Living Downstream is a program for anyone who’d like to learn about various local environmental topics as well as climate change and environmental justice. It is hosted by Julie Lowe, current AmeriCorps member who is serving as Umpqua Watersheds’ Environmental Education & Outreach Leader, and on a rotating basis Kasey Hovik (UW Executive Director). We are excited to offer this show as a way to bring awareness of environmental issues to a wider audience.
Please click on the links for past shows:
Status of the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal
Learn more about the effort to secure Wilderness protection for backcounty areas of Crater Lake. The Wilderness Act prohibits mining, road building, logging, building, structures and installations, mechanized and motorized equipment. Our Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal would place these protections on the expansive backcountry of the Park.
The Effect of Climate Change on Insects
Climate change affects us all. But it has real repercussions for the insect world that is the base for our food web and the source of so much healthy ecological functioning.
Plant Based Diets – Our Environment and Our Health
What is the impact of plant based diets on our environment, as well as our personal health? Explore the lifestyle and nutritional benefits of a plant based diet as we talk with John Dimov of the Umpqua Community Veg Education Group.
UCAN Americorps offers fantastic opportunities for people of all backgrounds to serve communities through education, outreach, and other services, addressing the nation’s most pressing problems. Check out how it’s working in our community today with personal stories from individuals serving now.
- Source One Serenity is a fantastic program that links veterans with the environment, empowering them to regain purpose and build the community. Learn more as we talk with Co-founder Elana Lininger.
- Global warming is as much a threat to wildlife as it is to humans. Learn more as we we speak with Betsy Glenn, Partnership Ecologist for the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Bees, 0f all types, pollinate 75% of all the fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the United States. Learn more about their importance, and how to raise bees, as we talk with the Umpqua Valley Beekeepers Association.
- Prescribed burning is the practice of intentionally using fire for ecological management of a healthy ecosystem. Learn more when we speak with Csanyi Matusicky of the Umpqua Valley Prescribed Burn Association!
- Indigenous Burning practices to promote healthy forests have been used for thousands of years. Learn more about using fire as a management tool for healthy ecosystems and the cultural relevance of this practice as we speak with Jesse Jackson, President of the Takelma Cultural Center.
History, Status and Importance of the Wolf in the Pacific Northwest
- Crucial to driving evolution and balancing the ecosystem, wolves are an integral part of a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. Learn more as we speak with Amaroq Weiss of the Center for Biological Diversity.
Economic, Social and Ecological Costs of Deforestation
- What are the actual ecological, social, and economic costs associated with deforestation? Explore the true cost to us, our environment, biodiversity and our communities as we talk to economist Ernie Niemi about the not so hidden costs of removing trees.
Soil, Seed and Restoration of Native Flora
- Restoration and conservation of native species and our ecosystem depends on soil and seeds. Learn more with Morgan Fay of the Understory Initiative.
PHISH! And the Intersection of Music, Arts, and the Environment
- PHISH! Explore the intersection of the arts, music, and the environment as we discuss this band’s dedication to environmental issues, the incredible creations of the artist Brooke Knuckles, and how people from different passions come together to create and celebrate “Waves” at the Phish Studies Conference.
Think Wild! Care of Oregon’s High Desert Country Wildlife
- Oregon’s beautiful and unique high desert country benefits from the incredible care and protection of native wildlife through education, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation by the organization Think Wild.
- Restoring the Understory! Vegetation monitoring, seed collection, planting and seeding, sensitive species monitoring, partnership building and education – it’s all about restoring the understory with the Understory Initiative.
- Conservation Dogs! From locating endangered species to alerting to invasive species, dogs are doing their part to help conservation and preserve the planet by making a snifference every day!
- Freshwater mussels are the “liver of the river.” There’s a reason why water quality is so much better near a mussel bed!
Wild Horses and Burros of Oregon
- The beautiful wild horses and burros of Oregon. Learn about their legal status, conditions and threats, and the controversy and support surrounding their presence on public lands.
- The word Raptor is derived from the Latin word ‘raptare’ which means to “seize violently and drag away.” Learn more about the fascinating world of birds of prey and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Are you picking up what I’m putting down? Communication revisited!
- Learn how to speak THEIR language when communicating with others. Identify communication style and learn how to present your ideas in a way that others will understand.
- Populations of the western pond turtle are in decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and disease. Learn about this ancient pond dweller as we speak with Bruce and Gwen Bury
“4 Ladies in Tennis Shoes” and the Status of the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal
- The best of citizen science! Hear about the story of the “4 Ladies in Tennis Shoes” and how they saved 1800 acres near Limpy Rock as a Natural Research Area. Follow the status of the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal.
The Rural Organizing Project of Oregon
- Explore the work of the Rural Organizing Project of Oregon as we speak with Emma Ronai-During of the ROP. This organization is dedicated to building and supporting a shared standard of human dignity.
Step Outside, The Plants Are Calling
- Lauren Kemple of Backyard Wildcraft takes us into the field. Learn about what is offered freely in nature around us, how to enjoy it and benefit from it, and how to explore it with sensitivity and care.
Salvage, Fire and Forest Management
- Ken Carloni speaks on the issue of salvage, in consideration of ecosystem integrity and function, fire awareness, and best practices forest health.
The Umpqua Chub and Interpreting Ecosystem Health
- The Umpqua Chub, endemic to the Umpqua River, is a rather small, “insignificant,” little fish. Does its preservation really matter? What does it say about the overall health of an ecosystem when it loses an endemic species? Learn more when we speak with Stan Petrowski about the Umpqua Chub and how we interpret ecosystem health.
Nature’s Incredible Engineer, The Beaver
- Nature’s incredible engineer, the beaver. 200 years ago, one of the largest corporations on earth tried to kill every beaver in the Pacific Northwest. Now, 200 years later, we are more and more realizing the incredible environmental impact this keystone animal has on the health of the ecosystem. Join us as we explore the history of the beaver in Oregon, and the incredible role they play, with Reese Mercer of the Western Beaver’s Cooperative.
The Threat of Invasive Species
- Invasive species pose a significant threat to ecosystems, economies, and human health worldwide. They can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and sometimes introducing diseases. The economic impact is also considerable, as invasive species can damage agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Additionally, they can affect human health by introducing new allergens or acting as vectors for diseases. Learn more as we talk with Samuel Chan of the Oregon Invasive Species Council.
Flight Paths: Mystery of Bird Migration
- How do they do it? How do they know? Every year, throughout the year, different communities of birds migrate. Whether it’s a long distance marathon or a season altitudinal change, birds just seem to know when, where, and how to make the move. Learn about the latest technologies used to track these fascinating migrations with Author Rebecca Heisman
The Scientific Impacts on the Winchester Dam
- Jeffrey Dose, fisheries biologist with over 30 years experience in the Umpqua, explores the actual scientific impacts of the Winchester Dam near Roseburg, Oregon on the fish of the North Umpqua River.
SLO Beaver Brigade- California’s Restoration of the Beaver
- Nature’s Master Architect, the beaver, is considered by many an invasive species in California. Learn how this is being disproved and the work by the SLO Beaver Brigade to restore this native keystone species.
Master Gardener Winter Preparations
- It may be winter, but there’s plenty of gardening to be done! Master Gardener Bruce Gravins explores the best practices for winter care of gardens and preparation for spring.
MushROAMING! An exploration of the Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest
- Experience MushROAMING! As we talk with mushroom expert Daniel Winkler, with a special emphasis on the mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest.
Forest Therapy with Forest Therapist Jesse Remer
- Take a deep breath… and embrace the benefits of increased mental health and well being through connecting with nature. This episode explores how nature enhances health, wellness and happiness with Forest Therapist Jesse Remer.
The Art of Communication in Diverse Communities
- Our beautiful watershed is a priceless commonality that brings us all together. So why is communicating about this treasure be so tricky? Exploring the art of communication with Dr. Jean Erickson, communication and career coach, educator, and public speaker.
Managing Your Personal Property With Good Ecology in Mind
- We speak with Matthew Hunter, Wildlife Ecologist, Field Naturalist and Guide, about best practices when managing your private property with good ecology in mind. How to identify and recognize the features of your property, unusual or interesting species, competing species, and how to make it all work well together.
It’s a WaterCatchment, Not a WaterShed!
- Cindy Haws, President of the Umpqua Natural Leadership Science Hub (UNLSH), explores the watershed as an imperative and irreplaceable water catchment system.
The Incredible Pacific Lamprey
- Ralph Lampman and Dave’y Lumley of the Yakama Nation Fisheries Pacific Lamprey Project discuss the amazing, prehistoric Pacific Lamprey which has survived 5 mass extinctions, but is now facing serious threats. The current threat they are facing today represents more than 400 million years of impact combined.
- We are speaking with Elizabeth Roberts, a beachcomber and beach artist from Brandon, Oregon. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and contributing artist at the Washed Ashore Project in Brandon. Her artwork is incredible, motivating and inspiring, as she educates people about harmful plastic pollution.