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🩋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies

The Backyard Naturalists

Release Date: 05/10/2025

🌿 Summer in Your Habitat show art 🌿 Summer in Your Habitat

The Backyard Naturalists

Summer is STILL here, and if you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve probably felt it too—sweltering heat, sticky air, and maybe even a few critters making themselves a little too comfortable in your backyard. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie (with Chris chiming in, of course!) share a lighthearted but practical guide to keeping your habitat healthy during the hottest stretch of the year.   ☀ Heat & Hydration – Creative ways to keep bird baths cool, from ice cubes to misters, plus why moving feeders into shade can make all the...

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Welcome back, nature lovers! After a few weeks of summer break, The Backyard Naturalists are back with another brand-new episode, and this one’s all about embracing the spontaneity that summer inspires. In this week’s episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris settle in for another unscripted (and unplanned) conversation that meanders through the joys and challenges of late summer in the Carolinas. From paddleboarding adventures and pumpkin spice opinions (we see you, Trader Joe’s!) to prepping your yard for fall planting, this episode is full of helpful tips and laughs along the way. 🌿...

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What do you get when you cross a fast-growing, hard-to-kill, concrete-cracking plant with curious naturalists and a microphone? You get this week’s brand-new episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Debbie and Laurie are back and diving into the wild, weird world of Japanese knotweed—also known as "the plant that ate the world." It’s not every day a plant earns a reputation as one of the most invasive species on the planet. But Japanese knotweed? It’s in a class all its own. Originally introduced for landscaping and erosion control (oops), it’s now banned in many states and...

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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...

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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...

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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!

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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,...

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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!