Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard Fox sits down with Emily Louina Cook—author, artist, and environmental educator—to celebrate the launch of her new illustrated children’s book, "Is That an Åga?" Emily shares her passion for environmental education, her unique journey from growing up on a conservation tree farm in Maine to fieldwork in the Mariana Islands, and the story behind the critically endangered Mariana Crow (Åga). Whether you’re an aspiring naturalist, a lover of wildlife, or a fan of children’s literature, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!DISCUSSIONEmily's Background and EducationGrowing up on a tree farm in Maine, and an educational trajectoryPursuing a Career in Environmental EducationThe Importance of Protected Area WorkExperiences in the Mariana IslandsThe Marianas as a U.S. Territory/Commonwealth Pre-arrival Knowledge and Work in the MarianasEarly awareness of the Marianas via David Quammen’s "Song of the Dodo"Work and adaptation to life on Rota/LutaDiscovery and Study of the ÅgaDifficulty among residents in identifying the ÅgaSimilarity to other birds on the island; lack of local recognitionDistinguishing the bird for conservation and researchThe Uniqueness and Importance of the ÅgaCharisma and personality of the ÅgaEndangered status and lack of awarenessThreats and Conservation Challenges for the ÅgaHistorical rangeBrown tree snake introduction & Habitat lossConservation actionsMotivation and Creation of "Is that an Åga?" Children’s BookIncorporating storytelling in environmental education curriculaLack of representation in children's picture books Observations on local curricula and the need for place-based materialsWebsite TourPre-order promotion: first 40 pre-orders receive greeting cards; additional giveaways for International Crow and Raven Appreciation DayLEARN MOREWebsite: https://emilylouina.com/Pre-order, Is That an Åga? -  https://uogpress.com/products/is-that-an-aga Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyLouinaTyphoon Sinlaku Relief: https://give.uog.edu/campaigns/sinlaku-relief/CREDITSÅga Photos: Rachael KaiserIllustration: Joanne F. Almajose (JoyAlma)Dive Shop:  Blue Palms Dive ServiceNEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSEmily Louina Cook, Is That an Åga, Outdoor Adventure Series, OWAA, Podcast Interview#EmilyLouinaCook #IsThatAnÅga #OutdoorAdventureSeries #OWAA  #PodcastInterviewMy Favorite Podcast Tools:  Production by DescriptHosting BuzzsproutShow Notes by CastmagicWebsite powered by PodpageBe a Podcast Guest by PodMatchBanner Customization by Nano Banana & Canva