All Access: Roots & Routes

Roots & Routes: Celebrating Endangered Forest Migrants

Recorded on March 25, 2026

From the largest mammals to the tiniest insects, many wildlife species need space to move and require undisturbed corridors of habitat to make such movement possible. For most species, movement from one part of their range to another is critical for their survival, whether it’s to reach breeding grounds, to survive seasonal weather extremes, or simply to find food resources. Join the Federation’s own naturalists David and Braelei as we explore how very different types of endangered North American wildlife — from songbirds to salamanders and more —move and migrate through their forested habitats.

ABOUT DAVID

David Mizejewski is the Federation’s Naturalist and ambassador. He’s a science communicator, TV host, author, and content creator who has appeared in the media for over two decades interpreting the natural world and inspiring people to connect with nature and get involved in wildlife conservation.

David has hosted television series on both Animal Planet and NatGeo WILD and has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered, CNN, The Martha Stewart Show, Conan, The Wendy Williams Show, Access Hollywood, The Weather Channel, and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom among many others. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today and been a guest on countless radio programs and podcasts. He is the author of the book Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, which shows people how to foster habitat in their own neighborhoods.

He holds a degree in Human and Natural Ecology from Emory University and sits on the advisory council for the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders initiative. David is dedicated to using his knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm to help others understand and protect wildlife.

ABOUT BRAELEI

Braelei Hardt is the Assistant Naturalist at the Federation, where they specialize in creating engaging wildlife conservation content and ensuring the scientific accuracy and accessibility of educational materials distributed nationwide.

Braelei holds a Master’s degree in Evolutionary Ecology from the University of Northern Colorado and an Honor’s Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University. Their expertise spans biological research, statistical analysis, environmental education, and diverse fieldwork. They have published groundbreaking research on the evolution of acoustic communication and stress behavior in animals.

A passionate educator and advocate for diversity in science, Braelei has developed and led workshops to foster inclusivity and engagement in conservation efforts. They believe in storytelling as a powerful learning tool and enjoy exploring innovative forms of education, including conservation-focused game design.

Braelei is committed to inspiring people, especially younger generations, to connect with nature and act for wildlife conservation. They have led several student ecology trips in Alaska, Colorado, and Iceland focused on climate, science communication, and carbon capture technology.

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Are you interested in learning more about All Access or the work of the National Wildlife Federation? We would love to hear your feedback or questions. Please reach out to our team at AllAccess@nwf.org.