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🩋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies

The Backyard Naturalists

Release Date: 05/10/2025

Fantastic Foxes: Rehab and Real Talk with Elizabeth Negron show art Fantastic Foxes: Rehab and Real Talk with Elizabeth Negron

The Backyard Naturalists

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re diving nose-first into the world of foxes with Elizabeth Negron, Director of Foxtales Wildlife Rehab in Midland, Virginia. Elizabeth shares her journey from Washington State to the East Coast, driven by her lifelong fascination with foxes. She offers incredible insights into their behavior, biology, diet, and the important role they play in our environment. You’ll learn what it takes to care for orphaned kits, the surprising foods foxes love, and why they’re often misunderstood in suburban and rural areas. Elizabeth also highlights the...

info_outline Encore Episode: Bye-Bye, Seed Bandits! Meet the Squirrel Buster show art Encore Episode: Bye-Bye, Seed Bandits! Meet the Squirrel Buster

The Backyard Naturalists

We’re reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week’s encore—and trust us, it’s a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one’s for you. Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broadcasting all the way from snowy Quebec, Tatiana shares the backstory of how a simple idea grew into a worldwide movement in backyard birding. You'll learn how Brome’s clever feeder designs help bird lovers keep the seed for the...

info_outline Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis show art Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis

The Backyard Naturalists

Have you ever wondered what’s really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🩹 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to the conversation, helping us explore skunk behavior, their surprising benefits to the ecosystem, and how to peacefully coexist with these nocturnal visitors. Whether you’ve had a skunk sighting or just want to learn something new about...

info_outline Encore: Host Plants, Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies show art Encore: Host Plants, Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies

The Backyard Naturalists

It’s pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants. From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillaries, you’ll learn how simple choices in your garden can give caterpillars the food they need to grow, transform, and keep butterfly populations thriving. The hosts break down why host plants matter, how to choose the right ones, and how these...

info_outline Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn’t show art Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn’t

The Backyard Naturalists

Summer is heating up across the Carolinas, and that means snakes are on the move — and stirring up plenty of conversation. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie bust myths and tackle misinformation about snake deterrents, exploring what truly works (and what absolutely doesn’t) to keep these fascinating reptiles out of spaces where they aren’t welcome. From mothballs to marigolds, ultrasonic gadgets to sticky traps, the hosts share a science-based look at these so-called “solutions” and offer practical, humane advice for managing your yard in a way that discourages unwanted snake visits...

info_outline Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My! show art Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My!

The Backyard Naturalists

It’s time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka “Zombie Deer Disease”), and the Monarch Butterfly population. From celebrating 94,000+ listens (can you believe it?!) to sharing laughs about bell ringing at the Matthews Community Farmers Market, this episode is full of gratitude, good vibes,...

info_outline 🎧 Frogs, Toads & Backyard Choruses show art 🎧 Frogs, Toads & Backyard Choruses

The Backyard Naturalists

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a fun and fascinating leap into the world of frogs and toads—those small but mighty voices you hear rising from ponds, ditches, and backyards as spring turns into summer. You’ll learn how to spot (and hear!) some of North Carolina’s most common amphibians, including the American Bullfrog, Southern Leopard Frog, Spring Peeper, American Toad, and the charmingly named Eastern Spadefoot Toad. The hosts break down what makes frogs different from toads, share the importance of ephemeral ponds for breeding, and encourage...

info_outline 🐍 Snakes, Safety, and a Python Named Norm show art 🐍 Snakes, Safety, and a Python Named Norm

The Backyard Naturalists

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible. Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm, a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and often misunderstood) corner of the natural world: snakes. Whether you're a snake lover or snake skeptic, this episode has something for you: 🐍 Snake bite safety 101 – What to do and what NOT to do if you're ever bitten by a venomous snake ...

info_outline Saturday Mornings at the Market: A Visit to Matthews Farmers Market show art Saturday Mornings at the Market: A Visit to Matthews Farmers Market

The Backyard Naturalists

In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina’s most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market. With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen. You’ll hear from: đŸŽ™ïž Jessica Thomas, Market Manager, who shares the market’s 34-year journey and recent growth to over 58 local vendors. đŸ„• Farmers from Wild Hope Farm, Heaven’s Dew Farm, and others, diving into organic, sustainable, and...

info_outline Tiny Habitats for your Backyard show art Tiny Habitats for your Backyard

The Backyard Naturalists

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.   If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our or our . We would really like to hear from you.   Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the , and .   Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at . A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.   Thanks for listening to The Backyard...

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Want to welcome butterflies to your yard and help them thrive? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into the magical role of host plants—the essential “nurseries” for butterflies and other pollinators. 🌿🩋🐛

While nectar plants might get all the glory, host plants are where the real action happens: eggs are laid, caterpillars feed, and life cycles begin. This episode is your go-to guide for making your yard more butterfly-friendly—from milkweed to magnolia.

With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of plant inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants their garden to be more than just beautiful—it can be a lifeline for native species.

đŸŒŒ In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • ✅ What host plants are and why they’re essential for butterfly reproduction

  • ✅ Native plant heroes like milkweed (monarchs!), fennel, violets, buttonbush & more

  • ✅ Why plant damage is a good thing (yes, chew marks mean caterpillars are thriving!)

  • ✅ How to support butterflies even in small spaces with containers and pots

  • ✅ Where to research region-specific host plants for your backyard

You’ll also get great resources like plantnative.com and gardendesign.com to start your pollinator-friendly garden journey.

đŸŒ» Got caterpillars? Snap a pic and send it our way—we’d love to share your backyard wildlife success!