Did you know that urban ecology doesn’t just apply to big cities and towns? Even if you live in a fairly rural area, if there is a lot of interaction between where you live and a nearby town or city then you may fall into the broad category of urban ecology. That means urban ecology is likely to apply to most of us. Today we're talking with Dr. Sarah Gagné. Sarah is the author of the newly published book, Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape. She is also an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/ Sara’s links:  Email: sgagne@charlotte.edu Website: www.saragagne.com Instagram: @urban_nature_clt Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape *: https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0  Other episode-related links:  iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Liking lichens: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Lichens: https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/ Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America *: https://amzn.to/45lUfSx  * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links:  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  * * * Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions to request your copy.  * * * Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 

Did you know that urban ecology doesn’t just apply to big cities and towns? Even if you live in a fairly rural area, if there is a lot of interaction between where you live and a nearby town or city then you may fall into the broad category of urban ecology. That means urban ecology is likely to apply to most of us. Today we're talking with Dr. Sarah Gagné. Sarah is the author of the newly published book, Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape. She is also an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/</a> Sara’s links: <ul> <li>Email: <a href="mailto:sgagne@charlotte.edu">sgagne@charlotte.edu</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.saragagne.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.saragagne.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: @urban_nature_clt</li> <li>Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape *: <a href="https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0</a></li> </ul> Other episode-related links: <ul> <li>iNaturalist: <a href="https://inaturalist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://inaturalist.org/</a></li> <li>Liking lichens: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Lichens: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/</a></li> <li>Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America *: <a href="https://amzn.to/45lUfSx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/45lUfSx</a></li> </ul> * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> * * * Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions</a> to request your copy.  * * * Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live

As sad as the loss of a tree can be, there’s also an excitement because fallen trees provide many different types of valuable and often overlooked habitats. I talk about some of those habitats in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage:  https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/ Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I’d like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.  Links  Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  Episode Image:   White-tailed deer Photo credit: USFWS, public domain 

As sad as the loss of a tree can be, there’s also an excitement because fallen trees provide many different types of valuable and often overlooked habitats. I talk about some of those habitats in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/</a> Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I’d like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/</a> to request your copy.  Links <ul> <li>Sometimes Life Happens: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> Episode Image:  <ul> <li>White-tailed deer</li> <li>Photo credit: USFWS, public domain</li> </ul>

What Happens When a Tree Gets Blown Over? Discovering New Habitats Created by Fallen Trees

Did you know that there are approximately 10 times more moth species worldwide than there are butterfly species? Or that without moths we would have fewer songbirds, less genetic diversity in many of our native plants, and lower harvests of many popular fruits? Or that creating better moth habitats around our homes also benefits our health and wellbeing? Dr. Elena Tartaglia shares her love of moths, some of the key roles they play in the ecosystem, how helping moths also helps us, and much more. Elena is a co-founder of National Moth Week and a Research Associate at Rutgers University. The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage:  https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. National Moth Week links:  Website: https://nationalmothweek.org/ Moth Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/ Caterpillar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en  Other episode links:  Elena’s email: elena.tartaglia@gmail.com iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Jersey Yards: https://www.jerseyyards.org/ Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ The Very Hungry Caterpillar*: https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE Nature's Best Hope*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/ Caterpillar hunting with a UV flashlight: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download  * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links:  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  Episode image:  IO moth, Photo credit: lightbed, cc-0 

Did you know that there are approximately 10 times more moth species worldwide than there are butterfly species? Or that without moths we would have fewer songbirds, less genetic diversity in many of our native plants, and lower harvests of many popular fruits? Or that creating better moth habitats around our homes also benefits our health and wellbeing? Dr. Elena Tartaglia shares her love of moths, some of the key roles they play in the ecosystem, how helping moths also helps us, and much more. Elena is a co-founder of National Moth Week and a Research Associate at Rutgers University. The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/</a> Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. National Moth Week links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://nationalmothweek.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://nationalmothweek.org/</a></li> <li>Moth Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/</a></li> <li>Caterpillar Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en</a></li> </ul> Other episode links: <ul> <li>Elena’s email: <a href="mailto:elena.tartaglia@gmail.com">elena.tartaglia@gmail.com</a></li> <li>iNaturalist: <a href="https://inaturalist.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://inaturalist.org/</a></li> <li>Jersey Yards: <a href="https://www.jerseyyards.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jerseyyards.org/</a></li> <li>Dark Sky Association: <a href="https://www.darksky.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.darksky.org/</a></li> <li>The Very Hungry Caterpillar*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE</a></li> <li>Nature's Best Hope*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3lrao7r" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3lrao7r</a></li> <li>Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/</a></li> <li>Caterpillar hunting with a UV flashlight: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download</a></li> </ul> * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>IO moth, Photo credit: lightbed, cc-0</li> </ul>

Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond

I share a story of how Anthony and I had a “life happens” moment on our property over the weekend. My hope is that our story of how “life happened” to us this week can give you a little bit of encouragement, or at least, help you feel not quite so alone the next time life throws a wrench in your plans.  The full transcript, including pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Links  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  Episode Image  A turtle that we found early Monday morning in one of the new erosion ruts in our driveway. Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved 

I share a story of how Anthony and I had a “life happens” moment on our property over the weekend. My hope is that our story of how “life happened” to us this week can give you a little bit of encouragement, or at least, help you feel not quite so alone the next time life throws a wrench in your plans.  The full transcript, including pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/</a> Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. Links <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> Episode Image <ul> <li>A turtle that we found early Monday morning in one of the new erosion ruts in our driveway.</li> <li>Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved</li> </ul>

Sometimes Life Happens

If you’ve ever found a plant that you didn’t recognize and wanted to know what it was, then this episode is for you. We talk with Dr. Alan Weakley about learning to observe plants, how to identify plants, why that’s important, and some exciting new tools that are available to help us better recognize and appreciate the diversity of plants around us. Alan is the director of the University of North Carolina's Herbarium, which is located at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is also the author of the Flora of the Southeastern US and the newly released FloraQuest app.  The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage:  https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Episode links:   FloraQuest: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-apps/ Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (pdf): https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/ University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: https://www.unc.edu/ UNC Herbarium: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/ North Carolina Botanical Garden: https://ncbg.unc.edu/ Last Child in the Woods: https://amzn.to/3qEBw5D Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast: https://amzn.to/3P6McEc Wildflowers of New England: https://amzn.to/3N5tZnI Wildflowers of Texas: https://amzn.to/3J9ix9D Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest: https://amzn.to/3N95S7U  * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links:  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  Episode image:  Hepatica flowers Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain  

If you’ve ever found a plant that you didn’t recognize and wanted to know what it was, then this episode is for you. We talk with Dr. Alan Weakley about learning to observe plants, how to identify plants, why that’s important, and some exciting new tools that are available to help us better recognize and appreciate the diversity of plants around us. Alan is the director of the University of North Carolina's Herbarium, which is located at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is also the author of the Flora of the Southeastern US and the newly released FloraQuest app.  The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/</a> Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. Episode links:  <ul> <li>FloraQuest: <a href="https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-apps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-apps/</a></li> <li>Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (pdf): <a href="https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/</a></li> <li>University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.unc.edu/</a></li> <li>UNC Herbarium: <a href="https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/</a></li> <li>North Carolina Botanical Garden: <a href="https://ncbg.unc.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ncbg.unc.edu/</a></li> <li>Last Child in the Woods: <a href="https://amzn.to/3qEBw5D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3qEBw5D</a></li> <li>Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast: <a href="https://amzn.to/3P6McEc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3P6McEc</a></li> <li>Wildflowers of New England: <a href="https://amzn.to/3N5tZnI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3N5tZnI</a></li> <li>Wildflowers of Texas: <a href="https://amzn.to/3J9ix9D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3J9ix9D</a></li> <li>Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest: <a href="https://amzn.to/3N95S7U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3N95S7U</a></li> </ul> * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Hepatica flowers</li> <li>Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain </li> </ul>

Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley

I offer five tips to help you attract butterflies to your property. Depending on your property and situation, you may not be able to do all of them. That’s ok. If you have a small property, look around you. See what’s lacking in your area and try to fill in the gaps. The important thing is to be aware and to do what you can. The full transcript can be found on the episode’s webpage:  https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/ We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Links  Website: https://backyardecology.net  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology  Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/  Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology  Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/  Episode Image:  Eastern tiger swallowtail on a purple coneflower. Photo credit: USFWS 

I offer five tips to help you attract butterflies to your property. Depending on your property and situation, you may not be able to do all of them. That’s ok. If you have a small property, look around you. See what’s lacking in your area and try to fill in the gaps. The important thing is to be aware and to do what you can. The full transcript can be found on the episode’s webpage: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/</a> We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Links <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a> YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a> Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a> Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a> Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> Episode Image: <ul> <li>Eastern tiger swallowtail on a purple coneflower.</li> <li>Photo credit: USFWS</li> </ul>

5 Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard

Did you know there is a group of native plants which can be highly adaptable, can serve multiple functions in our gardens, and perhaps even be a backbone component to our home landscapes, but which has historically been overlooked for those purposes? This group of native plants is the sedges, or more specifically, members of the genus Carex.   In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Sam Hoadley about sedges and their use in the home garden and landscape. Sam is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware.   Recently, Mt. Cuba Center released their Carex trial report. This report evaluated 70 species and cultivars of Carex over 4 years for garden and landscape use in the Mid-Atlantic Region. During our conversation, Sam and I talk about how Mt. Cuba Center’s trials are conducted, the importance of sedges / Carex species, how they can be used in the garden or home landscape, and many other topics.   Sedges may not produce the colorful, flashy flowers that we often think about and are drawn to when we are picking native plants to use in our home landscapes or pollinator and wildlife gardens, but they are definitely worth considering. Not only do they have their own innate beauty, but they can also serve so many different functions in the garden and landscape – including filling in so called “problem areas” or serving as a potential lawn alternative.   We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe.   And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology.   Episode Resources:   Sam’s email: shoadley@mtcubacenter.org Carex Trial Report: https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/  Past Trial Reports: https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/ Mt. Cuba Center webpage: https://mtcubacenter.org/ Mt. Cuba Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MtCubaCenter/   Backyard Ecology Links:   Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/   Episode image:   Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Photo credit: Brian Hunt, cc-by

Did you know there is a group of native plants which can be highly adaptable, can serve multiple functions in our gardens, and perhaps even be a backbone component to our home landscapes, but which has historically been overlooked for those purposes? This group of native plants is the sedges, or more specifically, members of the genus Carex. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Sam Hoadley about sedges and their use in the home garden and landscape. Sam is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware. Recently, Mt. Cuba Center released their Carex trial report. This report evaluated 70 species and cultivars of Carex over 4 years for garden and landscape use in the Mid-Atlantic Region. During our conversation, Sam and I talk about how Mt. Cuba Center’s trials are conducted, the importance of sedges / Carex species, how they can be used in the garden or home landscape, and many other topics. Sedges may not produce the colorful, flashy flowers that we often think about and are drawn to when we are picking native plants to use in our home landscapes or pollinator and wildlife gardens, but they are definitely worth considering. Not only do they have their own innate beauty, but they can also serve so many different functions in the garden and landscape – including filling in so called “problem areas” or serving as a potential lawn alternative. We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at <a href="http://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Episode Resources: Sam’s email: shoadley@mtcubacenter.org Carex Trial Report: <a href="https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/</a> Past Trial Reports: <a href="https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/</a> Mt. Cuba Center webpage: <a href="https://mtcubacenter.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mtcubacenter.org/</a> Mt. Cuba Center Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MtCubaCenter/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MtCubaCenter/</a> Backyard Ecology Links: Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a> YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a> Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a> Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a> Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a> Episode image: Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Photo credit: <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40954024" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Hunt, cc-by</a>

Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial

Do you want to start growing native plants in your yard, but don’t know where to find them? Or maybe you aren’t even sure what a native plant is for your area. Or maybe you are in a situation where you can’t plant anything right now, but you still want to learn about native plants and enjoy them in the wild. Your state’s native plant society may be able to help you in all of these situations.   In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we’re joined by multiple guests representing native plant societies in different parts of the eastern U.S. Our guests are Randi Eckel from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Jeff Nelson from the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Ellen Honeycutt from the Georgia Native Plant Society.   We start our conversation with what seems like a very basic question, “What is a native plant?” As you’ll hear, the answers were all similar in their broad sense, but some of the details were a little different. Which of course, led to a conversation about those slight variations in the definitions and why they are important to be aware of when you are talking about native plants.   We then dove into talking about native plant societies and what they do. Every native plant society is going to be different and do different things, but they all share a love of native plants, conservation, and education. They also tend to be very accessible and include members of all experience levels – from the person just getting started on their native plant journey all the way to professional botanists with decades of experience. Native plant societies also tend to have lots of educational resources available online for anyone interested in native plants.   I highly encourage you to check out your state’s native plant society. Links to the Georgia Native Plant Society, Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Native Plant Society of New Jersey are below. I also included a link from the American Horticultural Society’s website which lists information for each state’s native plant society.   On a side note, if you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe.   And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll receive a link to download a free e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Georgia Native Plant Society:   Website: https://gnps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society   Kentucky Native Plant Society:   Website: https://www.knps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knps.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kynativeplantsociety/   Native Plant Society of New Jersey:   Website: https://www.npsnj.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPSNJ/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nativeplantsocietynj  Twitter: http://twitter.com/npsnj   American Horticultural Society’s list of native plant societies:   https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations/native-plant-societies/   Backyard Ecology:   Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/  Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology  Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/   Episode image:   Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

Do you want to start growing native plants in your yard, but don’t know where to find them? Or maybe you aren’t even sure what a native plant is for your area. Or maybe you are in a situation where you can’t plant anything right now, but you still want to learn about native plants and enjoy them in the wild. Your state’s native plant society may be able to help you in all of these situations. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we’re joined by multiple guests representing native plant societies in different parts of the eastern U.S. Our guests are Randi Eckel from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Jeff Nelson from the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Ellen Honeycutt from the Georgia Native Plant Society. We start our conversation with what seems like a very basic question, “What is a native plant?” As you’ll hear, the answers were all similar in their broad sense, but some of the details were a little different. Which of course, led to a conversation about those slight variations in the definitions and why they are important to be aware of when you are talking about native plants. We then dove into talking about native plant societies and what they do. Every native plant society is going to be different and do different things, but they all share a love of native plants, conservation, and education. They also tend to be very accessible and include members of all experience levels – from the person just getting started on their native plant journey all the way to professional botanists with decades of experience. Native plant societies also tend to have lots of educational resources available online for anyone interested in native plants. I highly encourage you to check out your state’s native plant society. Links to the Georgia Native Plant Society, Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Native Plant Society of New Jersey are below. I also included a link from the American Horticultural Society’s website which lists information for each state’s native plant society. On a side note, if you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at <a href="http://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll receive a link to download a free e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Georgia Native Plant Society: Website: <a href="https://gnps.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://gnps.org/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society</a> Kentucky Native Plant Society: Website: <a href="https://www.knps.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.knps.org/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/knps.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/knps.org/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kynativeplantsociety/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kynativeplantsociety/</a> Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Website: <a href="https://www.npsnj.org" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.npsnj.org</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NPSNJ/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NPSNJ/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nativeplantsocietynj" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/nativeplantsocietynj</a> Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/npsnj" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/npsnj</a> American Horticultural Society’s list of native plant societies: <a href="https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations/native-plant-societies/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations/native-plant-societies/</a> Backyard Ecology: Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/</a> Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a> YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a> Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a> Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a> Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a> Episode image: Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You?

Birding is a fun activity with many different ways you can do it. You can bird by ear and identify birds by their songs. You can look at the birds and identify them that way. You can watch the birds out your window or as you spend time in your yard. Or you can go on trips where birding can be either a side activity or the main purpose of the trip. It really is an activity that pretty much anyone can do in pretty much any location.   In this episode, I am joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. You may also remember him from our conversation a few months ago about the Christmas Bird Count. Once again James shares a wealth of information along with his passion for helping others get involved in birding.   Our conversation focuses on birding tools and technology that can be helpful for birders with any experience level. We start our conversation by talking about binoculars, what the numbers mean, and tips about what to look for when purchasing binoculars. Our conversation then moves to a discussion of free birding apps that James really enjoys using.   The first birding app that we discuss is Merlin which is in some ways a digital field guide, but can also do so much more. This app can help you identify a bird whether you see it or hear it, and you can access tons of detailed information about that bird.   The second app that we talk about is eBird which also has a desktop version. eBird helps you keep track of the birds that you’ve seen in different locations, let’s you see what birds other people have seen in a given location, and is used by scientists to study birds.   We wrap up our conversation by talking about the Birding Hotspots website which provides logistical information about parking, trail surfaces, bathrooms, etc. associated with the eBird hotspots. Links to all the resources we talked about can be found on the webpage for this episode.   Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it very soon, possibly within the next couple of weeks. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, and perhaps participate in our beta trial, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world.   And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll also be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Links for James:   James’ email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com Kentucky Ornithological Society’s webpage: https://www.birdky.org   Binocular Resources:   6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You’ll Love: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/six-steps-to-choosing-a-pair-of-binoculars-youll-love/  How to Choose Your Binoculars: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars   Merlin:   Website: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org Who's Singing? How to Use Merlin Bird ID to Identify Bird Calls (1 hr webinar): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/whos-singing-how-to-use-merlin-bird-id-to-identify-bird-calls/   eBird:   Website: https://ebird.org/home eBird Essentials (free course): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/   Site Logistical Resources:   Birding Hotspots: https://birdinghotspots.org Birdability: https://www.birdability.org   Backyard Ecology Links:   Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology  Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/  Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology  Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/   Episode image:   American goldfinch Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

Birding is a fun activity with many different ways you can do it. You can bird by ear and identify birds by their songs. You can look at the birds and identify them that way. You can watch the birds out your window or as you spend time in your yard. Or you can go on trips where birding can be either a side activity or the main purpose of the trip. It really is an activity that pretty much anyone can do in pretty much any location. In this episode, I am joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. You may also remember him from our conversation a few months ago about the Christmas Bird Count. Once again James shares a wealth of information along with his passion for helping others get involved in birding. Our conversation focuses on birding tools and technology that can be helpful for birders with any experience level. We start our conversation by talking about binoculars, what the numbers mean, and tips about what to look for when purchasing binoculars. Our conversation then moves to a discussion of free birding apps that James really enjoys using. The first birding app that we discuss is Merlin which is in some ways a digital field guide, but can also do so much more. This app can help you identify a bird whether you see it or hear it, and you can access tons of detailed information about that bird. The second app that we talk about is eBird which also has a desktop version. eBird helps you keep track of the birds that you’ve seen in different locations, let’s you see what birds other people have seen in a given location, and is used by scientists to study birds. We wrap up our conversation by talking about the Birding Hotspots website which provides logistical information about parking, trail surfaces, bathrooms, etc. associated with the eBird hotspots. Links to all the resources we talked about can be found on the webpage for this episode. Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it very soon, possibly within the next couple of weeks. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, and perhaps participate in our beta trial, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at <a href="http://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll also be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Links for James: James’ email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com Kentucky Ornithological Society’s webpage: <a href="https://www.birdky.org" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.birdky.org</a> Binocular Resources: 6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You’ll Love: <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/six-steps-to-choosing-a-pair-of-binoculars-youll-love/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/six-steps-to-choosing-a-pair-of-binoculars-youll-love/</a> How to Choose Your Binoculars: <a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars</a> Merlin: Website: <a href="https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org</a> Who's Singing? How to Use Merlin Bird ID to Identify Bird Calls (1 hr webinar): <a href="https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/whos-singing-how-to-use-merlin-bird-id-to-identify-bird-calls/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/whos-singing-how-to-use-merlin-bird-id-to-identify-bird-calls/</a> eBird: Website: <a href="https://ebird.org/home" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://ebird.org/home</a> eBird Essentials (free course): <a href="https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/</a> Site Logistical Resources: Birding Hotspots: <a href="https://birdinghotspots.org" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://birdinghotspots.org</a> Birdability: <a href="https://www.birdability.org" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.birdability.org</a> Backyard Ecology Links: Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a> YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a> Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a> Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a> Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a> Episode image: American goldfinch Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/snpphotos/44586090875/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shenandoah National Park, public domain</a>

Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder

Do you enjoy having birds nest on your property? Would you like to learn more about what to look for in a nest box to make it the best it can be for your birds? Are you interested in finding out how you can safely monitor your nesting birds and help scientists study nesting birds?   In this episode, I am joined by Holly Grant. Holly is the Project Assistant for NestWatch which is a community science program based out of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We discuss a wide range of topics related to nesting birds including:    how to attract them to your property,     different types of nest boxes or nesting structures you can put out,     what to do if you find a baby bird out of the nest,     safely monitoring the bird nests on your property,     contributing to the broader understanding of nesting birds by participating in NestWatch,     and much more.       Oh! And if you like to put out hanging baskets, but the wrens or other birds always decide that’s where they want to nest, then you definitely want to listen to this episode. Towards the end of our conversation, Holly shares a great tip which will allow you to continue watering your plant without disturbing the nest!   Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it in the next couple of months. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world   And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   NestWatch links:    Email: nestwatch@cornell.edu     Website: https://nestwatch.org/     Right Bird, Right House: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/right-bird-right-house/     Common Nesting Birds: https://nestwatch.org/learn/focal-species/     Nest Monitoring Code of Conduct: https://nestwatch.org/learn/how-to-nestwatch/code-of-conduct/     What Kind of Nest Materials are Best to Provide for Birds?: https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/what-kind-of-nest-materials-are-best-to-provide-for-birds/       Other Resources Mentioned:    All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/       General Backyard Ecology Links:    Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Male eastern bluebird bringing an insect back to the nest box.     Photo credit: USFWS, public domain    

Do you enjoy having birds nest on your property? Would you like to learn more about what to look for in a nest box to make it the best it can be for your birds? Are you interested in finding out how you can safely monitor your nesting birds and help scientists study nesting birds? In this episode, I am joined by Holly Grant. Holly is the Project Assistant for NestWatch which is a community science program based out of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We discuss a wide range of topics related to nesting birds including: <ul> <li>how to attract them to your property,</li> <li> </li> <li>different types of nest boxes or nesting structures you can put out,</li> <li> </li> <li>what to do if you find a baby bird out of the nest,</li> <li> </li> <li>safely monitoring the bird nests on your property,</li> <li> </li> <li>contributing to the broader understanding of nesting birds by participating in NestWatch,</li> <li> </li> <li>and much more.</li> <li> </li> </ul> Oh! And if you like to put out hanging baskets, but the wrens or other birds always decide that’s where they want to nest, then you definitely want to listen to this episode. Towards the end of our conversation, Holly shares a great tip which will allow you to continue watering your plant without disturbing the nest! Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it in the next couple of months. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at <a href="http://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.backyardecology.net/subscribe</a>. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. NestWatch links: <ul> <li>Email: nestwatch@cornell.edu</li> <li> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://nestwatch.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nestwatch.org/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Right Bird, Right House: <a href="https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/right-bird-right-house/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/right-bird-right-house/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Common Nesting Birds: <a href="https://nestwatch.org/learn/focal-species/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nestwatch.org/learn/focal-species/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Nest Monitoring Code of Conduct: <a href="https://nestwatch.org/learn/how-to-nestwatch/code-of-conduct/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nestwatch.org/learn/how-to-nestwatch/code-of-conduct/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>What Kind of Nest Materials are Best to Provide for Birds?: <a href="https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/what-kind-of-nest-materials-are-best-to-provide-for-birds/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/what-kind-of-nest-materials-are-best-to-provide-for-birds/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Other Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li>All About Birds: <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> General Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Male eastern bluebird bringing an insect back to the nest box.</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: USFWS, public domain</li> <li> </li> </ul>

Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch

Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine or far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.

Do you struggle with invasive species on your property? Or, have you ever wondered, what’s the big deal with invasive species? Why are they so bad? Or maybe you just wondered how our invasive species got here. After all, if they are so awful, then why would anyone bring them here? If so, then you aren’t alone. Invasive species are something that most of us struggle with.   In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Anthony Trimboli. Many of you may know Anthony from the Backyard Ecology videos he produces every week or from previous podcasts episodes which he has been on. In addition to creating Backyard Ecology content, he also does habitat consulting and works in our native plant nursery.   Anthony and I talked about a wide range of topics related to invasive species beginning with a discussion about what exactly is an invasive species and whether those species are inherently “bad.” We also talked about why it matters if a species is invasive, some of the negative impacts invasive species can have, and whether any of the short-term uses that pollinators and wildlife may gain from invasive species makes up for their negative impacts.   Much of our conversation focused on invasive plants, because we both agreed that invasive plants are probably the type of invasive organism which individual property owners have the greatest ability to do something about. This part of our conversation included topics such as how to know whether a species is invasive and how to control those species on your property, as well as a discussion about whether native plants can be invasive.   We wrapped up our discussion by talking about how invasive species got here. Spoiler alert: No one did the evil “bwahaha” laugh and thought to themselves, “Let me introduce this horribly invasive species so it can wreak havoc and destroy the ecosystem.” The story of invasive species is one of unintended consequences.   If you haven’t checked out the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to do so. Anthony adds new content every week. There’s a link to the channel in the show notes, as well as a separate link for the channel’s invasive species playlist.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Links to Relevant Resources:    Invasive species play list on Backyard Ecology YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21qul5bQMzo&amp;list=PLYie5upT7CI2B2rcU5WzlU0xg4QW6ng8g     Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting website: https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/       General Backyard Ecology Links:    Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Purple loosestrife may have pretty flowers but it is a major invasive species in many wetland ecosystems.     Photo credit: USFWS, public domain    

Do you struggle with invasive species on your property? Or, have you ever wondered, what’s the big deal with invasive species? Why are they so bad? Or maybe you just wondered how our invasive species got here. After all, if they are so awful, then why would anyone bring them here? If so, then you aren’t alone. Invasive species are something that most of us struggle with. In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Anthony Trimboli. Many of you may know Anthony from the Backyard Ecology videos he produces every week or from previous podcasts episodes which he has been on. In addition to creating Backyard Ecology content, he also does habitat consulting and works in our native plant nursery. Anthony and I talked about a wide range of topics related to invasive species beginning with a discussion about what exactly is an invasive species and whether those species are inherently “bad.” We also talked about why it matters if a species is invasive, some of the negative impacts invasive species can have, and whether any of the short-term uses that pollinators and wildlife may gain from invasive species makes up for their negative impacts. Much of our conversation focused on invasive plants, because we both agreed that invasive plants are probably the type of invasive organism which individual property owners have the greatest ability to do something about. This part of our conversation included topics such as how to know whether a species is invasive and how to control those species on your property, as well as a discussion about whether native plants can be invasive. We wrapped up our discussion by talking about how invasive species got here. Spoiler alert: No one did the evil “bwahaha” laugh and thought to themselves, “Let me introduce this horribly invasive species so it can wreak havoc and destroy the ecosystem.” The story of invasive species is one of unintended consequences. If you haven’t checked out the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to do so. Anthony adds new content every week. There’s a link to the channel in the show notes, as well as a separate link for the channel’s invasive species playlist. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Links to Relevant Resources: <ul> <li>Invasive species play list on Backyard Ecology YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21qul5bQMzo&amp;list=PLYie5upT7CI2B2rcU5WzlU0xg4QW6ng8g" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21qul5bQMzo&amp;list=PLYie5upT7CI2B2rcU5WzlU0xg4QW6ng8g</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting website: <a href="https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> General Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Purple loosestrife may have pretty flowers but it is a major invasive species in many wetland ecosystems.</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/50267310426/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">USFWS, public domain</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About?

Lawn care probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about backyard ecology. Honestly, it isn’t for me either. But it is something that most of us have to deal with in one way or another whether we do it ourselves or hire someone to do it for us.   And I don’t know about you, but lawn equipment in general, much less battery powered lawn equipment, is not my area of expertise. That’s why when I heard about a landscaping company which specializes in low impact lawn care and has transitioned to all battery powered equipment, I became intrigued.   Anthony and I have some battery powered lawn care equipment, but we’ve always shied away from battery powered lawn mowers. We just didn’t think battery powered lawn mowers could handle our uneven, rough, hilly yard. But if this company was using all battery powered equipment on a commercial scale, then maybe we needed to rethink our assumptions for our own yard.   Maybe you’re in a similar boat and are trying to decide if battery powered is the way to go for your next piece of lawn equipment. Or maybe you’d like to be able to hire someone who approaches lawn care from a more ecological perspective but don’t know how to find that person or the questions to ask. If so, then this episode is for you.   In this episode, we are talking to Richard McCoy. Richard is the owner and operator of McCoy Horticultural Services. In the last couple of years, his business has transitioned from traditional gas powered lawn care equipment to battery powered equipment. His company also specializes in organic and low impact lawn care. Our conversation covered a number of topics related to battery powered lawn care equipment, vetting a land care contractor, and low impact lawn care. I appreciate Richard sharing his expertise and experiences with us.   [2:58] Richard’s story about how he got to where he is now [6:05] Compost, manure and the need to ask “why” and never stop learning [9:07] The transition from gas powered to battery powered lawn equipment [13:42] Battery powered lawn tool certification organizations [14:15] Are there instances when gas is a better option than battery powered equipment? [16:18] Basic guidelines for creating an ecologically sound landscape [18:22] Real world example of battery powered lawn equipment in use [20:09] How ecological lawncare differs from traditional lawncare [22:38] Battery powered lawn care equipment is on par with gasoline powered equipment, except for backpack leaf blowers [27:18] How homeowners can transition to battery powered lawn equipment [30:46] Challenges in ecological lawncare [31:36] Vetting a lawncare service and how to educate yourself [34:30] Beyond going electric – incorporating native plants [36:00] Putting it all together and having not just a yard but an ecosystem [37:43] Plant the species that are native to your area [39:02] Discussing the complexity of plant communities [41:39] How homeowners should plan their landscape [42:11] What is native and why does it matter [45:08] Ways landowners can find native plants for sale [46:44] The importance of understanding soil   If you are looking for some simple, quick and easy ways to make your yard more attractive to pollinators and wildlife, you may want to check out my newest book, Attract Pollinators and Wildlife to Your Yard: 15 Free and Easy Ways. You can learn more about the book and place your order at https://shannontrimboli.com/product/attract-pollinators-and-wildlife-to-your-yard-15-free-and-easy-ways/ .   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Richard’s Information:    Website: https://mccoyfinegardens.com/     Blog: https://ecologymatters.net/     What to Look for When Hiring an Organic Landscaper: https://ecologymatters.net/2020/02/06/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-organic-landscaper-a-homeowners-quick-guide-to-simplify-the-search/     Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mccoyhorticultural/     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccoyhorticultural/     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-a-mccoy-28a26b73/       Other Resources Richard Recommended:    American Green Zone Alliance: https://agza.net/     Northeast Organic Farming Association: https://nofa.org/     National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder: https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/     Rutgers’ Organic Lance Care Best Practices Manual: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=e357     Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt*: https://amzn.to/3xdLivn     Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r     Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3JVv69J     The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3JVyDVl       General Backyard Ecology Links:    Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Lawn mower     Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos, cc-0 https://pixabay.com/photos/lawn-mower-mow-cut-the-lawn-green-2430725/    

Lawn care probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about backyard ecology. Honestly, it isn’t for me either. But it is something that most of us have to deal with in one way or another whether we do it ourselves or hire someone to do it for us. And I don’t know about you, but lawn equipment in general, much less battery powered lawn equipment, is not my area of expertise. That’s why when I heard about a landscaping company which specializes in low impact lawn care and has transitioned to all battery powered equipment, I became intrigued. Anthony and I have some battery powered lawn care equipment, but we’ve always shied away from battery powered lawn mowers. We just didn’t think battery powered lawn mowers could handle our uneven, rough, hilly yard. But if this company was using all battery powered equipment on a commercial scale, then maybe we needed to rethink our assumptions for our own yard. Maybe you’re in a similar boat and are trying to decide if battery powered is the way to go for your next piece of lawn equipment. Or maybe you’d like to be able to hire someone who approaches lawn care from a more ecological perspective but don’t know how to find that person or the questions to ask. If so, then this episode is for you. In this episode, we are talking to Richard McCoy. Richard is the owner and operator of McCoy Horticultural Services. In the last couple of years, his business has transitioned from traditional gas powered lawn care equipment to battery powered equipment. His company also specializes in organic and low impact lawn care. Our conversation covered a number of topics related to battery powered lawn care equipment, vetting a land care contractor, and low impact lawn care. I appreciate Richard sharing his expertise and experiences with us. [2:58] Richard’s story about how he got to where he is now [6:05] Compost, manure and the need to ask “why” and never stop learning [9:07] The transition from gas powered to battery powered lawn equipment [13:42] Battery powered lawn tool certification organizations [14:15] Are there instances when gas is a better option than battery powered equipment? [16:18] Basic guidelines for creating an ecologically sound landscape [18:22] Real world example of battery powered lawn equipment in use [20:09] How ecological lawncare differs from traditional lawncare [22:38] Battery powered lawn care equipment is on par with gasoline powered equipment, except for backpack leaf blowers [27:18] How homeowners can transition to battery powered lawn equipment [30:46] Challenges in ecological lawncare [31:36] Vetting a lawncare service and how to educate yourself [34:30] Beyond going electric – incorporating native plants [36:00] Putting it all together and having not just a yard but an ecosystem [37:43] Plant the species that are native to your area [39:02] Discussing the complexity of plant communities [41:39] How homeowners should plan their landscape [42:11] What is native and why does it matter [45:08] Ways landowners can find native plants for sale [46:44] The importance of understanding soil If you are looking for some simple, quick and easy ways to make your yard more attractive to pollinators and wildlife, you may want to check out my newest book, Attract Pollinators and Wildlife to Your Yard: 15 Free and Easy Ways. You can learn more about the book and place your order at <a href="https://shannontrimboli.com/product/attract-pollinators-and-wildlife-to-your-yard-15-free-and-easy-ways/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://shannontrimboli.com/product/attract-pollinators-and-wildlife-to-your-yard-15-free-and-easy-ways/</a> . Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Richard’s Information: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://mccoyfinegardens.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mccoyfinegardens.com/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://ecologymatters.net/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://ecologymatters.net/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>What to Look for When Hiring an Organic Landscaper: <a href="https://ecologymatters.net/2020/02/06/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-organic-landscaper-a-homeowners-quick-guide-to-simplify-the-search/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://ecologymatters.net/2020/02/06/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-organic-landscaper-a-homeowners-quick-guide-to-simplify-the-search/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mccoyhorticultural/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/mccoyhorticultural/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mccoyhorticultural/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mccoyhorticultural/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-a-mccoy-28a26b73/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-a-mccoy-28a26b73/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Other Resources Richard Recommended: <ul> <li>American Green Zone Alliance: <a href="https://agza.net/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://agza.net/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Northeast Organic Farming Association: <a href="https://nofa.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://nofa.org/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder: <a href="https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Rutgers’ Organic Lance Care Best Practices Manual: <a href="https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=e357" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=e357</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3xdLivn" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3xdLivn</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3lrao7r" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3lrao7r</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3JVv69J" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3JVv69J</a></li> <li> </li> <li>The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Doug Tallamy*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3JVyDVl" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3JVyDVl</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> General Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Lawn mower</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos, cc-0 <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/lawn-mower-mow-cut-the-lawn-green-2430725/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://pixabay.com/photos/lawn-mower-mow-cut-the-lawn-green-2430725/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Battery Powered Lawn Care Equipment and Ecological Lawn Care

You know how sometimes you’ll meet someone and things just “click?” You quickly discover that you have lots of shared interests and experiences and your conversation just flows as it goes down one path and then the next.   Well, that’s exactly what happened in this episode as I talked with Dr. Randi Eckel. Randi is the owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm which is a mail-order native plant nursery. She is a life-long naturalist, lover of nature, entomologist, and confirmed plant and ecology nerd. Randi is also the president of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey.   Growing native plants and interactions between plants and insects were two of the major themes of our conversation, but our conversation also went down many other twisty, curvy paths. This was one of those conversations that could so easily have occurred sitting on the front porch or around a campfire. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.   [2:47] Randi’s story of how she got to where she is now and discussion of career paths [7:01] Changes Randi has seen in the native plant industry over the years and importance of plants that are native to your region [12:05] How even small properties, balconies, and rooftop gardens can make a huge difference for pollinators and songbirds [15:26] Pond stories from our childhoods, college classes, and connections with native plants and animals [19:05] Recommendations for getting started with native plants [24:25] Tackling weeds and invasive species [26:36] Combating invasive species with native species [30:25] Importance of native plant diversity and examples of pollinator interactions [33:39] Violets and the great spangled fritillary [35:49] Why are flowers in the yard a bad thing? [37:20] Using water features to attract wildlife and stories of observations we’ve made on our properties [42:09] Mothing and watching moths visit light colored flowers in the evening [43:01] Vernal pools, rain gardens, and sump pump gardens [45:33] Great diversity of native plants that can be found in any given region and how embracing that can be freeing [46:56] White turtlehead, Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, and importance of wildlife corridors and habitat stepping stones [48:32] Importance of year-round habitat for butterflies and other insects and easy ways to provide that year-round habitat [53:11] Discussion about the importance of thinking about things, drawing connections, and learning about the interactions between plants, insects, and wildlife [55:13] What to look for if mail ordering native plants or seeds [1:00:24] Native plant poaching and its impacts [1:02:29] Check out a native plant society near you   If you find value in the Backyard Ecology content, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. You can find out how at https://www.backyardecology.net/support /.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community.   Randi’s Information:    Email: randi@toadshade.com     Toadshade Wildflower Farm website: https://www.toadshade.com/     Toadshade Wildflower Farm Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ToadshadeWildflowerFarm     Randi’s blog: https://www.toadshade.com/blogarchive.html     Randi’s article about brush piles: https://www.toadshade.com/randiblognov18.html       Other Resources Mentioned:    The Native Plant Society of New Jersey: https://npsnj.org/       Related Backyard Ecology Resources:    What? Barred Owls Catch and Eat Frogs?!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVll7OwIQKo     More than a Mud Puddle: The Exciting World of Vernal Pools: https://www.backyardecology.net/more-than-a-mud-puddle-the-exciting-world-of-vernal-pools/     Try Mothing – Attracting and observing moths: https://www.backyardecology.net/try-mothing-attracting-and-observing-moths/     Create a Brush Pile: https://www.backyardecology.net/create-a-brush-pile/     Great Spangled Fritillary: https://www.backyardecology.net/great-spangled-fritillary/     Common Blue Violet: https://www.backyardecology.net/common-blue-violet/     Springbeauty: https://www.backyardecology.net/springbeauty/       General Backyard Ecology Links:    Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Closed bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) in bloom     Photo credit: Evan Barker, CC-0    

You know how sometimes you’ll meet someone and things just “click?” You quickly discover that you have lots of shared interests and experiences and your conversation just flows as it goes down one path and then the next. Well, that’s exactly what happened in this episode as I talked with Dr. Randi Eckel. Randi is the owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm which is a mail-order native plant nursery. She is a life-long naturalist, lover of nature, entomologist, and confirmed plant and ecology nerd. Randi is also the president of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. Growing native plants and interactions between plants and insects were two of the major themes of our conversation, but our conversation also went down many other twisty, curvy paths. This was one of those conversations that could so easily have occurred sitting on the front porch or around a campfire. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it. [2:47] Randi’s story of how she got to where she is now and discussion of career paths [7:01] Changes Randi has seen in the native plant industry over the years and importance of plants that are native to your region [12:05] How even small properties, balconies, and rooftop gardens can make a huge difference for pollinators and songbirds [15:26] Pond stories from our childhoods, college classes, and connections with native plants and animals [19:05] Recommendations for getting started with native plants [24:25] Tackling weeds and invasive species [26:36] Combating invasive species with native species [30:25] Importance of native plant diversity and examples of pollinator interactions [33:39] Violets and the great spangled fritillary [35:49] Why are flowers in the yard a bad thing? [37:20] Using water features to attract wildlife and stories of observations we’ve made on our properties [42:09] Mothing and watching moths visit light colored flowers in the evening [43:01] Vernal pools, rain gardens, and sump pump gardens [45:33] Great diversity of native plants that can be found in any given region and how embracing that can be freeing [46:56] White turtlehead, Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, and importance of wildlife corridors and habitat stepping stones [48:32] Importance of year-round habitat for butterflies and other insects and easy ways to provide that year-round habitat [53:11] Discussion about the importance of thinking about things, drawing connections, and learning about the interactions between plants, insects, and wildlife [55:13] What to look for if mail ordering native plants or seeds [1:00:24] Native plant poaching and its impacts [1:02:29] Check out a native plant society near you If you find value in the Backyard Ecology content, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. You can find out how at <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/support%20/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/support /</a>. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Randi’s Information: <ul> <li>Email: randi@toadshade.com</li> <li> </li> <li>Toadshade Wildflower Farm website: <a href="https://www.toadshade.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.toadshade.com/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Toadshade Wildflower Farm Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ToadshadeWildflowerFarm" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ToadshadeWildflowerFarm</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Randi’s blog: <a href="https://www.toadshade.com/blogarchive.html" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.toadshade.com/blogarchive.html</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Randi’s article about brush piles: <a href="https://www.toadshade.com/randiblognov18.html" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.toadshade.com/randiblognov18.html</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Other Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li>The Native Plant Society of New Jersey: <a href="https://npsnj.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://npsnj.org/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Related Backyard Ecology Resources: <ul> <li>What? Barred Owls Catch and Eat Frogs?!: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVll7OwIQKo" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVll7OwIQKo</a></li> <li> </li> <li>More than a Mud Puddle: The Exciting World of Vernal Pools: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/more-than-a-mud-puddle-the-exciting-world-of-vernal-pools/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/more-than-a-mud-puddle-the-exciting-world-of-vernal-pools/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Try Mothing – Attracting and observing moths: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/try-mothing-attracting-and-observing-moths/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/try-mothing-attracting-and-observing-moths/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Create a Brush Pile: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/create-a-brush-pile/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/create-a-brush-pile/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Great Spangled Fritillary: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/great-spangled-fritillary/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/great-spangled-fritillary/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Common Blue Violet: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/common-blue-violet/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/common-blue-violet/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Springbeauty: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/springbeauty/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/springbeauty/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> General Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Closed bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) in bloom</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/4461603" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Evan Barker, CC-0</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel

Have you planted a meadow or pollinator planting on your property? Or, do you know someone or some place in your community that has one? If it’s on your property then part of the recommended management for it may have been to mow it periodically. Or if it’s not on your property then you may have driven by it only to see it being mowed or find that it had recently been mowed.   If you’re initial reaction was something along the lines of “Wh…What?!” “Wait!” “Stop!” “No” “Why?” or included feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, or frustration, then you aren’t alone. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk about why people mow meadows and larger pollinator plantings. We also talk about whether it is really necessary. The answers to both of those questions are rooted in the grassland and prairie ecosystems that meadows and larger pollinator plantings are often trying to replicate.   Topics discussed in this episode include:    Benefits of meadows and pollinator plantings: 2:15     Factors that create and maintain prairie and grassland ecosystems: 3:34     Ecological reasons why someone would mow or recommend mowing a meadow or pollinator planting and alternatives to mowing: 7:46     Recommendations for where to get local advice on managing your meadow or pollinator planting: 12:17     Philosophical discussion of natural succession and letting nature take its course: 13:52       I hope you’ve found this episode helpful and that it has encouraged you to think about things. If you’re listening to this in January 2023, please don’t forget to take our survey.   Until next time, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your yard and community.   Related episodes:    Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/     A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/     Conserving our Southeastern Grasslands with Dwayne Estes: https://www.backyardecology.net/conserving-our-southeastern-grasslands-with-dwayne-estes/       Backyard Ecology Links:    January 2023 Survey: https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5     Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Native plants in a pollinator planting.     Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain    

Have you planted a meadow or pollinator planting on your property? Or, do you know someone or some place in your community that has one? If it’s on your property then part of the recommended management for it may have been to mow it periodically. Or if it’s not on your property then you may have driven by it only to see it being mowed or find that it had recently been mowed. If you’re initial reaction was something along the lines of “Wh…What?!” “Wait!” “Stop!” “No” “Why?” or included feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, or frustration, then you aren’t alone. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk about why people mow meadows and larger pollinator plantings. We also talk about whether it is really necessary. The answers to both of those questions are rooted in the grassland and prairie ecosystems that meadows and larger pollinator plantings are often trying to replicate. Topics discussed in this episode include: <ul> <li>Benefits of meadows and pollinator plantings: 2:15</li> <li> </li> <li>Factors that create and maintain prairie and grassland ecosystems: 3:34</li> <li> </li> <li>Ecological reasons why someone would mow or recommend mowing a meadow or pollinator planting and alternatives to mowing: 7:46</li> <li> </li> <li>Recommendations for where to get local advice on managing your meadow or pollinator planting: 12:17</li> <li> </li> <li>Philosophical discussion of natural succession and letting nature take its course: 13:52</li> <li> </li> </ul> I hope you’ve found this episode helpful and that it has encouraged you to think about things. If you’re listening to this in January 2023, please don’t forget to take our survey. Until next time, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your yard and community. Related episodes: <ul> <li>Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Conserving our Southeastern Grasslands with Dwayne Estes: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/conserving-our-southeastern-grasslands-with-dwayne-estes/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/conserving-our-southeastern-grasslands-with-dwayne-estes/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>January 2023 Survey: <a href="https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Make a one-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Native plants in a pollinator planting.</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain</li> <li> </li> </ul>

Should you mow your meadow or pollinator planting?

Larry Weaner

Do you want your yard to benefit nature, while also being a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy spending time? Would you love for your yard to also be a place your neighbors admire and that inspires them to create pollinator and wildlife friendly landscapes? In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Larry Weaner about how to achieve both those goals.   Larry is a Landscape Designer and the founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates and its educational affiliate, New Directions in the American Landscape, or NDAL. He is also the author of the book, Garden Revolution.   According to Larry, ecology based landscaping or ecological landscaping takes into consideration where and how native plants naturally grow then adapts that knowledge to your property. The goal is to create a landscape that not only benefits nature, but is also a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy being.   One of the topics that came up several times, and in several different ways, was how we connect and engage with a place. The place-based parts of our conversation included not only personal connections, but also community connections. Community connection is important because if our ecology based landscaping connects with our neighbors, then they may replicate some of those principles on their own properties, thus increasing the ecological benefits.   Another topic that wove its way throughout our conversation was maintaining and managing our landscapes. This topic came up multiple times and in multiple ways. As Larry said, there probably isn’t any such thing as a “no maintenance” landscape. Larry also talks about the biggest challenge he sees people face, especially when getting started.   Larry is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to integrating ecological principles and landscape design. His approach is one that really resonates with me and has done so for several years. I encourage anyone who is interested in creating ecology based landscapes to read his book and look into his courses.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community.   Guest Links:    New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL): https://www.ndal.org/     Larry Weaner Landscape Associates: https://lweanerassociates.com/     Garden Revolution*: https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F        Backyard Ecology Links:    January 2023 Survey: https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5     Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Red spotted purple on purple coneflower.     Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain    

Do you want your yard to benefit nature, while also being a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy spending time? Would you love for your yard to also be a place your neighbors admire and that inspires them to create pollinator and wildlife friendly landscapes? In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Larry Weaner about how to achieve both those goals. Larry is a Landscape Designer and the founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates and its educational affiliate, New Directions in the American Landscape, or NDAL. He is also the author of the book, Garden Revolution. According to Larry, ecology based landscaping or ecological landscaping takes into consideration where and how native plants naturally grow then adapts that knowledge to your property. The goal is to create a landscape that not only benefits nature, but is also a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy being. One of the topics that came up several times, and in several different ways, was how we connect and engage with a place. The place-based parts of our conversation included not only personal connections, but also community connections. Community connection is important because if our ecology based landscaping connects with our neighbors, then they may replicate some of those principles on their own properties, thus increasing the ecological benefits. Another topic that wove its way throughout our conversation was maintaining and managing our landscapes. This topic came up multiple times and in multiple ways. As Larry said, there probably isn’t any such thing as a “no maintenance” landscape. Larry also talks about the biggest challenge he sees people face, especially when getting started. Larry is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to integrating ecological principles and landscape design. His approach is one that really resonates with me and has done so for several years. I encourage anyone who is interested in creating ecology based landscapes to read his book and look into his courses. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Guest Links: <ul> <li>New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL): <a href="https://www.ndal.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ndal.org/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Larry Weaner Landscape Associates: <a href="https://lweanerassociates.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://lweanerassociates.com/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Garden Revolution*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Backyard Ecology Links: <ul> <li>January 2023 Survey: <a href="https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>One-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Red spotted purple on purple coneflower.</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmidwest/28411386020/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">USFWS Midwest Region, public domain</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner

Over the past year, we’ve had some amazing conversations with a variety of highly talented and passionate people. I am very grateful to them for sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with us. What was your favorite episode of the year, and why? Please let us know in the comments.   For today’s episode, I’m going to quickly review the 10 most popular Backyard Ecology episodes that were published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022.   10) 5 Late Summer Blooming Native Plants I Love:  https://www.backyardecology.net/5-late-summer-blooming-native-plants-i-love/ (1:42) 9) Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife:  https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/ (2:38) 8) Getting the Community Involved in Creating Pollinator Habitat:  https://www.backyardecology.net/getting-the-community-involved-in-creating-pollinator-habitat/ (3:56) 7) Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.:  https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/ (4:51) 6) Planting for Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/planting-for-pollinators/ (6:00) 5*) Ask a Bumble Bee: What Flowers Do Bumble Bees Prefer?:  https://www.backyardecology.net/ask-a-bumble-bee-what-flowers-do-bumble-bees-prefer/ (8:05) 4*) Are Larger Patch Sizes Better When Planting for Pollinators?:  https://www.backyardecology.net/are-larger-patch-sizes-better-when-planting-for-pollinators/ (9:30) 3*) A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project:  https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/ (10:49) 2) Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard:  https://www.backyardecology.net/attracting-ruby-throated-hummingbirds-to-your-yard/ (11:58) 1) Gardening with Native Plants: https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/ (13:00)   * Note: Numbers 3, 4, and 5 were essentially a 3-way tie. There were only 9 downloads separating numbers 3 and number 5. I listed them in the order that they were on the day that I looked at the stats. But I have no doubt that if I had looked at the numbers on a different day, then they could very easily have been in a different order.   Bonus: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Cedar Glades:  https://www.backyardecology.net/a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-cedar-glades/ (14:47)   I hope you enjoyed that review of the most popular episodes published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022. Please help Backyard Ecology continue to grow by telling others about the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube Channel.   I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community.   Links:    Backyard Ecology website: https://backyardecology.net     Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Backyard Ecology blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/    

Over the past year, we’ve had some amazing conversations with a variety of highly talented and passionate people. I am very grateful to them for sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with us. What was your favorite episode of the year, and why? Please let us know in the comments. For today’s episode, I’m going to quickly review the 10 most popular Backyard Ecology episodes that were published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022. 10) 5 Late Summer Blooming Native Plants I Love: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/5-late-summer-blooming-native-plants-i-love/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/5-late-summer-blooming-native-plants-i-love/</a> (1:42) 9) Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/</a> (2:38) 8) Getting the Community Involved in Creating Pollinator Habitat: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/getting-the-community-involved-in-creating-pollinator-habitat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/getting-the-community-involved-in-creating-pollinator-habitat/</a> (3:56) 7) Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/</a> (4:51) 6) Planting for Pollinators: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/planting-for-pollinators/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/planting-for-pollinators/</a> (6:00) 5*) Ask a Bumble Bee: What Flowers Do Bumble Bees Prefer?: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/ask-a-bumble-bee-what-flowers-do-bumble-bees-prefer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/ask-a-bumble-bee-what-flowers-do-bumble-bees-prefer/</a> (8:05) 4*) Are Larger Patch Sizes Better When Planting for Pollinators?: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/are-larger-patch-sizes-better-when-planting-for-pollinators/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/are-larger-patch-sizes-better-when-planting-for-pollinators/</a> (9:30) 3*) A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/</a> (10:49) 2) Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/attracting-ruby-throated-hummingbirds-to-your-yard/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/attracting-ruby-throated-hummingbirds-to-your-yard/</a> (11:58) 1) Gardening with Native Plants: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/</a> (13:00) * Note: Numbers 3, 4, and 5 were essentially a 3-way tie. There were only 9 downloads separating numbers 3 and number 5. I listed them in the order that they were on the day that I looked at the stats. But I have no doubt that if I had looked at the numbers on a different day, then they could very easily have been in a different order. Bonus: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Cedar Glades: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-cedar-glades/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.backyardecology.net/a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-cedar-glades/</a> (14:47) I hope you enjoyed that review of the most popular episodes published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022. Please help Backyard Ecology continue to grow by telling others about the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube Channel. I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Links: <ul> <li>Backyard Ecology website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>One-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Top 10 Most Popular Backyard Ecology Episodes: Thanksgiving 2021 – Thanksgiving 2022

The Christmas Bird Count, also known as the CBC, began in 1900. For the past 122 years, volunteer birders of all ages and abilities have gathered together to conduct surveys of the birds found in their areas. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running, community science or citizen science program in the U.S. and has spread to Canada and many other countries.   The data collected through the Christmas Bird Count are extremely valuable and have been used in numerous scientific papers. Perhaps the most well recognized of those papers in recent years is the one published in 2019 citing the drastic decline in bird populations over the past roughly 50 years.   In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society and the Regional Editor for the Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky. During our conversation, James and I talk about what the Christmas Bird Count is and why it is so important. He also shares with us what happens on a Christmas Bird Count, who can participate (spoiler alert: anyone who enjoys birdwatching), how people can get involved, and some of his favorite CBC experiences.   Just as a quick reminder, every week, I send a short email with links to the most recent Backyard Ecology blog article, podcast episode, and video, as well as, any other news of interest. It’s the best way to make sure that you never miss anything in the Backyard Ecology world. You’ll also get a free e-booklet as my gift to you when you join my email list. If you haven’t signed up, then please do so using the link below.   Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Related Links:    James’ email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com     National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count webpage: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count     Kentucky Ornithological Society’s Christmas Bird Count webpage: https://www.birdky.org/annualcbc.php       Backyard Ecology Links    Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/       Episode image:    Birdwatchers     Photo credit: USFWS, public domain    

The Christmas Bird Count, also known as the CBC, began in 1900. For the past 122 years, volunteer birders of all ages and abilities have gathered together to conduct surveys of the birds found in their areas. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running, community science or citizen science program in the U.S. and has spread to Canada and many other countries. The data collected through the Christmas Bird Count are extremely valuable and have been used in numerous scientific papers. Perhaps the most well recognized of those papers in recent years is the one published in 2019 citing the drastic decline in bird populations over the past roughly 50 years. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society and the Regional Editor for the Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky. During our conversation, James and I talk about what the Christmas Bird Count is and why it is so important. He also shares with us what happens on a Christmas Bird Count, who can participate (spoiler alert: anyone who enjoys birdwatching), how people can get involved, and some of his favorite CBC experiences. Just as a quick reminder, every week, I send a short email with links to the most recent Backyard Ecology blog article, podcast episode, and video, as well as, any other news of interest. It’s the best way to make sure that you never miss anything in the Backyard Ecology world. You’ll also get a free e-booklet as my gift to you when you join my email list. If you haven’t signed up, then please do so using the link below. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Related Links: <ul> <li>James’ email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com</li> <li> </li> <li>National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count webpage: <a href="https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Kentucky Ornithological Society’s Christmas Bird Count webpage: <a href="https://www.birdky.org/annualcbc.php" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.birdky.org/annualcbc.php</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Backyard Ecology Links <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>One-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>Birdwatchers</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: <a href="https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/natdiglib/id/13151/rec/3" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">USFWS, public domain</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

The Christmas Bird Count: An Over 120 Year Tradition

The holiday seasons are upon us. This is often a time to gather with family and friends, give thanks, share memories, exchange gifts, and reflect both on what we have and what we hope to achieve in the coming year.   I thought about skipping this episode completely since it will release on Thanksgiving Day and many of us will be involved with holiday activities. But then I decided that instead of skipping the episode, I wanted to take just a few minutes to express my gratitude.   Backyard Ecology is now 2 years old. In that short time, it has grown from a blog, to a blog and podcast, and now a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. I am eternally grateful for everyone who takes the time to read the blog articles, listen to the podcast episodes, or watch the videos. Thank you so much for allowing Anthony and I to share our love of nature with you.   I am also thankful for those of you who share our content with others. Knowing that you find our articles, podcast episodes, and videos valuable enough to share with your own friends, family, and community members means a lot to us.   Thank you also to those of you who take the time to reach out to us and share your own experiences and observations with us. We love hearing from you and your emails, stories, and questions help us stay inspired and dedicated to putting in the time required to produce all of the free content that we create.   I also want to say an extra special thank you to our monthly supporters on Patreon because their contributions are extremely important and deserve to be recognized. I thank them at the beginning of each episode and on the website, but I really can’t thank them enough.   In addition to all of the time and energy Anthony and I invest in producing the Backyard Ecology content, there are also significant financial costs associated with purchasing the necessary equipment and software, paying the monthly fees for hosting the content, and more. Without the financial help of our Patrons, we probably wouldn’t be able to continue producing the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and videos.   We are extremely grateful to each of our Patrons and are honored that they believe so much in us and our message that they choose to help us make Backyard Ecology freely available to all of our readers, listeners, and viewers.   As we gather around our holiday tables this season and think about the people and things that we are grateful for, please know that each member of the Backyard Ecology audience is in my heart. Thank you for being a part of that audience and for allowing us to be a part of your life. Until next week, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community.   Note: If you would like to help support Backyard Ecology you can make a one-time donation or join our Patrons in making a monthly donation for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or a meal at your favorite fast food place. Links to do so can be found below.   Links:    Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net     Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology     One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N     Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/    

The holiday seasons are upon us. This is often a time to gather with family and friends, give thanks, share memories, exchange gifts, and reflect both on what we have and what we hope to achieve in the coming year. I thought about skipping this episode completely since it will release on Thanksgiving Day and many of us will be involved with holiday activities. But then I decided that instead of skipping the episode, I wanted to take just a few minutes to express my gratitude. Backyard Ecology is now 2 years old. In that short time, it has grown from a blog, to a blog and podcast, and now a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. I am eternally grateful for everyone who takes the time to read the blog articles, listen to the podcast episodes, or watch the videos. Thank you so much for allowing Anthony and I to share our love of nature with you. I am also thankful for those of you who share our content with others. Knowing that you find our articles, podcast episodes, and videos valuable enough to share with your own friends, family, and community members means a lot to us. Thank you also to those of you who take the time to reach out to us and share your own experiences and observations with us. We love hearing from you and your emails, stories, and questions help us stay inspired and dedicated to putting in the time required to produce all of the free content that we create. I also want to say an extra special thank you to our monthly supporters on Patreon because their contributions are extremely important and deserve to be recognized. I thank them at the beginning of each episode and on the website, but I really can’t thank them enough. In addition to all of the time and energy Anthony and I invest in producing the Backyard Ecology content, there are also significant financial costs associated with purchasing the necessary equipment and software, paying the monthly fees for hosting the content, and more. Without the financial help of our Patrons, we probably wouldn’t be able to continue producing the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and videos. We are extremely grateful to each of our Patrons and are honored that they believe so much in us and our message that they choose to help us make Backyard Ecology freely available to all of our readers, listeners, and viewers. As we gather around our holiday tables this season and think about the people and things that we are grateful for, please know that each member of the Backyard Ecology audience is in my heart. Thank you for being a part of that audience and for allowing us to be a part of your life. Until next week, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Note: If you would like to help support Backyard Ecology you can make a one-time donation or join our Patrons in making a monthly donation for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or a meal at your favorite fast food place. Links to do so can be found below. Links: <ul> <li>Backyard Ecology Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>One-time donation: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul>

Thank You for Being Part of Backyard Ecology

Wasps are often portrayed as one of “the bad guys” in the insect world. But part of that common misconception comes from a lack of knowledge or understanding about wasps in general and stereotypes that don’t apply to most wasp species.   The truth is that wasps are extremely diverse and what most of us think of when we think of a “wasp” makes up only the tiniest percentage of all wasps out there. In fact, there are likely many different species of wasps that haven’t even been identified yet. And wasps play an extremely important role in the ecosystem – one that is often overlooked and not well-understood.   In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Louis Nastasi who is a self-proclaimed ambassador for wasps. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State’s Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State’s research collection of insects and other arthropods. He also founded and is one of the instructors for the Wasp ID Course, which will have its second session in January 2023.   During our conversation, Louis and I dive into the fascinating diversity of wasps, especially parasitoid wasps, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. Louis believes that a lot of the misconceptions around wasps are due to a lack of recognition of just how diverse wasps are. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps aren’t capable of stinging people and many are the size of a speck of dust.   Like with the first episode that Louis was on, our conversation takes many twists and turns. We talk a lot about parasitoid wasps and just how amazing it is that many of these parasitoid relationships developed in the first place. (One of the wasps we talk about lays its eggs in diving beetle eggs which are found underwater!) We also discuss how much we don’t know about these species and how much there is still to learn. But through it all, Louis’s passion for wasps and wasp education shines through.   Links:    Louis’s contact info:  Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu     Twitter: https://twitter.com/toomanywasps           Wasp ID Course  Website: https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/     Twitter: @WaspIDCourse  https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/           Email: waspIDcourse@gmail.com           Other Resources:  Forbes, A.A., Bagley, R.K., Beer, M.A. et al. Quantifying the unquantifiable: why Hymenoptera, not Coleoptera, is the most speciose animal order. BMC Ecol 18, 21 (2018). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x     Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 * : https://amzn.to/3fMZAho           Wasp related video clips (including the fairy wasp one) from Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough:   Underwater wasps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg     Oak Tree and Wasp Eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI     Paper colony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv           Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough (Full Documentary)*: https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU     Related Backyard Ecology Resources:  Galls: Amazingly Diverse and Fascinating Plant Growths: https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/     American Pelecinid Wasp: A Unique and Fascinating Critter: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/     Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/     Four-toothed Mason Wasp: https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/     Cicada Killers: Not as Menacing as They Appear: https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/     Eastern Red Velvet Ants: Doesn’t Kill Cows and Isn’t an Ant: https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/           Backyard Ecology  Website: https://backyardecology.net     YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology     Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/     Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology           Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/        Episode image:    A species of Ichneumon wasp, one of our many parasitoid species.     Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain    

Wasps are often portrayed as one of “the bad guys” in the insect world. But part of that common misconception comes from a lack of knowledge or understanding about wasps in general and stereotypes that don’t apply to most wasp species. The truth is that wasps are extremely diverse and what most of us think of when we think of a “wasp” makes up only the tiniest percentage of all wasps out there. In fact, there are likely many different species of wasps that haven’t even been identified yet. And wasps play an extremely important role in the ecosystem – one that is often overlooked and not well-understood. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Louis Nastasi who is a self-proclaimed ambassador for wasps. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State’s Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State’s research collection of insects and other arthropods. He also founded and is one of the instructors for the Wasp ID Course, which will have its second session in January 2023. During our conversation, Louis and I dive into the fascinating diversity of wasps, especially parasitoid wasps, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. Louis believes that a lot of the misconceptions around wasps are due to a lack of recognition of just how diverse wasps are. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps aren’t capable of stinging people and many are the size of a speck of dust. Like with the first episode that Louis was on, our conversation takes many twists and turns. We talk a lot about parasitoid wasps and just how amazing it is that many of these parasitoid relationships developed in the first place. (One of the wasps we talk about lays its eggs in diving beetle eggs which are found underwater!) We also discuss how much we don’t know about these species and how much there is still to learn. But through it all, Louis’s passion for wasps and wasp education shines through. Links: <ul> <li>Louis’s contact info: <ul> <li>Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu</li> <li> </li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/toomanywasps" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/toomanywasps</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Wasp ID Course <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Twitter: @WaspIDCourse <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Email: waspIDcourse@gmail.com</li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Other Resources: <ul> <li>Forbes, A.A., Bagley, R.K., Beer, M.A. et al. Quantifying the unquantifiable: why Hymenoptera, not Coleoptera, is the most speciose animal order. BMC Ecol 18, 21 (2018). <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 * : <a href="https://amzn.to/3fMZAho" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3fMZAho</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Wasp related video clips (including the fairy wasp one) from Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough: <ul> <li>Underwater wasps: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Oak Tree and Wasp Eggs: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Paper colony: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough (Full Documentary)*: <a href="https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Related Backyard Ecology Resources: <ul> <li>Galls: Amazingly Diverse and Fascinating Plant Growths: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>American Pelecinid Wasp: A Unique and Fascinating Critter: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Four-toothed Mason Wasp: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Cicada Killers: Not as Menacing as They Appear: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Eastern Red Velvet Ants: Doesn’t Kill Cows and Isn’t an Ant: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li> </li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li> </li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> </li> <li> </li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> <li> </li> </ul> Episode image: <ul> <li>A species of Ichneumon wasp, one of our many parasitoid species.</li> <li> </li> <li>Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain</li> <li> </li> </ul>

Fascinating Wasp Diversity

Monarch butterflies have become an increasingly hot topic in recent decades, and especially in the last couple of years. Conversations about monarchs often revolve around topics like their migrations, the importance of milkweeds, or other flowers we can plant for monarchs. Rarely do the topics of monarch health or monarch diseases come up. Yet these can also be fascinating and important topics to learn about and discuss.   In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Dr. Sonia Altizer and Kade Donaldson. Sonia is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Georgia and Kade is the Project Manager for Monarch Health which is a community science project based out of the University of Georgia.   Most of our conversation revolves around the tiny protozoan, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, more commonly referred to by its initials: OE. OE is a parasite of monarch butterflies that has been interacting with monarchs for the past several centuries, at least, and likely for almost as long as there have been monarchs. However, over the last couple of decades, something has changed.   OE has gone from being relatively rare to infecting very high percentages of some monarch populations. Exactly what has changed is still a topic of ongoing research, but the increased prevalence of OE appears to correlate to changes in human activities. The goal, therefore, is to determine what has changed and find ways to keep OE from spreading any more than it would naturally spread.   One of the ways that OE infections are being studied is through Project Monarch Health. Project Monarch Health is a community science project that asks members of the public to help document OE infections throughout the country. Anyone can participate in this project which is based out of the University of Georgia, and we talk about Project Monarch Health quite a bit during our conversation.   Other topics that we discussed are some of the common questions they get through Project Monarch Health. Those questions include ways people can help monarch butterflies and inquiries about raising monarchs. We also talked about how monarchs are only one part of the larger ecosystem. Protecting and conserving monarchs can also help lots of other organisms, but we need to be careful not to get so focused on monarchs that we lose sight of the big picture.   Links:    Project Monarch Health:  Email: monarchhealth@gmail.com Website: https://www.monarchparasites.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectMonarchHealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectmonarchhealth/?hl=en   Other monarch-related Backyard Ecology content:  Monarch vs Viceroy - Easy Identification Sitting or Flying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5RJokLhp4 Everything You Need to Know about the IUCN Listing of the Monarch Butterfly: https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iucn-listing-of-the-monarch-butterfly/ Diversity Matters When Gardening for Monarchs: https://www.backyardecology.net/diversity-matters-when-gardening-for-monarchs/ Plant Multiple Species of Native Milkweeds for Monarch Caterpillars: https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-multiple-species-of-native-milkweeds-for-monarch-caterpillars/ What does the endangered species ruling for the monarch butterfly really mean?: https://www.backyardecology.net/what-does-the-endangered-species-ruling-for-the-monarch-butterfly-really-mean/ Milkweeds in Urban and Suburban Monarch Waystations with Dr. Adam Baker: https://www.backyardecology.net/milkweeds-in-urban-and-suburban-monarch-waystations-with-dr-adam-baker/ Plant Taller Milkweed Species for Monarchs: https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-taller-milkweed-species-for-monarchs/   Backyard Ecology:  Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/      Episode image    Male monarch butterfly Photo credit: Sonia Altizer, all rights reserved 

Monarch butterflies have become an increasingly hot topic in recent decades, and especially in the last couple of years. Conversations about monarchs often revolve around topics like their migrations, the importance of milkweeds, or other flowers we can plant for monarchs. Rarely do the topics of monarch health or monarch diseases come up. Yet these can also be fascinating and important topics to learn about and discuss. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Dr. Sonia Altizer and Kade Donaldson. Sonia is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Georgia and Kade is the Project Manager for Monarch Health which is a community science project based out of the University of Georgia. Most of our conversation revolves around the tiny protozoan, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, more commonly referred to by its initials: OE. OE is a parasite of monarch butterflies that has been interacting with monarchs for the past several centuries, at least, and likely for almost as long as there have been monarchs. However, over the last couple of decades, something has changed. OE has gone from being relatively rare to infecting very high percentages of some monarch populations. Exactly what has changed is still a topic of ongoing research, but the increased prevalence of OE appears to correlate to changes in human activities. The goal, therefore, is to determine what has changed and find ways to keep OE from spreading any more than it would naturally spread. One of the ways that OE infections are being studied is through Project Monarch Health. Project Monarch Health is a community science project that asks members of the public to help document OE infections throughout the country. Anyone can participate in this project which is based out of the University of Georgia, and we talk about Project Monarch Health quite a bit during our conversation. Other topics that we discussed are some of the common questions they get through Project Monarch Health. Those questions include ways people can help monarch butterflies and inquiries about raising monarchs. We also talked about how monarchs are only one part of the larger ecosystem. Protecting and conserving monarchs can also help lots of other organisms, but we need to be careful not to get so focused on monarchs that we lose sight of the big picture. Links: <ul> <li>Project Monarch Health: <ul> <li>Email: monarchhealth@gmail.com</li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.monarchparasites.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.monarchparasites.org</a></li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProjectMonarchHealth" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ProjectMonarchHealth</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/projectmonarchhealth/?hl=en" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/projectmonarchhealth/?hl=en</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Other monarch-related Backyard Ecology content: <ul> <li>Monarch vs Viceroy - Easy Identification Sitting or Flying: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5RJokLhp4" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5RJokLhp4</a></li> <li>Everything You Need to Know about the IUCN Listing of the Monarch Butterfly: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iucn-listing-of-the-monarch-butterfly/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iucn-listing-of-the-monarch-butterfly/</a></li> <li>Diversity Matters When Gardening for Monarchs: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/diversity-matters-when-gardening-for-monarchs/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/diversity-matters-when-gardening-for-monarchs/</a></li> <li>Plant Multiple Species of Native Milkweeds for Monarch Caterpillars: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-multiple-species-of-native-milkweeds-for-monarch-caterpillars/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-multiple-species-of-native-milkweeds-for-monarch-caterpillars/</a></li> <li>What does the endangered species ruling for the monarch butterfly really mean?: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/what-does-the-endangered-species-ruling-for-the-monarch-butterfly-really-mean/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/what-does-the-endangered-species-ruling-for-the-monarch-butterfly-really-mean/</a></li> <li>Milkweeds in Urban and Suburban Monarch Waystations with Dr. Adam Baker: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/milkweeds-in-urban-and-suburban-monarch-waystations-with-dr-adam-baker/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/milkweeds-in-urban-and-suburban-monarch-waystations-with-dr-adam-baker/</a></li> <li>Plant Taller Milkweed Species for Monarchs: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-taller-milkweed-species-for-monarchs/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-taller-milkweed-species-for-monarchs/</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Backyard Ecology: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://backyardecology.net" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://backyardecology.net</a></li> <li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Blog: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/</a></li> <li>Patreon page: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology</a></li> <li>Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: <a href="https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> Episode image <ul> <li>Male monarch butterfly</li> <li>Photo credit: Sonia Altizer, all rights reserved</li> </ul>

Monarch Butterflies and OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha)

Backyard Ecology

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