Backyard Ecology

Summary Each fall, the beautiful, rich, purple blooms of ironweeds (Vernonia spp.) grace fields and open areas throughout much of the eastern U.S. They are an ecological powerhouse for pollinators and wildlife, including a specialist bee. Ironweeds can make amazing additions to our native plant gardens where they serve as biodiversity magnets. In this episode, we discuss Mt. Cuba Center's Vernonia Report which includes information about how multiple ironweed species performed in the garden trials, the importance of garden soils and conditions to plant growth and health, how plant health can impact pollinator use, and potential management techniques.   Today's guest Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Insights into the diversity and ecological value of ironweeds, including their ability to attract a specialist bee and other pollinators. The importance of selecting the right ironweed species for specific soil conditions, including some standout performers for average mid-Atlantic garden soils. Pros and potential cons of management techniques like the Chelsea Chop to control plant height. Resources Sam mentioned: Vernonia trial report Previous trial reports Mt. Cuba Center Other Backyard Ecology resources Butterfly Garden Ironweeds – Definitive Guide! Backyard Ecology Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary While carpenter bees get a bad rap, they are also important pollinators and play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their bad reputation can also sometimes be overblown. So, let's talk a little bit about carpenter bees, why they are important, and how to discourage them from nesting in places where you don't want them.   3 things you'll learn from this episode: Where you can find eastern carpenter bees and how to identify them. Why you need carpenter bees if you want gulf fritillary butterflies whose caterpillars host on purple passionflower vines. Simple, non-lethal ways to discourage carpenter bees from creating nesting tunnels where you don't want them drilling into your wooden structures.   Other helpful Backyard Ecology™ resources: The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter The Backyard Ecology™ Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.   If you would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we invite you to join the Backyard Ecology™ Community.  Because while there's lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. There are far fewer opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I'm struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That's part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day. Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

Summary Dr. Doug Tallamy shares the story of how he and his wife transformed their newly built home located on a former hayfield into a thriving forest ecosystem. We talk about how they got started, their struggles along the way, the habitat wins they've celebrated, and what his next steps are for his property. He also shares what he's most excited about, his thoughts on creating habitat that you can maintain as you get older, information about his newest book, and much more. Today's guest Dr. Doug Tallamy has been an entomologist at the University of Delaware for 44 years and is the author of such well-known books as Bringing Nature Home, Nature's Best Hope, and The Nature of Oaks. His newest book is How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard. He is also the co-founder of Homegrown National Parks. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Doug Tallamy's personal story of how he and his wife transformed their newly built home located on a former hayfield into a thriving forest ecosystem. Answers to some of the most common questions he is asked. His thoughts on how climate change should influence which native plants we plant on our properties. Resources Doug mentioned: Bringing Nature Home * Nature's Best Hope *  The Nature of Oaks * How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard * Homegrown National Parks Native Plants for Container Gardens * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology resources: Backyard Ecology Community   Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.  

Summary Darkness is a vital, and often overlooked, component of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, we're losing it to light pollution. Decreasing the light pollution around your home will not only benefit the environment but will also benefit you because you'll be able to see better without all the excess glare and will save money because you aren't paying to light up the sky.   3 things you'll learn from this episode: Why darkness is so important. What light pollution is and how prevalent it is. 4 simple ways you can combat light pollution around your home.   Studies mentioned in this episode: Light pollution wastes energy and money and damages the climate The new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness Citizen scientists report global rapid reductions in the visibility of stars from 2011 to 2022   Other Backyard Ecology resources: BirdCast: Revealing the Mysteries of Bird Migration Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife   Thank you   Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.     Opportunity for ongoing coaching and support If you would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we invite you to join the Backyard Ecology™ Community.    Because while there's lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. There are far fewer opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I'm struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?”   That's part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day.    Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  

Summary Twice a year billions of birds migrate across the U.S. We've only recently discovered just how large that number really is. Being able to quantify that number is thanks to a large degree to a program called BirdCast which anyone from backyard birders to scientists to emergency managers can use. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of bird migration. Today's guest Dr. Andrew Farnsworth is a visiting scientist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology and a member of the BirdCast Team, which is using radar to track and study bird migrations over the U.S. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: About bird migration including when they migrate, why they migrate, impacts of both human induced and natural climate change, and much more. The importance of making natural history observations and how technology can enhance, but not replace, those observations. The many ways in which BirdCast is being used by birds and by scientists, starting with giving us concrete data on the mind-blowingly large numbers of birds that migrate over the U.S. each year. Resources Andrew mentioned: BirdCast eBird Other Backyard Ecology resources: The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary As gardeners, it's common to get the gardening itch in late winter and early spring. The temptation to finish cleaning up our gardens during this time is a natural temptation. However, when doing your spring garden cleanup, it's important to remember why you didn't do those activities in the fall. Remembering that can help you choose what to do and when so that you can best support the pollinators and wildlife that visit your property. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: When and how to deal with the leaves that you left from the fall. When and how to cutback any standing dead vegetation that you left in the fall. Creative ways to balance your needs with those of the pollinators and wildlife when doing your spring garden cleanup. Other Backyard Ecology resources: Fall Cleanup in the Pollinator and Wildlife Garden: A Comprehensive Guide to What You Need to Know and Do 2 SIMPLE Solutions for Fall Pollinator Garden Care! Should I Mow My Yard in May? The No Mow May Debate Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Get customized help There are lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. But, there are far fewer opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I'm struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That's part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day. If you live in the eastern U.S. and would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we invite you to join the Backyard Ecology™ Community.  Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

Summary Ground nesting bees represent a significant portion of our native bee population, yet they often go unnoticed due to their solitary nature and unique nesting habits. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of ground nesting bees and how we can get involved in their study and conservation. Today's guest Dr. Jordan Kueneman is a research associate in the Danforth lab of Entomology at Cornell University. He is also the creator of the Ground Nesting Bee project on iNaturalist where he is collecting observations of ground-nesting bee aggregations. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: An overview of ground nesting bee biology, their behaviors, and their importance in the environment and potentially to some of our agricultural crops. An introduction into how much we still don't know about ground nesting bees, including the answers to what would seem like fairly basic questions. How individuals like you and I can help researchers learn more about ground nesting bees and where they can be found. Bonus content: Tips on how to identify ground nesting bees Resources Jordan mentioned: Ground Nesting Bees iNaturalist Project  Project GNBee website  Instagram   Other Backyard Ecology resources: 3 Tree Groups That Provide Early Season Bee Food!  Discover Your Next Steps  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary When someone decides they want to attract birds to their yard, often the first thing they do is put up a birdfeeder (or two). It's what we did when I was a kid, and it's what countless other people I know have done. There's nothing wrong with putting out a birdfeeder. They're a great way to bring the birds to locations where it's easy for us to watch them.  But, if you want to attract more birds (and better care for the ones you are already attracting), then you need to take more of an ecosystem approach. As an added bonus, you'll also attract and provide for other wildlife and pollinators – something bird feeders alone will never accomplish. 3 things you'll learn from this episode How to provide a wide variety of food sources for your birds. How to easily provide different types of shelter for your birds. How to provide water for your birds to drink and bathe in. Other Backyard Ecology resources Leave Standing Dead Trees (When Safe) Create a Brush Pile Plant Native Grasses Think About Layers Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Get help If you would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we encourage you to check out the Backyard Ecology™ Community.  Because there's lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife.  But, what's lacking are opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I'm struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That's part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day. Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

Summary Amanda shares the journey she and her husband have taken to transform their small, suburban yard into a vibrant habitat for birds and pollinators. We discuss the various projects they've undertaken, the challenges of DIY landscaping, the importance of community support, and the positive reactions from neighbors and family. Their story shows how creating wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and the property owners' well-being. Amanda encourages others to start small, focus on native plants, and seek community support to achieve similar successes. Today's guest Amanda is a mom, medical writer, former biomedical researcher, and nature enthusiast who lives in middle Tennessee on a small, suburban lot. I met Amanda about a year ago when she joined a small group coaching program we were offering in the Backyard Ecology™ Community. She dove right in and continued as community member after the coaching program was done.  3 things you'll learn from this episode The practical steps Amanda took and challenges she and her husband faced while transforming their small, suburban yard into a thriving ecosystem. How her involvement with supportive groups such as her local Wild Ones chapter and the Backyard Ecology™ Community were instrumental in her success. The positive impact creating backyard ecosystems can have on personal well-being, friends and family, and the local biodiversity. Bonus content Amanda's Checklist for Creating a Thriving Backyard Ecosystem Resources Amanda mentioned Backyard Ecology Community  Wild Ones  The Habitat Connection  Other Backyard Ecology resources Attract Backyard Birds with an Ecosystem Approach!   Discover Your Next Steps  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary I am so excited to be relaunching the Backyard Ecology™ podcast! New episodes will be released every other week, and we have some exciting guests already lined up.  Going forward, in addition to the traditional audio version of the podcast episodes, there will also be a video version available for the episodes with guests. The video version will be available on the Backyard Ecology™ YouTube channel.   Links and Resources YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Newsletter: https://backyardecology.net/subscribe Support: https://backyardecology.net/support    Thank You Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

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.

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.

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

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: https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/ 

Did you know that for many of our most commonly grown native wildflowers and grasses, 2/3 or more of the plant is underground in the form of roots? Or that you can reduce weeding requirements in your native plant garden by understanding the root systems of different plants that you are growing? Or that there is now a resource that can help you avoid mistaking a native plant in your garden as a weed and accidentally pulling it? Today, we are talking to Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll. They are the authors of the newly published book, The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants. Neil is also the president and consulting ecologist of Prairie Nursery, located in Wisconsin. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-prairie-plants

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: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

When gardening with native plants for pollinators and wildlife, much of the traditional fall cleanup for gardens is not only unnecessary but could be detrimental. And if you don't have to do all that fall cleanup, you'll have more time to kick back and enjoy the everchanging natural wonders around you. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-cleanup/ Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

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: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-gardening-with-native-plants Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

“It depends” is often the most accurate and expert answer that you can give to questions related to biology and ecology. Granted, it can be a frustrating answer because we all love simple, straightforward answers. But once you understand the true meaning of “it depends,” it becomes a very liberating answer, especially when it comes to creating pollinator and wildlife habitat. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/it-depends Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

Over the last 6-8 months, we've been working hard to make Backyard Ecology even better and to implement new ways to help people on an even deeper level. I am so excited because I can finally share some of what we've been working on! The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/building-thriving-ecosystems-and-exploring-nature-in-your-backyard/ Links to become a Backyard Ecologist: The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots group coaching program: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ General Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

American goldfinches are beautiful and fascinating songbirds that can be found over most of the continent. Their late nesting season and almost exclusively seed-based diet, even as nestlings, make them unique among our songbirds. They are also easy to attract to our properties. I talk about all those things and much more in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-goldfinch/ Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I'd like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.  Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. Episode Links Caring for bird feeders: https://feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/#safe-feeding-environment Backyard Ecology Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image: American goldfinch in full breeding plumage. Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain   

Did you know that urban ecology doesn't just apply to big cities and towns? Even if you live in a fairly rural area, if there is a lot of interaction between where you live and a nearby town or city then you may fall into the broad category of urban ecology. That means urban ecology is likely to apply to most of us. Today we're talking with Dr. Sarah Gagné. Sarah is the author of the newly published book, Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape. She is also an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/ Sara's links: Email: sgagne@charlotte.edu Website: www.saragagne.com Instagram: @urban_nature_clt Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape *: https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0 Other episode-related links: iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Liking lichens: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Lichens: https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/ Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America *: https://amzn.to/45lUfSx * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ * * * Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions to request your copy.  * * * 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. 

As sad as the loss of a tree can be, there's also an excitement because fallen trees provide many different types of valuable and often overlooked habitats. I talk about some of those habitats in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/ Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I'd like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.  Links Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image:  White-tailed deer Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

Did you know that there are approximately 10 times more moth species worldwide than there are butterfly species? Or that without moths we would have fewer songbirds, less genetic diversity in many of our native plants, and lower harvests of many popular fruits? Or that creating better moth habitats around our homes also benefits our health and wellbeing? Dr. Elena Tartaglia shares her love of moths, some of the key roles they play in the ecosystem, how helping moths also helps us, and much more. Elena is a co-founder of National Moth Week and a Research Associate at Rutgers University. The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. National Moth Week links: Website: https://nationalmothweek.org/ Moth Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/ Caterpillar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en Other episode links: Elena's email: elena.tartaglia@gmail.com iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Jersey Yards: https://www.jerseyyards.org/ Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ The Very Hungry Caterpillar*: https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE Nature's Best Hope*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/ Caterpillar hunting with a UV flashlight: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: IO moth, Photo credit: lightbed, cc-0

I share a story of how Anthony and I had a “life happens” moment on our property over the weekend. My hope is that our story of how “life happened” to us this week can give you a little bit of encouragement, or at least, help you feel not quite so alone the next time life throws a wrench in your plans.  The full transcript, including pictures, can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image A turtle that we found early Monday morning in one of the new erosion ruts in our driveway. Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved

If you've ever found a plant that you didn't recognize and wanted to know what it was, then this episode is for you. We talk with Dr. Alan Weakley about learning to observe plants, how to identify plants, why that's important, and some exciting new tools that are available to help us better recognize and appreciate the diversity of plants around us. Alan is the director of the University of North Carolina's Herbarium, which is located at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is also the author of the Flora of the Southeastern US and the newly released FloraQuest app.  The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Episode links:  FloraQuest: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-apps/ Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (pdf): https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/ University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: https://www.unc.edu/ UNC Herbarium: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/ North Carolina Botanical Garden: https://ncbg.unc.edu/ Last Child in the Woods: https://amzn.to/3qEBw5D Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast: https://amzn.to/3P6McEc Wildflowers of New England: https://amzn.to/3N5tZnI Wildflowers of Texas: https://amzn.to/3J9ix9D Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest: https://amzn.to/3N95S7U * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Hepatica flowers Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain 

I offer five tips to help you attract butterflies to your property. Depending on your property and situation, you may not be able to do all of them. That's ok. If you have a small property, look around you. See what's lacking in your area and try to fill in the gaps. The important thing is to be aware and to do what you can. The full transcript can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/ 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 www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. 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. Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image: Eastern tiger swallowtail on a purple coneflower. Photo credit: USFWS

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 www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. 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: shoadley@mtcubacenter.org Carex Trial Report: https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/ Past Trial Reports: https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/ Mt. Cuba Center webpage: https://mtcubacenter.org/ Mt. Cuba Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MtCubaCenter/ Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Photo credit: Brian Hunt, cc-by

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 www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. 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: https://gnps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society Kentucky Native Plant Society: Website: https://www.knps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knps.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kynativeplantsociety/ Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Website: https://www.npsnj.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPSNJ/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nativeplantsocietynj Twitter: http://twitter.com/npsnj American Horticultural Society's list of native plant societies: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations/native-plant-societies/ Backyard Ecology: Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/ Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

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: james.a.wheat@gmail.com Kentucky Ornithological Society's webpage: https://www.birdky.org Binocular Resources: 6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You'll Love: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/six-steps-to-choosing-a-pair-of-binoculars-youll-love/ How to Choose Your Binoculars: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars Merlin: Website: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org Who's Singing? How to Use Merlin Bird ID to Identify Bird Calls (1 hr webinar): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/whos-singing-how-to-use-merlin-bird-id-to-identify-bird-calls/ eBird: Website: https://ebird.org/home eBird Essentials (free course): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/ Site Logistical Resources: Birding Hotspots: https://birdinghotspots.org Birdability: https://www.birdability.org Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: American goldfinch Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

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 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 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: nestwatch@cornell.edu Website: https://nestwatch.org/ Right Bird, Right House: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/right-bird-right-house/ Common Nesting Birds: https://nestwatch.org/learn/focal-species/ Nest Monitoring Code of Conduct: https://nestwatch.org/learn/how-to-nestwatch/code-of-conduct/ What Kind of Nest Materials are Best to Provide for Birds?: https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/what-kind-of-nest-materials-are-best-to-provide-for-birds/ Other Resources Mentioned: All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/ General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Male eastern bluebird bringing an insect back to the nest box. Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21qul5bQMzo&list=PLYie5upT7CI2B2rcU5WzlU0xg4QW6ng8g Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting website: https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/ General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Purple loosestrife may have pretty flowers but it is a major invasive species in many wetland ecosystems. Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

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 https://shannontrimboli.com/product/attract-pollinators-and-wildlife-to-your-yard-15-free-and-easy-ways/ . Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Richard's Information: Website: https://mccoyfinegardens.com/ Blog: https://ecologymatters.net/ What to Look for When Hiring an Organic Landscaper: https://ecologymatters.net/2020/02/06/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-organic-landscaper-a-homeowners-quick-guide-to-simplify-the-search/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mccoyhorticultural/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccoyhorticultural/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-a-mccoy-28a26b73/ Other Resources Richard Recommended: American Green Zone Alliance: https://agza.net/ Northeast Organic Farming Association: https://nofa.org/ National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder: https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/ Rutgers' Organic Lance Care Best Practices Manual: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=e357 Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt*: https://amzn.to/3xdLivn Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3JVv69J The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Doug Tallamy*: https://amzn.to/3JVyDVl General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Lawn mower Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos, cc-0 https://pixabay.com/photos/lawn-mower-mow-cut-the-lawn-green-2430725/

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 https://www.backyardecology.net/support /. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your own yard and community. Randi's Information: Email: randi@toadshade.com Toadshade Wildflower Farm website: https://www.toadshade.com/ Toadshade Wildflower Farm Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ToadshadeWildflowerFarm Randi's blog: https://www.toadshade.com/blogarchive.html Randi's article about brush piles: https://www.toadshade.com/randiblognov18.html Other Resources Mentioned: The Native Plant Society of New Jersey: https://npsnj.org/ Related Backyard Ecology Resources: What? Barred Owls Catch and Eat Frogs?!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVll7OwIQKo More than a Mud Puddle: The Exciting World of Vernal Pools: https://www.backyardecology.net/more-than-a-mud-puddle-the-exciting-world-of-vernal-pools/ Try Mothing – Attracting and observing moths: https://www.backyardecology.net/try-mothing-attracting-and-observing-moths/ Create a Brush Pile: https://www.backyardecology.net/create-a-brush-pile/ Great Spangled Fritillary: https://www.backyardecology.net/great-spangled-fritillary/ Common Blue Violet: https://www.backyardecology.net/common-blue-violet/ Springbeauty: https://www.backyardecology.net/springbeauty/ General Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Closed bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) in bloom Photo credit: Evan Barker, CC-0

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.: https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/ A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/ Conserving our Southeastern Grasslands with Dwayne Estes: https://www.backyardecology.net/conserving-our-southeastern-grasslands-with-dwayne-estes/ Backyard Ecology Links: January 2023 Survey: https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5 Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Native plants in a pollinator planting. Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain

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): https://www.ndal.org/ Larry Weaner Landscape Associates: https://lweanerassociates.com/ Garden Revolution*: https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F Backyard Ecology Links: January 2023 Survey: https://forms.gle/ztJECiwWjPeU4Aes5 Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Red spotted purple on purple coneflower. Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain

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: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-late-summer-blooming-native-plants-i-love/ (1:42) 9) Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/ (2:38) 8) Getting the Community Involved in Creating Pollinator Habitat: https://www.backyardecology.net/getting-the-community-involved-in-creating-pollinator-habitat/ (3:56) 7) Grasslands and Grassland Birds of the Eastern U.S.: https://www.backyardecology.net/grasslands-and-grassland-birds-of-the-eastern-u-s/ (4:51) 6) Planting for Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/planting-for-pollinators/ (6:00) 5*) Ask a Bumble Bee: What Flowers Do Bumble Bees Prefer?: https://www.backyardecology.net/ask-a-bumble-bee-what-flowers-do-bumble-bees-prefer/ (8:05) 4*) Are Larger Patch Sizes Better When Planting for Pollinators?: https://www.backyardecology.net/are-larger-patch-sizes-better-when-planting-for-pollinators/ (9:30) 3*) A Conversation with Kyle Lybarger from the Native Habitat Project: https://www.backyardecology.net/a-conversation-with-kyle-lybarger-from-the-native-habitat-project/ (10:49) 2) Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard: https://www.backyardecology.net/attracting-ruby-throated-hummingbirds-to-your-yard/ (11:58) 1) Gardening with Native Plants: https://www.backyardecology.net/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: https://www.backyardecology.net/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: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

The Christmas Bird Count, also known as the CBC, began in 1900. For the past 122 years, volunteer birders of all ages and abilities have gathered together to conduct surveys of the birds found in their areas. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running, community science or citizen science program in the U.S. and has spread to Canada and many other countries. The data collected through the Christmas Bird Count are extremely valuable and have been used in numerous scientific papers. Perhaps the most well recognized of those papers in recent years is the one published in 2019 citing the drastic decline in bird populations over the past roughly 50 years. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society and the Regional Editor for the Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky. During our conversation, James and I talk about what the Christmas Bird Count is and why it is so important. He also shares with us what happens on a Christmas Bird Count, who can participate (spoiler alert: anyone who enjoys birdwatching), how people can get involved, and some of his favorite CBC experiences. Just as a quick reminder, every week, I send a short email with links to the most recent Backyard Ecology blog article, podcast episode, and video, as well as, any other news of interest. It's the best way to make sure that you never miss anything in the Backyard Ecology world. You'll also get a free e-booklet as my gift to you when you join my email list. If you haven't signed up, then please do so using the link below. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Related Links: James' email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com National Audubon's Christmas Bird Count webpage: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count Kentucky Ornithological Society's Christmas Bird Count webpage: https://www.birdky.org/annualcbc.php Backyard Ecology Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Birdwatchers Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

The holiday seasons are upon us. This is often a time to gather with family and friends, give thanks, share memories, exchange gifts, and reflect both on what we have and what we hope to achieve in the coming year. I thought about skipping this episode completely since it will release on Thanksgiving Day and many of us will be involved with holiday activities. But then I decided that instead of skipping the episode, I wanted to take just a few minutes to express my gratitude. Backyard Ecology is now 2 years old. In that short time, it has grown from a blog, to a blog and podcast, and now a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. I am eternally grateful for everyone who takes the time to read the blog articles, listen to the podcast episodes, or watch the videos. Thank you so much for allowing Anthony and I to share our love of nature with you. I am also thankful for those of you who share our content with others. Knowing that you find our articles, podcast episodes, and videos valuable enough to share with your own friends, family, and community members means a lot to us. Thank you also to those of you who take the time to reach out to us and share your own experiences and observations with us. We love hearing from you and your emails, stories, and questions help us stay inspired and dedicated to putting in the time required to produce all of the free content that we create. I also want to say an extra special thank you to our monthly supporters on Patreon because their contributions are extremely important and deserve to be recognized. I thank them at the beginning of each episode and on the website, but I really can't thank them enough. In addition to all of the time and energy Anthony and I invest in producing the Backyard Ecology content, there are also significant financial costs associated with purchasing the necessary equipment and software, paying the monthly fees for hosting the content, and more. Without the financial help of our Patrons, we probably wouldn't be able to continue producing the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and videos. We are extremely grateful to each of our Patrons and are honored that they believe so much in us and our message that they choose to help us make Backyard Ecology freely available to all of our readers, listeners, and viewers. As we gather around our holiday tables this season and think about the people and things that we are grateful for, please know that each member of the Backyard Ecology audience is in my heart. Thank you for being a part of that audience and for allowing us to be a part of your life. Until next week, don't forget to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Note: If you would like to help support Backyard Ecology you can make a one-time donation or join our Patrons in making a monthly donation for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or a meal at your favorite fast food place. Links to do so can be found below. Links: Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology One-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Wasps are often portrayed as one of “the bad guys” in the insect world. But part of that common misconception comes from a lack of knowledge or understanding about wasps in general and stereotypes that don't apply to most wasp species. The truth is that wasps are extremely diverse and what most of us think of when we think of a “wasp” makes up only the tiniest percentage of all wasps out there. In fact, there are likely many different species of wasps that haven't even been identified yet. And wasps play an extremely important role in the ecosystem – one that is often overlooked and not well-understood. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Louis Nastasi who is a self-proclaimed ambassador for wasps. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State's Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State's research collection of insects and other arthropods. He also founded and is one of the instructors for the Wasp ID Course, which will have its second session in January 2023. During our conversation, Louis and I dive into the fascinating diversity of wasps, especially parasitoid wasps, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. Louis believes that a lot of the misconceptions around wasps are due to a lack of recognition of just how diverse wasps are. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps aren't capable of stinging people and many are the size of a speck of dust. Like with the first episode that Louis was on, our conversation takes many twists and turns. We talk a lot about parasitoid wasps and just how amazing it is that many of these parasitoid relationships developed in the first place. (One of the wasps we talk about lays its eggs in diving beetle eggs which are found underwater!) We also discuss how much we don't know about these species and how much there is still to learn. But through it all, Louis's passion for wasps and wasp education shines through. Links: Louis's contact info: Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu Twitter: https://twitter.com/toomanywasps Wasp ID Course Website: https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/ Twitter: @WaspIDCourse https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/ Email: waspIDcourse@gmail.com Other Resources: Forbes, A.A., Bagley, R.K., Beer, M.A. et al. Quantifying the unquantifiable: why Hymenoptera, not Coleoptera, is the most speciose animal order. BMC Ecol 18, 21 (2018). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 * : https://amzn.to/3fMZAho Wasp related video clips (including the fairy wasp one) from Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough: Underwater wasps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg Oak Tree and Wasp Eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI Paper colony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough (Full Documentary)*: https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU Related Backyard Ecology Resources: Galls: Amazingly Diverse and Fascinating Plant Growths: https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/ American Pelecinid Wasp: A Unique and Fascinating Critter: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/ Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/ Four-toothed Mason Wasp: https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/ Cicada Killers: Not as Menacing as They Appear: https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/ Eastern Red Velvet Ants: Doesn't Kill Cows and Isn't an Ant: https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: A species of Ichneumon wasp, one of our many parasitoid species. Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain

Monarch butterflies have become an increasingly hot topic in recent decades, and especially in the last couple of years. Conversations about monarchs often revolve around topics like their migrations, the importance of milkweeds, or other flowers we can plant for monarchs. Rarely do the topics of monarch health or monarch diseases come up. Yet these can also be fascinating and important topics to learn about and discuss. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Dr. Sonia Altizer and Kade Donaldson. Sonia is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Georgia and Kade is the Project Manager for Monarch Health which is a community science project based out of the University of Georgia. Most of our conversation revolves around the tiny protozoan, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, more commonly referred to by its initials: OE. OE is a parasite of monarch butterflies that has been interacting with monarchs for the past several centuries, at least, and likely for almost as long as there have been monarchs. However, over the last couple of decades, something has changed. OE has gone from being relatively rare to infecting very high percentages of some monarch populations. Exactly what has changed is still a topic of ongoing research, but the increased prevalence of OE appears to correlate to changes in human activities. The goal, therefore, is to determine what has changed and find ways to keep OE from spreading any more than it would naturally spread. One of the ways that OE infections are being studied is through Project Monarch Health. Project Monarch Health is a community science project that asks members of the public to help document OE infections throughout the country. Anyone can participate in this project which is based out of the University of Georgia, and we talk about Project Monarch Health quite a bit during our conversation. Other topics that we discussed are some of the common questions they get through Project Monarch Health. Those questions include ways people can help monarch butterflies and inquiries about raising monarchs. We also talked about how monarchs are only one part of the larger ecosystem. Protecting and conserving monarchs can also help lots of other organisms, but we need to be careful not to get so focused on monarchs that we lose sight of the big picture. Links: Project Monarch Health: Email: monarchhealth@gmail.com Website: https://www.monarchparasites.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectMonarchHealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectmonarchhealth/?hl=en Other monarch-related Backyard Ecology content: Monarch vs Viceroy - Easy Identification Sitting or Flying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL5RJokLhp4 Everything You Need to Know about the IUCN Listing of the Monarch Butterfly: https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iucn-listing-of-the-monarch-butterfly/ Diversity Matters When Gardening for Monarchs: https://www.backyardecology.net/diversity-matters-when-gardening-for-monarchs/ Plant Multiple Species of Native Milkweeds for Monarch Caterpillars: https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-multiple-species-of-native-milkweeds-for-monarch-caterpillars/ What does the endangered species ruling for the monarch butterfly really mean?: https://www.backyardecology.net/what-does-the-endangered-species-ruling-for-the-monarch-butterfly-really-mean/ Milkweeds in Urban and Suburban Monarch Waystations with Dr. Adam Baker: https://www.backyardecology.net/milkweeds-in-urban-and-suburban-monarch-waystations-with-dr-adam-baker/ Plant Taller Milkweed Species for Monarchs: https://www.backyardecology.net/plant-taller-milkweed-species-for-monarchs/ Backyard Ecology: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image Male monarch butterfly Photo credit: Sonia Altizer, all rights reserved

One of the most common pieces of advice given related to pollinator gardening is to try and have a constant supply of blooms available throughout the growing season. That's easy in the spring. The summer is a little more challenging than the spring, but is still relatively easy. Even early fall isn't too bad thanks to the goldenrods, ironweeds, and other fall flowers. It's the shoulder seasons that are the most challenging for providing flowers for pollinators. By shoulder seasons I mean the late winter / early spring and the late fall / early winter. For me, that typically corresponds to February / March and October / November. Your shoulder seasons may occur at slightly different times depending on how far north or south you live and your elevation. One of the reasons that the shoulder seasons are difficult is because the weather is so crazy at that time. Most flowers just can't take the cold temps, frosts, and freezes that are often associated with the shoulder seasons. However, there are a few native plants that can handle the crazy weather of the shoulder seasons. I'm recording this in October, so I'm going to focus on native plants that bloom in the late fall /early winter shoulder season, or the October / November time period. On a side note, if the weather is good, many of our goldenrods, white fall asters, thoroughworts, and other fall flowers will bloom well into October. However, most of those flowers will be killed off with the first good frosts. The native plants that I'm focusing on in this episode are the ones that typically don't start blooming until around October and that can survive those first frosts after most of the earlier blooming fall flowers are gone. To make it easier for you to refer back to particular parts of the podcast, here are the plants and the time I start talking about each: American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): 4:39 Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii) and Wavy leaf aster (Symphyotrichum undulatum): 8:05 Tickseed sunflower (Bidens aristosa): 12:24 American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum): 15:03 Links: Relevant Backyard Ecology blog articles and podcast episodes: American Witch Hazel: The Last Flowers of the Year: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-witch-hazel-the-last-flowers-of-the-year/ Short's Aster: https://www.backyardecology.net/shorts-aster/ Wavy leaf aster – A late feast for pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/wavy-leaf-aster-a-late-feast-for-pollinators/ American Mistletoe – A Holiday Plant Enjoyed by Pollinators and Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-mistletoe-a-holiday-plant-enjoyed-by-pollinators-and-wildlife/ Remember the Shoulder Seasons when Planting for Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/remember-the-shoulder-seasons-when-planting-for-pollinators/ 5 Fall Blooming Native Plants I Love: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-fall-blooming-native-plants-i-love/ Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting: https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Tickseed sunflowers Photo credit: Becky, cc-0

Have you ever found a leaf with weird little balls or spiky things attached to it? Or found a plant with a weird growth on its stem or a dense clump of leaves growing out of an odd place? Chances are those were galls. Going into this conversation, I knew a little bit about galls, but not much. However, what I knew was pretty interesting. So I wanted to learn more, and I thought you might be interested in learning more about them too. My mind was almost instantly blown. Galls are so much more diverse, interesting, and amazing than I ever dreamed of. Louis Nastasi joined me for this conversation. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State's Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State's research collection of insects and other arthropods. His research is looking at gall wasps in prairie plants, particularly Silphiums, of the Midwest. At its most basic level, a gall is a piece of plant tissue that has been modified by the activity of another organism. However, in reality, galls are so much more than that implies. They can be formed by a variety of different organisms, although most of the ones we think about and encounter are formed by different types of insects. They can also be found in a variety of different places on the plant, including hidden inside the stem in such a way that you would never know it was there unless you cut the stem open. Louis and my conversation touches on all kinds of topics related to galls. We start out talking a little about what galls are and the types of organisms that can form them, then focus more on insect-induced galls. From there our conversation covers topics like why insects might choose to form a gall in this plant over that plant, the importance of galls and the ecosystem, and how little we actually know about galls. This was a really fun and educational conversation. I learned so much and am completely intrigued. I could have kept discussing and learning more about galls for much longer because they are so much more complex and interesting than I realized. I hope you find the conversation as interesting and educational as I did. I also encourage you to check out the resources that Louis shared with us. Links: Louis's contact info: Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu Twitter: https://twitter.com/toomanywasps Louis's wasp I.D. course: https://waspidcourse.wordpress.com An example of a new state record of a gall wasp that was posted on i-Naturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/117815477 Other resources Louis recommends: Gall Formers: https://gallformers.org/ Gall wasp page on BugGuide: https://bugguide.net/node/view/14878 i-Naturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Related Backyard Ecology articles and episodes: The Goldenrod Gall Fly: An Insect with a Fascinating Life History and Valuable Role in the Ecosystem: https://www.backyardecology.net/the-goldenrod-gall-fly-an-insect-with-a-fascinating-life-history-and-valuable-role-in-the-ecosystem/ An Introduction to iNaturalist with Maddy Heredia: https://www.backyardecology.net/an-introduction-to-inaturalist-with-maddy-heredia/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: A gall on a leaf. Photo credit: Andy Deans, all rights reserved

One of the most common questions I get is, “What should I plant for pollinators?” As you'll hear in today's conversation, I'm not the only one who frequently gets that question. It's probably the most common question asked of anyone who promotes pollinator gardening. Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer to that question because lots of different factors go into determining the best plants for any given area or situation. However, research into this topic can give us clues as to what plants might be good ones to consider for our own gardens. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Laura Russo. Laura is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. She and her colleagues have been studying interactions between native plants and flower visiting insects. They recently published a report evaluating pollinator preferences of 18 different native plants in garden settings. Laura and my conversation covers, not only some of the findings of the study, but also the complexities that go into conducting scientific research like this. There's a lot more to it than simply planting a garden and seeing what visits the flowers. Recognizing those complexities can help us understand why this type of work is so important and why research related to planting for pollinators isn't done as often or cover as many species as many of us might like. Obviously, with only 18 different species in the study, there are a lot of species that were left out of the study. So, another one of the topics we talked about was their reasons for picking the species they picked for the study. We also discussed the importance of taking into account the gardener's preferences, as well as, the pollinators' preferences when planting for pollinators around our homes. No project can ever test every single flowering plant out there under every single condition possible, but research like what Laura and her colleagues are doing is still really important. And you don't have to live in east Tennessee for this research to be valuable, especially when you look at this research in conjunction with similar research from other areas. By looking at projects from a variety of locations, patterns can emerge, such as a genus that is consistently popular among flower visiting insects. These patterns can give us hints as to generalizations that we can make and point us in potential directions to go in the absence of exhaustive research in our exact location. Links: Planting for Pollinators in East Tennessee: https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W1095.pdf Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: A leafcutter bee on a yellow wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) flower Photo credit: Laura Russo, all rights reserved

We've all been there. We are walking in the woods, in a field, along a creek bank, around our property, or around the local park and we stumble upon an interesting plant. It isn't one that we know and we immediately begin to wonder, “what is that?” It's a simple question that holds so much potential because once we know what the plant is, we can find out more about it. The plants we find growing in a location can also help tell fascinating stories about the history of that area, provide hints as to the types of animals or even other plants that might also be found there, and so much more. But it all starts with being able to accurately identify the plant. In today's episode, I am joined by my husband, Anthony Trimboli. Anthony and I discuss some of the reasons why identifying plants you find can be important and some of the resources you can use for identifying plants (including pros and cons of each resource). We also share some of the things we look at when we are identifying plants. To make it easier for you to refer back to particular parts of the podcast, here is a rough outline of our conversation and the times we start discussing each topic. Importance of identifying plants: 1:34 Apps: 5:05 Field guides: 18:45 Dichotomous keys: 28:00 Building your own knowledge: 35:53 Summary: 1:01:46 Links Woody Plants in Winter: A Manual of Common Trees and Shrubs in Winter in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada:https://amzn.to/3q50Yxf * Flora of the Southeastern United States by Alan Weakley: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/ Shannon and Anthony's upcoming classes / workshops: https://shannontrimboli.com/events/category/classes/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Woodland sunflower Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

Fall is an extremely important time for pollinators, so having plenty of flowers available at this time of year is crucial if one of your goals is to attract pollinators. Luckily, there are lots of fall blooming, native plants that you can grow in your gardens. In the last Backyard Ecology podcast episode I talked about five late summer blooming native wildflowers that I love. Lots of people contacted me and said that they loved the episode and would like to hear more of my favorites. So, this time I thought I would share five of the fall blooming native plants that I love. I'm loosely defining fall as August through October. And just like last time, I'm not saying these are “the best native plants” to include in your pollinator garden. Because the best native plants for your yard and your goals, may not be the same plants that would be best for my yard, your neighbor's yard, or for someone in a different state. These are simply a few of the many native plants that I love which bloom in the fall, that the pollinators love, that songbirds love, and which work well in a garden setting. You'll have to decide if they are right for you or not. I'm also defining native as native to my area, which means you'll have to double check whether these plants are native to where you live. To make it easier for you to refer back to particular parts of the podcast, here are the plants and the time I start talking about each: Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): 2:17 Ironweeds (Vernonia spp.): 5:54 Joe-pye weeds (Eutrochium spp.): 7:32 Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa): 11:40 Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.): 14:47 Links: Relevant Backyard Ecology blog articles about the plants I talk about: Rough sunflower: https://www.backyardecology.net/rough-sunflower/ Joe-pye weed: https://www.backyardecology.net/joe-pye-weed/ Devil's walking stick: https://www.backyardecology.net/devils-walking-stick/ New England Aster: A Beautiful and Diverse Native Wildflower: https://www.backyardecology.net/new-england-aster-a-beautiful-and-diverse-native-wildflower/ Wavy leaf aster – A late feast for pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/wavy-leaf-aster-a-late-feast-for-pollinators/ Short's aster: https://www.backyardecology.net/shorts-aster/ 5 Late Summer Blooming Native Plants I Love: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-late-summer-blooming-native-plants-i-love/ Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting: https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Monarch butterfly on New England Asters Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

Late summer is often thought of as a challenging time for gardening. It's hot, it's humid, we may or may not be getting regular rainfall, and there are often lots of other summertime activities competing for our attention. But if our goal is to plant for pollinators and wildlife, then it is important to make sure we have plenty of plants blooming at this time of year too. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, I share some of the native plants that I love and why I love them so you can decide if they are right for you. All of these plants bloom in the July / August time frame, attract lots of pollinators, and have a large native range that includes Kentucky. You'll have to look up the plant to see if it is native to where you live. I'm not saying these are the “best native plants to plant,” because there is no way for me to know if these are the best plants for you without talking to you and learning more about your property and goals. These are simply some of the native plants I love and are in no particular order because my “favorite” has a tendency to change based on which one I'm looking at and what pollinators I'm thinking about. To make it easier for you to refer back to particular parts of the podcast, here are the plants and the time I start talking about each: Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): 3:22 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): 5:43 Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum sp.): 9:22 Goldenrods (Solidago sp.): 12:51 Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum): 17:22 Links Relevant Backyard Ecology blog articles about the plants I talk about: Purple Coneflower: https://www.backyardecology.net/purple-coneflower/ Black-eyed Susan: A favorite nectar source for butterflies: https://www.backyardecology.net/black-eyed-susan-a-favorite-nectar-source-for-butterflies/ Slender Mountain Mint: https://www.backyardecology.net/slender-mountain-mint/ Sweet Goldenrod: https://www.backyardecology.net/sweet-goldenrod/ Goldenrods: https://www.backyardecology.net/goldenrods/ Cup plant: https://www.backyardecology.net/cup-plant/ Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/ Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting: https://busybeenurseryandconsulting.com/ Backyard Ecology Website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Backyard Ecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Eastern tiger swallowtails on cup plant flowers Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved

I often hear comments or questions such as, “I do what I can in my yard, but I wish more people in my community would plant pollinator gardens.” Or, “What can I do to get my community involved and to make my community more pollinator friendly?” It can feel overwhelming and like there isn't anything we can do beyond our own individual space. But, sometimes all it takes is one person to step forward, raise their hand, and say “This is important. I can take the lead, but I can't do it on my own. Who wants to help?” In many ways, that's what happened in Bexley, Ohio. Today we are talking to Rebecca Ness. Rebecca is the Vice Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council in Bexley, Ohio. She is also the Chair of Love Your Alley, which is a local program that encourages community involvement in creating pollinator habitat. Rebecca and I discuss how the pollinator habitat emphasis for the Love Your Alley program came about, program successes, challenges, and lessons learned. I love how the Love Your Alley Program is bringing the community of Bexley, Ohio together in so many different ways. The program seems like it is a win, not only for their local pollinators, but also for the people who participate in the program. I also think that the Love Your Alley program can serve as an example, or case study, for people who would like to do something similar in their own community or neighborhood. It is my hope that this conversation will help you gain insights on ways to get your community or neighborhood involved with creating pollinator habitat. Or, at least provide encouragement from knowing that it can be done and that there are others who are not only doing it but are willing to share their experiences. Links Love Your Alley Resources Webpage: https://bexley.org/loveyouralley/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LoveYourAlley Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1519015388490244 Bexley's Mosquito Management Pilot Program: https://bexley.org/mosquitopilot/ Backyard Ecology Resources: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Alley mural and pollinator garden in Bexley, OH Photo credit: Rebecca Ness, all rights reserved

Did you know that Venus flytraps are insect pollinated? Or that they are native to a very small part of eastern North and South Carolina? Or that they rarely eat flies? I didn't either until I stumbled upon a research paper talking about the pollination of Venus flytraps. That paper led me down a rabbit hole of questions and fascinating discoveries about a plant that I had always been intrigued by, but had never taken the time to really learn about. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we're joined by Laurie Hamon. Laurie is an entomologist who recently completed her dissertation at North Carolina State University studying Venus fly traps and their pollination. She is also the author of the paper that I stumbled upon and which sent me on my own quest to learn more about Venus flytraps. Laurie and I began our conversation by talking about how the only place in the world that you can find Venus flytraps growing naturally is in a small region on the border of North and South Carolina. We also talked about the fact that Venus flytraps are insect pollinated and all the complicated questions that arise from the idea of a carnivorous plant being insect pollinated. Other topics of discussion included the feeding habits of Venus flytraps (which eat more ants and spiders than flies), the population status of Venus flytraps, where you can find them, and the threats that they face. We wrapped up the conversation by talking about how small populations of this rare and infinitely fascinating species can sometimes be found on private lands or along boggy roadsides. Laurie also provided us with a website where people who are lucky enough to have Venus flytraps on their property can go to learn more about how to care for and protect this charismatic little plant. Links Venus Flytrap Champions website: https://www.venusflytrapchampions.org/ Laurie's dissertation: The Pollination Ecology of the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and a Status Survey of its Native Populations: https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/bitstream/handle/1840.20/39455/etd.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Laurie's email: lehamon@ncsu.edu Backyard Ecology Resources: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQSzkcCJzYK6cBVm66drQA Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Venus flytraps Photo credit: North Carolina Wetlands, public domain

Summer brings with it butterflies, lightning bugs, caterpillars, hummingbirds, fawns, baby birds, and so much more. It can be a really fun time to just get outside and observe all of the fascinating plants and animals around us. There are also plenty of things that we can be doing at this time of year to help make our yards more attractive to pollinators and wildlife. My husband, Anthony Trimboli, joins us again for this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast. Anthony has been on the podcast a few times, so you may remember that, like me, he is a wildlife biologist and educator. He also frequently helps me with my nursery and habitat consulting. This is an episode that I have really been looking forward to sharing with you because we have an exciting announcement to share. We now have a Backyard Ecology YouTube channel! Anthony is taking the lead on it and in this podcast episode, we share some of our plans for the new YouTube channel. In addition to talking about the new YouTube channel, we share some of the many things that you can be doing or observing in your yards at this time of year. Links YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQSzkcCJzYK6cBVm66drQA Spring Hole Trail Cam - 18 Species Critter Parade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAvdIlynBFU Other Backyard Ecology Resources Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard: https://www.backyardecology.net/attracting-ruby-throated-hummingbirds-to-your-yard/ Trail cameras: A fun way to watch wildlife in your yard: https://www.backyardecology.net/trail-cameras-a-fun-way-to-watch-wildlife-in-your-yard/ Attract Butterflies with Overripe Fruit and Melon Rinds: https://www.backyardecology.net/attract-butterflies-with-overripe-fruit-and-melon-rinds/ Lightning bugs and Fireflies: A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 1: https://www.backyardecology.net/lightning-bugs-and-fireflies-a-conversation-with-lynn-faust-part-1/ Lightning bugs and Fireflies – A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 2: https://www.backyardecology.net/lightning-bugs-and-fireflies-a-conversation-with-lynn-faust-part-2/ Make a Bee Waterer: https://www.backyardecology.net/make-a-bee-waterer/ Create Mudding Spots for Butterflies: https://www.backyardecology.net/create-mudding-spots-for-butterflies/ Other Resources: Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada by Lynn Faust *: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0820348724/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0820348724&linkCode=as2&tag=backyardecolo-20&linkId=67cfaa76687d86421a5e0ca6d4c54ad8 Website: https://backyardecology.net Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ My email: shannon@backyardecology.net Episode image: White-tail deer and her fawn Photo credit: USFWS, Midwest Region, public domain

I often get asked what people can plant for bees. I can give good general answers to those questions, because we have a good idea of what types of flowers tend to be attractive to bees in general. We can then use that information along with personal observations made by ourselves and others to fairly easy determine what we can plant in a given area for bees in general. However, we still have a lot to learn when it comes to knowing what types of flowers certain types of bees prefer or what we can plant for specific types of bees. This is especially true when it comes to our native bees. Ask a Bumble Bee, is a new community science, or citizen science, project that is striving to answer some of those questions specifically for bumble bees. Finding out what types of flowers bumble bees prefer and what we can plant for them is especially important, because many species of bumble bees appear to be declining in number. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Jenan El-Hifnawi. Jenan is the Project Coordinator for Ask a Bumble Bee. Jenan joins us to talk about the project, the types of questions it hopes to answer, and how anyone who is interested can help out by observing bumble bees on flowers. Along the way we also share some of our own stories and experiences. Links Ask a Bumble Bee website: https://u.osu.edu/askabumble/ Jenan's email: bumblebeecount@gmail.com Related Backyard Ecology episodes: Are Larger Patch Sizes Better When Planting for Pollinators?: https://www.backyardecology.net/are-larger-patch-sizes-better-when-planting-for-pollinators/ Factors that Make Pollinator Gardens More Attractive to Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/factors-that-make-pollinator-gardens-more-attractive-to-pollinators/ Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/ Checking In After 50 Episodes of the Backyard Ecology Podcast: https://www.backyardecology.net/checking-in-after-50-episodes-of-the-backyard-ecology-podcast/ Backyard Ecology's website: https://backyardecology.net Backyard Ecology blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Backyard Ecology's Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ My email: shannon@backyardecology.net Episode image: Bumble bee on purple coneflower Photo credit: USDA, public domain