How can planting native species—even in a window box—support birds and other wildlife? And what can scientists learn by following dogs throughout their lives?

On Sunday, August 9 at 9 a.m. ET, join hosts Erin Clarke and Jeff Simmons for a new edition of Animal Matters on WBAI 99.5 FM New York and streaming at WBAI.org.

Dr. Natasha Olby of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine will discuss her groundbreaking longitudinal study of canine aging, which recently enrolled its 100th dog. Launched in 2018, the research follows dogs as they grow older and measures changes in cognition, mobility, strength, balance, sleep and sensory abilities.

Dr. Olby will share what the study is revealing about healthy and less-healthy aging, how its findings may help families care for senior dogs and why canine aging research could also contribute to the study of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in people.

And Becca Rodomsky-Bish, project leader for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Great Backyard Bird Count and Garden for Birds programs, will discuss a new partnership between Garden for Birds and Homegrown National Park. The initiative provides guidance on using native plants to create bird-friendly habitats and offers an interactive map where people can document their restoration efforts. More than 50,000 participants across North America have already added their gardens, patios and other spaces to the map.

Becca will explain why native plants are so valuable to birds, insects and local ecosystems—and how New Yorkers can contribute even without a traditional backyard. A patio, balcony or apartment window box can become part of a larger movement to restore biodiversity.

Listen Sunday, August 9 at 9 a.m. ET on WBAI 99.5 FM New York or stream live at WBAI.org.

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