What Do I Do If I Find� Wildlife Rehab Q&A with Ruby Davis
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome back âFlockerâ and trusted friend of the show, Ruby Davis of NC Wildlife Rehab, for a rapid-fire myth-busting session about what to do when you encounter wildlife in your own backyard. From possums playing dead to raccoons out in the daytime, baby bunnies hidden in plain sight, fallen squirrel nests, mysterious fawns, mangy foxes, and even the occasional bat on the groundâRuby walks us through whatâs normal, whatâs concerning, and when to step in (or absolutely not step in). Her calm, science-based guidance cuts...
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Encore: The Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kelly Oten
The Backyard Naturalists
In this encore presentation of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne revisit one of the most important conversations of Season 2 â their discussion with Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, about the invasive and destructive Spotted Lanternfly. This brightly colored but harmful insect has become a serious concern for North Carolinaâs forests, vineyards, and backyards. Dr. Oten explains how the Spotted Lanternfly arrived from Asia, what it looks like in each stage of its life cycle, and why early detection is crucial...
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Troubleshooting Bird Feeding â Solving Common Backyard Challenges
The Backyard Naturalists
Even the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and seasonal slowdowns, they cover the small details that make a big difference in attracting and keeping healthy flocks. The trio revisits the basics of building a thriving wildlife habitat; food, water, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices,...
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đ Encore Episode: Weâre Talkinâ About Pumpkins
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, weâre revisiting one of our most popular and seasonally fitting episodes, âWeâre Talkinâ About Pumpkins!â Originally aired in October 2021, this encore favorite is the perfect listen for fall. Join Debbie and Laurie as they explore the fascinating world of pumpkins, from surprising agricultural facts and record-breaking gourds to their valuable role in supporting backyard wildlife. Did you know pumpkins are technically a fruit? Or that they can be repurposed after Halloween to help feed everything from squirrels and deer to backyard birds and...
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đşđŚđđˇď¸ Updates on Various: Revisiting Red Wolves, Chronic Wasting Disease, Spotted Lanternflies, and Joro Spiders
The Backyard Naturalists
In this weekâs episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take listeners on a fascinating update tour of several topics previously featured on the show, all of which continue to evolve in the natural world. From hopeful signs of recovery to growing ecological concerns, this episode is packed with new developments and ways for citizen scientists to get involved. Youâll hear encouraging news about the Red Wolf Recovery Project, where careful management and breeding efforts in North Carolina are giving this critically endangered species a better shot at survival. Then, the hosts...
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Fall in Your Habitat: Simple Seasonal Swaps That Make a Big Difference
The Backyard Naturalists
As the seasons turn and the air gets crisp, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris are diving into everything fall for your wildlife habitat! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the team explores how to make the most of autumnâs natural bounty, especially those fallen leaves. Should you rake them up, blow them away, or just âleave the leavesâ? The answers might surprise you. Drawing from new data from the National Wildlife Federation, the hosts share why letting your leaves lie can make a big difference for native wildlife and the planet. Youâll learn how something as simple as skipping...
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Wings in the Backyard: Butterfly Gardening with Pamela Grundy
The Backyard Naturalists
If youâve ever dreamed of turning your backyard (or even your balcony!) into a haven for butterflies, this episode is for you. Debbie and Laurie welcome Pamela Grundy â historian, writer, and passionate butterfly gardener from Charlotte, North Carolina â to share her journey into creating thriving butterfly gardens and inspiring others to do the same. Pamela explains the simple but powerful difference between nectar plants and host plants, why milkweed is essential for monarchs, and how even a few parsley plants can support the full butterfly life cycle. Along the way, she shares...
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Season 5 Kickoff: Celebrating 4 Years of Nature, Curiosity & Community
The Backyard Naturalists
The Backyard Naturalists are back for Season 5! In this special anniversary episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take a fun walk down memory lane to celebrate over four years, 200+ episodes, and more than 106,000 listens across all 50 U.S. states and 137 countries. From their very first kitchen table recording during COVID to becoming a Saturday morning routine for listeners around the world, the team reflects on the unexpected journey of the podcast. Join us as we revisit listener-favorite moments, surprising wildlife facts, and unforgettable guests, from reptile expert Jay Bell and âthe...
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Joro Spiders: Beautiful, Bizarre, and in Your Backyardâ
The Backyard Naturalists
đˇď¸ Whatâs big, colorful, and showing up in backyards across the Southeast? Debbie and Laurie are diving into the world of Joro spiders, and trust us, this is one episode you wonât want to miss! From their eye-popping golden webs to their wild habit of âballooningâ through the air as babies, these spiders are making quite an entrance in the Carolinas (and beyond). Are Joro spiders scary invaders, or helpful bug-eaters keeping stink bugs and lanternflies in check? đ¤ Debbie and Laurie share what we know so far, sprinkle in some fun spider facts, and, of course, have plenty of...
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North Carolina Conservation Network with Kristen Rhodes
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Kristen Rhodes, an organizer with the North Carolina Conservation Network (NCCN), to explore the power of grassroots action in protecting our stateâs environment. Kristen introduces NCCN as a statewide network of more than 60 environmental and justice organizations, all working collaboratively to safeguard North Carolinaâs natural resources and public health. She highlights the groupâs three key initiatives: Campus Fellows Program â Engaging 30 students across 11 UNC campuses (including 3 HBCUs) to educate peers on environmental issues...
info_outlineSummer is STILL here, and if youâve stepped outside lately, youâve probably felt it tooâsweltering 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.
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âď¸ Heat & Hydration â Creative ways to keep bird baths cool, from ice cubes to misters, plus why moving feeders into shade can make all the difference.
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đŚ Summer Feeding Tips â When to swap out hummingbird nectar, how to keep suet from melting, and a freezer trick to protect birdseed from pests.
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đŞď¸ Weather & Wildlife â Preparing your yard before storms, and what to do if you find a nest on the ground afterward.
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đą Pests & Plants â Why spraying isnât the answer, how to handle Japanese beetles and mosquitoes naturally, and which invasive plants to watch out for.
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đŚ Backyard Bullies â From raccoons and squirrels to starlings and outdoor cats, Debbie and Laurie share stories, laughs, and tried-and-true tricks to keep the peace.
This isnât just about surviving summerâitâs about helping your backyard thrive. With practical tips, neighborly humor, and plenty of âwhoa!â moments, youâll walk away ready to make your space a safe, welcoming spot for wildlife (and maybe a little cooler for yourself, too).
Donât miss this fun, informative episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Listen now, and be sure to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more folks can discover how rewarding it is to care for the nature right outside their door.