Happy Wednesday my friend,

From towering swamp birds to underwater forests, this week’s dispatch dives into some of nature’s most captivating (and endangered) wonders. You’ll meet the shoebill—a prehistoric-looking bird with a killer stare—then plunge into the world of kelp forests, vital ecosystems that are vanishing beneath the waves. Plus, I’m sharing an event I’m personally part of to help you grow your most nutrient-dense garden yet, a spotlight on the antioxidant lutein, and our latest Deep Dive on nature’s unsung eco-engineers: beavers. Let’s root into it.

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🐿️ CREATURE FEATURE 🐿️

The Shoebill

Meet the shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), a towering, prehistoric-looking bird that stalks the swamps of central and eastern Africa. With its massive, clog-shaped bill and piercing stare, the shoebill stands up to five feet tall and is famous for its statue-like stillness and intense, almost unsettling gaze (see more jaw-dropping facts).

That enormous beak isn’t just for show—it’s a powerful hunting tool, perfect for grabbing lungfish, eels, catfish, and even baby crocodiles (learn about their hunting style). Shoebills hunt by standing motionless for hours, then lunging forward in a sudden, powerful strike to snatch unsuspecting prey.

Sadly, the shoebill is listed as Vulnerable, with only a few thousand left in the wild due to habitat loss and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are underway, but this enigmatic “swamp king” remains one of Africa’s most mysterious and sought-after birds.

🌎 INTO THE…🌎

Into the Kelp Forests

Beneath the waves along cool, rocky coastlines, kelp forests rise like underwater cathedrals, teeming with life. These dense stands of giant brown algae create one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth, providing food and shelter for everything from sea otters and seals to rockfish, abalone, and a dazzling array of invertebrates (learn more about kelp forest biodiversity).

Kelp forests aren’t just vital for marine creatures—they also support coastal communities, buffer shorelines from storms, and draw down carbon from the atmosphere. Indigenous peoples have long relied on kelp for food, medicine, and materials, and today, kelp is recognized for its role in supporting fisheries and improving water quality.

But these “forests of the sea” face mounting threats, from warming oceans and pollution to overgrazing by unchecked sea urchin populations. As kelp forests vanish, so do the species and livelihoods they sustain. Conserving and restoring these underwater wonders is crucial—not just for ocean health, but for the balance of life along our coasts.

🥕 July 8–11: Learn to grow your healthiest garden yet

If you’ve been feeling the squeeze of rising grocery prices — or just want a deeper connection to your health — gardening is the answer.

Over the years, I’ve worked with the team behind the Superfood Garden Summit many times, and I can honestly say their events are top-notch. This isn’t just another webinar… it’s a full-on inspiration download for anyone who wants to grow food that actually supports your well-being.

From July 8–11, you’ll hear from 12+ visionary growers sharing their best strategies for growing nutrient-dense, healing food — no matter your experience level. I’m one of the featured speakers again this year!

You’ll learn how to:

• Grow medicinal herbs for digestion and immunity

• Use succession planting for year-round harvests

• Boost soil health with compost, fungi, and nature’s intelligence

• Cultivate antioxidant-rich crops in small spaces

• Even turn your garden passion into purpose-driven income

The Superfood Garden Summit is free and totally online. So whether you’re a seasoned grower or just seed-curious, this one’s for you.

👉 Reserve your spot now
🌿 Get the full summit details here

Grow your food. Reclaim your health. Root yourself in something real.

🍎 NUTRITION 101 🍎

LUTEIN: Lutein is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as in corn, peas, and egg yolks. Best known for protecting your eyes, lutein accumulates in the retina and helps filter harmful blue light, lowering your risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts (learn more about eye health benefits). Research also links lutein to better cognitive function, healthier skin, and even improved sleep quality (see more on brain and sleep health). Since your body can’t make lutein, try to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to support your vision and overall well-being.

🔎 EARTH CONSCIOUS DEEP DIVE 🔍

(Preview, full article for ECL Members)

Beavers as Eco-Engineers: How One Animal Can Restore Entire Ecosystems

Beavers (Castor canadensis and Castor fiber) are nature’s most influential ecosystem engineers, capable of transforming degraded landscapes into thriving wetlands. Once nearly eradicated by fur trapping, their resurgence offers a powerful, low-tech solution to modern ecological crises. By building dams and creating ponds, beavers enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and build climate resilience—demonstrating how one species can catalyze whole-ecosystem recovery.

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...and a healthier planet:

• • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
• • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
• • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
• • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
• • Inspiration: members-only ebooks, personal picks, and DIY ideas
• • Portion goes to support independent films, local food projects, and planting trees