20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature with Matt Howard

What if noticing a chickadee, or spending Sunday offline, could change the way you see your neighbourhood — and yourself? This week, I’m joined by Matt Howard , a wildlife biologist, writer, and engaging voice on how we connect with the natural world. Matt has worked everywhere from a tiny island in Alaska to California wind farms, and he now brings that deep ecological knowledge into everyday conversations about birds, frogs, and even the gear we think we need to enjoy the outdoors. We talk about everything from chickadee calls and suburban bird feeders to wildlife road crossings, community science, and why stories matter just as much as data. Matt also shares how his “ Log Cabin Sundays ” digital detox practice has shifted his perspective, and what it means to navigate being a middle-aged “influencer” in the sustainability space. This conversation is both funny and hopeful — a reminder that connecting with nature doesn’t have to be complicated, and that the choices we make in our own backyards and communities really do matter. Takeaways Storytelling can help people connect with science and see nature differently Bird feeders and native plants can create vital suburban habitats Community science projects let anyone contribute to conservation Wildlife road crossings save countless animals and need ongoing support Noise pollution is a hidden but powerful threat to wildlife Log Cabin Sundays show the value of slowing down and unplugging Buying outdoor gear second-hand is one way to enjoy nature without feeding consumerism One Small Shift Matt suggests making your next outdoor adventure a little greener by choosing secondhand gear. Whether it’s borrowing from a friend, checking a thrift shop, or repurposing what you already have, enjoying nature doesn’t have to come with new stuff. Connect With Matt Instagram TikTok Threads Patreon - Howie's Everything Club Substack - Log Cabin Sundays YouTube Resources Merlin Bird ID (app) Safe Nesting Materials for Birds (blog post) Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America - Leila Philip (book) Silent Spring - Rachel Carson (book) No New Things - Ashlee Piper (book) Support the show Connect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.