Podcast Summary: All Of It – "What The Hack: Nature in NYC"

Episode Information

• Title: What The Hack: Nature in NYC
• Host: David Fuerst (filling in for Alison Stewart)
• Guest: Ryan Mandelbaum, Brooklyn-based science writer, nature educator, wildlife photographer, and co-author of Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature in and Around New York City
• Release Date: April 25, 2025
• Description: This episode explores the vibrant and surprising presence of wildlife within New York City’s urban landscape, highlighting the interplay between nature and the built environment.

Introduction

[00:25] David Fuerst: David introduces the episode by challenging the common perception of New York City as a concrete jungle. He emphasizes that beneath the urban sprawl lies a thriving natural ecosystem, shaped by centuries of interaction between humans and wildlife.

[01:49] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan expresses his excitement to discuss his new book, which serves as both a guidebook and a celebration of the natural world thriving within the city.

Motivation and Vision for Wild NYC

[02:00] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan shares his personal journey into naturalism, sparked by an early experience attempting to observe an egret in the city. Despite initial setbacks, witnessing a great blue heron in a city park transformed his understanding and appreciation of urban wildlife.

[03:07] Ryan Mandelbaum: He asserts that New York City has always been biodiverse, with wildlife adapting alongside human development. Ryan advocates for a harmonious coexistence, suggesting that humans and wildlife can thrive together more than commonly believed.

Collaborative Creation and Illustrations

[04:05] David Fuerst: David explores Ryan’s collaboration with Chelsea Beck, highlighting the book’s unique illustrations that bring the city’s wildlife to life with personality and humor.

[05:08] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan praises Chelsea’s work, mentioning illustrations like a great blue heron donning an “I Love New York” plastic bag, which encapsulate the quirky interactions between wildlife and urban elements.

Favorite Wildlife Hotspots in NYC

[06:21] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan highlights key locations for wildlife observation:

• Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn: A historical site that serves as a haven for insects, migrating birds, and mammals.
• Staten Island: Praised for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

[07:07] Ryan Mandelbaum: He explains the presence of Italian wall lizards in NYC cemeteries, attributing their survival to intentional and accidental releases by humans. These lizards coexist with predators like the American kestrel, showcasing the city’s dynamic ecosystem.

Human Influence on Urban Wildlife

[08:09] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan discusses how human activities inadvertently shape urban ecosystems. For example, the Metro North viaduct on Park Avenue harbors uncommon cliff ferns brought by train spores, illustrating nature’s resilience and adaptability.

Listener Interactions and Wildlife Stories

[09:00] Marissa (Staten Island): Marissa shares sightings of harbor seals and a juvenile gray seal, highlighting the presence of marine life even in urban settings.

[10:14] Ann (Brooklyn): Ann talks about aquatic wildlife in WNYC Transmitter Park, including skilletfish, mud crabs, and blackfish, emphasizing the rich biodiversity above and below water.

[13:29] Lucy (Brooklyn): Lucy discusses her use of the Merlin app for bird identification during her runs in Brower Park, showcasing how technology aids in engaging with urban wildlife.

[15:16] Madeline (Brooklyn): Madeline recounts a close encounter with an American kestrel on her fire escape, illustrating the bold presence of birds of prey in high-rise environments.

[17:47] Ron (Rivervale, NJ): Ron shares his discovery of the native eastern prickly pear cactus near the George Washington Bridge, emphasizing the hidden native flora within the city.

[19:32] Evelyn (Manhattan): Evelyn tells a story about a raccoon visiting her eighth-floor fire escape, highlighting the adaptability of raccoons in urban settings.

[20:37] Bob (Manhattan): Bob describes an intense encounter with a male peregrine falcon near the Chrysler Building, demonstrating the territorial nature of urban wildlife.

Rewilding and Reintroduction of Native Wildlife

[16:53] Isaac (Brooklyn): Isaac, founder of Rewild Brooklyn, asks about the reintroduction of native wildlife to the city.

[16:53] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan supports rewilding efforts, stressing that successful reintroduction requires creating suitable habitats. He cautions against releasing animals without ensuring their environment can support them.

Unique Wildlife Phenomena in NYC

[12:18] David Fuerst: David introduces the topic of dog vomit slime molds, prompting Ryan to explain these fascinating organisms.

[12:25] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan describes slime molds as almost sentient slimes found in urban wood chips and altered environments. Their fruiting bodies resemble dog vomit, adding a quirky element to urban nature walks.

Seasonal Changes and Wildlife Watching Tips

[21:38] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan outlines the seasonal shifts in NYC’s wildlife:

• Spring: Peak migratory bird season.
• Summer: Breeding birds and abundant insects like dragonflies and butterflies.
• Fall: Continued bird migration.
• Winter: Marine life such as whales and harbor seals.

He encourages listeners to engage with nature year-round, equipped with binoculars and birding apps.

Conclusion

[22:22] David Fuerst: David wraps up by thanking Ryan Mandelbaum for his insights and highlights the ongoing fascination with NYC’s urban wildlife. He encourages listeners to explore and appreciate the natural wonders within the city.

[22:36] Ryan Mandelbaum: Ryan expresses his gratitude and enthusiasm for fostering a deeper connection between New Yorkers and their local wildlife.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Mandelbaum [02:20]: “I couldn’t believe that some of this incredible nature was actually right among us.”
• Ryan Mandelbaum [03:07]: “We could actually live together with the wildlife here, more harmoniously than you'd expect for New York City.”
• Ryan Mandelbaum [05:08]: “Chelsea has captured the personality of the wildlife... quirky weirdness that the way wildlife interact with New York City.”

Key Takeaways

• Urban Biodiversity: New York City hosts a surprising variety of wildlife, thriving alongside its dense urban environment.
• Human-Wildlife Interaction: Human activities, both intentional and accidental, significantly influence urban ecosystems and wildlife adaptation.
• Engagement Tools: Technology, such as wildlife identification apps, enhances engagement and education about urban nature.
• Rewilding Efforts: Thoughtful reintroduction of native species can bolster biodiversity, provided habitats are adequately prepared.
• Seasonal Dynamics: Different seasons bring unique wildlife phenomena, encouraging year-round exploration and observation.

This episode of "All Of It" illuminates the hidden natural landscapes of New York City, celebrating the resilience and adaptability of wildlife cohabiting with one of the world's most iconic urban centers. Through Ryan Mandelbaum's expertise and engaging listener stories, the podcast fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance between nature and urban life.