The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Backyard Gardening for Birds

Backyard Gardening for Birds
with guest Laura Erickson, Award-Winning Author, 100 Plants to Feed the Birds
Native birds require native habitat, and the Spring season arrives with many opportunities to shop locally for native plant species that will support birds, pollinators and other important insect life... but how does one decide where to look and what to plant? Birding expert Laura Erickson combines indepth research with her own unique manner of storytelling to answer these questions.
Erickson has received many national, state, local, and organization awards for her conservation and education work, as well as for her writing. She has written thirteen books about birds and was a columnist and contributing editor for BirdWatching magazine. She is the recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s Book Award (in 2023) for 100 Plants to Feed the Birds.
Since 1986 Erickson has been producing the long-running “For the Birds” radio program, played on many public and community radio stations. Her website provides access to her books, articles, photos and podcasts, as well as her bird search app.
She has been a scientist, teacher, writer, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, blogger, public speaker, photographer, Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and contributor to the popular Journey North educational website. This podcast will inspire both birders and gardeners.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Read Wendy's Substack Article, Counting Robins - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/counting-robins-and-eco-art-materials
Explore 110 Ways to Help Birds - https://www.lauraerickson.com/ways-to-help/
Order 100 Plants to Feed the Birds - https://www.lauraerickson.com/book/100-plants-feed-birds/
Find Laura Erickson's Books and Articles - https://www.lauraerickson.com/writing/
Listen to the “For the Birds” Podcasts - https://www.lauraerickson.com/radio/
Subscribe to Laura Erickson's blog on Substack - https://lauraerickson.substack.com/
Search for Birds - https://www.lauraerickson.com/birds/
Learn more about the Story Walking Radio Hour at https://storywalking.com
Reach Out to Wendy with Comments and Queries - email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or text 401 529-6830.
Subscribe to Story Walking - https://storywalking.com/the-listening-grove/
Follow Story Walking on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StoryWalkingRadioHour/
or instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storywalkerwendy/
 
RELATED EPISODES
Bird Building Collision Monitoring: Migratory Bird Conservation - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/bird-building-collision-monitoring/
Nature as Teacher: Stories and Reflections from Nature Journaling - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/nature-as-teacher/
Nature-Inspired Creative Expression - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/nature-inspired-creative-expression/
Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notifications of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Protecting Old Growth Forests

Protecting Old Growth Forests
with guest Nathan Cornell, Co-founder and President, Old Growth Tree Society
Old growth forests have been disappearing at an alarming rate around the world due to clear-cutting. These undisturbed natural forests host rare ecosystems of native plant and animal diversity. Old growth forests store more carbon than younger forests and other landscapes. They are more resistant to wildfire, prevent flooding, and have an extensive underground mycorrhizal network that makes them more resilient to pests and disease.
Nathan Cornell is the Co-founder and President of the Old Growth Tree Society. He learned to identify Old Growth forests from arborist and Old Growth Forest expert Matthew Largess, who studied under Dr. Bruce Kershner, a renowned old growth forest authority. Since 2020, Cornell has been a leading voice calling for protection of Rhode Island’s remaining Old Growth forests and rare ecosystems.
After realizing no other state environmental group was trying to protect forests and biodiversity on public land, Cornell co-founded the organization with ecologist Rick Enser. The OGTS aims to pass legislation to preserve Rhode Island’s natural landscape. In addition to his forest advocacy work, Cornell served a term on the Warwick School Committee as the youngest person elected to a public office in Warwick’s history.
Note: Four days after this interview, the proposed legislation 2026 – H 7914 was heard by the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Seventy-six people submitted written testimony supporting the bill – more than any other RI environmental bill so far this year. People and groups testifying in support included an ISA-credentialed Arborist, an Ecologist, Defenders of Animals, Volunteer Services for Animals, the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association, the Tiverton Land Trust, the North Smithfield Land Trust, the Pawtuxet River Authority, Restore The Northwoods, and the Old Growth Forest Network.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Learn more at the Old Growth Tree Society - https://www.saveriforests.org/
Contact Cornell to get on OGTS's email list - ncornell.ogts@gmail.com
Review the text of the Natural Forest Protection Act  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7914.pdf
Read A Guide to Forest Carbon in the Northeast - https://www.northeastforestcarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FORESTCARBON-compressed.pdf
Check out OGTS's recommended reading - https://www.saveriforests.org/recommended-reading
RELATED EPISODES
Voice of the Forest - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/matthew-largess/
Too Many Deer - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/too-many-deer/
Redefining Wildlife and Conservation Outreach - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/redefining-wildlife-and-conservation-outreach/
 
Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notifications of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Clean Made Simple: Natural Toxin-Free Living

Clean Made Simple: Natural Toxin-Free Living
with guest Beth Newberry, Advocate and Platinum Ambassador, Pure Haven
Some of the most heavily-marketed and highly-recognized name brand consumer products today are formulated with toxic chemical ingredients. When these pollutants find their way into the air and water around us, they harm healthy ecosystems? How can we make non-toxic consumer product choices that are more earth-friendly? My guest, Beth Newberry, will help answer these questions and give practical tips for reading ingredient labels.
Newberry is a Platinum Ambassador for Pure Haven. She started her foray into non-toxic living 16 years ago when her middle son, Liam was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. She began reading labels on her products and researching the ingredients and realized that many conventional products contain neurotoxins. This drove her passion to educate others on the same topic, and she began supporting more families with switching out to non-toxic alternatives. In addition to her work at Pure Haven, Newberry also chairs the Groundwater Protection Committee in her town of North Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Consumers are making healthier choices with regards to food. Making healthier choices with respect to household cleaning and personal care product choices is a natural next step.
 
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Shop Pure Haven products through Wendy's portal to support the Story Walking Radio Hour
https://purehavennontox.com/collections/body-care?share=wendyfachon
Pure Haven bug off spray is a safe, non toxic insect-repelling spray. 4 fl oz.
https://purehavennontox.com/products/bug-off-spray?share=wendyfachon
Pure Haven Mineral Sun Protection Lotion is reef-safe with non-nanoparticle zinc oxide, a physical sunblock that provides broad spectrum protoection against UVA and UVB rays.
https://purehavennontox.com/collections/sun-protection?share=wendyfachon 
 
Pure Haven boo boo stick is made with organic neem seed oil and organic tea tree essential oil for healing, pain-relief and antimicrobial treatment of cuts, scrapes and skin irritations. 0.5 oz
https://purehavennontox.com/products/boo-boo-stick?share=wendyfachon
Learn more from Beth Newberry on instagram
https://www.instagram.com/clean_made_simple/
 
RELATED EPISODE
Download Wendy's 2021 episode with guest Beth Newberry, Non-toxic Personal Care Choices for Clean Water
https://dreamvisions7radio.com/non-toxic-personal-care
Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notifications of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Bird Building Collision Monitoring

Bird Building Collision Monitoring: Migratory Bird Conservation
Guest Elaine Carlson, Volunteer, Chicago Bird Collision Monitoring
Los Angeles, New York and Chicago are the biggest U.S. cities located along major migratory flyways, and the number of birds that die crashing into high-rise buildings is astonishing. These collisions are caused by the reflective and transparent qualities of glass windows that create optical illusions and extend the perceived landscape. Citizen science volunteers have been collecting data to inspire corrective action and inform city planning policy. There are simple solutions that can drastically reduce the likelihood of bird-window collisions.
Elaine Carlson is a long-time Chicago resident, having moved to the Windy City after college to pursue a theater dream. Born and raised in the Appalachian foothills of southwestern Pennsylvania, she developed a strong appreciation for wildlife. This affinity for the natural world, combined with her work in education and her (maybe slightly over-developed) sense of team spirit, made her a perfect fit for a volunteer position with Chicago Bird Collision Monitors.
For the past nine years - every spring and fall – she has spent her early morning hours walking the city streets and recovering migratory birds that collide with Chicago’s downtown buildings. She has responded to hundreds of hotline calls from concerned citizens: running out of the door, net in hand, to scoop up stunned and injured birds from balconies, parking lots and city streets. Elaine has rescued well over 1,000 injured birds and documented over 1,500 fatalities. And, she has met many wonderful, like-minded people along the way. In this episode Elaine shares data, knowledge, and stories to help more people become informed.
Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notifications of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/
LEARN MORE ABOUT BIRD MONITORING
Chicago Bird Collision Monitoring - https://www.birdmonitors.net/
NYC Bird Alliance Safe Flight - https://nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/project-safe-flight
Audubon Society of Rhode Island Bird Monitoring - https://asri.org/report-bird-strikes/action.html
Bird Collisions Prevention Alliance - https://www.stopbirdcollisions.org/about-us/
Real time data on bird numbers, flight directions, speeds and altitudes -https://birdcast.info/
Window Solutions - https://abcbirds.org/strategies/solutions-for-homes/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Nature as Teacher

Nature as Teacher: Stories and Reflections from Nature Journaling
with Wendy Nadherny Fachon, Environmental Educator and Spiritual Storywalker
Poet Williams Wordsworth is noted for saying, “Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.” He regarded Nature as a living personality (spelled with a capital N) and presumed there is a divine spirit in all objects of Nature. He believed Nature's supernatural intellect could teach one how to live a spiritual life.
Nature's lessons are subtle, so in order to derive the most benefit from Nature's wisdom, it is necessary for us humans to slow down, pay attention, and take time to reflect. In this episode, Wendy shares two bird watching stories from her Nature Journal, makes meaning from these stories, and leaves listeners with some life lessons and food for further thought. Birds have long been regarded as messengers, heralds, and symbols of profound meaning for thousands of years among many cultures. The observation of bird behavior can help children grasp spiritual concepts. Flight becomes a metaphor for freedom, transcendence and heaven. This episode is a sound journey full of story, reflection, interpretation, poetry and song.
Backyard Birding Nature Kit coming soon at storywalking.com
Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notification of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/
Journal Links
Parable of Three Birdies - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/parable-of-three-birdies
Goldfinch Brings a Message - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/goldfinch-brings-a-message
Spider Web Messaging - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/spider-web-messaging
 
Reading Recommendations
Ask for these books at your local library:
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews (all ages)
Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds by Jim Arnosky (children)
Stoke's Beginner's Guides to Birds (all ages)
The Backyard Bird Journal by Amy Tan (family reading)
 
Recent Related Podcasts
Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration with Rev. Rachel Field, Program Manager, An Episcopal Path - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/spiritual-pathways-environmental-restoration/
Nature-Inspired Creative Expression with Selia Qynn, Artist, Musician and Habitat Steward - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/nature-inspired-creative-expression/
Growing Our Spiritual Connection with Nature with Asia Suler, Teacher, Earth Intuitive, Nature Writer, and Spiritual Educator - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/spiritual-connection-nature/
Down to Earth Plant Messengers - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/down-to-earth-plant-messengers/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/ 
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Meet the Wild Things: Children's Books for Conservation

Meet the Wild Things: Children's Books for Conservation
Guests Hayley and John Rocco, Children's Author and Illustrator Team, Co-founders of Children's Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC)
One million species are threatened with extinction, and the number one cause is habitat loss. We have the knowledge and the ability to reverse this trend by 1) protecting important areas from destruction, 2) restoring habitats that have been lost, and 3) rewilding restored habitats. Rewilding means reintroducing wild species in a way that brings back ecological balance.
Guests Hayley and John Rocco are the co-founders of Children's Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC), a collective of children's book authors and illustrators who support conservation efforts with the mission to partner with organizations like Wild Tomorrow. Members of this collective use their creative storytelling skills to amplify the work of conservationists and make lasting connections with young readers that cultivate a climate of hope. Their stories empower children with the knowledge, inspiration and confidence they need to be change makers and future leaders.
Hayley Rocco is the author of multiple books for young readers including Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough and the Meet the Wild Things series about endangered animals which she and her husband, John Rocco, created together. An ambassador for Wild Tomorrow, a nonprofit focused on conservation and rewilding South Africa, Hayley travels the world armed with a pen, a journal, and her camera, discovering stories of wild things and wild places.
John Rocco is the #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including Blackout, the recipient of a Caldecott Honor, and How We Got to the Moon, which received a Sibert Honor and was longlisted for the National Book Award. John, also an ambassador for Wild Tomorrow, ventures with Hayley into the wild in search of stories they can bring back and share with readers everywhere. John and Hayley live in Rhode Island in an old house tucked in the woods near the sea.
LOOK FOR THESE BOOKS BY HAYLEY AND JOHN ROCCO
Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Places-Naturalist-David-Attenborough/dp/0593618092
All the Books
https://www.amazon.com/All-Books-Hayley-Rocco/dp/0316512745
Hello, I'm a Sloth (Meet the Wild Things, Book 1)
https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Sloth-Meet-Wild-Things-ebook/dp/B0CJT9ZWZK
Hello, I'm a Pangolin (Meet the Wild Things, Book 2)
https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Pangolin-Meet-Wild-Things-ebook/dp/B0CJT8N9X4
Hello, I'm a Quokka (Meet the Wild Things, Book 3)
https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Quokka-Meet-Wild-Things-ebook/dp/B0CQJHMGTP
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Learn more about the remarkable Gray Tree Frog - View its camouflage photos; find craft ideas, walking activities, creative writing and more children's book recommendations on Wendy's Substack at https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/frogs-of-stone
Meet the Wild Things
https://www.meetthewildthings.com/
Meet the Children’s Book Creators for Conservation 2025 Team
https://www.meetthewildthings.com/cbcc.html
Visit Hayley Rocco at https://www.hayleyrocco.com/
Find more of her books, and follow her on Instagram @hayleyroccobooks.
Visit John Rocco at https://roccoart.com/index.html 
Find more of his books, and follow him on Instagram @roccoart.
Learn more about Wild Tomorrow
https://wildtomorrow.org/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration

Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration
Guest Rev. Rachel Field, Program Manager, An Episcopal Path
Spending time in nature, one sees God’s creativity all around us, and so develops an appreciation for the divine intelligence behind the beauty, functionality and mystery of Nature. The Creation Story in the Book of Genesis tells of God creating the heavens, the earth, the fish, the birds, all the other creatures and, finally, man and woman.
Children of the Cherokee Nation hear the story of Grandmother Spider, who, they are told, embodies the creative force of the universe, having woven the network that interconnects all living beings and symbolizes the importance of ecosystems, community and relationships. There is something to be learned from these and other creation stories.
Reverend Rachel Field joins us to talk about our role in Creation Care. She is the Program Manager for An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, an initiative equipping church communities to grow in knowledge and skills as they progress along the four-fold path: Prayer, Learning, Action, and Advocacy. Rachel explains these four pillars in detail and draws on diverse approaches for diverse contexts. Those walking an Episcopal Path commit to form and restore a loving, liberating, life-giving relationship with all of Creation, and they collaborate with other faith organizations. Rachel shares her deep wisdom and shines a light by framing our environmental degradation as a “spiritual crisis” and showing us the power of spiritually enlightened engagement.
Rachel has more than 15 years of experience leading creation-centered retreats in the Episcopal Church. She is also Owner/Director of Heartberry Hollow Farm & Forest, which is a regenerative farm and retreat center in central Vermont. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a certificate in Contemplative Leadership from the Shalem Institute. She is a member of the Clergy at Parish of St. Mary in Northfield, VT.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
View my fabulous spider web photos
https://substack.com/home/post/p-174923967
Learn more about “An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice”
https://www.episcopalcreationpath.org/
Engage with the BTS Center - Cultivating and Nourishing Spiritual Leadership for a Climate-Changed World
https://thebtscenter.org/
Read about the Creation Care curriculum: Love God, Love God's World
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/creation-care/love-god-love-gods-world-curriculum/
Join Rachel on a Walking Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hHCViU1YFo
Visit Heartberry Hollow Farm and Forest
heartberryhollowfarmandforest@gmail.com
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Story Rolling: Outdoor Wheelchair Access

Story Rolling: Outdoor Wheelchair Access
Guest Tina Guenette, Founder, President and CEO of RAMP ( Real Access Motivates Progress)
An astonishing number of people rely on wheelchairs and mobility aids... veterans disabled in war... young victims of driving accidents... patients harmed by failed medical procedures... people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases... elderly moving from a cane to a walker and on to a wheel chair, as their bodies age and weaken... and pediatric brain cancer patients being wheeled around in strollers. We all know someone, and yet we are unlikely to see many of these people out and about, because so much of the environment is ill designed for those with restricted mobility. Guest Tina Guenette explains the massive scope of such limited accessibility and brings the bigger story out into the light.
Tina is the founder of RAMP, which stands for Real Access Motivates Progress. RAMP is a national non-profit dedicated to smashing barriers for people with disabilities. The organization champions accessibility and promotes equal opportunities through innovation, advocacy and education, fostering a more equitable future for citizens with mobility disabilities.
Tina is both a motivational speaker and a living testament to the power of perseverance. After surviving four battles with cancer, multiple strokes and heart attacks, Tina faced her greatest challenge in 2014, when a spinal stroke during routine surgery left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her firsthand experience, navigating a world not built for her, ignited a fire to educate, empower and create systemic change. Refusing to let her wheelchair define her limits, Tina channeled her journey into action and founded RAMP in 2019. As its President and CEO, she fights tirelessly to transform inaccessible spaces and mindsets, proving that true progress begins with inclusion. She shows how we can all make a difference for those less mobile than us, and her impact has earned nationwide acclaim.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Visit the RAMP website - https://www.rampisinclusion.org/
Download the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit - https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit.html Learn how to assess and report on the safety, walkability and wheelability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change.
Download an AARP Street Use Worksheet
https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/getting-around/2022/walk-audit-worksheets-english/2%20Who%E2%80%99s%20Using%20the%20Street%20%E2%80%94%20and%20Why-fillable.pdf
Download an AARP Walk Audit Worksheet
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-worksheets-english/
Find other worksheets - https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-worksheets-english/ These worksheets help guide real world infrastructure assessments.
Learn more about Walktober - https://states.aarp.org/rhode-island/stepping-up-for-safety-access-in-providence
Visit the Providence Streets Coalition website - https://pvdstreets.org/
 
RELATED EPISODES
Walk & Roll to School: The Positive Environmental and Health Impacts
https://dreamvisions7radio.com/walk-roll-to-school/
Great Streets: Safe, Walkable, Bikable, Equitable and Sociable  https://dreamvisions7radio.com/great-streets/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Walk & Roll to School

Walk & Roll to School: The Positive Environmental and Health Impacts
Guests: Stephen Heiny, research associate, Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), and Ishaa Gadkari, State Physical Activity Coordinator, RI Department of Health - Healthy Eating and Active Living Program (HEAL).
In 1969, 48 percent of students in grades K-8 walked or rode a bike to school. In 2017, only 11 percent of students in grades K-8 eight walked or rode bikes to school. Research studies identify safety concerns as the primary reason for the decrease. Safety considerations include traffic volume and speed, sidewalk and crosswalk infrastructure, incidents of crime and levels of policing. In this episode, we talk about how to redesign community environments in ways that support safe routes to school and events like the National Walk & Roll to School Day, an annual October event. We also discuss the environmental and health benefits of walking to school.
Stephen Heiny joins us from the Highway Safety Research Center. He focuses on youth active travel safety, Vision Zero and the Safe System approach, supporting safety efforts in North Carolina and across the United States. He evaluates speed reduction countermeasures, provides technical assistance for Safe Routes to School programs and supports the annual Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day events.
Ishaa Gadkari joins us from the RI Department of Health. As the State Physical Activity Coordinator, she directs the Healthy Eating and Active Living Program (HEAL). Ishaa specializes in projects related to the built environment, active transportation and physical activity. She is passionate about walkable cities and environments, public transportation and health policy. She supports city and town fun runs and walks, Safe Routes to School, Walking School Bus and Safe Routes to Parks.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Register Your School for Walk & Roll Day - https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
This website provides resources for planning and publicizing your event.
Download STEM lessons on Pedestrian Safety from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) website: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/pedestrian-bicyclist/step/step-stem-lessons
Lessons include real-world examples of the key concepts, hands-on activities including building mock streetscapes and calculations for older students.
Learn more about Safe Routes to School - https://www.saferoutespartnership.org/safe-routes-school/101/6-Es
Read about Bike Buses: Let's Bike to School Together -https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SRTS_BikeBusGuide_2025.pdf
Visit RI's Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Website - https://health.ri.gov/chronic-conditions/healthy-eating-and-active-living-heal
Review HEAL's Strategic Plan - https://health.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur1006/files/publications/strategicplans/2023-2028HealthyEatingAndActiveLiving.pdf
Read the article “Walking to Improve Mental Health” - https://tinyurl.com/Walking4MentalHealth
Gamify the activity of walking. Read this blog for a few ideas... https://netwalkri.com/walking-journal/f/ecopirate-on-the-cove
 
RELATED EPISODES
Great Streets: Safe, Walkable, Bikable, Equitable and Sociable https://dreamvisions7radio.com/great-streets/
Offsetting Schools’ Paper Usage, One Tree At a Time
https://dreamvisions7radio.com/offsetting-schools-paper-usage/
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio

The Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Nature-Inspired Creative Expression

Nature-Inspired Creative Expression
Guest Selia Qynn, creative habitat steward and owner, Habitat House
How does Nature capture our imaginations? How does Nature call to our inner child and encourage us to create? How might one be inspired by observing bird behavior or by hearing the story of the Garden of Eden? Nature, quite simply, has an amazing way of sparking creative expression, while also teaching us how to care.
Selia Qynn, steward and owner of Habitat House, shows us how this is. She is a bird and nature lover, author, poet, singer, songwriter, photographer, graphic designer, artisan, painter, interior designer, landscape consultant, landlord and house concert host. She shines a light on all that one can be.
Selia's beloved Habitat House is a precious gem hidden in the middle of the bustling city of Houston. It all began with the transformation of her own home and garden, which became certified as a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat. Ever growing and ever changing, Habitat House is now comprised of multiple adjacent real estate properties. In this episode, Selia shares her stories, her home, her music and her love of art, design and nature.
LEARN MORE
Visit Selia's website - https://www.selia.com/
Book a Stay at Habitat House in Houston - https://www.selia.com/habitat-house
Find Stella Quest and more of Selia's music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/stella-quest/1777371365
Shop for Critter Chronicles and Selia's other books - https://www.selia.com/shop
Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1
Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/
Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards.
Subscribe to Wendy’s blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog.Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio