This episode delves into the integration of artificial intelligence within the field of ecological restoration. Covering a broad spectrum from the practical to the philosophical, the conversation explores the potential for AI to reshape restoration practices, the ethical considerations at play, and the importance of balancing technological advancement with traditional ecological knowledge. Through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and a look towards the future, the guests offer a comprehensive exploration of how AI is shaping the landscape of ecological restoration and what that means for the environment and society.

Episode Segments

1. Introducing the Experts

Meet Sam Woodrich, a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, and Dr. Timothy Pape, a postdoctoral research associate at Bowling Green State University. Both bring a wealth of knowledge in environmental and social sciences and share their insights on AI in ecological restoration.

Woodrich, Samuel T., and Timothy Pape. "Ecological restoration and artificial intelligence: whose values inform a project?." Restoration Ecology (2024): e14128.

2. Exploring AI in Ecological Restoration

An overview of how AI is currently being utilized in ecological restoration projects. This segment covers practical applications, from predictive modeling to species identification.

3. Bridging the Gap: AI Tools as Assistants

Discussion on AI tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app and iNaturalist, and how they assist in ecological monitoring and data collection. The segment emphasizes the collaborative potential between AI and human expertise.

4. Debating AI's Role and Impact

A critical look at the limitations and biases of AI in ecological restoration. This segment explores the ethical considerations and the need for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with AI-driven methods.

5. Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?

An exploration of AI’s potential benefits and risks. The experts discuss whether AI can be a reliable partner in restoration efforts or if it poses significant challenges that need to be carefully managed.

6. Looking to the Future: AI, Restoration, and Beyond

Insights into future advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on ecological restoration. The segment highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive management in leveraging AI for sustainable outcomes.

7. Wrapping Up and Rapid Fire Questions

A fun and engaging wrap-up segment where the experts answer rapid-fire questions, sharing personal anecdotes and their visions for the future of AI in ecological restoration.

Read more for yourself at Google Scholar. A growing number of articles provide an overview of the current state and potential of AI in ecological restoration, addressing both the technical capabilities and the ethical considerations involved.

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Music from the episode is Lish Grooves

In this episode, we're joined by two extraordinary guests, Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hansen, who bring decades of experience and insight to the practice of ecological forestry. Their recent book, "A Forest of Your Own," serves as a comprehensive guide for forest stewards in Oregon and Washington, covering essential skills like evaluating land, sustainable management, wildfire risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. Seth and Kirk address the diverse needs of family forest owners, community forests, municipalities, and Indigenous tribes, offering insights on sustainable wood harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and watershed protection.

Kirk Hanson is an experienced forest educator and pracitioner, skilled in guiding forest owners to managed their land sustainably. He has worked with a variety of landowners, and also blogs about his own family's experiences managing 200 acres of forestland in the South Puget Sound.

As a journalist, Seth Zuckerman reported extensively on forests, salmon and the human communities that depend on them. He also serves as Executive Director of Northwest Natural Resources Group, and he is author of several books, including Saving Our Ancient Forests and Salmon Nation.

During our conversation, Seth and Kirk discuss how ecological forestry differs from conventional industrial forestry, advocating for practices that prioritize ecosystem health and long-term sustainability. They share personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of interventions like thinning to promote forest resilience, especially in the face of climate change. Their book and work aim to empower forest landowners with the knowledge and tools to become responsible stewards of their land, promoting ecological health and resilience for the benefit of both people and the environment.

As we explore the balance between human intervention and natural processes in forest management, Seth and Kirk address common questions and misconceptions about forest management, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers long-term ecological health and diverse benefits for future generations. They highlight the role of ecological diversity in promoting economic resilience and offer practical advice for forest observation and engagement.

A Forest of Your Own book www.nnrg.org/book

Keeping Up with the Hansons Blog www.nnrg.org/hansonfamilyforest

You can donate to help cover the small overhead for the show. @myadrick via Paypal and Venmo and CashApp.

Music from the show Stayloose | Gunnar Olson | Cumbia Deli

In this episode, we delve into the world of plant medicines. Our guest, Natalie Hammerquist, a herbalist based in Washington state, shares her extensive knowledge and experience in herbalism and foraging local wild plants. Natalie's journey, rooted in a degree from The Evergreen State College, led her to explore herbalism, plant taxonomy, and food science. Under the guidance of renowned herbalists like Cascade Anderson Geller and Matthew Wood, Natalie integrated aspects of Chinese medicine and Western herbalism into her practice.

What's particularly intriguing about our conversation is Natalie's emphasis on the importance of collaboration between restorationists and herbalists to ensure sustainable caretaking and the preservation of plant resources. Natalie also shares her personal journey into herbalism, shaped by her own health struggles during college, and highlights the diverse approaches within herbalism, blending scientific methodologies with traditional wisdom.

Additionally, Natalie sheds light on the regulatory disparities between the United States and Europe, emphasizing the need for advocacy and education to support herbalism and holistic health practices. She offers insights into her forthcoming book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest," which aims to provide practical guidance and visual aids for identifying medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of accurate plant identification and ethical harvesting practices.

We dig into topics such as the significance of timing in harvesting, ethical considerations inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's concept of the Honorable Harvest, and the therapeutic properties of plants like knotweed, blackberry, and hawthorn. Natalie advocates for sustainable harvesting practices that balance the benefits and impacts of these plants, promoting a mindful approach that honors the interconnectedness of all living beings and fosters responsibility for the wider environment.

Adiantum School of Plant Medicine website | Instagram

Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species

Natalie will be presenting her new book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species," at Third Place Books in Seward Park on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 7:00pm. https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/event/natalie-hammerquist

Music from this show: John Patitucci | Soy Emilia