Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar, Cultural Ecologist Director, Watershed Management Group

Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar specializes in building resilience in diverse communities by enhancing the connections between people, culture, and natural resources. He brings vast experience on the multicultural border region between the US and Mexico, where he has implemented community-based approaches to watershed management, river restoration, geo-tourism, conservation of native peoples, and best practices for the ranching community.

He has worked with the Sonoran Institute and as a consultant for National Geographic Society and other organizations. Joaquin is a graduate of the University of Arizona with MSc in Natural Resources and Agricultural Economics and a PhD in Renewable Natural Resources Studies.

Joaquin presenting at BeaverCON, Fall 2024. Photo: Jack Humphrey

Show Notes

Beavering in Urban and Rural Landscapes: Balancing Conservation and Urbanization 

In this episode of the Rewilding Earth podcast, Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar discusses his experiences at BeaverCon, an inspirational event that brings together conservationists and enthusiasts to talk about the role of beavers in ecosystem restoration. Highlighting interactions from international participants and the cultural relevance of integrating wildlife into human habitats, Joaquin illustrates various conservation efforts.

He elaborates on his work with non-profits, government programs, and community initiatives focusing on green stormwater infrastructure and rainwater harvesting in Tucson, Arizona. Emphasizing the need for rewilding cities and rural areas, he offers insights into the benefits of creating urban wildlife habitats, the significance of sensible water management, and the enthusiasm of local ranching communities in restoring natural ecosystems. Joaquin’s account underscores the collaborative spirit and innovative strategies driving successful conservation projects.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:07 BeaverCon Experience
01:31 International Perspectives on Beavers
03:34 Challenges and Opportunities with Beavers
05:56 Urban Conservation and Water Management
06:21 Personal Conservation Journey
09:22 Rain Gardens and Urban Wildlife
14:35 Community and Government Involvement
16:53 Ranching and Rural Conservation
18:37 Beaver Reintroduction Efforts
21:35 Water Conservation and Future Goals
28:57 Rewilding and Human-Nature Relationship
35:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

Extra Credit

* Check out Joaquin's work and learn how to get involved at Watershed Management Group

Nadia Steinzor is an environmental consultant with 25 years of experience in policy analysis, research, writing, and communications. She has developed and managed projects to investigate the oil and gas industry’s impact on the climate and communities, secure governmental protections for air, water, land, and wildlife, and engage the public in advocacy efforts. Nadia works with the Rewilding Institute to ensure that wolves and other carnivores thrive and roam in the Northeast and beyond. Nadia holds an M.S. in environmental policy from the Bard College Center for Environmental Policy.
Today’s episode reveals the work of often unsung heroes of wildlife conservation across the US: people like Nadia working to ensure state agencies prioritize coexistence with predators. To learn how you can support work like Nadia’s in your state – be sure to listen until the end for action items you could start on today.
Show Notes
Strategic Planning for Carnivore Conservation in the Northeast
Nadia and Jack discuss the crucial work being carried out in preparation for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). These critical plans, revised every decade, set conservation priorities necessary for states to receive federal funding. Nadia highlights the importance of public engagement in the SWAP revision process to ensure essential species, particularly carnivores like cougars and wolves, are protected and restored. She also addresses challenges such as regulatory gaps, funding deficits, and political influences on wildlife management. Emphasizing the need for cooperation among various organizations, Nadia advocates for concerted efforts to enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience, especially in the Northeast. The episode concludes with practical steps listeners can take to support wildlife conservation efforts.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:16 State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs)
02:01 Challenges and Accountability in SWAPs
05:02 Public Engagement and Carnivore Protection
14:43 Coordination and Advocacy Efforts
18:46 Carnivore Recovery in the Northeast
27:07 Public Opinion and Support
29:43 Wildlife Crossings and Connectivity
31:41 How to Get Involved
34:47 Dreaming of a Wilder Future
Extra Credit

* Check out Nadia’s latest article here at Rewilding.org: Mixing and Matching: The Complex Picture of Wild Canid Evolution

Nadia Steinzor is an environmental consultant with 25 years of experience in policy analysis, research, writing, and communications. She has developed and managed projects to investigate the oil and gas industry’s impact on the climate and communities, secure governmental protections for air, water, land, and wildlife, and engage the public in advocacy efforts. Nadia works with the Rewilding Institute to ensure that wolves and other carnivores thrive and roam in the Northeast and beyond. Nadia holds an M.S. in environmental policy from the Bard College Center for Environmental Policy.
Today’s episode reveals the work of often unsung heroes of wildlife conservation across the US: people like Nadia working to ensure state agencies prioritize coexistence with predators. To learn how you can support work like Nadia’s in your state – be sure to listen until the end for action items you could start on today.
Show Notes
Strategic Planning for Carnivore Conservation in the Northeast
Nadia and Jack discuss the crucial work being carried out in preparation for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). These critical plans, revised every decade, set conservation priorities necessary for states to receive federal funding. Nadia highlights the importance of public engagement in the SWAP revision process to ensure essential species,

Since 1979, Tom Biebighauser has enthusiastically restored wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. He has designed over 10,000 wetland projects and successfully supervised the construction of more than 3,000 wetlands and streams in 26 states, three Canadian provinces, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. He has a deep and long-standing concern for the environment and finds it rewarding to assist individuals interested in restoring wetlands and streams.
Tom worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the U.S. Forest Service for 34 years, helping personnel from federal, state, and county agencies initiate wetland and stream restoration programs across the Country. During his career with the Forest Service, he led the completion of hundreds of partnership projects to build emergent, ephemeral, forested, peatland, shrub, and wet-meadow wetlands on public and private lands.
Tom’s passion for restoring wetlands has been recognized with 45 awards, including the Robert Lauderdale Award from the Kentucky Water Research Institute in 2023. You can read more about Tom and his work on his site.
Show Notes
Wetland Restoration: Challenges, Benefits, and Hands-On Learning
In this episode of the Rewilding Earth podcast, Tom Biebigauser discusses the importance of wetland rewilding and shares his approach to educating and involving people in these efforts. Topics include identifying signs of drained wetlands, the biodiversity supported by wetlands, the historical reasons for wetland drainage, and the methods used to restore these vital ecosystems. Tom also highlights his hands-on workshops, the benefits of wetlands for flood control and groundwater recharge, and inspiring stories of individuals and communities working to bring back wetlands.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:10 The Importance of Wetlands
01:50 Identifying and Rewilding Wetlands
02:18 Types of Wetlands
03:40 Challenges in Wetland Restoration
05:09 Voluntary Wetland Rewilding
05:44 Community Involvement in Wetland Projects
09:42 Success Stories in Wetland Restoration
12:28 Building Wetlands: Techniques and Tips
20:11 The Science and Benefits of Wetlands
32:25 Wetland Loss and Restoration Efforts
35:41 Beavers and Wetland Restoration
39:24 Conclusion and Call to Action
Extra Credit

* Learn more about wetland rewilding and gather all the necessary resources to take action on your own wetland restoration projects where you live! It’s all on Tom’s website!
* New Report for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: How We and Our Wetlands Rely on Wild Animals

Since 1979, Tom Biebighauser has enthusiastically restored wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. He has designed over 10,000 wetland projects and successfully supervised the construction of more than 3,000 wetlands and streams in 26 states, three Canadian provinces, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. He has a deep and long-standing concern for the environment and finds it rewarding to assist individuals interested in restoring wetlands and streams.
Tom worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the U.S. Forest Service for 34 years, helping personnel from federal, state, and county agencies initiate wetland and stream restoration programs across the Country. During his career with the Forest Service, he led the completion of hundreds of partnership projects to build emergent, ephemeral, forested, peatland, shrub, and wet-meadow wetlands on public and private lands.