Jumpstart Nature

It’s All Connected – Volume 4 – May 24, 2023

Vol. 4 – May 24, 2023

IT’S ALL CONNECTED

Inspiring ↔ Informative ↔ Actionable

presented by

Nature Belongs to All

Warner Bros had it right to name their character “Wile E. Coyote.” Coyotes are intelligent and adaptable, but are also maligned and misunderstood creatures. Just the name conjures all kinds of misconceptions based on unfounded fears. It is worth taking a brief moment to better understand the importance coyotes have in all ecosystems, even urban and suburban environments.

Coyotes are considered a keystone species, an apex predator, and their presence is important to maintain a healthy ecosystem. They prey on smaller predators (skunks, racoons, foxes) as well as small herbivores like gophers, squirrels, hares, etc. Many of which are considered unwanted pests. In urban areas, coyotes and birds of prey provide us a free service curbing rodent populations which could easily overwhelm if these predators weren’t present. In our Nature’s Archive podcast last year, Dr. Peter Alagona shared detailed insights about coyotes and other animals using our urban environments.

The adaptability of coyotes is impressive when you consider that they inhabit all parts of North America in all types of biomes. Since coyotes are here to stay, we need to learn how to co-exist. Knowledge is power and knowing that coyotes pose little threat is important. An encounter in nature should need no response unless the animal approaches you. If that happens, haze the animal by yelling, waving arms around, and clap your hands, until it retreats. Within our urban neighborhoods, don’t hurt the animals, but make sure they stay wild and do not become accustomed to foraging in our backyards.

As humans continue expanding into wildlife habitat, our interactions with wild animals will inevitably increase. Listen here regarding ways the city of Reno, Nevada helps citizens navigate issues of living with wildlife.

Animal encounters are wonderful moments to observe beautiful creatures and should be treasured. Keep in mind that wildlife are wary of humans and will avoid chance meetings as long as they stay wild.

Wild is the key:

– don’t attempt to befriend a wild animal

– don’t feed them

– give wild animals space allowing them to continue on their business

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and get too close for the ultimate photograph. If the animal reacts to you, you are too close.

Depending upon where you live, other large wildlife have also adapted to live near humans and it’s vital to understand how to coexist with all mammals such as bobcats, bears, bison, wolves, panthers, and more. Apex predators truly keep a balance in our ecosystems keeping rodent populations in check. Of course, the system only works if we refrain from using deadly methods to control other unwanted visitors to our yards, parks, and other outdoor spaces.

Unintended Consequences

The Rippling Impact of the Poison Chain

What is the poison chain? The poison chain represents the unintended effects of using rodenticide to rid your home or yard of unwanted rodents.

Unfortunately, rodenticide doesn’t only kill rats and mice. Many other animals, even pets, are often affected by it. Rodenticide doesn’t kill right away and animals that have ingested it soon become a meal of a larger predator, such as foxes, owls, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. In fact, the beloved big cat of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, P-22, was suffering from rodenticide poisoning among other ailments which led to his demise. According to the National Park Service, a whopping 83-94% of the 3 large carnivores in Southern California tested positive for rodenticide.

There are many more humane options to keep unwanted animals away and, while you’re at it, don’t forget that coexisting with wildlife actually helps maintain a balance that will keep animal populations in check.

Raptors are the Solution is a Northern California-based organization working hard on education campaigns about the harmful effects of rodenticide that go way beyond the intended use. Creating better habitat for birds of prey is one of the best solutions for controlling rodent populations. Take a moment and watch this short video about a Massachusetts bald eagle poisoned by rodenticide.

Help spread the word about the harmful and unnecessary use of rodenticide. Download this pdf and share it at work, at school, around the dinner table, and in your neighborhood.

Quick Connections

Books, websites, documentaries, podcasts, events, quotes, and more

Fasten your seat belt for a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs while paging through “The Sixth Extinction: an Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert. This is a thought provoking and often chilling account of how humans have shaped and reshaped our planet since we became the dominant life form. We are now living in the Anthropocene, an era defined by human alteration of life on Earth as no other species has done before.

Quote we’re pondering

“The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” – Sir David Attenborough

Have a favorite National Park? Check out how bird populations will change in your beloved national park due to climate change.

Jumpstart Nature founder Michael Hawk reveals surprising discoveries about himself and in nature while exploring his small backyard during the pandemic.

Community Connections

We want to connect with you. What wild animal encounter have you had and how did it affect you? We read each and every response and will share selected reader stories in upcoming newsletters.

Share With Us

Your feedback is important. Tell us how we are doing and what you would like to see covered in future newsletters.

Every connection counts! Please help us grow our community of everyday heroes by sharing this newsletter with a friend or colleague.

Thank you,

Michael Hawk, Founder

Laura Schare, Editor

Jumpstart Nature

P.O. Box 53842

San Jose, California 95153

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It’s All Connected – Volume 3 – May 10, 2023

Vol. 3 – May 10, 2023

IT’S ALL CONNECTED

Inspiring ↔ Informative ↔ Actionable

presented by

Special kids’ summer issue coming in June

Connecting the Dots

Our last issue covered the 3 R’s of sustainability which is mostly about plastic. Trash meant for landfills is often left on the ground and makes its way into waterways and oceans. Let’s continue talking plastic waste and how it affects the water all around, and inside, us.

We Are Literally Consuming Plastic

Ocean plastic pollution is a growing problem that poses a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Approximately one garbage truck full of plastic enters the ocean every minute.

“Our planet is choking on plastic”, a sad truth bluntly stated by the United Nations Environmental Programme. Check out their interactive and informative website about plastics.

Plastics never decompose, they just break into smaller pieces, called microplastics. Nurdles, which are also microplastics, refers to tiny plastic beads used in plastic production. Microplastics float among the surface plankton which get gobbled up by various fish then moves up the food chain…and onto our dinner plates. Did you know that microplastics have been found in many human organs including placentas and breast milk? Plastics have been found in the Arctic, floating in the atmosphere, and in the deepest trenches of the ocean. There is no place on Earth immune to microplastics.

Efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution are essential and urgent. Strategies include reducing the use of single-use plastics, improving waste management practices, and promoting recycling and circular economy approaches. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing this issue. Education and awareness campaigns will change attitudes and behaviors. By taking action, we can help to protect the oceans and the life within them ensuring a sustainable future for generations.

Continue reading up on ocean plastics and mitigation work being done through these organizations: NOAA; Plastic Pollution Coalition; World Wildlife Fund (WWF); and, Greenpeace.

Making the Most of May

No Mow May is a conservation campaign that encourages people to avoid mowing their lawns during the month. This initiative aims to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators by providing them with natural habitat and food. While the idea of No Mow May is noble, we can easily do better.

Unless you have some native blooms, letting your yard grow long for one month won’t do very much for pollinators. Dandelions can prevent bees from starving, but they are not a nutritious source of food which impacts the health of the colony. More plant variety with different blooming seasons is the ideal menu for pollinators.

Reducing mowing is always beneficial in that it lowers noise and air pollution and carbon emissions. Are you aware that some gas lawn mowers emit more pollution than gas cars using an equal amount of fuel?

It’s great that No Mow May helps people reevaluate their relationship with monoculture lawns, but it’s important to remember that pollinators of different types have diverse timing and needs. You may do more by reducing mowing throughout the year, stopping indiscriminate pesticide use, and reducing the size of your lawn by planting native plants.

Quick Connections

Books, websites, documentaries, podcasts, events, quotes, and more

Seasonal Food Guide

Use this seasonal food guide as a tool to make conscious choices that add vibrancy and flavor to your meals while also contributing to a healthier planet.

Quote we’re pondering

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
—Margaret Mead

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid

In Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, Thor Hanson takes a unique approach to discussing climate change. He focuses on the ways that plants and animals are responding to climate change, and he does so in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Hanson’s book is full of hope, realism, and risk. He describes many surprising and unexpected natural history stories that demonstrate the subtle balance of nature and the ways it is being disrupted. Hanson’s book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in climate change, the natural world, or the future of our planet.

Reusable Cutlery

Eating take-out often means plastic cutlery which adds to the waste crisis. Consider buying this lightweight and durable Toaks titanium spork. Take it along when traveling, eating in fast food restaurants, at your desk, or in a hotel room. The spork is strong enough for tough foods and a long-lasting product that is a fabulous alternative to more plastic. Here are even more ideas for using less single-use plastic.

Get Lazy and Do Good

Why do we rake the leaves? Social conditioning, a habit, or a hold over from outdated gardening practices? No matter the reason, the science is clear that it is best to leave the leaves.

Blowing and raking removes leaves and fine layers of soil which becomes hard dry dirt devoid of nutrients and natural processes. When that happens, homeowners add chemical fertilizers and so goes the circular process. Consider that by leaving the leaves, a mulch layer will form and naturally decompose adding valuable nutrients back into the soil while also helping maintain moisture.

Being “lazy” by leaving the leaves also saves time, reduces landfill use, and provides important habitat for many animals. Don’t shred the leaves or you might be also shredding beneficial insects who live part of their lives in the leaf layer. If you feel a strong urge to clean up the yard in the spring, wait until very late in spring so that the young caterpillars and other insects have a chance to grow, take flight, and perpetuate their species. We need the insects to help keep our gardens looking good and staying healthy too.

Community Connections

Do you know any climate change-makers, individuals or groups, who deserve a shout-out? Please share a little about them and their work, so we can help bring awareness to their efforts and perhaps inspire others as well.

Share With Us

Your feedback is important. Tell us how we are doing and what you would like to see covered in future newsletters.

Every connection counts! Please help us grow our community of everyday heroes by sharing this newsletter with a friend or colleague.

Thank you,

Michael Hawk, Founder

Laura Schare, Editor

Jumpstart Nature

P.O. Box 53842

San Jose, California 95153

You received this email because you signed up on our website.

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It’s All Connected – Volume 2 – April 26, 2023

Vol. 2 – April 26, 2023

IT’S ALL CONNECTED

Inspiring ↔ Informative ↔ Actionable

presented by

Connecting the Dots

Recycling Is Not the Answer

Are you unknowingly contributing to the plastic crisis?

Recycling is not the solution we once thought it was. It is inefficient and problematic. But don’t give up – there are ways you can help! Click here to delve deeper into our plastic consumption, learn easy steps you can take, and get informed about the 3 R’s.

Love Wildflowers? Avoid Flowergeddon!

If you are attracted to wildflowers like a bee, but don’t want to get lost in the hordes of people flocking to the nearest superbloom, then you’re in luck. Sunset Magazine has tips on how to make your own native wildflower superbloom and where to get the seeds you need. Depending on where you live, you might want to get planting right now or save this article and be ready to plant later this year so your yard will pop with color next spring.

Don’t doom the bloom when heading out to view the natural beauty of local wildflowers. Remember to leave no trace; stay on designated trails, don’t make your own; leave it as you found it; don’t pick or trample the flowers; park in designated spaces only; and, please don’t litter.

Quick Connections

Books, websites, documentaries, podcasts, events, quotes, and more

2084: An Oral History of the Great Warming

Author James Powell brings a thoughtful interpretation of Earth and what life is like for humans and all other beings while the devastating effects of climate changes reshape the planet.

“Have good stuff (not too much), mostly reclaimed. Care for it. Pass it on.”

This is a good mantra for us all and this article from Columbia Climate School is an important discussion about how buying stuff drives climate change.

Quote We’re Pondering

“We’ll go down in history as the first society that wouldn’t save itself because it wasn’t cost-effective.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Satin Bowerbird

Putting finishes touches on its bower with pieces of plastic in Sydney, Australia

Photo by Michael Hawk

Community Connections

Do you live in or near a threatened habitat or community? Have you worked to study or protect endangered wildlife?

We want to learn from you and we invite you to share your stories here.

Share With Us

Your feedback is important. Tell us how we are doing and what you would like to see covered in future newsletters.

Every connection counts! Please help us grow our community of everyday heroes by sharing this newsletter with a friend or colleague.

Thank you,

Michael Hawk, Founder

Laura Schare, Editor

Jumpstart Nature

P.O. Box 53842

San Jose, California 95153

You received this email because you signed up on our website.

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Recycling Is Not the Answer

Do you know the three R’s? No, not reading, (w)riting and (a)rithmetic, though those are very important. We want to discuss the three R’s of sustainability: reduce, reuse and recycle. The order really does matter. Why?

Reducing and reusing are more effective than recycling to address the plastic crisis. Single use plastic comprises 40% of all plastic waste. By reducing our use and reliance on plastic, we send a powerful message to producers that they need to find better, more climate friendly alternatives. Every individual action adds up to a potent number if we all begin taking steps to reduce plastic use every day.

Break up with consumerism and begin a new habit of reusing items. Get creative and try incorporating some easy steps into your daily routine:

use empty food containers as storage for small household items
use cloth napkins instead of paper
opt for reusable water bottles
keep reusable shopping bags in your car or near the door to take with you when shopping
buy economy size products and decant into smaller (reusable) containers for daily use
skip the straws
opt out of plastic cutlery
use wax/parchment paper instead of plastic wrap
save old toothbrushes to scrub things in tight places

Remember that slowing global warming starts at home. You can make a difference.

Recycling is the third step, and it only works if items are recycled properly. The economics of recycling are challenging, and corporations prioritize profit. Plastics are not the easiest of materials to recycle, but according to one plastics industry expert, there is definitely a path forward, so don’t ditch your recycling efforts yet.

Did you know that plastic is produced from fossil fuels? That’s right not only are we beholden to the oil and gas industry for all of our gas and propane needs, now we are even more attached because they generate all of the plastic. That’s a lot of power and control over our day to day lives. Take a few minutes and see how plastics are made.

The United States represents 4% of the world’s population and generates 12% of the world’s waste, making it #1 in per capita trash contribution. Don’t forget, it’s not just plastics that contribute to our landfills, too many food items end up in landfills rather than being composted at home or through “green” waste pickup. Glass, aluminum, paper and other metals can be recycled as well. Will you pledge to begin new habits of reducing, reusing and recycling?

It’s All Connected – Volume 1 – April 12, 2023

It’s All Connected is the bi-weekly Newsletter of Jumpstart Nature. We will post archives of the newsletter on our blog, but you can subscribe anytime to receive it in your inbox!

Vol. 1 – April 12, 2023

IT’S ALL CONNECTED

Inspiring ↔ Informative ↔ Actionable

presented by

Connecting the Dots

A Guaranteed Trifecta!

Are you a betting person? Well, we have a sure bet to talk to you about this week: lose the lawn and you will save time, save lots of money, and be a climate hero. It’s a win, win, win and it’s actually easy.

Lawns require watering, mowing, fertilizing, seeding and reseeding, and it’s a never ending cycle, draining you of time and money. Did you know that in the United States lawns take up space equivalent to the state of Florida? That’s a lot of grass which actually isn’t very green from an environmental perspective. Turf grass, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, is native to Europe, hence it requires lots of help looking good.

If you aren’t quite ready to lose the lawn, then “be lazy” and try out this low maintenance lawn trend.

Remember, large lawn care companies spend millions to convince us that beautiful lawns are a mainstay of home ownership. But, these companies are peddling chemicals that are full of neurotoxins and carcinogens. Our children and pets play on these lawns.

Curb appeal doesn’t only apply to a large boring expanse of green grass. In fact, trees and bushes absorb heat and lower the temperature around your home during the summer. Add in some native grasses and wildflowers and your yard will be a low-maintenance, water saving, pesticide free ecosystem full of happy bees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

All of this adds up to the perfect trifecta:

– saving money since you can stop watering, fertilizing, and using pesticides

– saving time as there is no need to mow, water, or haul the clippings to the trash

– saving the environment because your new native plants help support birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators

Food Deserts in Nature

Monoculture refers to an area where there is one predominant organism, such as a crop field or a lawn. The issue with a monoculture is that one plant creates a nutrient drain on the soil which then necessitates chemical interventions that damage other organisms. The cycle continues in perpetuity as long as one plant type remains in place by human design.

Lawns are monocultures and a food desert for pollinators. Despite the manicured look, lawns serve as nothing more than an asphalt parking lot for our flying friends. Take the pledge and begin rewilding your lawn or part of it. Add in some native plants and let the magic happen.

There are many resources to help you get started, even a small patch of native plants can make a difference. See below for resources to help with native plant selection, and check with your local water department for more tips and potential rebates!

Native plant finders: Audubon, National Wildlife Federation, Calscape, Homegrown National Park

Quick Connections

Books, websites, documentaries, podcasts, events, quotes, and more

Wonders of nature

Check out this short article about some remarkable winter denizens.

Quote we’re pondering

“It is not because things are difficult that we don’t try them; it is because we don’t try them that they are difficult.” – Seneca

One stop shop for nature books

Check out the National Outdoor Book Awards website for recommendations of great nature books.

A vibrant nature community

iNaturalist is a free online social network of people sharing observations and biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. Join in and discover the nature all around you.

Community Connections

We want to connect with you. Do you have a favorite nature moment? How about a tip that you use to help the climate? We read each and every response and will share selected reader stories in upcoming newsletters.

Share With Us

Your feedback is important. Tell us how we are doing and what you would like to see covered in future newsletters.

Every connection counts! Please help us grow our community of everyday heroes by sharing this newsletter with a friend or colleague.

Thank you,

Michael Hawk, Founder

Laura Schare, Editor

Jumpstart Nature

P.O. Box 53842

San Jose, California 95153

You received this email because you signed up on our website.

Unsubscribe

Check Out Our Video

Yes, our website is launched and we have a new video describing Jumpstart Nature! I hope you have a chance to watch it, and navigate our website to learn more about what we’re doing and how we’re doing it!

And you can hear more about Jumpstart Nature in a recent podcast episode with Michelle Fullner of Golden State Naturalist.

Finally, our social media accounts are all set up, and we’ll start sharing soon. Please follow to stay in the loop. Exciting times ahead!

Welcome to Jumpstart Nature!

Jumpstart Nature is a next-generation nature conservation and outreach nonprofit, founded by Michael Hawk of Nature’s Archive.

Our Mission is To Catalyze Everyone to Make a Difference for the Environment

Launching Summer 2022!

Stay up to date by connecting with Nature’s Archive! Nature’s Archive podcast and brand will be part of the Jumpstart Nature organization. By connecting with Nature’s Archive, you’ll get updates on our upcoming launch!

Why Another Nature Nonprofit?

Well, it’s pretty clear from stories and research like this (Mass Biodiversity Loss Would Slash Global Credit Ratings Within a Decade) and this (IPCC Report) that we need anyone and everyone with the means to do more. The former shows that even without climate change, biodiversity loss will send shockwaves through our economic systems and stability. And the IPCC report, well, I think we all know what climate change is already doing.

Jumpstart Nature intends to take a new approach, giving agency to individuals to make change, showing pathways to make a difference through whatever means you may have.

It will lean into scalable technology and cross-disciplinary approaches leveraging social science, environmental science, communications, and of course, environmental science.

It will strike a balance between the urgency needed, and the longer term strategy and belief cultivation required to bigger, lasting change.

Stay tuned!