Backyard Ecology™

Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine, far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli and I’m here to help busy homeowners in the eastern U.S. create thriving backyard ecosystems they can enjoy and be proud of. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat. Learn more at: https://www.backyardecology.net/podcast

How to Attract More Birds to Your Yard 02/06/2025

From Suburban Yard to Wildlife Haven: Amanda’s Story 01/23/2025

We’re back! 01/09/2025

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023 12/28/2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023 I can’t believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We’ve talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let’s wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year. 🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch 🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder 🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live 🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? 🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond 🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial 🦋 4) How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You? 🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley 🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner 🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel 🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants Other Episode Relevant Links: 🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape 🦋 Garden Revolution * Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/29230853

Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts” 12/21/2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts” Did you know that in addition to the regular Backyard Ecology videos that Anthony creates, he also produces a series of nature-trivia style short videos? Most of these videos are literally only a few seconds long so are perfect “bite-sized” samples if you’re just getting started or are looking for something to watch for a few seconds on your phone. So, let’s quickly run through the top 10 Backyard Ecology shorts based on number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. Since the videos are so short, I’m just going to list the titles and let your curiosity decide whether to follow the link and explore further. 🦋 10) Caterpillar's Poop Stick Defense! 🦋 9) Ragweed SUPER FOOD for Birds! 🦋 8) Hummingbirds Eat Nectar and WHAT! 🦋 7) Butterfly Garden Must Have! 🦋 6) These Cute Larvae Aren't Caterpillars! 🦋 5) Bumblebees VS Carpenter Bees Easy ID! 🦋 4) What Is This Weird Plant Growth! 🦋 3) Have You Seen Invasive Tree of Heaven? 🦋 2) This Caterpillar Looks Like What! 🦋 1) Wolf Spider Momma Has How MANY Babies! Bonus 🦋 See Me Fly Like Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies! Other Episode-Related Links 🦋 Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos 🦋 3 Awesome Native Trees to Replace Bradford Pear! 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/29154453

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023 12/14/2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023 I always like to do roundups of the top 10 blog articles and top 10 podcast episodes at the end of every year because I know how easy it is to miss stuff. Sometimes we have the best intentions to go back and read or listening to something, but other things come up and then we forget. So, it can be helpful to have a reminder at the end of the year for some of those articles that we might have missed. Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles 🦋 10) Sometimes Life Happens: 🦋 9) Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly: A Common Fall Migrant: 🦋 8) 5 Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard: 🦋 7) Downy Woodpecker: Our smallest woodpecker and a common backyard visitor: 🦋 6) Allegheny Chinquapin: An underutilized but excellent nut producing shrub: 🦋 5) Why Are Some Native Plants Unavailable Early in the Season?: 🦋 4) Native Ground Nesting Bees: Important Early Season Pollinators: 🦋 3) Spicebush – A Native Shrub with Plenty to Like: 🦋 2) Wildflower vs Native Plant: What’s the Difference?: 🦋 1) 5 Things to Consider Before Buying or Putting Up a Bat Box: Bonus: Most downloaded Backyard Ecology blog article of all time 🦋 Bluets: Delicate Blue Flowers of Spring: 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/29047508

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos 12/07/2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos Did you know that we have a Backyard Ecology YouTube channel? If you’re like many of the blog readers and podcast listeners who responded to our 2023 end-of-year survey, then answer is “probably not.” If you are one of our frequent viewers, thank you for coming on this journey with us. We enjoy reading all your comments on the videos. If you haven’t discovered the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to check it out. To get you started, here are the top 10 Backyard Ecology videos based on the number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode related links: 🦋 YouTube channel: 🦋 10) 3 Native Crabapples You Need for Pollinators and Wildlife! 🦋 9) Poison Hemlock Alert! How to Safely Control Flowering Hemlock 🦋 8) Why You DON'T Want Multiflora Rose on Your Property! 🦋 7) Is a Black Gum Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard? 🦋 6) 4 Serviceberries That Attract Pollinators and Support Wildlife! 🦋 5) The 2 Best Milkweeds for Your Butterfly Garden! 🦋 4) Is a Catalpa Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard? 🦋 3) Why You Need Native Hazelnuts on Your Property! 🦋 2) How to Control Poison Hemlock on Any Property! 🦋 1) Everything You Need to Know About American Persimmon! Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/28962838

Tips and Tricks for Growing Prairie Plants in Your Native Plant Garden 11/30/2023

Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds 11/16/2023

Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird. Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property. I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is: 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode related links: 🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: 🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: 🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: 🦋 Report a bird band: 🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/28662043

Fall Cleanup in the Pollinator and Wildlife Garden: A Comprehensive Guide to What You Need to Know and Do 11/02/2023

Resharing Your Favorites: Gardening with Native Plants 10/05/2023

Resharing Your Favorites: Gardening with Native Plants Did you know that common milkweed isn’t native to Georgia? Or that there are many native plants which can be grown in large pots on a patio or balcony? Or that some simple “cues to care” can significantly change how a native plant garden is perceived by others? I originally recorded this conversation with Jennifer Ceska in the spring of 2022. A year and a half later it is, by far, my most downloaded episode to date. We had an amazing conversation that covered a wide range of topics related to gardening with native plants. So, I thought I would reshare it with the transcript so that those who missed it the first time or who prefer to read the transcripts can enjoy it too. Jennifer is a Conservation Coordinator with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, Athens. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Anthony and I have been exploring new ways to better serve you. Our group coaching programs have evolved out of our desire to help you and other members of our Backyard Ecology audience in a deeper, more personal way. These are offered on a seasonal basis and are designed to address some of our most asked questions in a way that allows you to ask questions and get personalized feedback for your unique situation. If you want to learn more about our group coaching programs, go to . And, if you’re listening to this episode shortly after it goes live and want help designing your pollinator and wildlife garden, then you’re in luck. Our next group coaching program, Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots, starts in just a few days. But don’t wait, registration closes on October 9, 2023, and we don’t plan to offer this specific group coaching program again until at least the summer of 2024. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode Links: 🦋 Jennifer’s email: [email protected] 🦋 Best Milkweed for Georgia Gardens brochure: 🦋 State Botanical Garden of Georgia: 🦋 Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance: 🦋 Georgia Native Plant Initiative: 🦋 Connect to Protect: 🦋 Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program: 🦋 Georgia Grasslands Initiative iNaturalist project: Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: 🦋 Group coaching: Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: 🦋 YouTube Channel: 🦋 Blog: Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: 🦋 Make a one-time donation: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/28227341

The Secret to Building a Thriving Backyard Ecosystem: Embracing “It Depends” 09/20/2023

Building Thriving Ecosystems and Exploring Nature in Your Backyard with Backyard Ecology 09/12/2023

The American Goldfinch: A Comprehensive Guide 08/25/2023

Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live 08/10/2023

What Happens When a Tree Gets Blown Over? Discovering New Habitats Created by Fallen Trees 07/27/2023

Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond 07/13/2023

Sometimes Life Happens 06/29/2023

Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley 06/15/2023

5 Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard 06/01/2023

Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial 05/18/2023

Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial Did you know there is a group of native plants which can be highly adaptable, can serve multiple functions in our gardens, and perhaps even be a backbone component to our home landscapes, but which has historically been overlooked for those purposes? This group of native plants is the sedges, or more specifically, members of the genus Carex. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Sam Hoadley about sedges and their use in the home garden and landscape. Sam is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware. Recently, Mt. Cuba Center released their Carex trial report. This report evaluated 70 species and cultivars of Carex over 4 years for garden and landscape use in the Mid-Atlantic Region. During our conversation, Sam and I talk about how Mt. Cuba Center’s trials are conducted, the importance of sedges / Carex species, how they can be used in the garden or home landscape, and many other topics. Sedges may not produce the colorful, flashy flowers that we often think about and are drawn to when we are picking native plants to use in our home landscapes or pollinator and wildlife gardens, but they are definitely worth considering. Not only do they have their own innate beauty, but they can also serve so many different functions in the garden and landscape – including filling in so called “problem areas” or serving as a potential lawn alternative. We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at . And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Episode Resources: Sam’s email: [email protected] Carex Trial Report: Past Trial Reports: Mt. Cuba Center webpage: Mt. Cuba Center Facebook page: Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Photo credit: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/26867415

How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You? 04/13/2023

How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You? Do you want to start growing native plants in your yard, but don’t know where to find them? Or maybe you aren’t even sure what a native plant is for your area. Or maybe you are in a situation where you can’t plant anything right now, but you still want to learn about native plants and enjoy them in the wild. Your state’s native plant society may be able to help you in all of these situations. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we’re joined by multiple guests representing native plant societies in different parts of the eastern U.S. Our guests are Randi Eckel from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Jeff Nelson from the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Ellen Honeycutt from the Georgia Native Plant Society. We start our conversation with what seems like a very basic question, “What is a native plant?” As you’ll hear, the answers were all similar in their broad sense, but some of the details were a little different. Which of course, led to a conversation about those slight variations in the definitions and why they are important to be aware of when you are talking about native plants. We then dove into talking about native plant societies and what they do. Every native plant society is going to be different and do different things, but they all share a love of native plants, conservation, and education. They also tend to be very accessible and include members of all experience levels – from the person just getting started on their native plant journey all the way to professional botanists with decades of experience. Native plant societies also tend to have lots of educational resources available online for anyone interested in native plants. I highly encourage you to check out your state’s native plant society. Links to the Georgia Native Plant Society, Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Native Plant Society of New Jersey are below. I also included a link from the American Horticultural Society’s website which lists information for each state’s native plant society. On a side note, if you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at . And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll receive a link to download a free e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Georgia Native Plant Society: Website: Facebook: Kentucky Native Plant Society: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: American Horticultural Society’s list of native plant societies: Backyard Ecology: Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/26527158

Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder 03/31/2023

Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder Birding is a fun activity with many different ways you can do it. You can bird by ear and identify birds by their songs. You can look at the birds and identify them that way. You can watch the birds out your window or as you spend time in your yard. Or you can go on trips where birding can be either a side activity or the main purpose of the trip. It really is an activity that pretty much anyone can do in pretty much any location. In this episode, I am joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. You may also remember him from our conversation a few months ago about the Christmas Bird Count. Once again James shares a wealth of information along with his passion for helping others get involved in birding. Our conversation focuses on birding tools and technology that can be helpful for birders with any experience level. We start our conversation by talking about binoculars, what the numbers mean, and tips about what to look for when purchasing binoculars. Our conversation then moves to a discussion of free birding apps that James really enjoys using. The first birding app that we discuss is Merlin which is in some ways a digital field guide, but can also do so much more. This app can help you identify a bird whether you see it or hear it, and you can access tons of detailed information about that bird. The second app that we talk about is eBird which also has a desktop version. eBird helps you keep track of the birds that you’ve seen in different locations, let’s you see what birds other people have seen in a given location, and is used by scientists to study birds. We wrap up our conversation by talking about the Birding Hotspots website which provides logistical information about parking, trail surfaces, bathrooms, etc. associated with the eBird hotspots. Links to all the resources we talked about can be found on the webpage for this episode. Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it very soon, possibly within the next couple of weeks. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, and perhaps participate in our beta trial, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll also be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Links for James: James’ email: [email protected] Kentucky Ornithological Society’s webpage: Binocular Resources: 6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You’ll Love: How to Choose Your Binoculars: Merlin: Website: Who's Singing? How to Use Merlin Bird ID to Identify Bird Calls (1 hr webinar): eBird: Website: eBird Essentials (free course): Site Logistical Resources: Birding Hotspots: Birdability: Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: American goldfinch Photo credit: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/26401719

Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch 03/16/2023

Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch Do you enjoy having birds nest on your property? Would you like to learn more about what to look for in a nest box to make it the best it can be for your birds? Are you interested in finding out how you can safely monitor your nesting birds and help scientists study nesting birds? In this episode, I am joined by Holly Grant. Holly is the Project Assistant for NestWatch which is a community science program based out of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We discuss a wide range of topics related to nesting birds including: how to attract them to your property, different types of nest boxes or nesting structures you can put out, what to do if you find a baby bird out of the nest, safely monitoring the bird nests on your property, contributing to the broader understanding of nesting birds by participating in NestWatch, and much more. Oh! And if you like to put out hanging baskets, but the wrens or other birds always decide that’s where they want to nest, then you definitely want to listen to this episode. Towards the end of our conversation, Holly shares a great tip which will allow you to continue watering your plant without disturbing the nest! Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it in the next couple of months. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at . That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. NestWatch links: Email: [email protected] Website: Right Bird, Right House: Common Nesting Birds: Nest Monitoring Code of Conduct: What Kind of Nest Materials are Best to Provide for Birds?: Other Resources Mentioned: All About Birds: General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Male eastern bluebird bringing an insect back to the nest box. Photo credit: USFWS, public domain /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/26243190

Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? 03/02/2023

Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? Do you struggle with invasive species on your property? Or, have you ever wondered, what’s the big deal with invasive species? Why are they so bad? Or maybe you just wondered how our invasive species got here. After all, if they are so awful, then why would anyone bring them here? If so, then you aren’t alone. Invasive species are something that most of us struggle with. In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Anthony Trimboli. Many of you may know Anthony from the Backyard Ecology videos he produces every week or from previous podcasts episodes which he has been on. In addition to creating Backyard Ecology content, he also does habitat consulting and works in our native plant nursery. Anthony and I talked about a wide range of topics related to invasive species beginning with a discussion about what exactly is an invasive species and whether those species are inherently “bad.” We also talked about why it matters if a species is invasive, some of the negative impacts invasive species can have, and whether any of the short-term uses that pollinators and wildlife may gain from invasive species makes up for their negative impacts. Much of our conversation focused on invasive plants, because we both agreed that invasive plants are probably the type of invasive organism which individual property owners have the greatest ability to do something about. This part of our conversation included topics such as how to know whether a species is invasive and how to control those species on your property, as well as a discussion about whether native plants can be invasive. We wrapped up our discussion by talking about how invasive species got here. Spoiler alert: No one did the evil “bwahaha” laugh and thought to themselves, “Let me introduce this horribly invasive species so it can wreak havoc and destroy the ecosystem.” The story of invasive species is one of unintended consequences. If you haven’t checked out the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to do so. Anthony adds new content every week. There’s a link to the channel in the show notes, as well as a separate link for the channel’s invasive species playlist. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Links to Relevant Resources: Invasive species play list on Backyard Ecology YouTube channel: Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting website: General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Purple loosestrife may have pretty flowers but it is a major invasive species in many wetland ecosystems. Photo credit: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/26099868

Battery Powered Lawn Care Equipment and Ecological Lawn Care 02/16/2023

Battery Powered Lawn Care Equipment and Ecological Lawn Care Lawn care probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about backyard ecology. Honestly, it isn’t for me either. But it is something that most of us have to deal with in one way or another whether we do it ourselves or hire someone to do it for us. And I don’t know about you, but lawn equipment in general, much less battery powered lawn equipment, is not my area of expertise. That’s why when I heard about a landscaping company which specializes in low impact lawn care and has transitioned to all battery powered equipment, I became intrigued. Anthony and I have some battery powered lawn care equipment, but we’ve always shied away from battery powered lawn mowers. We just didn’t think battery powered lawn mowers could handle our uneven, rough, hilly yard. But if this company was using all battery powered equipment on a commercial scale, then maybe we needed to rethink our assumptions for our own yard. Maybe you’re in a similar boat and are trying to decide if battery powered is the way to go for your next piece of lawn equipment. Or maybe you’d like to be able to hire someone who approaches lawn care from a more ecological perspective but don’t know how to find that person or the questions to ask. If so, then this episode is for you. In this episode, we are talking to Richard McCoy. Richard is the owner and operator of McCoy Horticultural Services. In the last couple of years, his business has transitioned from traditional gas powered lawn care equipment to battery powered equipment. His company also specializes in organic and low impact lawn care. Our conversation covered a number of topics related to battery powered lawn care equipment, vetting a land care contractor, and low impact lawn care. I appreciate Richard sharing his expertise and experiences with us. [2:58] Richard’s story about how he got to where he is now [6:05] Compost, manure and the need to ask “why” and never stop learning [9:07] The transition from gas powered to battery powered lawn equipment [13:42] Battery powered lawn tool certification organizations [14:15] Are there instances when gas is a better option than battery powered equipment? [16:18] Basic guidelines for creating an ecologically sound landscape [18:22] Real world example of battery powered lawn equipment in use [20:09] How ecological lawncare differs from traditional lawncare [22:38] Battery powered lawn care equipment is on par with gasoline powered equipment, except for backpack leaf blowers [27:18] How homeowners can transition to battery powered lawn equipment [30:46] Challenges in ecological lawncare [31:36] Vetting a lawncare service and how to educate yourself [34:30] Beyond going electric – incorporating native plants [36:00] Putting it all together and having not just a yard but an ecosystem [37:43] Plant the species that are native to your area [39:02] Discussing the complexity of plant communities [41:39] How homeowners should plan their landscape [42:11] What is native and why does it matter [45:08] Ways landowners can find native plants for sale [46:44] The importance of understanding soil If you are looking for some simple, quick and easy ways to make your yard more attractive to pollinators and wildlife, you may want to check out my newest book, Attract Pollinators and Wildlife to Your Yard: 15 Free and Easy Ways. You can learn more about the book and place your order at . Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Richard’s Information: Website: Blog: What to Look for When Hiring an Organic Landscaper: Facebook page: Instagram: LinkedIn: Other Resources Richard Recommended: American Green Zone Alliance: Northeast Organic Farming Association: National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder: Rutgers’ Organic Lance Care Best Practices Manual: Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt*: Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy*: Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy*: The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Doug Tallamy*: General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Lawn mower Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos, cc-0 /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/25946277

Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel 02/02/2023

Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel You know how sometimes you’ll meet someone and things just “click?” You quickly discover that you have lots of shared interests and experiences and your conversation just flows as it goes down one path and then the next. Well, that’s exactly what happened in this episode as I talked with Dr. Randi Eckel. Randi is the owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm which is a mail-order native plant nursery. She is a life-long naturalist, lover of nature, entomologist, and confirmed plant and ecology nerd. Randi is also the president of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. Growing native plants and interactions between plants and insects were two of the major themes of our conversation, but our conversation also went down many other twisty, curvy paths. This was one of those conversations that could so easily have occurred sitting on the front porch or around a campfire. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it. [2:47] Randi’s story of how she got to where she is now and discussion of career paths [7:01] Changes Randi has seen in the native plant industry over the years and importance of plants that are native to your region [12:05] How even small properties, balconies, and rooftop gardens can make a huge difference for pollinators and songbirds [15:26] Pond stories from our childhoods, college classes, and connections with native plants and animals [19:05] Recommendations for getting started with native plants [24:25] Tackling weeds and invasive species [26:36] Combating invasive species with native species [30:25] Importance of native plant diversity and examples of pollinator interactions [33:39] Violets and the great spangled fritillary [35:49] Why are flowers in the yard a bad thing? [37:20] Using water features to attract wildlife and stories of observations we’ve made on our properties [42:09] Mothing and watching moths visit light colored flowers in the evening [43:01] Vernal pools, rain gardens, and sump pump gardens [45:33] Great diversity of native plants that can be found in any given region and how embracing that can be freeing [46:56] White turtlehead, Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, and importance of wildlife corridors and habitat stepping stones [48:32] Importance of year-round habitat for butterflies and other insects and easy ways to provide that year-round habitat [53:11] Discussion about the importance of thinking about things, drawing connections, and learning about the interactions between plants, insects, and wildlife [55:13] What to look for if mail ordering native plants or seeds [1:00:24] Native plant poaching and its impacts [1:02:29] Check out a native plant society near you If you find value in the Backyard Ecology content, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. You can find out how at . Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Randi’s Information: Email: [email protected] Toadshade Wildflower Farm website: Toadshade Wildflower Farm Facebook page: Randi’s blog: Randi’s article about brush piles: Other Resources Mentioned: The Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Related Backyard Ecology Resources: What? Barred Owls Catch and Eat Frogs?!: More than a Mud Puddle: The Exciting World of Vernal Pools: Try Mothing – Attracting and observing moths: Create a Brush Pile: Great Spangled Fritillary: Common Blue Violet: Springbeauty: General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Closed bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) in bloom Photo credit: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/25803036

Should you mow your meadow or pollinator planting? 01/19/2023

Should you mow your meadow or pollinator planting? Have you planted a meadow or pollinator planting on your property? Or, do you know someone or some place in your community that has one? If it’s on your property then part of the recommended management for it may have been to mow it periodically. Or if it’s not on your property then you may have driven by it only to see it being mowed or find that it had recently been mowed. If you’re initial reaction was something along the lines of “Wh…What?!” “Wait!” “Stop!” “No” “Why?” or included feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, or frustration, then you aren’t alone. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk about why people mow meadows and larger pollinator plantings. We also talk about whether it is really necessary. The answers to both of those questions are rooted in the grassland and prairie ecosystems that meadows and larger pollinator plantings are often trying to replicate. Topics discussed in this episode include: Benefits of meadows and pollinator plantings: 2:15 Factors that create and maintain prairie and grassland ecosystems: 3:34 Ecological reasons why someone would mow or recommend mowing a meadow or pollinator planting and alternatives to mowing: 7:46 Recommendations for where to get local advice on managing your meadow or pollinator planting: 12:17 Philosophical discussion of natural succession and letting nature take its course: 13:52 I hope you’ve found this episode helpful and that it has encouraged you to think about things. If you’re listening to this in January 2023, please don’t forget to take our survey. Until next time, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your yard and community. Related episodes: Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: Conserving our Southeastern Grasslands with Dwayne Estes: Backyard Ecology Links: January 2023 Survey: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: Make a one-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Native plants in a pollinator planting. Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/25654152

Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner 01/05/2023

Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner Do you want your yard to benefit nature, while also being a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy spending time? Would you love for your yard to also be a place your neighbors admire and that inspires them to create pollinator and wildlife friendly landscapes? In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Larry Weaner about how to achieve both those goals. Larry is a Landscape Designer and the founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates and its educational affiliate, New Directions in the American Landscape, or NDAL. He is also the author of the book, Garden Revolution. According to Larry, ecology based landscaping or ecological landscaping takes into consideration where and how native plants naturally grow then adapts that knowledge to your property. The goal is to create a landscape that not only benefits nature, but is also a place that speaks to you and is somewhere you enjoy being. One of the topics that came up several times, and in several different ways, was how we connect and engage with a place. The place-based parts of our conversation included not only personal connections, but also community connections. Community connection is important because if our ecology based landscaping connects with our neighbors, then they may replicate some of those principles on their own properties, thus increasing the ecological benefits. Another topic that wove its way throughout our conversation was maintaining and managing our landscapes. This topic came up multiple times and in multiple ways. As Larry said, there probably isn’t any such thing as a “no maintenance” landscape. Larry also talks about the biggest challenge he sees people face, especially when getting started. Larry is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to integrating ecological principles and landscape design. His approach is one that really resonates with me and has done so for several years. I encourage anyone who is interested in creating ecology based landscapes to read his book and look into his courses. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Guest Links: New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL): Larry Weaner Landscape Associates: Garden Revolution*: Backyard Ecology Links: January 2023 Survey: Website: YouTube Channel: Blog: Patreon page: One-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: Episode image: Red spotted purple on purple coneflower. Photo credit: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/25504776

Top 10 Most Popular Backyard Ecology Episodes: Thanksgiving 2021 – Thanksgiving 2022 Over the past year, we’ve had some amazing conversations with a variety of highly talented and passionate people. I am very grateful to them for sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with us. What was your favorite episode of the year, and why? Please let us know in the comments. For today’s episode, I’m going to quickly review the 10 most popular Backyard Ecology episodes that were published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022. 10) 5 Late Summer Blooming Native Plants I Love: (1:42) 9) Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: (2:38) 8) Getting the Community Involved in Creating Pollinator Habitat: (3:56) 7) Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: (4:51) 6) Planting for Pollinators: (6:00) 5*) Ask a Bumble Bee: What Flowers Do Bumble Bees Prefer?: (8:05) 4*) Are Larger Patch Sizes Better When Planting for Pollinators?: (9:30) 3*) A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: (10:49) 2) Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard: (11:58) 1) Gardening with Native Plants: (13:00) * Note: Numbers 3, 4, and 5 were essentially a 3-way tie. There were only 9 downloads separating numbers 3 and number 5. I listed them in the order that they were on the day that I looked at the stats. But I have no doubt that if I had looked at the numbers on a different day, then they could very easily have been in a different order. Bonus: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Cedar Glades: (14:47) I hope you enjoyed that review of the most popular episodes published between Thanksgiving 2021 and Thanksgiving 2022. Please help Backyard Ecology continue to grow by telling others about the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube Channel. I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Links: Backyard Ecology website: Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: Backyard Ecology blog: Backyard Ecology Patreon page: One-time donation: Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: /episode/index/show/backyardecology/id/25401651

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