66. “Finding Nature in the City” with Ryan Mandelbaum, Wild NYC: Experiencing the amazing nature in & around New York City
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Welcome to episode 66 of the Nurtured by Nature podcast, today I’m delighted to be joined in conversation by Ryan Mandelbaum, author of the recently published book, Wild NYC: Experiencing the amazing nature in and around New York City.
When we think of viewing wildlife and immersing ourselves in nature most of us probably are guilty of imagining far off wilderness destinations but Ryan is a passionate advocate for exploring and appreciating the incredible diversity of nature that can be found in the urban environment and in particular the nature that he lives alongside in New York City.
Ryan reminds us that urban areas were often chosen for their rich abundance of natural features that would have benefitted wildlife as much as the humans that were also drawn to these areas, His book shares the rich history of NYC from the indigenous cultures that first started to shape the landscape through the colonialist times, to the modern city that we know today.
We discuss how connecting more with nature has enriched his life in numerous unexpected ways, finding connection and community in an often isolating city existence. So even if you are a complete beginner, with the availability of numerous apps like i-naturalist and the merlin bird app plus incredible online communities there has never been a better time to become a naturalist and to simply start on your own street or patch and begin observing the natural world, whether that is birds, mammals, wildflowers, butterfly and moths or even fungi and lichens. The first step is to slow down and look a little closer at what you might have initially thought was a weedy mess because there are untold secrets to be revealed from Raven’s nesting on the Brooklyn bridge, to humpback whales off-shore and even mountain ferns on the side of a railway viaduct.
As we begin to recognise and then appreciate the amazing nature on our doorsteps, we likely become advocates for our natural heritage and this ripples out into the world in untold ways often catalysing social justice movements as well as environmental change.
Learn more about Ryan
Ryan F. Mandelbaum is a science writer, naturalist, and educator based in New York City. You can find him searching for critters across the five boroughs before returning home to Brooklyn to observe birds and moths from the roof of their apartment. Ryan has written about the natural world of New York City for the New York Times, Scientific American, Gizmodo, Audubon Magazine, Gothamist, and their newsletter eyy, i’m walkin’ here. Ryan volunteers for the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas, the organization formerly known as New York City Audubon, the Finch Research Network, and the Feminist Bird Club. When not thinking about birds, Ryan works full-time at IBM as a physics writer.
Wild NYC by Ryan Mandelbaum and Chelsea Beck – Buy Here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/wild-nyc-explore-the-amazing-nature-in-and-around-new-york-city-ryan-mandelbaum/21716097
A vibrant, family friendly guide to the unexpected nature found in and around the Big Apple. New York City may have a reputation as a concrete jungle, but it’s full of amazing wildlife – you just need to know where to find it! Equal parts natural history, field guide, and trip planner, Wild NYC shows readers how to experience another side of the City That Never Sleeps. Highlighting the natural aspects of the city’s landscapes and the wildlife that accompanies it, this colorful, quirky guide takes a leaf out of a famous New Yorker’s book and encourages its readers to “take a walk on the wild side.”
From easy-to-spot squirrels and praying mantids to more elusive humpback whales and purple finches, this delightful handbook profiles over 100 local species, complete with illustrations, fun facts, and information on where to find them. Also included are descriptions of day trips that help tourists and locals alike explore natural wonders on hiking trails, in public parks, and on street corners.
Exploring the city’s natural history, Ryan Mandelbaum uncovers the factors that shape its ecology and introduces readers to local naturalists who continue to study NYC’s unique flora and fauna. Combining their expertise with a playful approach and Chelsea Beck’s whimsical illustrations, Wild NYC offers a new, hip kind of guidebook that’s as attractive and accessible as it is practical and information packed. With it as their guide, readers will discover that NYC’s wildlife is just as beautiful, colorful, and diverse as the city itself.
Website: http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/
Instagram: @ryanfmandelbaum
FB: @ryanfmandelbaum
X: @RyanFMandelbaum
Other Useful Resources:
New York City Bird Alliance: https://nycbirdalliance.org
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
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