Nova Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

I'm putting myself and my thoughts out there.

Raw, unfiltered, bare.

Conservation needs to change, yes.

But also:

Our world needs to change.

Are you in?

In today’s episode, Lynn and I talk about Conservation Nation, the environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) she runs. They have three pillars to their mission:

1. Expand funding to role model conservationists
2. Educating and inspiring a more diverse generation
3. Convening & bringing together people from all backgrounds so we can brainstorm larger solutions together.

We also chat a LOT about money, capitalism, and how we can divert more funds to protecting our planet. Regardless of your background and experience in wildlife or environmental issues, this conversation is for you. It’s for all of us.

As Lynn says, “let’s break barriers to bring a more diverse, representative, and inclusive core of conservationists to the fight.”

**Also: I’m taking a slightly different approach with the podcast. I love talking about all things conservation and science, but I’m realizing my gifts and interests are better suited to emotionally nuanced discussions. Therefore, future episodes will focus on somewhat sensitive topics relating to mental health, addiction, depression, eco-guilt, eco-anxiety, and more.

Resources:

Conservation Nation: https://conservationnation.org/ 

The Ministry for the Future (book): https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Future-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0316300136 

Nova Conservation Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation

Guys. Rose Santana (@scie.co on IG) is such a boss! She’s super smart and knows more about marine pollution that I would ever care to know. This interview is fairly science heavy, but stick with us - it is a discussion worth having!

We get into some great topics such as: 

• Why collaboration is key in both science and ecotourism
• Tips for grad school
• The importance of mentorships
• How to get more funding for conservation
• Why diversity is invaluable in science
• Why climate change IS a social justice issue
• And so much more!

Bottom line: Conservation needs funds! It doesn’t matter how you get it! (Well, I mean, yes I know there are ways to get funds that are pretty unethical…so it does matter…but just listen to the episode, ok?!)

Resources:

Find Rose on Twitter: @scie.corose and Instagram: @scie.co

Rose’s Website: scieco.net

Seaworthy Collective: https://www.seaworthycollective.com/

Nova Conservation Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/novaconservation

Want to be a co-host or know of a good guest for the podcast? Reach out to us novaconservationtravel@gmail.com

Whew it's a busy episode! I wanted to get this out as soon as possible to make sure everyone can contribute to Brittany's research before the survey (conservationtrauma.com) closes at the end of January 2022.

Part One: What is Pay to Play?

Is PTP interchangeable with PTW (Pay to Work)? When is it acceptable to pay for an experience, and when is it exploitation? We break it down for you. Like, 20 minutes of breaking it down because there's so much to cover.

I approached this question from both viewpoints: from a financially struggling organization and a struggling conservation worker. It's not an easy answer, and to ignore the complexities can mean we are hurting those who are trying to help. I offer tips and advice whether you are trying to recruit volunteers for your project, or you are seeking to pay to volunteer. It's a must listen for everyone in conservation. And apologies for my kids screaming in the background.

Part Two: ConservationTrauma.com (starts at 16:30)

We talked to Brittany Sawrey who is getting her second master’s - her first one was in conservation science, and now she’s getting one in counseling. Despite her background in zookeeping, she realized her passion was hearing and listening to the stories of others. 

You can help with her research! Go to conservationtrauma.com

Part Three: Year End Recap (starts at 39:34)

Well if you made it this far, you're truly a hero. It's a recap of our year: a panel that I made some major mistakes in, and the growth, forgiveness, and lessons that came from that.

Ready to grow with us in 2022? Support us at patreon.com/novaconservation.

Email me your stories if you want to be on the pod! novaconservationtravel@gmail.com

Other resources: ConservationTrauma.com

Whitley Fund for Nature - https://whitleyaward.org/

This one is for all you young conservationists out there: You want to help animals. You want to make a difference. You want to travel to a cool place. But be forewarned that many of these companies do not have your - or the animals - best interests in mind. 

Sophie Bell knows this firsthand, which is why she wrote a blog about red flags to look out for. We talk about all this and more, with the goal of ending these exploitative practices. 

Also, it’s our last episode for the year! We will see you in 2022!

Resources:

Instagram: @adayinthewildlifesoph

Link to her blog with WildlifeTek

https://www.wildlifetek.com/blog/volunteering-pitfalls?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildlifetek.com%2Fa%2F2147489476%2FyUoNio2f

This conversation with Sebastian Moreno is pretty awesome, not gonna lie. Sebastian is getting his PhD in Environmental Conservation, so let’s just say he knows a thing or two. We jump right in and cover everything from the mysterious bird deaths in the eastern U.S., the debate about terminology concerning “citizen science,” getting kids connected to nature, and ways we can literally shake up the current model of conservation to make it more inclusive-- and maybe even generate more revenue. You truly won’t want to miss this amazing conversation.

One thing is clear: The current model of conservation is not working. Let’s pull an etch-a-sketch on it and rebuild. It’s about time.

Learn more about Sebastian and his work -

Instagram: @urbanbirdeco

Twitter: @urbanbirdeco

Our Nova Conservation blog called "Are citizen and community science the same?

https://www.novaconservation.com/are-citizen-community-science-the-same/

Our Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation

I'm baaack from Perú! And boy, I have lots of thoughts and stories for you. So this episode is a brain dump of, well, everything.

If you don’t want to listen to me blah blah blah for 45 minutes, I don’t blame you. Skip ahead to 45:37 to hear the content (and some commentary) of my TEDx talk.

I'm hoping this talk will bring to light some of the not so great aspects of working in conservation, and ways we can work together to make effective change. 

Also: We are looking for a co-host! Interested? Listen to what we’re looking for at 43:07.

Plugs for some of the orgs my friends work for:

Fauna Forever https://www.faunaforever.org/

Inkaterra Asociacion: https://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra-asociacion-org/en/

Un Poco del Chocó: https://www.unpocodelchoco.com/biologicalstationwelcome

Check out more stories from other Lonely Conservationists at https://lonelyconservationists.com/

Consider supporting our work at patreon.com/novaconservation.

When you live, work, and spend every waking second with someone for 3 months, you either grow to hate them...or form a tight bond. With Miranda, it was 100% the latter (not sure if she would say the same thing about me though!). Miranda and I reminisce about our time working on cuckoos together, including The Oak Experience (aka our future band name), the prothonotary warbler nestling incident of 2019, and Williams Island hell. Additionally, as part of the LGBTQ community, Miranda discusses the emotional burden of deciding how and when to tell potential employers about her sexuality. We talk about the things we would like changed in conservation work, including fair work hours, suggestions for employers to not take advantage of their workers (especially seasonal ones!), and more.

Resources:

Find Miranda IG: @mmwilkz , Twitter @mirandainnature 

Support our work and these stories at patreon.com/novaconservation. 

Nova Review Database: https://app.novaconservation.com/entity/28815b6b-d569-46dc-b8ce-fc8ba638b8f2  

María (with an accent!) Dabrowski is a science communicator and turtle lover. We cover a wide-range of topics, from mental health to parachute science, and even how to determine worthwhile conservation efforts -- think local, and look at the motivations of those doing the work. She emphasizes that conservation communication is key, whether it involves governmental legislation or understanding why people poach. María also gives advice for those that want to travel abroad and emphasizes to enjoy what you do in life. 

Resources: 

María’s Instagram: @gogreenfortheocean 

Go Green Wilmette link: https://gogreenwilmette.org/ 

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation 

Nova Review Database: https://app.novaconservation.com/entity/28815b6b-d569-46dc-b8ce-fc8ba638b8f2 

Meredith Heather is a skilled biologist who has worked and volunteered across the globe, from Namibia to Peru to California. However, she had to pay to get many of the experiences that furthered her career. Join us as we talk about the pitfalls of “pay to play,” what constitutes exploitation, and how to diversify conservation. We have a back and forth dialogue, fluctuating between the unfairness of low pay, yet empathizing with amazing animal conservation groups that are struggling for funds to merely stay afloat. This is just the tip of the iceberg of these discussions, but a great introduction to think about the nuanced challenges with paying to volunteer. 

Join the conversation on IG @nova_conservation 

Share your stories! We’d love to hear from you. DM us or email novaconservationtravel@gmail.com Follow Meredith on IG @merekatmanor

Other Resources:

Archbold Bio Station link: https://www.archbold-station.org/html/aboutus/about.html

Point Blue Conservation Science: https://www.pointblue.org/

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation