What's the first thing you think of when you hear “bat”? Some people might be scared of these flying mammals. But bats do so much for our ecosystems and our economies – and they need our help to overcome declining populations. In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, we interviewed Dr. Kristen Lear, director of the Agave Restoration Initiative with Bat Conservation International (BCI).

BCI works to conduct bat research, protect and restore their habitat, and educate the public on why bats are so important. Kristen talks to us about the biggest threats bats are experiencing, how BCI is restoring agave landscapes across binational migratory corridors, and what people can do in their own communities to help care for these animals – like building bat houses and bat-friendly gardens! She also highlights how bats play a role in ecosystems, economies, and culture; bats feed on agave nectar as they travel, which pollinates these plants that produce tequila, mezcal, and more.

Kristen says she’s always rooted for the “underdog” animals, and she might just get you to root for bats too. So grab a blanket and a cozy drink, and listen to this perfect October episode on bats.

Learn more about Bat Conservation International, the Agave Restoration Initiative Forest Stewards Guild, and gardening for bats.

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USGS Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/gov/hubs/southwest

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, we interviewed Zander Evans and Cody Dems, respectively the executive director and Southwest program manager, of the Forest Stewards Guild. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Guild supports ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry through active stewardship, outreach, and education.

Evans and Dems talk about how they got interested in forestry, the collaborative nature of their work, and the importance of working in and across communities to create change on the ground. They highlight various efforts in forest resilience, fire management, and climate adaptation and discuss the Guild’s collaborative projects with the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC), the Joint Fire Science Program, the 2-3-2 Partnership, and more.

Learn more about the Forest Stewards Guild, the related SW CASC project, and the 2-3-2 Partnership.

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If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser. Thanks!

Follow us on Twitter @RainShinePod

Never miss an episode! Sign up to get an email alert whenever a new episode publishes (http://eepurl.com/hRuJ5H)

Have a suggestion for a future episode? Please tell us!

USGS Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/gov/hubs/southwest

Water is one of the most important resources in the Southwest. What can we learn from a climate adaptation professional who has spent decades in this line of work? In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, we interviewed Kathy Jacobs, Professor Emeritus in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. Jacobs was also the founder and director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University, under the Arizona Institute for Resilience.

Jacobs recently retired from her multi-decade career focused on water resources and climate adaptation and assessment. She reflects on highlights and insights from her roles at the local, state, and national levels. Jacobs also teases some upcoming efforts and ongoing projects, proving that this work is never truly over for those passionate about finding practical solutions in a changing climate.

Learn more about Jacobs’ work with the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions (CCASS) and the Arizona Tri-University Recharge and Water Reliability Project.

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If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser. Thanks!

Follow us on Twitter @RainShinePod

Never miss an episode! Sign up to get an email alert whenever a new episode publishes (http://eepurl.com/hRuJ5H)

Have a suggestion for a future episode? Please tell us!

USGS Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/gov/hubs/southwest