Conservation, Zoos, and Changing the World
The Backyard Naturalists
Zoos have come a long way—and in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists Podcast, Debbie and Laurie kick off their first recording of 2026 by exploring just how different modern zoos are from those many of us remember as kids. From concrete enclosures to expansive, naturalistic habitats, today’s zoos play a vital role not only in animal care, but in global conservation. Joining the conversation is Drew Cronin, Director of Conservation Education and Science at the North Carolina Zoo, who offers an eye-opening look at how zoos now serve as powerful hubs for research, education, and...
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When Alaska Was Home: A Mother’s Story of Survival and Wonder
The Backyard Naturalists
What was it really like to raise a family in the Alaskan wilderness with little money, no indoor plumbing, and nature as both neighbor and teacher? In this unforgettable episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris sit down with Laurie’s mom, Joe, who shares firsthand stories of raising four children on a remote Alaskan homestead. From hauling water through ice five feet thick and living through 70-below-zero temperatures to gardening, milking cows, cleaning salmon by the hundreds, and watching moose and bears wander too close for comfort, Joe paints a vivid picture of...
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Starting 2026 the Natural Way
The Backyard Naturalists
As we welcome in 2026, Debbie and Laurie kick off the new year with a relaxed, behind-the-scenes conversation about nature, community, and what’s ahead for The Backyard Naturalists. From skipping midnight celebrations to rethinking traditional New Year’s resolutions, the discussion turns toward meaningful, nature-centered intentions, like reducing food waste, swapping non-native plants for native species, and letting our gardens stay a little “messy” for the benefit of wildlife. Along the way, they share timely winter tips for bird lovers, including the importance of bird baths,...
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The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 — What’s Really on Your Produce?
The Backyard Naturalists
In this quick but eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a closer look at the Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists—two rankings that help consumers understand which fruits and vegetables carry the highest (and lowest) pesticide residues. Whether you shop for your family, your backyard wildlife, or even your parrots (as both Debbie and Laurie do!), this is essential information for keeping everyone safe and healthy. Debbie and Laurie walk through both lists, covering the worst offenders like potatoes, blueberries,...
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Quiet Invasives — Why Invasive Plants Spread, and What You Can Do About It
The Backyard Naturalists
In this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Benjy Strope, Private Lands Management Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to explore the sneaky, persistent, and surprisingly complex world of invasive plants. Inspired by Benjy’s article “Quiet Invasives,” this conversation gets right to the root of how invasive species spread, why they’re so hard to control, and what homeowners, land managers, and nature lovers can realistically do to fight back. Benjy explains why invasive plants don’t follow the “rules” we...
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Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees — Which Is Better for You and the Environment?
The Backyard Naturalists
In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into a holiday-season debate that comes up year after year: Should you buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? The answer may surprise you and it definitely has more to do with nature, sustainability, and even family traditions than you might expect. Debbie and Laurie compare the environmental impacts, benefits, drawbacks, and unexpected trivia behind both types of trees (including the very unusual product that inspired the original artificial Christmas tree, yes, it’s true!). You’ll learn why artificial...
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Encore Episode: Animal Adaptations with Wildlife Expert Stan Tekiela
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite conversation with wildlife expert, naturalist, and author Stan Tekiela, a flock-level guest whose knowledge always leaves us wide-eyed and amazed. In this encore episode, Stan takes us on a deep dive into the remarkable world of animal adaptations, exploring how species survive, evolve, and thrive through millions of years of change. From the hollow white hair of the polar bear, to the extraordinary echolocation of bats, to the nomadic lifestyle of American Goldfinches, Stan explains how nature’s most surprising traits...
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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 “Flocker” 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 ground—Ruby walks us through what’s normal, what’s 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 — 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 Carolina’s 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 — 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,...
info_outlineZoos have come a long way—and in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists Podcast, Debbie and Laurie kick off their first recording of 2026 by exploring just how different modern zoos are from those many of us remember as kids. From concrete enclosures to expansive, naturalistic habitats, today’s zoos play a vital role not only in animal care, but in global conservation. Joining the conversation is Drew Cronin, Director of Conservation Education and Science at the North Carolina Zoo, who offers an eye-opening look at how zoos now serve as powerful hubs for research, education, and worldwide conservation action.
Drew shares insights from nearly two decades of work across North America, Africa, and beyond, highlighting innovative projects like the SMART Partnership, a groundbreaking conservation technology platform now used in more than 1,500 protected areas worldwide. From protecting amphibians in North Carolina to supporting national park systems in Africa and Indigenous wildlife monitoring in Canada, this episode is packed with “whoa moments” that show how conservation success depends on empowering people, funding protection efforts, and rethinking our relationship with wildlife. If you think zoos are just about animals behind glass, this conversation may completely change your perspective.
Episode highlights include:
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How modern zoos support global conservation, not just local exhibits
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Why habitat protection is as much about people as it is about wildlife
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The challenge of funding and capacity in worldwide conservation efforts
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A behind-the-scenes look at innovative technology shaping the future of protected areas
🎧 A must-listen for anyone curious about conservation, wildlife, and how one zoo can help change the world.