All around the Northern Hemisphere, the evocative call of a curlew is a telltale sign of spring. With their tall, skinny legs and long, curved bills, this group of migratory shorebirds has earned a reputation in many different cultures—but now they’re facing serious threats, and one species is already extinct. 

Last spring, one man became so concerned about the plight of these iconic birds that he walked for two days across the English countryside inside a giant curlew costume. His name is Matthew Trevelyan, and in his day job he works to protect the pastoral grasslands of Nidderdale, a landscape in Northern England where Eurasian Curlews love to nest. Matthew joins us to talk about his long walk, the challenges facing curlews in the UK and worldwide, and why so many of us find the song of this slender bird to be so moving.

Season 5

Hark

Humans are born into a wondrous planetary chorus. But today, many of us rarely hear anything other than ourselves. In a world teeming with sound, Hark asks what happens when we tune into the life all around us.

Season 4

Time to 1.5

On paper, the world has agreed to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. We're not on track to meet that goal, but the window is not yet closed. Time to 1.5 grapples with this pivotal moment in history.

Season 3

The Refuge

The Refuge dives into the debate over oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. How have politics, conservation, economics, and traditional culture shaped this battle?

Recipient of a 2019 Peabody Award

Season 2

Cold Comfort

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. What does that mean for the four million people who live there? Cold Comfort explores a region facing monumental change.

Season 1

Oh, Give Me a Home

 Oh, Give Me a Home traces the history of the American bison, weaving together tales of violence, resistance, and our complicated relationship with conservation.