Welcome back to our weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s getting our team talking. Let us know what you think at [email protected].
Furry friends
In 2023, RTBC Contributing Editor Michaela Haas wrote for us about how ongoing efforts to bring back sea otters to California and Oregon could revive struggling ocean ecosystems. Now, according to a High Country News story shared by Editorial Director Rebecca Worby, those efforts are getting a big financial boost: The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and its partners will receive a $1.56 million federal grant, over the course of three years, to reintroduce the species. The Siletz Tribe has been working on the reintroduction for two decades.
Becca says:
In Michaela’s story, she quoted a scientist saying that bringing otters back has “cascading effects” on the ecosystem. As this HCN story notes, that holds true for a cultural ecosystem as well: “The Yurok Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians will work together to renew their long relationship with the sea otter once it has returned.”
Homemaking
Prefabricated homes have undergone a reputation makeover in recent years, thanks to sleek new designs along with their clear benefits: They’re considerably cheaper and faster to build than traditional construction. Those benefits also make them a good fit for rebuilding after wildfires and other disasters, as the Wall Street Journal reports in a story shared by Executive Editor Will Doig.
Will says:
We’ve written about prefab and 3D-printed homes becoming an affordable housing solution. According to the Wall Street Journal they’re starting to help speed recovery efforts after natural disasters, too.
What else we’re reading
More Colorado workplaces are becoming safe places for employees in recovery — shared by Becca Worby from The Conversation
Growth potential: the small north London garden with big eco ambitions — shared by RTBC founder David Byrne from the Financial Times
Middle Schoolers Welcome Tiny Eels After a 1,000-Mile Journey — shared by Becca Worby from the New York Times
In other news…
We’re still buzzing from our wacky and wild second annual Amazing Humans variety show. If you didn’t make it in person — or you’d like to relive the fun — check out photos of the event here.
In between zany acts, the show featured two very special films about organizations changing lives in New York City, both created by RTBC and narrated by David Byrne. Watch the film about Rocking the Boat here, and watch the film about the Free to Be Youth Project here.
The post What We’re Reading: Another Chance to Bring Back Sea Otters appeared first on Reasons to be Cheerful.
