine Protected Areas in Canada - https://www.bcnature.ca

Deep Sea Conservation Coalition - https://www.savethehighseas.org

Keywords

Marine Protected Areas, California MPAs, Marine Conservation, Ecosystem Monitoring, Climate Change Impact, Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries Management, Marine Science, Conservation Policy

This week, we're sharing a bonus crossover episode with our friends at "Designing Tomorrow" - a podcast all about creativity and authenticity in social impact strategies. Host Eric Ressler sits down with Sarah Newkirk, Executive Director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz, who shares her insights on conservation strategies, community engagement, and innovative climate adaptation projects. Tune in to discover how local efforts in places like Santa Cruz can inspire global impact initiatives, and learn more about the importance of guiding the vision of conservation through public engagement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Designing Tomorrow

00:53 The Role of Conservation in Community Impact

02:55 Sarah Newkirk's Journey as Executive Director

05:35 Strategic Planning and Organizational Change

08:36 Innovative Conservation Projects

11:05 Leveraging Tools for Change

13:51 The State of the Conservation Movement

16:58 Connecting Local and Global Conservation Efforts

19:40 The Importance of Public Engagement

22:28 Joy in Conservation Work

25:26 Building Relationships for Success

28:12 The Role of the Public in Conservation

31:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources

Land Trust of Santa Cruz - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/

Wildlife Crossing Project - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/wildlife-crossing

Sea Level Rise Adaptation at Beach Ranch - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/beach-ranch

Learning the Land Podcast - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/podcast

Keywords: conservation, climate adaptation, community engagement, land trust, Santa Cruz, wildlife crossings, environmental impact, nonprofit leadership

Imagine sitting by Mission Street for an hour and only seeing 5 cars pass through, or being in one of the first graduating classes from the “new” school of UC Santa Cruz. That’s the perspective Senator John Laird brings to this episode as shares his extensive experience across California’s local and state governments. As he reflects on the past 50 years of environmental policy, he highlights the long-term mindset needed to tackle looming problems when short-term budgets and election cycles cloud the decision making process. Approaching the end of his term limit as a Senator is not slowing him down, but fueling his fire to do as much as he can to set future generations up for success. Check out this episode with Senator Laird for a deep discussion on purpose, politics, and perseverance in the past half century of California legislation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Senator John Laird's Environmental Journey

01:38 Senator Laird's Early Years and Connection to Santa Cruz

02:35 Involvement in Santa Cruz City Council and Environmental Initiatives

04:23 The Blue Wall and Anti-Oil Drilling Campaigns

07:41 Origins of Environmental Advocacy and Water Policy in California

10:25 Water Independence in Santa Cruz and State Water Issues

12:21 Water Bond and Infrastructure Challenges in California

15:04 Levee Repair and Flood Prevention in Pajaro Valley

18:06 The Pajaro River Levee Breach and Emergency Response

20:18 Innovative State Funding for Local Water Projects

22:57 Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Water Recycling

27:15 Saltwater Intrusion and Groundwater Management

29:31 Bridging Short-Term and Long-Term Environmental Planning

38:20 Role of Long-Term Monitoring and Science in Ocean Protection

43:06 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Santa Cruz

48:01 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Resources:

Senator John Laird - Official Website - https://sd23.senate.ca.gov/

California Ocean Protection Council - https://www.opc.ca.gov/

Save Our Shores - https://saveourshores.org/

Water Recycling in California - UCLA Study by Andy Fisher - https://www.uclalawreview.org/

Cap-and-Trade Program - California Air Resources Board - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade

Keywords:

environmental policy, water management, climate resilience, Santa Cruz, ocean protection, levee repair, water recycling, coastal planning

After chasing illegal fishing boats and skydiving to disrupt illegal wildlife hunts, Myra Finkelstein’s unique journey from the skies to the high seas led her to become a professor of environmental toxicology at UC Santa Cruz. Her research on lead poisoning has identified major threats to scavenging species, including the iconic California Condor, and helped inform a ban on lead ammunition in the state. Tune in to learn what an isotope actually is and discover how bird feathers can provide a toxin timeline. Myra also shares how, for once, a big problem actually has a simple solution. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to California Condors and Lead Poisoning

12:26 Myra Finkelstein's Journey to Environmental Activism

25:14 The Science of Environmental Toxicology and Condor Conservation

26:16 The Impact of Science on Policy Change

28:21 Community Engagement and Conservation Efforts

30:23 Challenges in Condor Recovery

33:11 The Role of Hunting in Lead Poisoning

37:46 Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Lead Ban

41:26 Future Directions in Conservation Efforts

Resources

Ventana Wildlife Society - Non-lead ammunition program - https://www.ventanaws.org

Hunting with Non-Lead.org - Institute for Wildlife Studies - https://huntingwithnonlead.org

California Fish and Wildlife - Lead Ammunition Ban - https://wildlife.ca.gov

The Story of Plastic (Documentary) - https://www.storyofplastic.org

Keywords

California condors, lead poisoning, environmental toxicology, wildlife conservation, policy solutions, ecosystem health, non-lead ammunition, environmental science, California wildlife, conservation efforts

Julie Packard shares her journey from a UCSC student to a global leader in ocean conservation, highlighting the importance of science, policy, and community action in protecting our oceans.

Resources:

Seafood Watch Program - https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust - https://montereybayfisheries.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:54 Journey into Science and Conservation

06:05 The Role of Kelp in Ecosystems

09:59 Challenges in Kelp Restoration

14:48 The Southern Sea Otter Recovery Program

18:16 The Role of Science in Conservation Solutions

21:29 Hope vs. Fear in Environmental Advocacy

26:06 Taking a Stand on Conservation Issues

27:47 Exploring Ocean Conservation Initiatives

29:55 The Evolution of Public Awareness and Engagement

30:51 The Seafood Watch Program: A Global Movement

34:27 Innovative Solutions in Fisheries Management

37:08 Global Perspectives on Ocean Stewardship

40:33 Progress on Marine Protected Areas

43:29 The Recovery of Marine Ecosystems

51:21 A Legacy of Ocean Advocacy

When Otter 841 started hijacking surfboards at Steamer Lane, she exposed a much deeper conflict brewing just beyond the breakers. In this special episode, guest host Cassidy Beach hits the cliffs of Lighthouse Point with Gena Bentall, director and senior scientist of Sea Otter Savvy. Together, they look past the viral headlines to track the energetic costs of sharing an intensely crowded coast with wild marine mammals. But as human curiosity pushes deeper into these fragile kelp forests, the boundary between innocent admiration and a dangerous ecological deficit is wearing thin. With surf lineups more congested than ever, the future of coastal coexistence is being tested, leaving local communities to re-evaluate what it truly means to be a good neighbor to the wildlife in our backyard.

Sea Otter Savvy👉 www.seaottersavvy.org/ 

Gena’s Recommendation: Serendipity by Jim Estes👉 www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serendipity-james-a-estes 

Gena’s Recommendation: Serengeti Rules on PBS Nature👉 www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/serengeti-rules-dhbtnm/19906/ 

01:22 - Gena Bentall's Journey into Marine Biology

05:00 - Field Research and Sea Otter Tracking

09:19 - Human Disturbance and Sea Otter Savvy's Mission

13:22 - Energetic Costs of Human Interaction

21:10 - Entering the Field at Lighthouse Point

28:18 - Ecological Importance of Sea Otters

35:00 - Solutions and Certification Program

45:41 - Hope and Resilience in Conservation Efforts

Andrew Fisher, a distinguished professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, shares insights on hydrogeology, water management, and flood risk mitigation along the Pájaro River. Discover how long-term monitoring, community engagement, and innovative engineering are shaping sustainable solutions for flood control, habitat restoration, and groundwater recharge.

00:00 The Pájaro River Flooding and Community Response

10:14 Understanding Flood Risk and Management Strategies

25:56 Exploring Co-Benefits of Flood Risk Mitigation

33:35 Innovative Flood Management Strategies

34:07 Community Engagement in Environmental Science

38:48 Balancing Flood Control and Habitat Preservation

44:35 The Complexity of River Management

50:51 Groundwater Recharge and Its Importance

54:27 Long-Term Environmental Restoration Efforts

UC Santa Cruz Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences - https://eap.ucsc.edu/

Army Corps of Engineers - San Francisco District - https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology -

https://ucedna.com/

The Dreamt Land by Mark Arax - https://mark-arax.com/the-dreamt-land/

Mountain lions are slipping through our neighborhoods under the cover of darkness, radically altering their behavior just to avoid us. In this episode, Chris Wilmers, UC Santa Cruz professor of wildlife ecology, pulls back the curtain on the cryptic world of our region's apex predators. From a toothless "old man" puma targeting local livestock to the hidden ways backyard rat poison disrupts local food webs, Wilmers breaks down the true cost of human coexistence. As concrete barriers slice ancient habitats into fragments, local conservationists are fighting back with innovative wildlife crossings. Can these modern solutions truly mend a fractured landscape, or will a dominant male's desperate attempt to cross Highway 17 end in disaster?

Santa Cruz Puma Project👉 https://www.santacruzpumas.org/ 

01:04 - Meet Chris Wilmers: The Puma Guy

03:07 - Impact of Wolves on Scavengers

04:07 - Studying Mountain Lions in Human Landscapes

07:11 - Nocturnal Habits and Human Avoidance

10:10 - How Mountain Lions Choose Their Homes

13:19 - Scavenging and Hunting Near Humans

20:28 - Habitat Fragmentation and Its Effects

36:58 - Mountain Lions During the Pandemic