348: Creating Safe Passage—Road Ecologists and the Intersection of Wildlife and Development (Pt 2)
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Guest
Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver.
Summary
In this two-part episode, Jeff Ikler talks with author and environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. They explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and infrastructure, focusing on wildlife crossings, roadkill reduction, and habitat preservation. Ben highlights the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife-friendly infrastructure and discusses the importance of advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration to address the challenges posed by human development.
Overall Takeaways
Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions.
Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions.
Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact.
Social Media / Referenced
Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/
X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb
Books:
Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890
Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X
Overall Takeaways
Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions.
Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions.
Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact.
Social Media / Referenced
Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/
X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb
Books:
Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890
Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.