Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers
Have you ever noticed how DNA’s spiraling structure mirrors the shape of seashells and flowers? How our circulatory system branches like tree roots? Nature doesn’t just surround us—we are nature. Our bodies, minds, and societies are woven into its rhythms, yet in today’s modern world, we’ve severed that bond, and the consequences ripple through our environment, politics, culture, and even spirituality.
Every other week, hosts Monica Olsen and Jennifer Walsh explore the profound connections between planetary health and human well-being. Through conversations with leading experts, they uncover how nature influences everything—from the way we design our cities to the way we govern, heal, and find meaning in our lives. As we face climate change, biodiversity loss, and deep societal shifts, rediscovering our place in the natural world isn’t just necessary—it’s transformative.
Join us on this biophilic journey. Follow and listen today, because nature holds the answers.
Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers
Beauty, Awe, and Biodiversity in Old Growth Forests with Joan Maloof
Old Growth Forests, natural forests that have grown undisturbed over a long period of time, offer a wide variety of benefits including storing more carbon and nitrogen than typical forests, providing a unique structure that supports rich ecosystems, and offering an example of what nature looks like when it flourishes on its own. Unfortunately, due in large part to human intervention, these old forests are hard to come by - but our guest today wants to change that.
Joan Maloof is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Salisbury University and the Founder of the Old Growth Forest Network, the only national network of protected, old-growth, native forests in the United States. The organization’s goal is to locate and designate at least one protected old forest in every U.S. county that has the right climate to sustain a forested area. In this conversation, Monica and Jennifer chat with Joan about her journey to founding the Old Growth Forest network, the intricate and rich ecosystems that these old forests support, and beauty as a catalyst for positive change.
Show Notes
- The Old Growth Forest Network
- About Joan Maloof
- Find a Forest
- Nominate a Forest
- Volunteer with the Old Growth Forest Network
- Nature’s Temples: The Complex World of Old Growth Forests by Joan Maloof
- Among the Ancients: Adventures in Eastern Old Growth Forests by Joan Maloof
- Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest by Joan Maloof
The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other.
Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today!
Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website.
#NatureHasTheAnswers
