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Can biochar made from invasive eucalyptus trees help make farms more sustainable around the sensitive Elkhorn Slough estuary? The team talks with organic farmer Jesus Calvillo, soil scientist Dr. Arun Jani, ESF’s Kevin Contreras, and several of Dr. Jani’s students as they embark on a multi-year research study.

Music by Ross Robertson
Original cover art by Lena Champlin
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In this episode, Ross talks with Cynthia Vernon (Campaign co-chair) and Taylor Honrath (ESF Deputy Director) about Elkhorn Forever, ESF's $12 million campaign to preserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough watershed. Topics include how Elkhorn Forever got its start and what makes Elkhorn Slough an "unsung jewel.”

To learn more about Elkhorn Forever, visit our campaign page.

Music by Ross Robertson

Original cover art by Lena Champlin

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Watch the latest on ESF stewardship projects

Episode photo by Kevin Lohman

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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 transformative area of conservation. 

Music by Ross Robertson

Original cover art by Lena Champlin

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Watch the latest on ESF stewardship projects

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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 beetles and soil microbes: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550742423000866

For more on sustainable food systems, check out Suzanne's book:
https://cup.columbia.edu/book/sustainable-food-production/9780231548441

Music by Ross Robertson
Original Cover art by Lena Champlin.
Visit our website for events:
https://elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar/
Watch the latest on ESF stewardship projects:
https://www.instagram.com/elkhornslough_org/

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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://elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar/
Watch the latest on ESF stewardship projects:
https://www.instagram.com/elkhornslough_org/

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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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.