Dirtbag Diaries: The New Conservationists

After attending the Tools for Grassroots Activists conference earlier this month, I'm particularly fired up to hear today's Dirtbag Diaries. Host Fitz Cahall introduces "The New Conservationists."

Our sports, our passions provide a special opportunity to visit the natural world's wildest places. This tradition began with climber, writer and godfather of conservation John Muir. He was a dirtbag before he was an icon. Now, there are members of our community -- boaters, skiers and photographers -- who are following in Muir's footsteps. They don't necessarily come from traditional activist roots, but have chosen to take a stand for little places and big ideas. Today, we present three stories. A city girl sheds caution to start a farm. A kayaker becomes a journalist. An adventure photographer forgoes a career traveling the globe to run for office back at home. I am John Muir. You are John Muir. We all have a Yosemite.

Download "The New Conservationists"
(mp3 - right-click to download - contains some expletives)

One of my takeaways from Tools was the appreciation each group had for their volunteers. If you're on the lookout for a worthy organization to support with your time or donation, visit our Environmental Grants Program page. There you can search our current list of grantees by city and state, each is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and in need of your help. You are John Muir. Thank you.

For more information on the music in today's episode, visit The Dirtbag Diaries.

[Radical DBD artwork by Walker Cahall.]

Comments

[J.R. Bovinet]

We are all John Muir in some way because we seek to protect, preserve, restore, whatever the places that have some meaning to us.

That meaning may be derived a passion, a sport, a memory, a belief...it does not matter because the it is personal. The personal is powerful and compelling.

Maybe someday we will al succumb to our passions.

http://dirtbagway.wordpress.com/

[kelly]

thought this was an incredible episode -- thanks, Fitz. truly moving, parts of it gave me chills of inspiration. such connections to our landscape mean so much to us all, and the personal stories help connect us. IMO, this episode matches with everything that Patag stands for. great stuff, thanks.