Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 143 Summary

Title: Beavering Beyond Boundaries With Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar
Host: Jack Humphrey
Guest: Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar
Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction to Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar

In Episode 143 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, host Jack Humphrey welcomes conservationist Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar. With a robust background in building community resilience and enhancing connections between people, culture, and natural resources, Joaquin brings over two decades of experience working on the US-Mexico border. His work spans watershed management, river restoration, conservation of native populations, and sustainable ranching practices. Joaquin holds an MS in Natural Resources and Agricultural Economics and a PhD in Renewable Natural Resources Studies from the University of Arizona.

Notable Quote:
Joaquin introduces the core of his work:

“And in terms of rewilding, in terms of how beavers, which is the same species from Canada to Mexico, how beavers are uniting these countries, how beavers are showing us the way on watershed health and repairing restoration, and how do we build around the idea of beavers in our environments?” (00:07)

Insights from BeaverCon

Joaquin recounts his first experience at BeaverCon, an event dedicated to beaver conservation and rewilding. He highlights the diverse and passionate community he encountered, including participants from the UK and Canada. Joaquin’s unique approach—presenting in a beaver mask—captured the audience's attention, blending humor with informative content.

Notable Quote:
Reflecting on the event's impact:

“It was very engaging, inspirational, exciting for me and, but also giving some kind of hope of what we're doing here on Earth, we as humans.” (03:14)

Rewilding in Urban Environments

A significant portion of the discussion centers on integrating rewilding efforts within urban settings. Joaquin challenges the traditional notion that conservation is limited to wilderness areas, advocating for "wild cities" where nature coexists harmoniously with human-built environments. He emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, to manage water infiltration and create urban wildlife habitats.

Notable Quote:
On the possibility of wild cities:

“Can we have natural cities, can we have wild cities, can we interact with urban wildlife or urban wildlife habitats? And because nature belongs also in urban built environments. So how do we welcome that?” (08:19)

Water Management and the Beavering Analogy

Joaquin draws parallels between the natural behaviors of beavers and human-led water management practices. He explains how beavers’ dam-building activities slow down water flow, promote infiltration, and enhance watershed health. Translating these behaviors into urban and rural settings, Joaquin and his team implement green storm infrastructure to mimic beaver ecosystems, thereby improving water retention and reducing flood risks.

Notable Quote:
Describing human "beavering" in cities:

“We are beavering in the urban environment. Beavers used to be here maybe 120, 130 years ago in the vicinity of Tucson. But what beavers do, and that's what we're doing with water harvesting, is three things. They diminish the speed of water, they create dams and they spread that water and they infiltrate that water.” (15:00)

Community Involvement and Sustainable Ranching

Joaquin highlights the collaborative efforts with the ranching community in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. By implementing erosion control structures and promoting native vegetation, these partnerships aim to restore soil health and water infiltration. The introduction of actual beavers to these areas has shown promising results, with ranchers embracing the ecological benefits despite initial concerns about flooding.

Notable Quote:
On integrating beavers with ranching practices:

“We built analogs, the BDAs, but also the beavers build their own. And it's been two examples of that with two ranching families that have adopted and they're always wondering of reintroduction of beavers in their properties.” (21:51)

Advancing Rewilding Efforts and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Joaquin discusses ambitious projects such as reintroducing beavers to the Santa Cruz River in Tucson and reducing individual water usage through initiatives like the "40 by 2040" campaign. He underscores the long-term benefits of these efforts, including raising water tables and restoring natural river flows, while also addressing societal and policy barriers that impede progress.

Notable Quote:
On the potential impact of rewilding:

“We are so certain that we can be at 40 gallons per person a day by 2040. We are demonstrating that in our homes, in our office, and rain garden has a lot to do with it.” (24:49)

The Intersection of Human Well-being and Nature

Joaquin connects the dots between environmental health and human well-being, citing research that links proximity to nature with lower stress levels and increased happiness. He advocates for integrating native plants into urban landscapes, like milkweed gardens that support monarch butterflies, thereby enhancing biodiversity and fostering a deeper human-nature connection.

Notable Quote:
Emphasizing the human-nature relationship:

“The closer the human being, the closer is to nature, the better off we are. And, and that way stress levels go down. If you're less stressed, you don't get sick that often, then you're more productive, you're happier.” (16:10)

Overcoming Challenges and Policy Barriers

Joaquin candidly addresses the challenges faced in rewilding efforts, particularly governmental policies and public perceptions that hinder the reintroduction of species like beavers. He stresses the importance of education and community engagement to shift attitudes and demonstrate the tangible benefits of rewilding practices.

Notable Quote:
On obstacles to rewilding:

“But it's funny, because what is stopping us of doing that? And it's two things. And I'm sorry, but I'm going to blame government because of policies and human attitudes.” (25:00)

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with Joaquin expressing optimism about the future of rewilding, driven by collaborative efforts across communities, ranchers, and urban planners. He encourages listeners to visit watershedmg.org to learn more and get involved in ongoing initiatives that aim to restore natural ecosystems and foster sustainable living practices.

Notable Quote:
Closing thoughts on rewilding's potential:

“We're working with other organizations on rewilding some rural roads that are being decommissioned by the forest service. And it's very interesting to see that those humans bringing back nature in rural areas here around Tucson.” (34:41)

About Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar

Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar is a dedicated conservation biologist focusing on rewilding and sustainable water management in the US-Mexico border region. His innovative approaches blend traditional conservation techniques with modern urban planning to create resilient ecosystems that benefit both nature and human communities.

For more information on Joaquin’s work, visit watershedmg.org.

Listen to Episode 143 on Rewilding.org