Join us as we dive into the vital role of milkweed for monarch butterfly survival, the community-driven efforts to plant and restore habitats. Our guest, Nancy Crews, director of Milkweed Matters, shares inspiring stories of grassroots initiatives, scientific advancements, and how everyone can contribute to pollinator conservation.

Call to Action:

Plant native gardens, participate in seed collection, support habitat restoration, and spread awareness about the importance of pollinators. Your efforts help ensure that monarchs and countless other pollinators thrive for generations to come.

Resources and Links:

Milkweed Matters Website: https://milkweedmatters.org/

Monarch Watch: https://monarchwatch.org/blog/

Radio tracking Monarchs: https://monarchjointventure.org/blog/revolutionary-tracking-study-follows-monarchs

Motus: https://motus.org/

Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

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Unlock the surprising art and science of transforming urban trees into one-of-a-kind lumber and discover why bugs are part of the story that makes every piece unique.

In this episode, Meghan Sundermeier of Omaha Wood Company shares how she salvages urban logs, turning both unwanted and sentimental wood into beautiful, sustainable creations. Guided by a deep respect for nature, Meghan’s work is about more than woodworking. It is about rethinking waste, honoring the life of trees, and recognizing the tiny ecosystems that exist all around us, even in urban spaces.

She walks us through the entire process, from sourcing local wood to milling and kiln drying using advanced vacuum technology. Along the way, she explains the critical steps needed to eliminate pests like powderpost beetles and wood boring beetles, offering practical insight into how entomology intersects with craftsmanship.

Visit Omaha Wood Company in person or connect with them on social media to learn more.

Website: https://omahawood.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omahawoodco/

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Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!

Michael and the gang chat with Dr. Jared Ali about his unorthodox journey to becoming an entomologist, making unexpected connections, and exploring multitrophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and pests.

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Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!

Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Thank you so much for listening!