Planet versus Plastics: Earth Day 2024 Special
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast, where we explore all things nature-related! In this episode, Debbie and Laurie delve into Earth Day 2024, which falls on April 22nd with the theme "Planet versus Plastics." They discuss the multifaceted approach to going green, highlighting the five Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. They also emphasize the importance of composting to reduce food waste and share insights on how individuals can contribute to the Planet versus Plastics initiative. As Edward Everett Hale once said, "I cannot do everything, but still I...
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Restoring Nature's Balance: A Conversation with Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, where we explore all things nature-related! This week, hosts Debbie and Laurie are thrilled to have Shubber Ali, the CEO of Garden for Wildlife by National Wildlife Federation, join the conversation. Shubber shares insights into his incredible work leading a for-profit spinoff aimed at restoring our environment. We delve into the North Carolina Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife project, highlighting its mission to promote native plant identification through a free program accessible to all...
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Spring 2024 Plant Sales
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. A. UNCC – 4/11-4/13 – 4/11 is for members 1. Plant sale proceeds and membership fees enable the Gardens to continue to offer free admission to our gardens and greenhouse and discounted programming for all. 2. native wildflowers, butterfly and hummingbird plants, azaleas, hydrangeas, fruiting shrubs, ferns, colorful annuals, unusual ornamental and native trees &...
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Flight of Wonders: Exploring the World of Hummingbirds
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast, where we explore the wonders of nature in every corner of the world. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie dive into the fascinating world of hummingbirds as they embark on their migratory journey to North America. From the incredible 3500-mile migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird to tips on attracting these tiny marvels to your backyard with native plants and Backyard Birds products, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice for nature enthusiasts. Join us as we marvel at the beauty and resilience of these...
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Squirrel Wars: Keeping Bushy-Tailed Bandits Away from Bird Feeders
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show that delves into anything and everything connected with nature! Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious novice, our podcast is your gateway to the wonders of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey that celebrates the beauty of your backyard as we explore captivating topics. In this week’s episode, we tackle a common question: How do you keep those pesky squirrels away from bird feeders? Debbie and Laurie share affordable solutions and ideas to help our little bushy-tailed friends stay away from your bird...
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Cicadas Unleashed: A Symphony of Wings
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the captivating podcast that delves into the wonders of nature! Broadcasting across 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the picturesque Carolinas, our show has garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Best of the Weeklies award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Lenny Lampel, a seasoned natural resources supervisor at Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Lenny wears another hat too: he’s a Central Carolina’s Master Naturalist. His and Debbie’s paths intertwined years ago...
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Nighttime Symphony: Identifying the Nocturnal Calls of Nature
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome back, fellow nature enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalist! We're thrilled to share that our podcast continues to soar, reaching over 50,000 listens spanning across all 50 states, 115 countries, and even resonating in the lush landscapes of Ireland and India. Your support truly fuels our passion for exploring the wonders of the natural world. In this episode, titled "Things That Go Bump in the Night," we're embarking on an auditory adventure. Get ready to test your wildlife knowledge as we play a game together! Listen closely as we unveil audio...
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Exploring the World's Largest Snakes with Reptile Expert Jay Bell
The Backyard Naturalists
Thank you for joining us for another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, where we explore the wonders of the natural world. We're thrilled to have received comments and reviews from listeners all over the globe via Apple Podcasts! We're honored to be heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and cherished throughout the Carolinas, and we're especially grateful for winning the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. Our mission is to evoke those unforgettable "Whoa! Moments" in each episode, and today promises to be no exception. In...
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Another Look at Birdfeeding 101
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. Sometimes, folks can get overwhelmed and confused when they begin the hobby of bird feeding. Which feeder should you buy? Is there a certain type of seed you should purchase? How much money should you invest? How do you keep predators (and squirrels) from your feeders? These are all question Laurie and her team hears every day at and, in this episode of the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie offer answers to these, and a few other, questions. While recording the Backyard...
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Do Animals Grieve? Exploring Emotions in the Wild
The Backyard Naturalists
In this thought-provoking episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Monica McCoubrie, a distinguished wildlife educator from Nebraska Games and Parks, delves into the intriguing question: do animals grieve? Join us as we explore the depths of animal emotions and behaviors, examining the signs of grief observed in various species. From dogs sensing loss to the complex emotional lives of creatures in the wild, Monica offers fascinating insights backed by scientific research. As we unravel the mysteries of animal grief, we invite listeners to share their own observations and experiences....
info_outlineIn this episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie wrap up their series on certifying your wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation with Sustainable Gardening Practices. As one of the five requirements of certification, sustainable gardening practices offer many benefits, not only to your wildlife habitat, but they can help with the budget conscious gardener, too. For example, using native plants and grasses can reduce the need for fertilizers and decrease water consumption.
Make sure to check out the series kick-off in Episode 2, where Debbie and Laurie offered an introduction and overview to the five requirements for a Certified Wildlife Habitat; Food, Water, Cover, Places to Raise Young and finally, Sustainable Gardening Practices.
It's quite simple to create your own natural wildlife habitat. The National Wildlife Federation offers a neat, simple checklist you can use when evaluating your space as you prepare for certification.
Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the web, Facebook and Instagram.
Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.
Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.
Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].