Fall update: Ready for you to explore
+ A regular roundup of recommendations from the Index
Dear Earthlings,
Here and now in Brooklyn, I’m attuned to the fading glow of the goldenrod in Prospect Park. On late summer walks, its saffron yellow blooms blanketed the trails—it was the main botanical character. Now, the goldenrod slowly withers and disperses its seeds. The Fall is a time of release, of sharing that which you worked all summer to create.
Read on for platform updates, invitations for action, and upcoming events in NY.
Join our early bird community
In the spirit of the season, we are delighted to invite you to explore the evolving world of the Earth Action Index. Inside, you’ll find curated recommendations for earth action and local nature insights for your place. And you’ll join our very first early birds who have generously shared their feedback over the last few months. A huge thank you for your participation. The website and browser extension are still in beta and growing every day. We welcome any thoughts you have to share—your feedback helps shape the future of these tools.
This week’s invitations
Learn where the birds are migrating this Fall
🔗 Interact with the Bird Migration Explorer
The Fall migration is underway—and if you’ve ever wondered where the birds go—this is your tool. The Bird Migration Explorer from Audubon charts the movement of 450+ species, tracing their routes and revealing the challenges for conservation. It’s a stunning document of the miracle of migration, and a rare “bird’s eye” view of how hawks, thrushes, oystercatchers, pelicans, and more retrace the same pathways year after year. — MGB
Hear from Jane Goodall and honor her legacy
🗞️ Read in Imagine5 (5m). 🎧 Listen on On Being (50m). 🎥 Watch on Netflix (1hr).
Spotlighting these interviews to remember Jane, who passed away on October 1.
With her trademark grace and clarity, Jane Goodall speaks about the importance of individual action, compassion, and the deep connection between people and the planet: “Even in the middle of the city every breath we breathe is from the natural world.” Her words carry the weight of decades of experience and offer a hopeful, grounded vision for the future. — Ellie Drenth
Help activate environmental voters this election
📞 Find phonebanking slots with Environmental Voter Project
Ahead of November elections, the Environmental Voter Project is making a GOTV push across the country. As Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson reminds us: “The environmental movement has a voter turnout problem: 8 million environmental voters did not vote in the 2020 election.” This is the problem EVP exists to solve—they identify inactive environmentalists and turn them into consistent voters. It’s a year-round effort, with phonebanking and canvassing opportunities in local, state, and federal elections. — MGB
Upcoming events in New York
For friends in New York, we curate a calendar of earthly events in the city. The plan is to support more places soon. Check out upcoming highlights below or view the full calendar.
Oko Farms Benefit Concert pres. by Aerthship x Public Records on October 21 at 7pm (link)
Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action on October 21 at 6pm (link)
Pioneer Works: Expansion of the Universe on October 23 at 7pm (link)
Usal Upstate Mushroom ID Walk on October 25 at 11:30am (link)
Fall Harvest Festival at Brooklyn Botanical Garden on October 25 at 11am (link)
Appreciate you — back soon.
Michael & the Index team