In this final episode of Conservation Conversations, recorded live from the Biodiversity Without Boundaries conference, we hear from passionate individuals within the NatureServe Network about what inspired them at the event. From discussions on leveraging technology for efficient biodiversity data collection to the im... more
In this special episode of Conservation Conversations, NatureServe introduces its latest breakthrough: NatureServe Explorer Pro, a powerful tool designed to enhance accessibility to vital biodiversity data. Join us as Anne Bowser, Interim President and Executive VP for Programs, and Lori Scott, Interim CEO and Chief In... more
Join Sean O'Brien on Conservation Conversations as he sits down with Collin Spriggs and Brandon Gibson from the Euchee Butterfly Farm and Tribal Alliance for Pollinators. Learn how they're cultivating pollinator-friendly plants native to Oklahoma, preserving cultural traditions, and bridging traditional knowledge with ... more
Join Sean O'Brien in this month's Conservation Conversations episode featuring Dr. James Hung, a biologist with the Oklahoma Biological Survey and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Delve into the fascinating and diverse world of pollinating insects and learn about some of the challenges facing our nati... more
In the year-end special episode of Conservation Conversations, host Sean O’Brien reflects on the impactful discussions with scientists and conservationists dedicated to preserving biodiversity. The episode highlights key themes such as the interconnectedness of all species, the importance of inclusivity in conservation... more
In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, join host Sean O'Brien as he speaks with Rachael Tancock, a naturalist, nature communicator, and the face behind 'The Nature Educator.' Growing up on Vancouver Island, Rachael was fascinated by the natural world around her. Find out how she turned her curious mind an... more
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, join host Sean O'Brien and guest Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at Bat Conservation International, as they unveil the fascinating world of bats. Dr. Frick dispels common myths about these often misunderstood creatures, delves into their diverse adaptations and ecologi... more
In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Caroline Van Hemert takes us on a captivating journey. Her recent book, "The Sun is a Compass," recounts her extraordinary 4,000-mile human-powered expedition from the Pacific Rainforest to the Arctic Coast. As an ornithologist by training and lifel... more
In the first episode of Season 4 of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Lowell Baier, conservationist, historian, attorney, and author of the new book "The Codex of the Endangered Species Act." They delve into the 50-year journey of the Endangered Species Act, its origins, challenges, and its role in counte... more
In this enlightening episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean O'Brien speaks with Dr. Catherine Febria, Canada Research Chair and Assistant Professor in Freshwater Restoration and Ecology at the University of Windsor. Dr. Febria demonstrates through her own research experience the value of conducting ethical and inc... more
In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and author Dudley Edmondson, whose most recent release is The Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places. In this deeply moving conversation, they explore the freedom that nature provides for people and how we c... more
Join Sean O'Brien in this thought-provoking Conservation Conversations episode as he is joined by Priya Nanjappa, Vice President for Conservation Programs at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The conversation explores the impacts of colonialism on public spaces and the movement to make people feel saf... more
On this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean was joined by the legendary author and scientist Paul Ehrlich, known for his work in biology and population dynamics. In their discussion, Ehrlich reflects on changes in science and conservation over the last half-century, the vital importance of science commu... more
Natural history museums tell the story of our planet and provide lessons for the future. No one knows this better than Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, who joined Sean for this month's episode of Conservation Conversations to talk about the science happening at museums.
In February of 2023, NatureServe released a brand new analysis finding that over one-third of biodiversity is at risk of extinction. Regan Smyth, NatureServe's Vice President for Data and Methods, joined Sean on the podcast this month to talk about what the results of the new Biodiversity in Focus: United States Editio... more
With 2022 wrapped up, we’re bringing you a special episode of Conservation Conversations this month—a compilation of some of the most thought-provoking moments from our episodes last year. Listen as scientists and leaders in conservation share what inspires them, the importance of their work, and what the future of bio... more
With 2022 wrapped up, we’re bringing you a special episode of Conservation Conversations this month—a compilation of some of the most thought-provoking moments from our episodes last year. Listen as scientists and leaders in conservation share what inspires them, the importance of their work, and the connections we all... more
In December 2022, the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) reached a historic agreement to protect a third of the planet by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity.In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with NatureServe's Biodiversity Indicators Prog... more
In this compelling episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with James Evans, Executive Director of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a BIPOC-led organization that addresses animal welfare through the well-being of both animals and humans. James, also a professional wildlife photographer... more
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Margaret O'Gorman, President of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), which supports companies in developing and achieving goals around protecting biodiversity. During the conversation, Sean and Margaret discuss the recent framing shift from environmental... more
In this episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Sean is joined by Dr. Greg Mueller, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Greg studies the ecology and conservation of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Today, he focuses on raising awareness about the import... more
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Dr. Murphy Westwood, Vice President of Science and Conservation at the Morton Arboretum, which recently collaborated with NatureServe and other organizations to create a comprehensive assessment of trees in the United States. Find out how many trees in the... more
In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Justin Cummings, the founding director of the UCSC Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program and former mayor of the City of Santa Cruz. Justin shares how he united his background in science and policy to create positive change for his home, and how... more
In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by the lead authors of the first comprehensive assessment of the world's reptiles. Neil Cox is the manager of the Biodiversity Assessment Unit, a joint effort of IUCN and Conservation International, and Bruce Young is Chief Zoologist and Senior Conse... more
In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Razan shares how the IUCN leverages its constituency of governments, civil organizations, and indigenous communities to guide global policy change. The conve... more