People & Nature with James Bays

In this episode of the Streaming Science: People & Nature podcast, Dr. Jamie Loizzo speaks with Jim Bays, a retired ecologist and leader of Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), about the power of community-driven conservation and the role of co-production in environmental stewardship. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience in wetland and lake ecology, Jim shares how his work has evolved from technical science to engaging communities in hands-on restoration, education, and long-term stewardship of urban lakes. The conversation explores how building relationships, fostering a sense of agency, and “reading the room” are essential to successful conservation efforts, as well as how small, local actions can create meaningful environmental impact. With reflections on birds, community identity, and finding purpose through stewardship, this episode highlights how science and people come together to care for the places we share.Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL): https://www.soulinc.org/People & Nature: https://tbep.org/people-nature-symposium/