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

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/