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Planet People PodcastAuthor: Planet People
Welcome to Planet People, a podcast that aims to inspire curiosity and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world. Hosted by Natalie Jane Cibel, a conservation biologist and eco communicator, and Coral Carson, Creative Director and artist. We are excited to share stories that highlight the beauty and importance of our planet's wildlife. The mission of the podcast is to strengthen and share stewardship stories through ethical storytelling. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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36. College of the Desert: A Class on Desert Birds, Energy Solutions, and Living a Sustainable Life w/ Kurt Leuschner
Episode 17
Wednesday, 17 December, 2025
In this discussion, we interview Kurt Leuschner, a Professor of Natural Resources at the College of the Desert, a public community college serving the diverse Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California. College of the Desert enrolls approximately 12,500 students and is federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility in the region. Through his role at College of the Desert, Professor Leuschner is helping to educate the next generation of environmental stewards while contributing to our understanding of the remarkable biodiversity that calls the Coachella Valley home. In addition to our discussion on low-desert ecology, Kurt shares the many ways renewable energies are used across Southern California and how we can have hope for the progress humanity is making towards green energy solutions. Not only that, but he also shares the incredible efforts of rewilding desert landscapes by "killing your lawn" and planting native plants. Join us for this hopeful discussion around renewable energy, desert ecology, and what it means to rewild your desert landscape at home in your backyard! RAY OF HOPE: While climate news can feel overwhelming, there's a beautiful movement happening right under our noses. Across the country, people are transforming their lawns into native habitats, one yard at a time. These aren't grand gestures - they're quiet acts of rebellion against monoculture grass that's creating wildlife corridors through suburbia. Farmers are increasingly learning to spot burrowing owl nests, not because they're required to, but because they're discovering that protecting these tiny ecosystem engineers actually improves their soil health. Meanwhile, more people than ever are calling their representatives about environmental issues - democracy in action, one concerned citizen at a time. The silver lining? You don't need to save the whole planet today. You just need to plant one native shrub, make one phone call, or learn to identify one species in your area. These small acts are part of a growing web of environmental stewardship that's quietly rebuilding our connection to the natural world. ANXIETY TO ACTION: Begin with your backyard - Converting even a small patch to native plants creates immediate habitat and gives you a sense of agency. Build Community and share your native plant journey on social media to inspire neighbors. Join local environmental groups working on renewable energy advocacy. Connect with farmers in your area who are implementing wildlife-friendly practices. CONNECT WITH KURT: Email Kurt Lueshner: kleuschner@collegeofthedesert.edu PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast
