{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"ChangeHampton Presents: Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time","title":"Grasslands Matter: Ecology, History and Hope with Betsy McCully & Bruce Horwith","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2524,"description":"In Episode 6 of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon delves into one of Long Island’s most endangered and overlooked ecosystems: native grasslands. Guests Betsy McCully, environmental writer and author of At the Glacier’s Edge, and Bruce Horwith, conservation biologist and ecologist, unpack the rich ecological history, biodiversity, and climate resilience offered by grasslands. They explore how these ecosystems evolved, the impact of colonization and development, and how community-driven restoration can help reverse biodiversity loss.  They refer to the Native grassland pollinator meadows that ChangeHampton is creating on the grounds of East Hampton Town Hall. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of ecological history, the significance of native grasslands, and climate action.👥 Guests:·       Betsy McCully – Environmental writer, activist, and author of At the Glacier’s Edge: A Natural History of Long Island.·       Bruce Horwith – Ecologist and conservation biologist with experience in native grassland restoration on Long Island.🌿 Topics Covered:·       The origins of Long Island’s grasslands and their pre-colonial history·       The role of Native American land management and controlled burns·       What defines a grassland: native grasses, forbs, woody species·       Fire as a critical tool for maintaining biodiversity·       How grasslands sequester carbon—sometimes better than forests·       Biodiversity loss: insect and bird population collapse·       Restoration projects like Montauk grasslands and Town Hall meadow·       Climate change, water conservation, and ecosystem resilience·       DIY tips for starting a backyard grassland or pollinator patch·       The link between ecological restoration and community healingNotable Quotes:“Grasslands are like upside-down forests. Most of their biomass—and their carbon—is stored underground.” — Betsy McCulley“If we stop fertilizing, mowing, and watering, native grasses...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/sSgc-YrA8KBO8wsaeJ0vRU-DUo0xQOUC1QIOx1fG2WA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kZWMw/MjdjYzI1OWRkZTRk/YTI0N2U2MDQ5YmQy/MmMzMi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}