Saving Wildlife on Cumberland Island National Seashore: Kelly Cox at Defenders of Wildlife

Saving Wildlife on Cumberland Island National Seashore: Kelly Cox at Defenders of Wildlife

Author: cpfreeman May 31, 2026 Duration: 29:38
I'm excited to talk about one of my favorite places, Cumberland Island National Seashore here in coastal Georgia. I got word from the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife that they are working to prevent some new proposed construction of large houses on Cumberland Island and increased recreational activity that will be disruptive to wildlife. We also talk about the wild horses who live there, as they were introduced to the island and they face some welfare issues and also cause some ecological issues for island habitat. As part of this discussion, we will consider the trump administration’s budgetary and staffing cuts to the National Park Service, but end this 20-minute segment on a positive note by discussing the Wildlife Corridors Act proposed in Congress, to help wild animals migrate safely between habitats on public lands. In Tune to Nature host Carrie Freeman leads this 29-minute conversation with guest Kelly Cox, the Senior Policy & Planning Specialist at Defenders of Wildlife, where she works to protect imperiled species and their habitats on national public lands. The Defenders of Wildlife website is https://defenders.org/  Kelly recommends that people follow Wild Cumberland, a local group of advocates to stay informed on the public lands sale and visitor management plan.  "In Tune to Nature" is an hour-long radio show airing Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern Time on 89.3FM-Atlanta radio and streaming worldwide on wrfg.org (Radio Free Georgia, a nonprofit indie station) hosted by me, Carrie Freeman, or friend Melody Paris. The show's website and my contact info can be found at https://wrfg.org/intunetonature/  While there, consider donating to Radio Free Georgia, a 50+ year old progressive, non-commercial, indie radio station, run largely by volunteers like me and Melody. And remember to take care of yourself and others, including the free-living animals who call Cumberland Island home. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on In Tune to Nature do not necessarily reflect those of WRFG, its board, staff, or volunteers. Photo Credit: Host Carrie Freeman took this photo of a wild horse in 2018 that she saw on Cumberland Island (she mentioned him in the show).

Each week, In Tune to Nature Podcast offers a focused conversation dedicated to the practical and ethical questions of coexisting with the more-than-human world. Hosted by Carrie Freeman, a media studies professor who brings a thoughtful perspective to environmental and animal advocacy, this podcast is an extension of her long-running Atlanta radio show. Rather than overwhelming with data, each 25-minute episode sits down with one person-be it a scientist on the front lines of habitat conservation, an author rethinking our ethical obligations, or an activist organizing for change. The discussions are intimate and detailed, exploring tangible ways we can alter our daily lives and societal structures to become more responsible inhabitants of a shared planet. Listening feels like being part of a necessary and grounded dialogue, one that connects education, culture, and self-improvement to the urgent cause of protecting living beings. It’s for anyone seeking a deeper, actionable understanding of ecology that moves beyond headlines, fostering a sense of connection and agency. This weekly series provides a consistent space to reflect on our role within nature’s intricate web, all through the accessible, personal format of an interview-based podcast.
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