The Cone Zone Podcast

For our final episode of The Cone Zone, we’ve decided to go out with a bang! In special edition, "Nature Knowledge Trivia," hosts Ava and Madi lead you through an exciting and educational competition on nature and conservation. We’ll dive into three engaging rounds: Public Figures, Books Around the Bend, and Natural History. Each round features multiple-choice questions and detailed expl...

In this episode of "The Cone Zone," host Jesus Bernal sits down with Dr. Jessica Wright from the USDA Forest Service to discuss assisted migration and its potential to help forests adapt to climate change. Dr. Wright explains how moving trees to new locations might help them survive changing conditions and talks about her research on tree genetics and the Climate Adapted Seed Tool (CAST)...

In this episode of "The Cone Zone," we look at the Placerville Nursery's role in supplying the seeds needed for reforestation in California. The Placerville Nursery is operated by USDA Forest Service and is one of the two main nurseries responsible for growing trees here in California. Plant nurseries are a vital component of the reforestation pipeline in California, as they are dire...

In this episode of "The Cone Zone," Jesus delves into the critical topic of carbon storage in forests and introduces the innovative Reforest America Carbon Program by American Forests. Ben Rushakoff, from American Forests, provides insights into how this program connects landowners with carbon finance to fund climate-smart reforestation projects. The discussion touches upon the program&#...

In this episode, we delve into the realm of Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK), also known as TEK. TEK is a rich system of ecological science and ideas cultivated through generations of cultural stewardship of the land. Our guests, Ali Meders-Knight and Meleiza Figueroa of California Open Lands, provide deep insights into the significance of TEK in ecosystem restoration and land ma...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the impactful California Climate Action Corps (CCAC), a program that marries the vigor of AmeriCorps with a fervor for climate action. The spotlight is on the CCAC Fellowship, an 11-month journey transforming emerging leaders into the driving force behind community-level climate initiatives. The episode delves into the heart of the fellowship, emphasizing...

In today's episode, we explore the innovative Cone Corps program, a groundbreaking initiative by American Forests aimed at addressing climate change and revolutionizing the future of California's forests. Joining us is Bridget Mulkerin, the Manager of the California Cone Corps, who shares valuable insights into this visionary workforce development program. The Cone Corps is a vital respons...

In this episode, the spotlight is on California's urgent restoration efforts post devastating wildfires. The Reforestation Pipeline Partnership, a coalition involving CAL FIRE, American Forests, and the United States Forest Service, addresses challenges in post-wildfire reforestation on public and private lands. Shelley Villalobos, the Manager of the California Reforestation Pipeline Cooperati...