Nature's Grand Finale: The Backyard Naturalists Season 2 Finale, Part Two
Release Date: 09/16/2023
đŚ Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies
The Backyard Naturalists
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 plantsâthe essential ânurseriesâ for butterflies and other pollinators. đżđŚđ 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-friendlyâfrom milkweed to magnolia. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of plant inspiration, this episode is a...
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Build It and They Will Come: Certify Your Wildlife Habitat!
The Backyard Naturalists
Weâre going back to our rootsâliterally! In one of our most popular topics to date, The Backyard Naturalists are revisiting how YOU can turn your outdoor space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federationâs newly streamlined program. đđźđ¸ Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small garden, or even a balcony, this episode is packed with practical advice, updated guidelines, and sustainable ideas to help you provide essential resources for local wildlifeâall while earning an official certification you can proudly display! đż Spoiler Alert:...
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Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste
The Backyard Naturalists
What really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we sit down with Jeff Smithberger, Director of Mecklenburg Countyâs Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling. Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Mecklenburg Countyâs waste management operation is a complex, high-impact effort that affects every household. From curbside doâs and donâts to hidden costs of contamination, Jeff helps us understand what it means to Recycle Rightâand why...
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Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're honoring Earth Day 2025 with a powerful and inspiring episode centered around this yearâs global theme: âOur Power, Our Planet.â đđ Join us as we explore how small, everyday choices can make a big impact. From rethinking your grocery list to planting native species and reducing plastic use, this episode is packed with practical ways you can turn your backyardâand your habitsâinto a force for environmental good. We also take a look back at the history of Earth Day and dive deep into the empowering idea of the **âPower of...
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Eco-Friendly Fixes for Springtime Yard Woes
The Backyard Naturalists
Spring has sprung, and so have weeds, pests, and garden invaders! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie dig into eco-friendly solutions for common yard and garden challenges. From natural weed control methods like solarization and manual removal to chemical-free pest management with neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and even beer traps (yes, really!)âthis episode is packed with practical, planet-friendly tips. Learn how to attract beneficial insects, identify pesky plant invaders, and protect your spring blooms without harming the environment or...
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Native Plants vs. CultivarsâWhatâs the Buzz?
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJacoâbotanist, native plant advocate, and all-around plant powerhouse! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, The Backyard Naturalists is proudly hosted by credentialed nature enthusiasts, including a Master Naturalist and Wildlife Ambassador, who bring both heart and expertise to every episode. In this engaging and informative conversation, Dr. DeJaco dives into the key differences between...
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Battling Aquatic Invaders â How You Can Help
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. Aquatic invasive species are more than just a nuisanceâthey pose serious threats to ecosystems, economies, and even public safety! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our award-winning hosts welcome Khristopher Stahr and Jenna Paugels from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to dive into the hidden dangers lurking beneath the waterâs surface. From zebra mussels clogging waterways to invasive carp disrupting food chains, Christopher and Jenna break down the...
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Saving the Monarchs â What You Can Do to Help
The Backyard Naturalists
Monarch butterflies are in serious trouble, and this weekâs episode of The Backyard Naturalists dives into why. Our award-winning hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, break down the alarming 96% decline in western monarch populations and whatâs causing itâfrom habitat loss to pesticide use and climate change. But itâs not all bad news! Debbie and Laurie share simple yet impactful ways you can help, like planting native milkweed, skipping pesticides, and creating pollinator-friendly spaces. Plus, they highlight organizations leading conservation...
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Spring Cleaning for a Wildlife-Friendly Yard
The Backyard Naturalists
Spring is here, and itâs time to give your backyard a refreshânature-friendly style! In this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our expert hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, share essential tips for making your outdoor space a haven for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. From scrubbing bird feeders and freshening up birdhouses to planting native species and maintaining wildlife-friendly landscapes, this episode is packed with practical advice. Learn why timing is everything when it comes to yard work, how to support nesting birds...
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After the Storm: Hurricane Heleneâs Impact on NCâs Waters
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of the award winning Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolinaâs aquatic ecosystems. Our special guest, Corey Oakley from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shares firsthand insights into the devastation caused by historic flooding and landslides in the Appalachian region. With some areas receiving over 30 inches of rain in just 48 hours, the storm drastically altered river landscapes, eroded stream banks, and even wiped out a major trout hatcheryâresulting in the loss of 600,000...
info_outlineWelcome back to The Backyard Naturalists, where we conclude our thrilling two-part season finale! In this episode, Debbie and Laurie are joined once again by their incredible guests, Dr. Tony Lombardino, Reptile Expert Jay Bell, and native plant guru Lisa Tompkins. Building upon the captivating 'why' discussions from part one, our hosts and guests delve even deeper into their unwavering love for nature and their respective fields. As we bid farewell to Season 2 of our internationally recognized podcast, prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and filled with a renewed appreciation for the natural world. It's a grand finale you won't want to miss.