What Do Birds Have to Do With It? Regenerative Agriculture through the Eyes of Ecology & Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw

09/11/24 • 75 min

Did you know birds navigate more habitats than almost any other species and are key indicators of planetary and human health? Join us on the Land Food Life podcast with Michael McGraw, an ecology and wildlife biologist, as he shares his journey from herpetology and ornithology to regenerative agriculture. Michael discusses conducting wildlife surveys and how grazing practices affect bird populations, biodiversity, and the nutrient density of our food.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights. Michael talks about his passion for birdwatching, which was sparked during Timber Rattlesnake observation in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and the use of tools like the Merlin app for bird identification. He explores bird song identification, its insights into ecosystems, and its therapeutic effects on human well-being.

Michael also discusses the documentary Roots So Deep by Peter Byck, in which he appears, highlighting adaptive multi-paddock grazing and its ecological benefits. We examine how mindful grazing impacts ranchers, soil health, and bird diversity. We conclude with an emphasis on increasing BIPOC agricultural land ownership to create a diverse, just, and equitable food system.
Resources:
https://princetonhydro.com/staff/michael-mcgraw/
https://rootssodeep.org/

Previous Episode

undefined - Decoding Nutritional Dark Matter: Understanding How Agricultural Growing Practices Influence Nutrient Density with Dr. Stephan van Vliet

Decoding Nutritional Dark Matter: Understanding How Agricultural Growing Practices Influence Nutrient Density with Dr. Stephan van Vliet

Explore the nexus of agriculture and human nutrition as we learn about cutting-edge research focused on understanding how agricultural growing practices and biodiversity shape the nutrient density of the food on our plates and our well-being. In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Stefan Van Vliet from Utah State University enlightens us about his collaborations with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural and nutritional scientists to study the critical linkages at this nexus.

Our dialogue traverses the influence of our diets on health metrics, highlighting the stark differences between whole foods and their ultra-processed counterparts. Learn about the transformative power of a diverse array of whole foods as we dissect research findings that reveal rapid health benefits.

Equipped with the insights of my guest, we probe deeper into the complexities of phytonutrients, protein metabolism, and the innovative research connecting what's on our plate to the earth beneath our feet. We unravel the mysteries of metabolomics, a cutting-edge tool that's unlocking the understanding of the nutritional potential of our food, and discuss the concept of 'nutritional dark matter' that may hold the key to further health advancements. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting to question where your meals come from, this episode promises to feed your curiosity and fuel your motivation for creating a healthier tomorrow.
Show Notes:
https://stephanvanvliet.com/
https://caas.usu.edu/directory/vanvliet-stephan
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=L5KcySQAAAAJ&hl=en Stephan van Vliet (@vanvlietphd) / X

Next Episode

Roots of Renewal: Empowering Central American Subsistence Farmers for Climate Solutions with Florence Reed

Join us for a compelling conversation with Florence Reed, the visionary founder of Sustainable Harvest International, as we tackle the urgent global challenges of deforestation and agricultural sustainability. Discover the transformative power of climate-smart subsistence farming practices in Central America and the significant role tropical forests play in our climate's health. Florence shares heartwarming stories from her work with rural farmers and a glimpse into her documentary "Roots of Renewal," which beautifully captures the magic of turning degraded lands into flourishing agroforestry systems that allow these farmers to thrive.
We'll unpack the short-sighted gains of traditional methods, like slash-and-burn, that lead to devastating land degradation and biodiversity loss, trapping farmers in cycles of poverty. Florence and I discuss how Sustainable Harvest International is breaking this cycle through an innovative multi-year program that empowers farming families with low-cost sustainable practices that promote soil health, improve nutrition, and reduce the dependency on harmful agrochemicals.
Learn how SHI's sustainable farming cohort programs are reshaping gender dynamics and empowering women to take a leading role in agricultural and financial decision-making. We also cover the critical role listeners can play in this impactful mission, ensuring a healthier and more equitable world for future generations.
Resources:
Learn about Kara's Land Food Life Community Cleanse & Reset 28-day program that starts January 2nd, 2025 https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse
Visit Sustainable Harvest International's website https://www.sustainableharvest.org/
Watch the Roots of Renewal documentary for free www.rootsofrenewal.info
Learn about Kara Kroeger and her holistic nutrition and agroecology education services https://www.landfoodlife.com/

Land Food Life - What Do Birds Have to Do With It? Regenerative Agriculture through the Eyes of Ecology & Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:01.782

Welcome to the Land Food Life podcast . I'm your host , cara Kroger . In each episode , I'm dedicated to enlightening you with invaluable insights on how we can heal the land , our ecosystems and improve our overall health and well-being .

Speaker 100:00:18.815

My goal is to raise your awareness about caring for nature as a whole and the life-giving breathing