Living Downstream

Episode 4: Observing Birds & Other Wildlife

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 

• Wondering what a bird song looks like? Check out this spectrogram of a spotted owl call from the National Park Service
• Pacific Northwest Research Station – Information on Acoustic Monitoring of Owls
• UmpquaBirds.org – Link
• Great Backyard Bird Count (Happening February 12th – 15th!) – Want to get involved? Click here.
• Want to learn more about Matt’s work? – Matthew Hunter’s Website
• Tool for Identifying Various Species – iNaturalist.org

Episode 3: Water Quality

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

• Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers (PUR) Website
• USGS National Water Information System – Current Conditions for Oregon:
  • Water Quality
  • Flow
  • Lakes & Reservoirs
• Water Quality Report for the City of Roseburg – March 2020
• Glide Water Association Consumer Confidence Report – 2019

Episode 2: Art and the Environment

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

• Elva's Blog
• John Muir Laws' Website (on nature journaling & more!)
• Susan Applegate's Artwork of the Umpqua
• The Art of Observation/Creating a Homemade Nature Journal
• Turning Over a New Leaf Book Club
• Information about Borrowing a Water Quality Monitoring Test Kit

Episode 1 On-Trail Hiking

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

• Forest Service Website
• Oregon Hikers Field Guide Website
• Smithsonian Article about Tree Communication & "The Hidden Life of Trees" author Peter Wohlleben
• American Hiking Society's Tips for Hiking with Kids
• REI's Tips for Hiking with Infants, Toddlers, & Kids
• Turning Over a New Leaf Book Club
• Information about Borrowing a Water Quality Monitoring Test Kit
• Facebook Link for the Virtual Cultural Fair (highlighted in the AmeriCorps Minute)