Farm Talk with Paul Ward

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Farm Talk with Paul Ward in Ventura County, CA discusses different aspects of farm living in rural communities in California.

Episodes

5 days ago

Desert Dreams: The Palms, Wonder Valley’s Artistic Oasis

5 days ago

In this episode, Paul sits down with Kevin Bone, co-owner of The Palms, a quirky and artistic desert destination in Wonder Valley, CA.. Kevin shares the fascinating journey that brought him and his wife, Laura, to this remote haven, about 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms off Hwy 62. From its origins tied to the Homestead Act of the 1950’s to its transformation into a vibrant hub for music, art, and community, The Palms has become a beloved gathering place. Learn about its rich history, including Laura's band, The Sibleys, their connection to a German biker group, and how Ben Vaughn’s annual music festival put The Palms on the map.

Discover the eclectic mix that makes The Palms so special: a bookstore filled with rare finds, Laura’s celebrated vegan cuisine, open mic nights, experimental festivals, and even an old guillotine that adds to the venue's charm. Kevin also shares his vision for maintaining the intimacy and affordability of The Palms, ensuring it remains a welcoming retreat for locals and travelers alike. Whether it’s music/theater, homemade food, or a sense of community, The Palms offers something truly unforgettable. Tune in for the full story behind this desert gem!

Watch the full episode HERE

What you’ll learn in this episode:
0:00 Welcome to the show and introduction of our guest: Kevin Bone of The Palms

0:43 The Palms is located in the middle of nowhere known as “Wonder Valley”

1:39 Kevin Bone tells us the story of how he ended up at The Palms

2:31 The history of The Palms started with Kevin’s now wife as a teenage girl.

3:31 A guillotine, a bus and amazing art are all part of The Palms and come with a story

4:12 We learn about Kevin’s wife, Laura’s, band, “The Sibleys” and a German Biker Tour Group that would visit The Palms a couple times a year to listen to them

6:06 An annual music festival at The Palms put on by Ben Vaughn

6:58 Find out how the Homestead Act of the 50s brought homesteaders to the area near The Palms

8:11 Wonderland Books is also a part of The Palms and is a bookstore with an eclectic mix of books and music

9:05 Laura is also a chef and makes a vegan burger that people rave about

10:13 How The Palms markets Laura’s Five-Courser Vegan meals and the sense of community that The Palms has that keeps people coming back

12:31 The prices at The Palms and the goal to keep everything affordable, making it a community for locals

14:59 Music festivals at The Palms like the High Desert Hukilau Music Festival and what an Experimental Festival is

17:05 Movies have also been filmed at The Palms

18:30 The future of The Palms and the desire to keep it as special and as intimate as it is now

21:52 An old bus, a guillotine, and an old skateboard ramp that makes the stage are nostalgic items found at The Palms

23:19 Open Mic nights, the music booked at The Palms, how Coachella is connected, and how theater, comedy and literary are all part of the line up at The Palms

27:53 How to get to The Palms

29:14 A bison with planets on it make up the sign for The Palms

31:08 Kevin and Laura’s wedding was held at The Palms and hosted by the community they have built through this special venue.

32:09 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

Wings, Wrenches and Wisecracks with Tom McClain and Hangar Comedy

Sage Brews- A Female Owned Organic Brewery

The Palms Bar & Restaurant:
The Palms
Mailing Address: 83131 Amboy Rd. Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Phone Number: 760-361-2810
Email: thepalms@dslextreme.com

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! On the Road with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures On the Road can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

Restoration Insights: Navigating Disasters

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

In this episode, we welcome Cesar Zavala and CeCe Adame of Service Master Restore to discuss their extensive experience in the restoration business and the vital services they provide. Cesar and CeCe share insights into the empathetic approach they take when helping individuals navigate challenging situations. We delve into the aftermath of the recent Mountain Fire in Ventura County, exploring the process of making homes habitable again, the time and manpower required, and the complexities of working with insurance companies. Cesar and CeCe also highlight the unfortunate rise of scams following disasters and recount their team’s mobilization to South Carolina after Hurricane Helene, where Service Master Corporate coordinated teams from across the country. Cesar shares one of the most unusual experiences from his 11 years in restoration, including dealing with biohazard materials. The episode wraps up with advice for consumers on working with insurance companies, preventative maintenance tips, and details on the areas their team serves, along with how to contact Service Master Restore.

Watch the full episode HERE:

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

0:00 Welcome to the show and some background information on today’s topic

0:29 Introduction of our guests Cesar Zavala and CeCe Adame of Service Master Restore

0:47 Find out how long Cesar and CeCe have been in the restoration business

1:34 We learn about the services that Service Master Restore provides and the empathy they display when walking individuals through their trouble

3:41 The recent Mountain Fire in Ventura County

5:10 The process of making a home habitable after damage

7:30 The time and man power it can take to restore a home

8:20 Dealing with insurance companies and what happens if the work is not approved

9:54 Scams that are occurring in light of the recent fire

11:15 Cesar’s and his team mobilized to South Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

12:28 Service Master Corporate sent teams from all over the United States to South Carolina

13:36 The most off the wall thing Cesar has seen in his 11 years of restoration work and what happens with biohazard trash

14:50 Find out the areas that Cesar and CeCe’s team serve

15:35 Cesar’s advice for consumers when dealing with insurance and preventative maintenance

16:35 Service Master Restore’s contact information

17:25 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

ServiceMaster Restore by Restoration Pros
3051 Sturgis Rd. Oxnard, CA 93030
Cell (805) 750-5638 | Office (805) 388-1409 | Fax (805) 512-9212
www.smrpros.com

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024

Guardians of the Wild: Dr. Laurie Marker’s Mission to Save the Cheetahs

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024

In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul welcomes Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Dr. Marker shares the inspiring story behind the creation of CCF, which began as an effort to prevent local farmers in Namibia, Africa, from killing cheetahs to protect their livestock. She describes how CCF became a model farm, implementing innovative solutions like the Livestock Guarding Dog program, which has successfully reduced livestock loss while protecting cheetahs and teaching sustainable farming practices. Dr. Marker also discusses Africa’s evolving conservation mindset over her 30+ years there, and CCF's collaborations with the Namibian government to ensure cheetahs remain in the wild.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Marker provides insights into cheetah behavior, the global population status, and the challenges of the illegal pet trade. She shares her journey from the U.S. to Africa and how CCF has grown into a research and educational center, offering ecotourism and outreach programs that engage locals and visitors alike. To learn more about CCF, support their mission, or visit their ecotourism lodge, listeners can explore www.cheetah.org, where they can also find ways to contribute to the conservation of these remarkable animals.

Watch the Full Episode Here

What you’ll learn in this episode:
0:05 Welcome to On the Road and introduction of our guest: Dr. Laurie Marker with the Cheetah Conservation Fund

0:44 We learn what The Cheetah Conservation Fund is

1:29 Dr. Laurie Marker’s involvement began because of local farmers killing cheetahs

2:28 The Cheetah Conservation Fund is located in Namibia, Africa and learn about it being a model farm

3:22 Dr. Marker describes the Livestock Guarding Dog that are used to keep the cheetahs and other wildlife away from the farm animals

4:45 The decrease in livestock loss because of the dog program being used and replicated by others as well as reteaching people to live with livestock

6:15 The change in Africa’s conservation mindset over the 30+ year period of Dr. Marker living there

7:04 How The Cheetah Conservation Fund works with the Namibia government to keep the animals free and in the wild other than for research and we learn more about that

8:58 More about how cheetahs live: Males, females, cubs, etc

10:25 Dr. Marker gives insight on the global population of cheetahs and the illegal pet trade that occurs

13:15 The Cheetah Conservation Funds have multiple locations

14:57 Dr. Laurie Marker’s story and what made her move from the United States to Africa over 30 years ago

19:02 Finding answers to help the cheetahs, the communities that Dr. Laurie Marker and The Cheetah Conservation Fund works with to help their livelihood

20:39 Teaching the locals how to be sustainable, how and why the cheetahs may be killing their livestock

23:07 The Cheetah Conservation Fund has also turned into a learning center in Namibia and what the students learn

24:57 There is an Ecotourism lodge that is open to the public every day and learn more on social media and their website: www.cheetah.org

25:57 The Cheetah Conservation Fund is a 501c3 and how to get involved

26:14 How much does it cost to take care of a cheetah for a year?

27:31 The Cheetah Conservation Fund’s motto and a powerful quote by Dr. Laurie Marker

28:09 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

Vet Tales: Unveiling Holistic Animal Care with Dr. Rhiannon Fenton

Hear What All the Buzz is About: Larry Pender and the Jubilee HoneyBee Co

The Cheetah Conservation Fund:
www.cheetah.org
Mailing Address: Cheetah Conservation Fund P.O. Box 2496 Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone Number: 866-909-3399

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Friday Oct 18, 2024

A Journey Through Time at The Ventura County Agriculture Museum

Friday Oct 18, 2024

In this episode of Farm Talk, Paul welcomes Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of The Ventura County Agriculture Museum. Elena shares the rich history of "The Mill" where the episode is filmed and provides an inside look into the museum, one of the largest agricultural museums in the country, housing thousands of artifacts. She highlights how the museum not only showcases farming equipment but also tells the story of the farmers, the land, and the diverse cultures that have shaped Ventura County's agricultural legacy. From beehives to exhibits about life over 100 years ago, Elena explains how the museum brings history to life for visitors, especially children, and tells the story of how Oxnard got its name.

Elena also touches on the museum’s educational outreach, including school tours, partnerships with the UC Master Gardeners Program, and the Helen Pidduck Native Plant Garden. She offers insight into the museum's future plans, rotating exhibits, and fascinating stories, including one about Rancho Sespe and a mysterious murder. Finally, Elena discusses the various events hosted by the museum and how listeners can stay connected through their mailing list to stay informed about upcoming activities.

Watch the full episode HERE:

What you’ll learn in this episode:
0:00 Welcome to Farm Talk and introduction of our guest, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of The Ventura County Agriculture Museum

0:24 Paul described the setting of where this episode is being filmed and Elena Brokaw tells us the history of “The Mill.”

1:50 Elena gives us insight into The Ventura County Agriculture Museum, which is one of the largest, well-known Agricultural Museums in the country and has thousands of artifacts

3:52 The fascinating history of Agriculture in Ventura County

5:52 The museum is all encompassing by showcasing the equipment, the people that own the equipment, the farmers, the land, etc. Elena elaborates on this.

7:25 Showing children what life was like over 100 years ago and beehives in the museum!

8:45 A whole exhibit about the different cultures of people and families that worked the land and how the city of Oxnard got its name

11:48 Elena tells us about The Fillmore Citrus Association Band and how the railroad changed Venutra County for the better

13:19 We learn more about school tours at The Ag Museum, partnering with UC Master Gardeners Program, and the Helen Pidduck Native Plant Garden

15:05 The future of the Ag Museum

16:24 How to learn more about tours and the Ag Museum and more about the equipment, the art pieces, archives and artifacts

19:09 Elena describes how the museum rotates exhibits and a fascinating story about Rancho Sespe, a man from Ohio and murder

22:28 The people of Ventura County never know what happened hundreds of years prior on the land they are living on

23:13 The types of events The Ag Museum hosts and signing up for the mailing list to stay in the know

24:59 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

For More Information on The Agriculture Museum:
Visit the Agriculture Museum - Museum of Ventura County (venturamuseum.org)

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Thursday Oct 10, 2024

Rotary’s Global Impact and Future Leadership with Margarida Eidson

Thursday Oct 10, 2024

In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we sit down with Margarida Eidson from the Rotary Club of Ventura East to explore her journey with Rotary and the impact the organization has worldwide. Margarida shares how she first got involved and the key initiatives her chapter is working on, including Rotary's global mission to eradicate polio. We also learn about the autonomous structure of Rotary clubs, the variety of projects they undertake, and the opportunities available for volunteers and donors. Margarida, set to become District Governor in 2026-2027, gives us insight into her future role and discusses the importance of keeping Rotary thriving for the next generation. She highlights Rotary programs for high school and college students and reflects on how she plans to manage the vast District 5240, which includes 70 clubs, while ensuring their positive impact in the community.

Watch the full episode HERE:

0:00 Welcome to On the Road and introduction to guest, Margarida Eidson of Rotary Club of Ventura East

0:23 Margarida Eidson tells us how she first got involved in Rotary Club

1:34 We learn about what Margarida’s Chapter of Rotary does and is involved with, as well as Rotary as a whole’s main goal of eradicating Polio

4:52 Rotary is completely autonomous within each club and is supported by Rotary Districts and Zones

6:05 Some Rotary projects are annual, others are sporadic, and Margarida gives us examples

8:00 For someone wanting to get involved in the community, Rotary is a great starting place

9:12 You can be a Rotarian and Volunteer and/or donate

9:55 Margarida will be the District Governor in 2026-2027 and she shares what that entails

11:16 Keeping Rotary “alive and thriving” into the future, Margarida shares her thoughts on the topic

12:58 We learn that there is Rotary for High School and College Students

13:55 Margarida’s Rotary District, 5240, has 70 clubs, how will she handle such a large territory and how Rotary measures its impact

16:09 A special thank you to our sponsor, Opus Escrow

A Recovery Oasis at Nate’s Place

Unveiling Humanity Through Compassion, Hope and a Costume

Rotary Club of Ventura East:
Home Page | Rotary Club of Ventura-East (rotaryventuraeast.org)
P.O. Box 3012
Ventura, California 93006

The Rotary Foundation:
Home EN | Rotary International

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Friday Sep 20, 2024

Music, History & Magic: The Story of Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch

Friday Sep 20, 2024

In this exciting episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we meet Mike Corridori, the visionary behind Tiny Porch Concerts. Mike shares the fascinating history of Peter Strauss Ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the concerts take place. From its roaring '20s past, to becoming an amusement park with animals, to finally becoming an iconic music venue, this ranch is full of stories. Mike also recounts the 2019 Wolsey Fire that impacted the area and how Tiny Porch Concerts rose from these challenges.

Mike explains how the concerts started in 2016 and evolved, overcoming the challenge of keeping the events free, intimate, and magical. He describes the variety of music that fills the ranch, highlights memorable performances like Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and shares how Nashville bands have become a staple in the lineup. Listeners will also learn how to make the most of their Tiny Porch experience, from bringing picnics and pets to supporting the concerts through donations to the Santa Monica Mountain Fund and/or becoming a sponsor.

Watch the full episode HERE:

0:00 Paul Ward introduces our guest, Mike Corridori of Tiny Porches Concerts

1:03 Mike Corridori gives us an awesome description of where Peter Strauss Ranch, where the Tiny Porch Concerts are held, is located

2:07 We learn the exciting history of Peter Strauss Ranch, how it ties to the Indy 500, and paints a beautiful picture of what the ranch looked like in the 1920s

4:20 Find out what happened to the ranch after the Roaring Twenties to include an amusement park, a pool and animals.

5:56 Mike Corridori tells us how Peter Strauss, an actor, became owner of the ranch

6:38 Peter Strauss donated the ranch to The National Park Service, who owns and operated the ranch now

7:02 The Wolsey Fire of 2019 destroyed portions of the ranch and the surrounding area according to Mike Corridori

7:54 We learn how Tiny Porches came about

9:16 Mike Corridori shares how he came up with ideas to overcome the request by The National Park Service for the concerts to be free

10:04 From the first concert in 2016 to now, Mike describes the evolution of Tiny Porches and how they find bands to play there

11:52 Learn about the type of music typically played, a few artists that have played, and how the setting makes Tiny Porches so magical

13:55 A story about when Taylor Goldsmith, of Dawes, performed at Tiny porches

15:03 Keeping Tiny Porches intimate and free is paramount for Mike Corridori’s vision

16:08 Find out what the future holds for Tiny Porches and how Mike Corridori hopes to keep improving on the overall experience

18:24 How to learn more about Tiny Porches: www.tinyporchesconcerts.com, social media, and contacting Mike directly from the website and he will offer help in anyway he can

19:20 You can bring your own food and drink, including beer and wine, and make a picnic out of your concert experience

20:18 Why Nashville bands are attractive to Mike Corridori and how many concerts are in the Tiny Porch Series each year.

22:11 Where exactly The Peter Strauss Ranch is located.

22:47 Tiny Porches is a 501c3 and proceeds go to The Santa Monica Mountain Fund

23:36 A little more about the vibe of a Tiny Porches Concert, including the ability to bring your dog!

24:37 A little about the sponsors of Tiny Porches and they are always looking for more sponsors to keep the concerts going and enhance the experience

26:07 Thank you to our sponsor, Opus Escrow

For More Information on The Tiny Porches Concert Series:
www.tinyporchesconcerts.com

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

Friday Aug 30, 2024

One Vet at a Time: Inside the Vince Street Veterans House with Angel Echeverria

Friday Aug 30, 2024

In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul sits down with Angel Echeverria from The Vince Street Veterans House to discuss the vital work being done to support military veterans in need of temporary housing. Established in 2016, the Vince Street Veterans House serves male veterans, providing them with a safe, supportive environment while they transition to permanent housing. Angel delves into the house's capacity, the personalized approach they take with each veteran, and how they maintain harmony among residents. The conversation also covers the various forms of support the veterans receive, from job assistance to managing PTSD, as well as the role of organizations like the VA and The American Legion in funding these efforts. Angel shares inspiring success stories, and we hear from a current resident who is finding a new beginning at the house. The episode concludes with insights into the daily life of the veterans, upcoming programs, and how people can connect with The Vince Street Veterans House to get involved or seek help.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

0:00 Welcome to On the Road with Paul Ward and our special guest, Angel Echeverria with The Vince Street Veterans House

0:32 We learn what The Vince Street Veteran’s House is and it’s mission to help military veterans

1:01 Established in 2016, Angel Echeverria tells us who the Transitional House serves and that they house male veterans who need temporary housing

1:26 Learn how many veterans can be housed at a time

1:54 The veterans seeking help are looked at on a case-by-case basis

2:26 Vince Street Veterans House has a slogan: One vet at a time

2:34 How the veterans are assisted within the house and how harmony is maintained amongst them

5:31 Angel tells us what happens if the time limit of a veteran’s stay is reached, what employment looks like for the veterans and if PTSD plays a part in their transition out of the house

8:22 Statistics on the national suicide rate for veterans

10:22 Angel shares a success story of a teacher that ended up at The Vince Street Vet House

11:13 A day in the life of a veteran in house and special events that are hosted

13:33 Being completely clean and sober is not necessary to live in the house, but the veterans are prohibited from partaking in their activities in the house

14:56 The origins of The Vince Street House and it is part of The Turning Point Foundation

16:46 Financial support for the Vet House is provided by the VA (Veterans Affairs), The American Legion, Food Share and other organizations

17:45 Examples of other programs The Vince Vet House is working to implement to help veterans while in the program and after their stay in the housing

20:33 Richard Eskin, a veteran at the house, shares his story with Paul

24:33 Angel Echeverria is back in the interview seat and tells us about other activities that are happening in surrounding areas in Ventura, CA

25:41 Veterans have benefits that help provide income for each of them

26:42 How to get in touch with The Vince Vet House and The Turning Point Foundation

27:41 Surprisingly, most of the residents at the house are from places outside of California

28:19 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

Related Episodes:
Breaking Barriers: Inside the Wellness Center
Growth Beyond Challenges: Cultivating Wellness at Growing Works

Contact The Vince Street Vet House:
turningpointfoundation.org
1736 S Lewis Rd, Camarillo, Ca 93012
(805) 586-9900

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004 paul@homeandranchteam.com

Friday Aug 02, 2024

Ventura County Real Estate: Skyrocketed Prices and Surprising Trends

Friday Aug 02, 2024

In this episode of "On the Road with Paul Ward," Paul delves into the Ventura County Real Estate Market and its pricing trends over the past few years. He starts by presenting staggering statistics about the average cost of housing in Ventura County. Paul then discusses interest rates and compares the price per square foot of homes in Oxnard (Ventura County) versus Marina Del Rey (LA County). He offers insights into why people have been moving to Ventura County recently. Referencing an economic report from Cal Lutheran University and charts from an article in The VC Star, Paul provides data on GDP growth, the salary-to-rent ratio, and population growth. He also reveals where people are relocating when they leave Ventura County and shares his experiences about why many are moving to Ventura County from LA County. Lastly, Paul discusses the number of new homes built in Ventura County over the past year and how these factors are contributing to the persistently high housing prices in the area.

Watch the full episode HERE:

0:00 Introduction of topic: The Ventura County Real Estate Market and Pricing over the last few years

0:05 Paul gives us some staggering statistics about the average cost of housing in Ventura County

1:07 Paul discusses interest rates and compares the price per square foot of a home in Oxnard (Ventura County) vs. Marina Del Rey (LA County)

2:38 Some of Paul’s thoughts on why people moved to Ventura County during the last few years

4:23 Cal Lutheran University is referenced for the economic report for Ventura County and provides charts from an article in The VC Star for GDP Growth, The Salary to Rent Ratio and Population Growth

6:20 Find out where people are moving when they leave Ventura County

6:51 Based on his experience, Paul shares that people moving TO Ventura County are coming from LA County and shares his thoughts as to why

7:53 We learn about the number of new homes being built in Ventura County over the last year or so and how all these factors are contributing to the housing prices still being so high in Ventura County

9:19 A special thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

How to reach Paul:
paul@homeandranchteam.com
805-479-5004

Check out our featured listings as well as other properties for sale in the area:
Homeandranchteam.com

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024

Highway to Heaven with Beth Pratt and P-22, The Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024

In this special episode of Farm Talk, sponsored by petrx.com, we delve into an extraordinary wildlife conservation project with our esteemed guest, Beth Pratt, the California Regional Director of the National Wildlife Federation. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking animal crossing over highway 101 near Agoura Hills CA. Beth shares the inspiring story of her "BFF" and the world-famous mountain lion, P-22, whose journey highlighted the dangers of highway crossings for wildlife. Discover how freeways not only pose fatal risks to animals but also genetically isolate them, threatening their survival. From the project's inception in the late 2000s to Beth's involvement in 2012, learn about the collaboration between the National Park Service, Caltrans, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the National Wildlife Federation. Beth recounts overcoming skepticism, the challenges of building in a difficult location, and the impressive dimensions of the crossing. Hear about the vital role P-22 and other wildlife play in this project, the research and fundraising efforts, and the significant contributions from figures like Wallis Annenberg and Leonardo DiCaprio. Discover the local support from Agoura Hills, the Save the L.A. Cougars campaign, and the community’s enthusiasm, including spectator interest during construction. Learn about volunteer programs and how you can stay informed via their online platforms. Join us for an inspiring journey into wildlife conservation and the heroic efforts to save California’s mountain lions. Special thanks to our sponsor, petrx.com!

GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WITH PETRX.COM WITH THE COUPON CODE: FARMTALK20

Watch the Full Episode HERE

What you will learn in this episode:

0:00 This is a special episode of Farm Talk that is sponsored by PETRX.com (See above for 20% off your first order with petrx.com)

0:33 Introduction of our episode guest, the California Regional Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Beth Pratt and our topic: The animal crossing over highway 101 in The Santa Monica Mountains.

1:10 Beth Pratt tells us the story of who her, self-proclaimed, “BFF,” and world famous mountain lion, P-22

1:37 Paul explains the problem with animal deaths because of trying to cross major highways

2:36 Beth Pratt describes the beauty of the LA area and its surroundings and how P-22 brought attention to the fact that not only are the freeways in these areas causing animals to be killed by vehicles when the animals are trying to cross, but that the freeways are genetically isolating the animals and causing them risk of extinction

6:08 The history of this project is explained by Beth Pratt starting from its infancy in the late 2000’s to when she got involved in 2012.

8:25 The core group collaborating on this project has been The National Park Service, Caltrans, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and then Beth’s group, the National Wildlife Federation

10:02 Beth Pratt shares how in the beginning there was a lot of skepticism about the project and some of things that they had to overcome to get the project started

11:13 This crossing was built in the one of the most difficult places it could be built

12:01 The dimensions of the crossing are shared by Beth

12:50 Beth Pratt shares how P-22 and mountain lions are most at risk of extinction and the reasons why

14:27 Other wildlife and how they are impacted by the building of the crossing

15:48 From inception to now, Beth talks about the research, grants, etc

16:39 Funding for this project has come from both government grants and private donations, which The National Wildlife Federation worked hard at fundraising for.

18:07 More about mountain lions, the territories, the number in the Santa Monica Mountain area and the importance of this crossing for their genetic exchange

19:17 The crossing is named the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Corridor because Wallis Annenberg was the largest donator at 25 Million, and other big names, like Leonardo DiCaprio, join in by donating

21:52 California Governor, Gavin Newosme’s involvement

23:13 P-22 gave this project a story to share the importance of it being completed and Beth Pratt explains P-22’s almost impossible journey with crossing the highway numerous times

26:55 California is looking at building other animal crossings, possible in the Bay Area

28:08 Local support and Beth Pratt praises the city of Agoura Hills and surrounding areas for their support and the Save the L.A. Cougars campaign which was started in 2014

31:09 There have even been spectators during the construction of this crossing and what to expect if you were to come watch for animals actually crossing the bridge and the cameras set up to share as well

33:24 The volunteers, the docent programs, and the training involved for the volunteers to work the docent program

36:22 How to learn more via their websites and Facebook and Instagram

37:19 Thank you to our special sponsor: petrx.com

Related Episodes:

Viral Vet Tales: Unveiling Holistic Animal Care with Dr. Rhiannon Fenton

Hear what all the buzz is about in Camarillo with commercial beekeeper Larry Pender

Learn More Here:
savelacougars.org
101wildlifecrossing.org

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, Petrx.com! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Petrx.com. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.

Thursday Jul 11, 2024

Rethink, Refresh, Rebrand

Thursday Jul 11, 2024

Hey friends, it's Paul Ward here, and I just wanna let you know that we are rebranding our podcast. It's now called On the Road with Paul Ward. We'll be featuring stories about healthy living, culture, and community. And don't worry, about once a month, we'll still be doing a Farm Talk episode focused on the food we eat and the people who grow it. We hope you like the new format and the expanded focus. Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay connected and join us on this journey!

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! On the Road with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures On the Road with Paul Ward can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.