Conservation Stories podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 38

Regenerative Viticulture: Blending Grapes, Livestock, and Conservation with Kelly Mulville"
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims and guest co-host Dusty Timmons sit down with Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch, to discuss innovative approaches to vineyard management through regenerative agriculture. Mulville shares how he integrates livestock grazing, biodiversity, and sustainable vineyard design to improve soil health, reduce irrigation needs, and enhance overall vineyard resilience. The conversation delves into the unique trellising system used at Paicines Ranch, allowing year-round sheep grazing while maintaining grape production. Mulville also highlights the role of biodiversity, discussing how increasing plant species from 11 to over 100 has improved vineyard sustainability. He shares insights into the economic benefits of regenerative viticulture, the challenges of pests like voles, and the importance of adapting vineyard practices to climate variability. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how regenerative farming principles can be applied to viticulture, creating a system that benefits both the land and the farmer. This episode offers valuable takeaways for vineyard owners, conservationists, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable agriculture. More About Our Guest: Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch Email For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Acre and Rust - Ty and Chelsea Criswell• Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP• Garrett Couts, Partner, Brady and Hamilton, LLP
--------
1:00:32
From Waste to Wealth: Unlocking the Value of Produced Water with Aric Denton
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Aric Denton, a chemical engineer and co-founder of DJR Labs, to discuss innovative ways to transform produced water—a byproduct of oil and gas extraction—into valuable resources. Denton, who grew up on a cotton farm in Texas, shares his journey from farming to studying chemical engineering and how his background shaped his interest in finding sustainable solutions for produced water. He explains the complex composition of produced water, which contains various minerals, salts, and even lithium, and explores how these elements can be extracted and repurposed for industrial, agricultural, and technological applications. The conversation dives into potential solutions, including using produced water for irrigation, industrial cooling, and even municipal water supplies. Denton also discusses the challenges of filtering out valuable elements, the role of microbes in water purification, and the economic potential of converting waste into marketable products. With a focus on using "every part of the buffalo," this episode highlights how scientific innovation and responsible water management can create new economic opportunities while reducing environmental impacts More About Our Guest: Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs Email Linked-In: Aric Denton E.I.T. X: @AricDenton For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch• Acre and Rust - Ty and Chelsea Criswell• Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP
--------
58:38
Bringing Space Tech to the Farm: NASA's Role in Agriculture with Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, a research professor at the University of Maryland and a leader in NASA’s agricultural initiatives. They discuss how satellite technology is revolutionizing farming, providing real-time data on crop conditions, weather patterns, and soil health. Dr. Whitcraft explains how NASA’s Acres Program aims to bridge the gap between space-based data and on-the-ground farming decisions. By working directly with farmers and agricultural organizations, the initiative helps improve yield forecasting, resource management, and climate resilience. They also explore the Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT) program, which fosters collaboration between researchers and producers to ensure that satellite-driven insights directly benefit the farming community. The conversation highlights the critical role of farmers in global food security and economic stability. With agriculture facing increasing challenges—from climate change to economic pressures—this episode emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and ensuring that farmers have access to the best technology available. More About Our Guest: Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft is the founding Executive Director of NASA Acres and the former and co-founding Deputy Director for NASA Harvest. She also direct the Harvest Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture (SARA) Initiative. For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs• Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch• Ty and Chelsea Criswell, Acre and Rust
--------
53:52
Protecting the Night: Light Pollution and Dark Skies with Stephen Hummel
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator at the McDonald Observatory, about the growing issue of light pollution and its impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Hummel explains how artificial light disrupts natural ecosystems, sleep cycles, and migratory patterns while also reducing opportunities to view the stars. The conversation highlights the simple, cost-effective solutions to light pollution, such as directing light downward, using appropriate intensity, and choosing warmer light tones. Hummel emphasizes that reducing light pollution benefits businesses, saves energy, and improves safety without sacrificing visibility. Listeners will learn about the McDonald Observatory’s efforts to preserve Texas’ night skies and the broader implications of these initiatives for tourism, local economies, and the preservation of wildlife habitats. Hummel also touches on community-led approaches to light management and shares how cities like Dripping Springs, Texas, and Flagstaff, Arizona, are leading the way in becoming dark-sky-friendly communities. This enlightening episode demonstrates how small changes in lighting practices can have a big impact on our environment, economy, and health. More About Our Guest: Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator, McDonald Observatory / The University of Texas at Austin Dark Skies Initiative Instagram For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, Executive Director of NASA Acres and the former and co-founding Deputy Director for NASA Harvest• Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs• Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch
--------
25:27
Solving Texas’ Water Crisis: A Plan for the Future with Senator Charles Perry
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Texas State Senator Charles Perry about one of the state’s most pressing challenges—water security. Representing a vast rural district, Senator Perry has been a leading advocate for water infrastructure investment and policy reform. The discussion covers Texas' long-term water plan, the urgent need for new water sources, and the importance of state-backed funding for large-scale water projects. Perry explains how Texas can develop up to 50 million acre-feet of new water supply through marine desalination, brackish groundwater desalination, produced water reuse, and untapped surface water. He also discusses the upcoming November 2025 statewide vote on securing dedicated funding for long-term water infrastructure—an initiative modeled after Texas’ successful road planning system. The conversation also touches on the future of irrigation in agriculture, the economic impact of water shortages, and innovations in water treatment and reuse. Perry emphasizes that Texas has the resources and the opportunity to solve its water crisis but must act now to ensure sustainable growth and economic prosperity. Listeners will gain valuable insight into Texas' water future, the challenges of balancing urban and rural water needs, and why water stewardship is key to the state’s continued success. More About Our Guest: Texas Senator Charles Perry For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator, McDonald Observatory / The University of Texas at Austin• Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, Executive Director of NASA Acres and the former and co-founding Deputy Director for NASA Harvest• Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs
--------
47:29