Rewilding the Blue Ridge: Paula Whyman’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow

Episode Title: Rewilding the Blue Ridge: Paula Whyman’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow

Episode Number: 027

Release Date: February 25, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. Paula shares her journey of restoring native meadows on a 200-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From her initial idealistic vision to the challenges of invasive species, ecological whack-a-mole, and the delicate balance of ecosystems, Paula’s story is one of perseverance, discovery, and rewilding. We dive into the importance of native plants, the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and how small actions can lead to big impacts in conservation. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a gardener, or someone curious about ecological restoration, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introducing Paula Whyman

• Paula’s background and her book, Bad Naturalist, which chronicles her efforts to restore native meadows on a Virginia mountaintop.

• Her transition from suburban life to managing a 200-acre property, including 75 acres of open meadow.

The Pull of the Mountain

• How Paula’s childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for native plants and ecological restoration.

• The pivotal moment she and her husband decided to take on the challenge of restoring a mountaintop meadow.

The Challenges of Ecological Restoration

• Dealing with invasive species, learning from mistakes, and redefining success.

• The importance of native plants and their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Dominion Rock and Human-Nature Relationships

• The symbolism of Dominion Rock and its connection to the history of human interaction with the land.

• How the land has been shaped by centuries of agricultural use, from apple orchards to cattle pastures.

The Interconnectedness of Ecosystems

• Examples of mutualism, such as the relationship between black cherry trees, caterpillars, ants, and pollinators.

• Why invasive species disrupt these delicate balances and the ripple effects on ecosystems.

What Can We Do?

• Practical steps for tackling invasive species in your own backyard.

• The importance of identifying native plants and supporting local ecosystems.

Rewilding Ourselves

• How Paula’s relationship with nature has evolved through her restoration journey.

• The value of slowing down, observing, and connecting with the natural world.

The Joy of Small Victories

• Hearing the call of the northern bobwhite quail and spotting a kestrel as signs of progress.

• The Grassland Bird Initiative and efforts to support declining grassland bird species.

Notable Quotes:

• On Invasive Species:"Invasive plants left their predators back home. They come here and reproduce without pressure, forming monocultures that native wildlife can’t use."

• On Rewilding:"The more I look at things, the more curious I am about why they’re there and what role they play. It’s motivating and leads to action."

• On Success:"Start small, think big. It’s okay to be idealistic. Even if the journey is harder than you thought, you’re in it, and that’s what matters."

Resources Mentioned:

Books:

• Wilding by Isabella Tree

• Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy

• Apps/Tools:

• Picture This (plant identification app)

• iNaturalist (crowdsourced species identification)

• Organizations:

• Blue Ridge Prism (invasive species management resources)

• Grassland Bird Initiative

Where to Find Paula Whyman:

• Website: PaulaWhyman.com

• Newsletter: Subscribe for monthly updates on her mountain restoration journey.

• Social Media:

• Instagram: @paulawhymanauthor

• Blue Sky: @PaulaWhyman

• Mastodon: @PaulaWhyman

• LinkedIn: Paula Whyman

Call to Action:

• Read the Book: Bad Naturalist  is available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook formats wherever books are sold.

• Engage: Share your own ecological restoration stories or questions with Paula via her website or social media and email us at [email protected]

• Take Action: Start small by identifying native plants in your area and replacing invasive species with native alternatives.

Closing Thoughts:

Paula Whyman’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, persistence, and the profound impact one person can have on the natural world. Whether you’re inspired to plant a native garden, tackle invasive species, or simply take a closer look at the world around you, this episode is a reminder that every small action contributes to a healthier planet.