Short’s aster: A beautiful late season extravaganza for pollinators
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short’s aster (Symphyotrichum shortii). 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of Short’s aster. The pollinators and wildlife that use it. How to incorporate it into your garden. Resources mentioned: * * affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive...
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The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"
Backyard Ecology™
Summary “Leave the leaves” has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard. Today’s guest Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The impact that leaving your leaves can...
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Black-eyed Susan: A must-have for the pollinator garden
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it. How...
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A Bad Naturalist’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Paula Whyman shares her journey of trying to restore and manage a remnant prairie located on a Virginia mountaintop. Our conversation touches upon some of the challenges she faced, lessons she’s learned, and exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're managing a small backyard or large acreage, Paula's story provides valuable insights and motivation for fostering pollinator and wildlife habitat. Today’s guest Paula Whyman is an avid nature enthusiast and the author of the book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. 3...
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Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Hummingbirds are probably one of the most beloved groups of birds that people want to attract to their yards. In this episode, I share 10 of my favorite native plants for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in the eastern U.S. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The surprising truth about a hummingbird’s diet. The best way to attract and support hummingbirds to your property. 10 of my favorite native plants to grow for hummingbirds in eastern U.S. gardens. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go...
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Gardening for Moths: Why It’s Important for Backyard Conservation
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of moths and why gardening for moths is so im-portant for any backyard ecologist. We also talk about specific native plants grow to attract moths, simple ways to observe moths, practical tips for photographing moths at night, and much more. From pollination by fuzzy moth eyeballs to carnivorous moth caterpillars, this episode is full of sto-ries and information you won’t want to miss. Today’s guest Jim McCormac is an author, photographer, and conservationist. He worked for the Ohio Depart-ment of Natural Resources for 31 years as...
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9 Native Blueberries You Can Grow in the Home Landscape
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Our native Vacciniums, what we commonly call the blueberries, are keystone plants which support tons of pollinators and wildlife. They also produce yummy berries which we can eat. In this episode, we talk about 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The ecological importance of blueberries. Special considerations you need to consider when growing blueberries in the home landscape. A short overview of 9 species that are native to at least some...
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Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Milkweeds are a common component of butterfly and pollinator gardens. Not only are they important for monarch caterpillars, but they are also used by a wide variety of pollinators. There are lots of different species of milkweed that are native to the eastern U.S. and have the potential to work really well in home gardens. In this episode we discuss 10 species that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and responsible ways to obtain those species. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: Why it is important to choose milkweed species that are native to where you live. Responsible...
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Laurel Wilt: How Tiny Beetles Can Kill Huge Trees
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, we dive deep into Laurel Wilt Disease which is a vascular wilt disease affecting trees in the Lauraceae family, such as sassafras, spicebush, and redbay. We discuss its history, how it spreads, ecological and cultural impacts of the disease, current management options, and challenges associated with managing the disease. We also explore potential future research directions and highlight the important role that each of us can play in monitoring for the disease and slowing its spread. Today’s guest Dr. Albert, Bud, Mayfield is a Research Entomologist with the...
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Virginia strawberry: A Beautiful, Tasty, and Underutilized Native Groundcover
Backyard Ecology™
Summary The Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is our most widespread native wild strawberry in the eastern U.S. It supports a wide range of pollinators and wildlife. It can also make an amazing groundcover in a native plant garden. However, this is not the wild strawberry that most people find growing in their yards and garden beds. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode How to tell the Virginia strawberry from the other native wild strawberry in the eastern U.S. and from the invasive mock strawberry that is found in many people’s yards and gardens. How to incorporate the...
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Twice a year billions of birds migrate across the U.S. We’ve only recently discovered just how large that number really is. Being able to quantify that number is thanks to a large degree to a program called BirdCast which anyone from backyard birders to scientists to emergency managers can use. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of bird migration.
Today’s guest
Dr. Andrew Farnsworth is a visiting scientist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology and a member of the BirdCast Team, which is using radar to track and study bird migrations over the U.S.
3 things you’ll learn from this episode:
- About bird migration including when they migrate, why they migrate, impacts of both human induced and natural climate change, and much more.
- The importance of making natural history observations and how technology can enhance, but not replace, those observations.
- The many ways in which BirdCast is being used by birds and by scientists, starting with giving us concrete data on the mind-blowingly large numbers of birds that migrate over the U.S. each year.
Resources Andrew mentioned:
Other Backyard Ecology resources:
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