CREATE Connections

Nurture Nature Center

Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region! This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Episodes

  1. Food Insecurity and Sustainability with Food to Flourish

    12/05/2025

    Food Insecurity and Sustainability with Food to Flourish

    Episode 6 features Madeline Yang, co-founder of the youth-led nonprofit organization Food to Flourish. Food to Flourish works across the issues of food insecurity and sustainability by working with food banks, advocating for local food banks and their recipients, and establishing seed libraries within public libraries and other organizations. In 2024, Maddie and Food to Flourish helped Nurture Nature Center establish our own seed library! The CREATE Connections podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  Links and additional resources from the episode: Connect with Food to FlourishWebsiteInstagramBook - Green Eats: Sustainable Recipes and Activities By Kids, For Kids From Farm to Kitchen: The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Nov. 2021 https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-11/from-farm-to-kitchen-the-environmental-impacts-of-u.s.-food-waste_508-tagged.pdf#page=3 Sign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectConnect with Nurture Nature CenterFacebookInstagram This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    20 min
  2. Hope and Collaboration with the CREATE Artists

    11/03/2025

    Hope and Collaboration with the CREATE Artists

    Episode 5 features 6 local artists who worked with us to create interactive art exhibits displayed at Easton and Bethlehem Area Public Libraries. These exhibits reflect on the major themes of CREATE Connections’ community-wide approach to climate action, and visitors can contribute by choosing an action to pledge to take. The installations will be exhibited at the libraries until later this fall.  Artists participating in the project are: Lynn Alexander, Jamie Cabreza, William Christine, Lauren Kindle, Charles Stonewall, and Cleveland Wall. Additionally, students in Professor and Artist Deirdre Murphy’s “Big Questions” class at Lehigh University contributed works. The CREATE Connections podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  Links and additional resources from the episode: Visit the exhibit!BAPL Open HoursMon. – Wed. 9AM – 8PMThurs. & Fri. 9AM – 6PMSat. 10AM – 5PMSun. CLOSEDEAPL Open HoursMon - Thurs. 8AM - 8PMFriday 8AM - 5PMSaturday  9AM - 5PMSunday  CLOSEDMore about the artists:Lynn Alexander - Website | Instagram | Easton Book Festival Jamie Cabreza - WebsiteBill Christine - Website | FacebookLauren Kindle - WebsiteCharles Stonewall - Website | Video of Work | Recent ExhibitCleveland Wall - Home PageThe Climate MuseumTell Your Climate Story - Climate GenerationClimate Art Ideas - 350.orgSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectConnect with Nurture Nature CenterFacebookInstagram This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    36 min

  3. 10/03/2025

    Local Businesses and Sustainability with Nature's Way

    The CREATE Connections podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  Episode 4 features Nature’s Way Market in Easton. We talk to Amanda and Eliana about steps the store takes to be more sustainable, which resulted in them receiving the “committed” level of recognition in the Lehigh Valley Sustainable Business Program, an upcoming sale and maker’s market as part of Climate Action Week, and more of the role small businesses can play in local sustainability and climate action.   Links and additional resources from the episode: Nature’s WayWebsiteFacebookInstagramList of Participating Businesses in the LV Sustainable Business ProgramInfo on joining LV Sustainable Business Program and NetworkNext Sustainable Business Network MeetingMonday, November 3, 6-7pmVirtualJoin the LV Sustainable Business Network and representatives from PPL to learn about rebates, cost savings, and resources available to businesses to reduce energy use! Bring any questions about how to save energy in your building.Not a PPL customer? Many of the tips shared may still apply to you! We’d love to have you join us. Email Lauren (lfosbenner@nurturenaturecenter.org) with any questions!Register to receive the meeting link at tinyurl.com/PPLNov3 Climate Action Week ScheduleSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectConnect with Nurture Nature CenterFacebookInstagram This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    23 min

  4. 09/12/2025

    Global to Local with City Sustainability Coordinators

    The CREATE Connections podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  Episode 3 features Brandon Sullivan, City of Easton Sustainability Coordinator, Sarah DeGrendel, City of Bethlehem Sustainability Manager, and Veronika Vostinak, City of Allentown Sustainability Coordinator. All three were hired in the last couple of years to oversee their city’s sustainability efforts and serve as liaisons between the many different people in city government and in the community working on local environmental issues. We talk about their priorities for the next few years, recent successes, and how residents can get involved with sustainability efforts in their city.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  AllentownAllentown SustainabilityTake the Climate Action Plan SurveyBethlehemBethlehem Climate Action PlanBethlehem's hub for community engagement, WeBuildBethlehem Sign up for the Bethlehem Climate Challenge! EastonEaston Climate Action Plan Submit ideas or concerns about sustainability and the environment: sustainability@easton-pa.gov Easton Urban Conservation DepartmentSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectConnect with Nurture Nature CenterFacebookInstagram This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    37 min

  5. 08/05/2025

    Eating for Personal and Planetary Health with Jason Sizemore

    The CREATE Connections podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This episode features Jason Sizemore of Butterhead Kitchen, a vegan kitchen offering cooking demos, catering, and small batch products in Bethlehem Township. We discuss the benefits of eating more plants for planetary and personal health, the journey that brought Jason to create Butterhead, and some of Jason’s favorite vegan recipes. Links and additional resources from the pisode:  Connect with Butterhead Kitchen:Website 610-686-3000, butterheadkitchen@gmail.comInstagram Facebook The Vegan Calculator - Resource Jason mentions to calculate the benefits of each vegan meal you eatStrategy Spotlight: Eat Local and Plant-BasedPlant-Rich Diets: Project DrawdownBuy Fresh Buy Local - Local Food FinderBuy Fresh Buy Local - 2024-2026 Local Foods GuideSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectConnect with Nurture Nature CenterFacebookInstagram This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    23 min

  6. 07/07/2025

    Finding Your Sustainability Path with our CREATE Interns

    Welcome back to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  Our first episode for this season is a conversation with our 5 college interns who have worked with us on elements of the CREATE Connections project for the last year.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  Climate Storytelling from Climate GenerationTED Talk: The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: Talk about it, Katharine HayhoeSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections ProjectWant to share a climate story? Check out our social media or email us at lfosbenner@nurturenaturecenter.org This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    25 min
  7. The Joy of Bikes with Community Bike Works

    12/11/2024

    The Joy of Bikes with Community Bike Works

    CREATE Connections Episode 6 focuses on people-powered transportation, an important climate action that can help our community be more sustainable. It features Aaron and Lamont, students who are part of Community Bike Works in Easton, along with Nella Panella, the Easton shop’s program manager. We discuss what they love about biking, some of the obstacles that exist to getting more people out on bikes in a city like Easton, and the lessons they take away from their involvement in our local bike community.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  Community Bike WorksCoalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT)THE LINK Trail Network - Find your local trailSpend a few minutes to learn how to signal and scan with this video from the League of American Bicyclists: https://bikeleague.org/videos/signaling-and-scanning/    NNC’s Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh ValleySign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project  Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    24 min
  8. Youth and Climate with Palisades High School STEM Club

    11/19/2024

    Youth and Climate with Palisades High School STEM Club

    CREATE Connections Episode 5 features some of the student leaders of Palisades High School’s STEM Outreach Club and their advisor, Mr. Dylan Fedell, discussing youth’s role in climate action, their involvement in the Youth Climate Summit, and their hopes for the future. .  Links and additional resources from the episode:  NNC’s Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley - Registration now open for 2025!Climate Action Strategy Spotlights List of Youth Climate Action Organizations Sign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project  Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    29 min

  9. 10/01/2024

    Local Food with Megan McBride

    CREATE Connections Episode 4 features Megan McBride, executive director of Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBL). Our discussion ranging from supporting farmers to improving access to fresh food to the possibility of a local food processing plant in the region is sure to satisfy anyone hungry to learn more about the local food system from farm to plate.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  BFBL WebsiteFollow BFBL on FacebookFollow BFBL on InstagramBFBL Calendar - find a wide variety of food and farm events. There’s a lot going on this fall!Contact Megan: megan@nurturenaturecenter.org Sign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project  Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    29 min
  10. Environmental Advisory Councils with Ian Kindle and Lynn Rothman

    09/03/2024

    Environmental Advisory Councils with Ian Kindle and Lynn Rothman

    Episode 3 features Lynn Rothman, chair of the city of Bethlehem’s Environmental Advisory Council, and Ian Kindle, chair of the city of Easton’s Environmental Advisory Council. We discussed the EAC’s role as a link between city government and residents, the wide range of projects each EAC is working on, and what someone who is interested might expect at their first EAC meeting.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  Bethlehem EACMeetings: First Thursday of every month, 7:00 pm Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center, Room 106, 511 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, and via Zoom (link on website)WebsiteFacebookEaston EACMeetings: First Tuesday of every month, 6:00 pmEaston City Hall, 123 S Third Street, City Council Chambers or the Mayor's Conference Room, and via Zoom (link on Facebook)WebsiteFacebookWeConservePA Resources for EAC MembersSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project  Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    26 min

  11. 08/01/2024

    Trees and Green Space with Rob Christopher

    Episode 2 features Rob Christopher, the City of Easton’s Urban Conservation Manager, for a discussion about trees, their importance to climate change, their benefits to quality of life, and the work that goes into maintaining an urban forest.  Links and additional resources from the episode:  Easton’s Urban Conservation Office (includes links to request a free street tree or submit questions/concerns to Rob)Easton Urban Conservation FacebookBethlehem Bureau of Urban ForestryThere are many apps/programs that let you earn points to plant trees. A quick Google search can help you find the most current options.Sign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project  Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region!  This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    30 min

  12. 06/20/2024

    Plastics and Waste with Artist Kate Dodd

    Our first episode is a conversation with Kate Dodd, New Jersey-based artist who has created many large public art installations using repurposed materials. Listen in as we explore ideas about single-use plastic, waste, collaboration, and more.   Links and additional resources from the episode:  Kate Dodd’s websiteNNC’s Perspectives: Art on Environment projectVideo of Insidious Plastics exhibitBeyond Plastics trainingLehigh Valley businesses with refilleries and other zero-waste or plastic-free products (Please let us know if we missed a business that should be included here! lfosbenner@nurturenaturecenter.org):FD Market | The Promenade Shops Center Valley, PANature’s Way Market | 143 Northampton St. Easton, PA Verde | 267 E Broad St. Bethlehem, PAWilliam Penn Elementary’s “Tray Trouble” GroupSign up for the CREATE Connections NewsletterMore about the CREATE Connections Project This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    31 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to the CREATE Connections podcast! This podcast centers on the idea that no matter what roles you hold - elected official, parent, volunteer, student, or other - you are a crucial part of climate action in your community. We are all impacted by climate change and other environmental hazards, and we all have strengths and resources we can bring to make our community more resilient.  We will “CREATE Connections” as we interview a variety of guests to explore how they have found their place in the network of people and organizations working to build healthy, sustainable, resilient, people-centered places to live and work. Along the way, we will highlight opportunities for listeners to take action and form new connections throughout our region! This podcast was prepared by the Nurture Nature Center under award NA23SEC0080002 from the Environmental Literacy Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Information

  • Creator
    Nurture Nature Center
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    CREATE Connections