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Living Downstream

A radio program featuring interviews with local experts on various environmentally-related topics

About this Show:

Living Downstream is a program for folks who’d like to learn about environmental topics of interest in the Umpqua Watershed of southern Oregon, and the larger Pacific Northwest region. It is coordinated by the AmeriCorps member serving as the Environmental Education & Outreach Leader for the Umpqua Watershed organization in an effort to bring awareness of environmental issues to a wider audience.

If you live in Roseburg, you can tune in via our KQUA station (99.7). Otherwise, click the button below to access KQUA’s website, where you can listen to a livestream from anywhere! Each week, we interview different experts to learn about various issues including waste management, the role of art in environmentalism, ecosystem restoration, water quality, wildlife rehabilitation, and more!

Living Downstream on KQUA.org

Radio Opportunities for Youths

Podcasts of past episodes!

Would you like to be on the show?

If you have knowledge and experience on an environmentally-related topic and would like to be interviewed for the show, contact our Environmental Education & Outreach leader by emailing julie@umpquawatersheds.org.

Past Episodes + Resources

2023-2024 Shows with Julie Lowe

 

 

Episode 24: Doing What We Can to Protect Oregon’s Animals & Ecosystems ~ Aired August 14th & 15th

This episode will feature an interview with long-time member of the Friends of Crater Lake, Beverly Paulson, who shares information about this beautiful Oregon treasure, and how you can get involved with its protection, as well as wildlife biologist and author Marcy Cottrell Houle, who has written several books about Oregon’s wildlife and various habitats.

Resources & Links Mentioned During Episode 24:
Marcy’s Books Discussed in the Episode:
Other Media Mentioned:
  • Flight Behavior (book by Barbara Kingsolver)
  • Seven Worlds, One Planet (show)

Episode 25: Whoooo’s in Your Forest: Learn Owl About It ~ Aired August 28th & 29th

In this episode, we’ll hear from owl expert David Johnson about the Global Owl Project’s efforts to learn about owl species around the world, as well as an Oregon initiative to restore burrowing owl habitat. David shares information about how owls are classified and the impact of cultural views on habitat and species conservation. We’ll also be joined by Umpqua Watersheds’ president and retired wildlife biologist Janice Reid, who will share about a local owl species on the brink.

Resources & Links Mentioned During Episode 25:
  • Global Owl Project (will be located at globalowl.org)
  • The Owl Pages – Website
  • “Owls in Myth & Culture” – YouTube Video
Other Opportunities:
  • You could help go through literature on owls
  • Wildlife rehabilitation or transport – Local wildlife rescue’s Facebook page
  • You could assist with a research project/program
  • World Owl Conference in October 2022 – Website with more information
  • If you would like to contact David Johnson regarding assistance with one of his projects, please email: djowl@aol.com

Episode 21: Understanding More of Southern Oregon’s History (or Herstory) ~ Aired June 26th & 27th

In celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month, this episode will explore the connections between women, especially lesbian women, and the environment, as well as dive into the history of a special area of land called Cabbage Canyon. Our guest for this episode is Jessi Harris, the new owner/steward of that property.

Resources Mentioned During Episode 21: 
  • Lesbian Connection Magazine – Website
  • Jessi’s Cabbage Canyon email is cabbagecanyon@gmail.com

Episode 22: AmeriCorps! ~ Aired July 17th & 18th

In this episode, you’ll hear from members currently serving with United Communities AmeriCorps, as well as UCA’s Program Director and Umpqua Watersheds’ Executive Director, with a guest appearance by Umpqua Watershed’s next AmeriCorps member, who will be serving during the 2021-2022 term! These lovely ladies will share about their experiences with national service, benefits of programs such as AmeriCorps, and, in the final interviewee’s case, what she’s hoping to get out of the experience.

Resources & Links Mentioned During Episode 22:

Episode 23: Coastal Ecosystems Are Struggling Too ~ Airing July 31st & August 1st

This weekend’s episode will take us somewhere we have not yet explored during Living Downstream – the coast! Episode 23 focuses on a type of ocean ecosystem called a “kelp forest”, and some of its inhabitants. Various factors are transforming these aquatic systems into urchin barrens, which are unsuitable habitats for otters and other species. Hear from The Elakha Alliance’s Bob Bailey and Tom Calvanese of the Oregon Kelp Alliance to hear what diverse groups of stakeholders are doing to help Oregon’s sea otters, and the kelp forests they need to survive.

Resources & Links Mentioned During Episode 23:

Episode 18: Crater Lake ~ Aired May 22nd & 23rd

In this episode, you’ll learn about Crater Lake and the surrounding wilderness, and the efforts being taken to protect them. Bob Hoehne and Bob Allen share their connections with the region, and ways to support this Oregon treasure.

Resources & Links for this Episode:

Episode 19: Staying Connected to Environmental (& Other) Organizations As We Age ~ Aired June 5th & 6th

This episode features an interview with Lillene Fifield, who shares some recommendations for staying active, and staying connected as you get older. Additionally, she reflects on how religious institutions and other groups can be environmentally conscious.

Resources & Links for this Episode:

Episode 20: Reflections On Time Spent in Somalia ~ Aired June 12th & 13th

This episode features an interview with MaryAnn Shank, who shares about the time she spent serving with the Peace Corps in Somalia years ago. She reflects on what she has learned in the intervening years, and the benefits of service.

Resources & Links for this Episode:
  • Peace Corps Website – Link
  • United Communities AmeriCorps (local program) – Link

Episode 16: Interview with a Local Author ~ Aired May 8th & 9th

In this episode, you’ll hear from Robert Leo Heilman, a local author who wrote the book Overstory: Zero, Real Life in Timber Country. In the interview, he discusses the importance of complexities – and some of the dangers of ignoring them, as well as what it means to live in community with one another.

To start out the show, we’ll feature a song by local musician/songwriter Marnie Allbritten, who has shared a number of her songs with us for use on Living Downstream. If you have an original, nature-related song that you’d like to be included in the show, please email ryan@umpquawatersheds.org.

Links/Websites & Books Mentioned in Episode 16
  • Overstory: Zero, Real Life in Timber Country, by Robert Leo Heilman
  • The Quiet Sickness: A Photographic Chronicle of Hazardous Work in America, by Earl Dotter

“Oregon Mountain Chant”, by Marnie Allbritten

(First aired during Episode 16)

You green and rocky mountains, You sky so big and blue

With dreams beyond the counting, You know that I love you.

And you will not forsake me. You’ll stand so wild and strong

‘Til all the stars fall from the sky and all the dreams are gone.

My Momma died so weary, my Daddy he’s gone too.

They left me sad and sorry with nothing I could do.

But when I see your rivers wind, my heart sings like a bird

That leaves my sorrow far behind the sweetest song I’ve heard.

Now I will wander through the world from sea to shining sea,

And nothing I find will be worth the song you sing to me.

But when at last my time is done and all my trials are through,

I’ll hang my coat behind the door and lay me down with you.

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Episode 17: The Healing Power of Nature ~ Aired May 15th & 16th

This episode features an interview with Elena Lininger, creator of the organization Source One Serenity, which offers local veterans and their families opportunities to participate in nature immersion activities, as well as the associated social enterprise HealTerra, which employs veterans in producing soil amendments through vermiculture/worm composting! Additionally, hear from Executive Director Kasey Hovik about new ways to get involved with Umpqua Watersheds.

Resources & Links from Episode 17:

Resources for Episode 13 – Local Fish & Streams (Aired April 10th/11th & 17th/18th)

This episode features interviews with Jeff Dose & Jeff McEnroe, both of whom have worked as fish biologists in the area. Our conversations cover the types of fish in local streams, various impacts on the waters and aquatic species they contain, and habitat restoration planned for areas burned in the Archie Creek Fire last fall.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 13

Resources for Episode 14 – Intro to Forest Bathing, Part 1 (Aired April 24th &25th)

In this episode, you’ll hear from Michelle Winter, certified forest therapy guide, about forest bathing – or forest therapy walks – and the benefits of spending intentional time in nature. Tune in and be refreshed as you learn about a new way to engage with the natural world.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 14

Episode 15: Intro to Forest Bathing, Part 2 (Aired May 1st & 2nd)

This episode features an interview with Sari Telpner, certified forest therapy guide and health educator. You’ll learn more about what forest therapy, also called forest bathing, is, as well as other nature-connected practices that offer a multitude of benefits. Additionally, you’ll hear a song by Marnie Albritten, and a presentation by Rachael Brock, which took place during our Eco Innovations Challenge on April 25th.

Links/Websites & Books Mentioned in Episode 15
  • Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs – ANFT Website
  • Wild Wellness Guide – Click here to learn more about Sari’s offerings
  • Book Recommendations:
    • Your Guide to Forest Bathing, by Amos Clifford
    • Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing, by Ben Page
    • Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health & Happiness, by Dr. Qing Li
    • The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing, by Julia Pleven
    • Sit Spot & the Art of Inner Tracking, by R. Michael Trotta
    • The Nature Principle, by Richard Louv
    • The Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv
    • The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams
    • Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • Rachael’s email (reach out if you’d like to learn more about/volunteer for her bee survey project) – rachaelkyhlyb@gmail.com

“Song for the Umpqua”, by Marnie Allbritten 

(First aired during Episode 15)

God made the Indians, gave them a home.

Mountains to wander, forests to roam.

And the streams were clear as diamonds.

And the grass was green as rain, and the trees grew tall forever.

Turtle Island was its name.

Then came the white man from over the sea

Many a brave man yearned to be free.

And they saw the land before them

But they saw it with their eyes, and they killed their red brothers and sisters

With their wicked loving lies.

Time passes quickly.  Those days are gone.

Only the memory of terror lives on.

But the streams that flow are filthy

And the air’s a killing fog, and they’re cutting down the ancient trees

Just to bring in bigger logs.

My children’s children must live on this land.

If we won’t save it, nobody can.

And the children want to know

Why the earth is filled with pain.

Like that red man long ago, can we love her once again?

Resources for Episode 10 – Off-Trail Exploration (Aired March 20th & 21st)

In this episode, you’ll hear from Tony Cannon and Jeremiah Osborne-Gowey, two off-trail explorers, about their preferred method of exploring nature, and some of the amazing things they’ve found!

Resources for Episode 11 – Understanding Climate Change (Aired March 27th & 28th)

Episode 11 features interviews with Stuart Liebowitz of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition and Katrina Keleher of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (and former Environmental Education & Outreach Leader for Umpqua Watersheds!).

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 11

Resources for Episode 12 – How Does Your Garden Grow? (Aired April 3rd & 4th)

Episode 12 is all about sustainable gardening and farming! Joanne Gordon (“Granny Organic”) discusses eco-friendly practices for growing your own produce, and Amanda Pastoria of the Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market shares about this wonderful community resource!

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 12

Lyrics for “Rainbow” by Marnie Allbritten

(Featured in Episode 12)

You’re a rainbow, many-colored threads of sunshine.
You can smile and let it all be fine, you can laugh and let it go.
When the sun shines, you can see yourself through open eyes.
And I know your song will rise in harmony.

When the rains came and the clouds rushed over, capped the sky,
Cold and heavy as a winter sigh, robbed the sun from us below.
But the rainbow is hiding just behind the clouds I know
And beyond the rainbow, that’s where we must go.

Let the sun shine. Let it fill your heart with gladness
Through the hard times and the sadness.
Hold on to that golden light.
In the darkness lies the seed of every sunrise climb.
And I know we’ll shine together, you and me.

We’re all rainbows, many-colored light of sunshine.
We can smile and let it all be fine. We can laugh and we can grow.
When the wind blows we can shelter in each other’s songs
And we’ll weather all the storms and on we’ll go.

Resources for Episode 7 – Beekeeping (Aired February 27th & 28th)

Episode 7 features interviews with Phil Moulton of Douglas County Bees & local beekeeper Stan Petrowski. They discuss some of the challenges facing bees in southern Oregon, as well as some of the joys of caring for an apiary and it’s inhabitants.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 7 

Resources for Episode 8 – Protecting Habitat for Wildlife (Aired March 6th & 7th)

Hear from Francis Eatherington, Jesse Burgher, and Cindy Haws about tracking and collecting data on various wildlife species in the Pacific Northwest, as well as efforts to restore habitat for local wildlife.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 8 
  • Umpqua Natural Leadership Science Hub (UNLSH) – Website
  • Western Oregon Wildlife Trail Cam – YouTube Channel

Resources for Episode 9 – The Big “E”: Extinction (Aired March 13th & 14th)

In this episode, we hear from Angela Jensen about how we got to this point, and what can be done to turn back the tide on one of the biggest issues of our time.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 9
  • Umpqua Watersheds’ Conservation Page –> Here
  • The Story of Stuff –> Video/Website
  • BARK’s Groundtruthing Page –> Here

Resources for Episode 4 – Observing Birds & Other Wildlife (Airing February 6th & 7th)

In this episode, we heard from Damon Lesmeister and Matthew Hunter about how technology is being used to help researchers collect data about birds, and some tips and suggestions for attracting birds and other wildlife to your yard.

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 4 

Resources for Episode 5 – Understanding Pacific Northwest Fires (Aired February 13th & 14th)

In this episode, we heard from Ken Carloni about the history of wildfires and wildfire management in the Pacific Northwest, the challenges of planting a monoculture (single-plant) plantations of trees, and possible solutions moving forward.

Episode 6 – Caring for Critters (Airing February 20th & 21st)

This episode features interviews with Peggy Cheatham of Umpqua Wildlife Rescue and Megan Gram of Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center; in it you’ll learn the important & difficult job of wildlife rehabilitators, creative uses for baby socks, what to do if you find baby kittens, and how to get involved with both organizations. Additionally, Marnie Allbritten shared a song she wrote for an eagle she helped rehabilitate (lyrics below).

Now that we’re one month in, we’ll share a few highlights from the first five episodes as well!

Links/Websites Mentioned in (or related to) Episode 6

Lyrics for “Golden Friend” by Marnie Allbritten

(Featured in Episode 6)

Golden friend, you take me flying in your memory.

Eagle friend, you teach me how to fly free.

Wounded friend, I know how it must feel trapped in your cage of steel

I want to help you heal.

Take my song and rise with it above the pain.

Take my tears and join them to the rain.

Take my love and soar above the clouds, unbroken and unbowed.

So gentle and so proud.

‘Cause each one has a role to play on the turning wheel

And the one that we set free today will help the earth to heal.

Golden friend, you take me flying in your memory.

Eagle friend, you teach me how to fly free.

Eagle friend, I swear the pain will end, like shadows on the wind,

And you will fly again.

Episode 1 – On Trail Hiking (Aired January 16th & 17th, 2021 & again May 29th & 30th)
Looking for a new hike to try over the next few weeks? In this episode, Diana Pace and Connie Page offer some great suggestions for places to explore nearby, how to prepare for a hiking excursion, and give tips on how to prepare/what to take with you when you go.
Links/Websites Mentioned in Episode 1

Episode 2 – Art & Environmentalism (Aired January 23rd & 24th, 2021)
In this episode, we hear from Elva Paulson and Susan Applegate, two local artists who feature nature in their work. They share:
   – their introduction to the field of art/illustration
   – tips for capturing the essence of something
   – getting started with nature journaling
   – benefits of spending time in nature
   – the significance of language/the way we describe things
   – the role of art in environmentalism
   – and the connections between art and science. 
Links/Websites Mentioned in Episode 2

Episode 3 – Water Quality (Aired January 30th & 31st, 2021)
Wondering what characteristics make up “water quality” or what factors might be impacting the quality of the water in southern Oregon? This episode features interviews of Mikeal Jones and PUR members Sandy Lyon, Joe Carnes, and M A Hansen.
Links/Websites Mentioned in Episode 3

Journaling/Reflection Prompts – to go with Episode 2: 
1) Describe a significant experience you had in nature.
2) What story do you want or need to tell – and how will you tell it?
3) What is the conversation you’ve had with the place in which you live?
4) What might nature be saying to us?
5) Tell what you appreciate about nature and why.
6) Go outside and spend time looking closely and loosely, open for what you might see and experience. What did you notice?

Music Attribution

The intro and outro music for the show are excerpts from the song “Forest” by Vlad Gluschenko.
Attribution information is as follows:
Forest by Vlad Gluschenko: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMjF_LLOiC0&ab_channel=AudioLibrary%E2%80%94Musicforcontentcreators
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported  — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/forest-vlad-gluschenko
Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/OMjF_LLOiC0