From Alpacas to Agritourism: The Magic of Apple Hill Farm
Release Date: 03/01/2025
Names for Male and Female Animals
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster, Laurie Horne, and Chris take a playful trip through the animal kingdom with a trivia-style episode all about the names for male and female animals. Some are familiar — like a buck and doe, bull and cow, or stallion and mare — while others are far less obvious, including cob and pen for swans, jack and jill for opossums, and even cock and hen for lobsters. Along the way, the conversation wanders in true Backyard Naturalists fashion, from international listeners in places like Vietnam, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Zambia to jellyfish at the...
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Wildlife Bridges and Crossings
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne explore the fascinating world of wildlife bridges, wildlife crossings, green bridges, and ecoducts — structures designed to help animals safely move across fragmented habitats caused by highways, railroads, canals, and other human-made barriers. From deer, elk, badgers, mountain lions, alligators, amphibians, turtles, and even endangered red wolves, these crossings are becoming an increasingly important tool for protecting wildlife and people alike. Debbie and Laurie discuss how wildlife crossings have been used in Europe...
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What Bird Built That?
The Backyard Naturalists
It’s nesting season in the Carolinas, and this week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne take a fun, award-show-style look at the many ways birds build — or sometimes barely build — their nests. From the lightning-fast Carolina wren to the ground-nesting killdeer, the late-arriving American goldfinch, and the nest-hijacking brown-headed cowbird, this episode celebrates the clever, quirky, and sometimes downright surprising nesting strategies happening in our own backyards. Along the way, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris share backyard observations of downy woodpeckers,...
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Encore Episode: Tiny Habitats — Big Nature in Small Spaces
The Backyard Naturalists
Think you need a big backyard to help wildlife? Think again! In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie prove that even the tiniest patio, balcony, porch, apartment landing, condo space, or HOA-approved corner can become a welcoming wildlife habitat. With a little creativity — and maybe a bit of “no mess, no evidence” bird feeding strategy — you can provide food, water, shelter, and nesting spots for birds and other backyard visitors without creating chaos or attracting unwanted attention. From sunflower hearts and Hot Meats to tiny hummingbird feeders,...
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Plant This, Not That
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing plants that support wildlife and strengthen local ecosystems. Using the idea of “Plant This, Not That,” they compare native plants that thrive in the Carolinas with invasive or problematic plants that can outcompete native species, spread aggressively, or reduce habitat value. The discussion also highlights Constructive Plant Rescue, a local nonprofit working to save native plants from construction sites and give them a second life in...
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What’s Happening in Your Habitat
The Backyard Naturalists
Spring is finally making itself known, and that means our backyard habitats are changing fast. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie talk about what listeners may be seeing, hearing, and experiencing in their own outdoor spaces — from nesting bluebirds, Carolina wrens, catbirds, frogs, butterflies, lizards, bats, possums, raccoons, snakes, deer, and even coyotes. Whether your habitat is an apartment balcony, suburban yard, garden, greenway, or several acres of land, this episode is a reminder that every space can support wildlife in meaningful ways. The conversation...
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Barred Owls — Silent Flight, Big Personalities, and Backyard Nesting
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne take us into the fascinating world of barred owls, inspired by a local owl box success story just in time for Earth Day. From the excitement of watching young owlets leave the nest to the unmistakable “who cooks for you?” presence of barred owls in the Carolinas, this conversation explores how these remarkable birds live, hunt, nest, and raise their young in our neighborhoods and natural spaces. Debbie and Laurie discuss what makes barred owls such efficient hunters, including their almost silent flight, incredible...
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Tadpoles, Horse Troughs, and Backyard Habitats
The Backyard Naturalists
What do you do when tadpoles take over a horse trough? In this fun and wide-ranging episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris dive into the fascinating world of tadpoles after a listener from California asks how to handle an unexpected amphibian boom in her horses’ water troughs. Along the way, the conversation explores why frogs choose certain places to lay eggs, what tadpoles need to survive, and how understanding wildlife habitat — food, water, shelter, and places to raise young, can help explain nature’s behavior right in your own backyard. Listeners will also...
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Celebrating Earth Day the Backyard Naturalists Way
The Backyard Naturalists
In this special Earth Day episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris celebrate Earth Day 2026 by exploring the history behind this global movement and sharing practical, everyday ways listeners can make a real difference for the planet. From the surprising origins of Earth Day in 1970 to the staggering number of people who now participate around the world, this episode is packed with inspiration, useful resources, and plenty of the lively conversation listeners love. The trio highlights simple but meaningful actions you can take right now — from skipping plastic bags and...
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How Big Is It? Part 2: Nature’s Biggest and Boldest Creatures
The Backyard Naturalists
In this fun and fast-moving second installment of “How Big Is It?”, Debbie and Laurie explore some of the biggest creatures in the natural world—from the world’s largest vulture and giant hummingbird to the Komodo dragon, Goliath frog, capybara, and even a massive Australian sea snail. Along the way, they share surprising facts about size, habitat, diet, and behavior, with plenty of laughter and off-the-cuff conversation that makes this episode feel like you’re sitting right at the kitchen table with them. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the incredible diversity...
info_outlineGet ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, our award-winning podcast welcomes Lee Rankin, owner of Apple Hill Farm in North Carolina, to share her incredible journey from alpaca admirer to agritourism entrepreneur. Located near Boone, Apple Hill Farm is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, donkeys, goats, and more—welcoming over 10,000 visitors each year.
Lee dives into the magic of agritourism, the sustainable practices that keep the farm thriving, and the unique benefits of alpaca fiber. She also shares how Apple Hill Farm plays a vital role in the local economy, especially in the wake of recent hurricane damage. Whether you're an animal lover, nature enthusiast, or dreamer chasing a passion, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight into the world of farming with purpose. Tune in and learn how one woman’s love for alpacas turned into a thriving business!
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