42. Eyes in the Sky: Conservation From Above

42. Eyes in the Sky: Conservation From Above

Author: Jenn Galler September 4, 2026 Duration: 34:10

Our guest is Laura Early, Communications and Development Director at SouthWings, a nonprofit that connects volunteer pilots with conservation groups and journalists to document environmental issues from the air. 

We’ll talk about how aerial storytelling can reveal things that aren’t always visible from the ground, who these volunteer pilots are, and what inspires them to take to the skies. We’ll also explore some of the environmental challenges SouthWings is documenting and how those images can influence conservation, journalism, and policy.

Email: ⁠ ⁠info@southwings.org⁠


https://skytruth.org/case-studies/the-colossal-oil-spill-big-energy-tried-to-hide-for-14-years
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/climate/xai-musk-memphis-turbines-pollutionhttps://www.selc.org/news/inside-memphis-fight-against-xai/https://www.southwings.org/passengers/request-a-flight


Hosted by Jenn Galler, In Our Backyard Podcast is the voice of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, bringing urgent local stories to the forefront. This isn't about abstract global debates; it's a grounded conversation focused on the very real industrial pressures facing specific towns and neighborhoods. Each episode examines a particular threat, from active coal plants and fracking operations to the routing of new pipelines, unpacking the complex realities behind the headlines. You'll hear directly from the residents and organizers who are living these fights, sharing their personal struggles and strategies for safeguarding both community health and the local environment. The discussions are detailed and thoughtful, prioritizing the experiences of those on the ground. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with the persistent, often overlooked work of environmental justice, understanding that the most critical battles for planetary protection frequently begin just outside our own doors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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