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Cats are independent, lovable, and endlessly entertaining—but with nearly 100 million outdoor cats in the USA alone, they become one of the most devastating forces against wildlife, killing billions of animals each year. At the same time, outdoor cats face harsh, short lives filled with disease, injury, and danger. So how do we balance our love for cats with our responsibility to protect biodiversity?

Join host Griff Griffith as we explore the complex reality of outdoor cats with veterinarian Dr. Mike Armer, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) advocate Allison Fluty, and biologist Sophie Osborn. They’ll tackle tough questions, debunk myths, and reveal how cat lovers and wildlife advocates can find common ground. Whether you adore cats, cherish wildlife, or both, this episode will challenge your perspective—and offer real solutions.

FULL SHOW NOTES with extra resources, including impacts of outdoor cats, ways to enrich your indoor cat's life, and studies on TNR efficacy.

Also check out our full interview with Sophie Osborn to hear more about her efforts to reintroduce endangered birds, and how cats are hindering efforts.

Additional Credits

Filmmusic.io Compositions - License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 009 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/8224-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-009

Imagefilm 018 by Sascha Ende
https://filmmusic.io/en/song/315-imagefilm-018

Lockdown by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7658-lockdown

Miles Ewell Compositions:
Principal Dean - Clic [C670 Records]
Principal Dean - ANX

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There’s an invasion happening right under our noses—one that’s likely reached your own backyard. You may have even unknowingly played a part in it.

This is the spread of invasive plants, animals, and fungi. Once removed from their native habitats, these species reproduce rapidly, disrupting ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and even endangering our food, health, and recreation.

Invasive species are wreaking havoc in every corner of the world, often with our unwitting help. But with knowledge, care, and action, we can turn the tide.

Griff Griffith guides you on a journey explaining how invasive species pose a threat, how they got here, and what you can do. Griff is joined by Dr. Sara Kuebbing (from the Yale School of the Environment), Emelie Swackhamer (Penn State University Extension), and Carl Klarner (Redwood Invasive Plant Eradicators).

Thanks to Associate Producer Kat Hill and Sound Designer Miles Ewell for their assistance in production of this episode.

FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS and Additional Information for Topics Discussed

Foreign Seed Scam - did you know there is a scam where people send foreign seeds? Sounds crazy, but it happens. Learn what to do here.

How to Build a Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap

iNaturalist - you can use iNaturalist to identify plants, fungi, insects, and more, with the help of machine learning and a dedicated community of experts. iNaturalist also flags many invasive species, so take a backyard safari and see what you can find and remove from your yard!

RIPE - Redwood Invasive Plant Eradicators - is Carl Klarner's organization in Northern California. They remove English Ivy from private properties. They have a new instagram account, too.

USDA Invasive Species Database, and their maps serve as a good starting point

Related Podcast Episodes
Jumpstart Nature The Yard of the Future

Additional Credits
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: The Question Is (Quizpackage) by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/228-the-question-is-quizpackage
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Silent Movie 19 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/12433-silent-movie-19
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Bahnstreik by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/404-bahnstreik
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Additional Music: Cleanse by Principal Dean
Sound Effects from Soundly: getsoundly.com

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On a 1983 morning, Steve Jobs scouted Coyote Valley for Apple's new headquarters. Despite his plans, Coyote Valley remains one of the most important undeveloped landscapes near Silicon Valley.

This episode tells the story of its conservation through unexpected alliances, resilience, and the invaluable ecosystem services it provides. From critical wildlife connectivity to indigenous cultural significance, discover how perseverance and community action can protect cherished landscapes.

Join host Griff Griffith and our guests, Andrea Mackenzie, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez, Megan Fluke, Nick Perry, and Dr. Stuart Weiss as they provide unique and inspiring perspectives as they explore how to protect and steward unique lands like Coyote Valley, whether near Silicon Valley or your own backyard.

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.

Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and learn what YOU can do to help nature.

FULL SHOW NOTES with Photos

LINKS
Amah Mutsun Land Trust

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Cars, Cows, Checkerspot Butterflies - Dr. Stuart Weiss's paper

Creekside Science

Green Foothills

Obi Kaufmann

P-22, The Mountain Lion of Hollywood

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

Podcasts Referenced
The Age of Connectivity - Jumpstart Nature Episode 3
Full Interview with Dr. Stuart Weiss on Cars, Cows, and Checkerspots

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