Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

In this episode, co-hosts Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria welcome back Troy Weldy, president of the Columbia Land Conservancy, to give an update on a few of the exciting projects the Conservancy has been up to lately. First up, recently launched 'Let's Go CoCo' is a website with a wealth of information dedicated to helping people find places in Columbia County to connect with nature. It includes not only the recreational land tracts under the Conservancy's auspices but also an extensive list of all public lands available for recreation in Columbia County. A directory and print map lists every public site and lets you search and filter available places based on your criteria - where are good places to swim, fish or picnic, which have ADA-accessible trails, where you can bring your dog, and much more. There's also a blog with seasonal tips for getting outside, how to enjoy nature safely and be respectful of the land, and offers ways to volunteer. Another exciting project in the works is the Taghkanic Headwaters Conservation Plan, a major land project designed to protect over 500 acres in the Taghkanic Headwaters. The land that the Conservancy is working to protect is a beautiful, ecologically important piece of forest that supports wildlife, clean water, and even the City of Hudson's drinking supply. But the Taghkanic Headwaters conservation project isn't just about setting land aside, it's also about how communities can come together to shape how public land is used and cared for. One of the most exciting things about this project is the vision behind it: the creation of a community forest.The concept is pretty simple: instead of one organization making all the rules the people who actually walk the trails, fish the pond, or picnic with their kids, help make decisions about how the land is used and cared for. It's a more collaborative, inclusive approach to conservation, and it's something the Conservancy hopes to model for future projects. Troy also shares news about other local efforts: building a trail from downtown Hudson to the Greenport Conservation Area, improving public access to green space, and working with towns across Columbia County to develop a Countywide Conservation Plan that identifies and protects the places that matter most. Whether you're a gardener, hiker, nature lover, or just curious about local conservation efforts, this episode gives a hopeful look at how we can all play a part in caring for the places we love. Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria Guest: Troy Weldy Resources

In this episode, Kate Brittenham—an ecological landscape designer—chats with Tim and Jean about how native plant gardens can be both beautiful and practical. These kinds of landscapes do more than just look good—they support local biodiversity and give homeowners a sustainable alternative to the typical lawn. Kate grew up surrounded by native plants at Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve, a special place in the southern Catskills created by her mother, Carolyn Summers. She shares how her design approach has shifted over time: from having to educate clients about the benefits of native plants to now working with folks who are already excited about creating ecological gardens. Kate also talks about how to strike the right balance between habitat and curb appeal, especially in suburban neighborhoods or places with HOA rules. Kate also talks about how things have really changed in recent years—more people are paying attention to pollinators, invasive plants, along with an increasing awareness of the downsides of keeping a traditional lawn. Since the pandemic, she's seen a real shift in what clients are asking for, and it's changed how she approaches her work. She shares practical advice for anyone looking to make their yard more habitat-friendly, from choosing the right native plants to dealing with invasives and designing with the local environment in mind. The conversation also dives into the updated edition of Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, the book she co-wrote with her mom, Carolyn Summers. Kate brings a great mix of honesty, plant knowledge, and optimism to the conversation—something gardeners of all experience levels will really enjoy. So if you're thinking about ditching some of your lawn or just want to learn more about plants that support pollinators, listen in as Kate Brittenham shares smart, approachable advice to help you take that first step! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kate Brittenham Image: The Cosmonaut CC BY-SA 2.5 CA Resources

Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with Flower Power Retrospective (Part 3) . In this episode you'll hear two previously aired short segments about flowers that have been compiled together for easier listening. In the first segment, Linda discusses how to grow popular fall flowers that include Mums, Asters and Montauk Daisies. Including these beautiful plants in your flower gardens will bring lots of fall color to your landscape. Chrysanthemums are a large genus in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The plants can grow 2-4 feet tall with blooms that are white, yellow, or pink in the wild species, but also come in multiple cultivars with many colors and shapes of flowers. Mums are divided into garden hardy and exhibition types. Garden hardy mums can be planted in gardens while exhibition mums are more florist types and need special growing care. Garden mums are often sold in the fall but can be planted in the garden for the following year. They need organic soils in full sun but can tolerate some shade in the south. Be sure to cut the plants back in summer to encourage bushiness and a later bloom time. Use in the border, in pots, or on the patio or porch for fall color. Asters are also members of the Asteraceae family. They have daisy-like flowers and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They typically bloom in late summer and fall, adding color as the seasons change. They have mounding as well as erect varieties and may be propagated by seeds, division, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals may nibble at the flower buds but they don't tend to eat the entire plant because of its pungent smell, bitter taste. The plant tolerates the nibbling, which serves as beneficial pruning. Asters are an important food and nesting source for wildlife. The Montauk Daisy (also known as the Nippon daisy) is native to Japan but cultivated as an ornamental elsewhere. This perennial tolerates light shade in hot climates. New growth may be cut back slightly in spring to maintain plant compactness and encourage bushy form. Removing spent flower heads may promote additional blooms. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. It produces wonderful, long-lasting fresh-cut flowers. They are also good for drought-tolerant gardens. The second segment features Holiday plants including how to care for them. Amaryllis, Holiday Cactus and Poinsettias are all discussed. Amaryllis bulbs, native to Africa, come in various sizes. Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers (typically red, white, pink, salmon, apricot, rose, or burgundy) on leafless stalks that can be 1-2 feet long. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. Amaryllis flowers, which can be single or double) range from 4 to 10 inches in size. The holiday cactus is a genus of succulent plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that are native to Southeast Brazil. This genus includes the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus. It has fleshy stems, showy flowers and grows well as a houseplant, preferring moisture but adapting to a variety of home environments. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but doesn't like direct sun. Periods of lower light in the fall will encourage winter blooms. They may be propagated by stem or root cuttings.The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Guatemala. In the United States, it is typically grown as a potted plant and is popular as a decorative flower (available in shades of red, pink, and white) during the holidays. The plant grows best in part shade at temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry, but do not overwater. The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom in the winter through the spring and cluster above showy red leafy bracts or modified leaves. We hope you've enjoyed this retrospective series. As Linda Levitt reminds us "don't forget to stop and smell the flowers'". Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Linda Levitt Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Welcome to Part 2 of the Flower Power Retrospective where the conversation on previously aired short segments is focused on how to select, plant and care for all kinds of flowers. Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, shares her knowledge and expertise focused on irises, peonies, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. The first segment concentrates on the iris family. These elegant flowers bring late spring or early summer color to your garden with some varieties that actually bloom again in the fall. These rugged, reliable flowers are easy to grow. The 250 to 300 species of irises grow well here in the Hudson Valley. While they tend to be deer resistant, they are great for pollinators and hummingbirds. Learn about the two major groups, those that grow from spreading rhizomes and those grown from bulbs. Irises in the rhizomatous family, which included the popular bearded iris, have multiple flowers on a stem. They are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, and a good selection for low maintenance mixed borders. The bulbous irises shed their leaves unlike the rhizome irises that maintain their sword like leaves if unattended. These irises you might find in a spring floral bouquet. This grouping does well in rock gardens and forcing them in pots. Most irises grow in full sun exposure for at least a half a day. Many grow in the shade but most likely will not bloom. They should be planted in late summer to early fall, early enough for the rhizomes to get established and survive over the winter. However, note that if you plant the rhizome and roots too deeply, they will not bloom. Irises do need good drainage. They look great when planted along with roses, peonies, salvias and alliums. Plant Iris is where you can watch the butterflies and hummingbirds. The second segment features a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens, the peony. They are elegant, long-living perennials known for their large, fragrant flowers. Blooming in late spring, they are excellent for cut arrangements. Their flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. These plants thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and can be stunning, low-maintenance additions to any garden. Learn about the three main types: Tree Peonies: Woody shrubs, 4–7 feet tall, hardy in zones 4–9, blooming April–May, with very large flowers. Herbaceous Peonies: Die back yearly, hardy in zones 2–8, bloom May–June, long-living (up to 50 years), low maintenance, deer resistant. Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies: Hybrid of tree and herbaceous types, hardy in zones 4–9, bloom in June, with big, colorful flowers and strong stems that don't require staking. The final segment focuses on three easy to grow annual flowers that bloom all summer. They are marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Marigolds are a favorite, no fuss annual, that germinate quickly from seed and will bloom in about eight weeks. They tend not to be a favorite of deer or rabbits, although there's never a guarantee. Marigolds are beneficial in repelling several types of insects, and as such are a great companion in vegetable gardens. They are an excellent choice for live bouquets, growing in containers or planting as a border along sidewalks and driveways due to their high heat tolerance. Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow, offering an explosion of color and shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They grow quickly and reliably and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Long strong stems make them excellent for cut flower arrangements.Cosmos are freely flowering plants that are easy to grow from seed, maturing in about two months. They may be considered slow to germinate but it will bloom quickly. The flowers sit atop a long slender stem that comes in a variety of colors and look very much like daisies. All three of these annual plants require full sun exposure and will bloom from late spring until frost, although zinnias tend to be less prolific in the heat of the summer. All three plants attract various pollinators. The marigold plants will attract butterflies, bees, ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Zinnias will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Cosmos will attract bees, butterflies and birds. These are all easy to grow colorful additions that can be added to your garden each year. We hope you enjoy this episode and remember, take the time to smell the flowers! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Linda Levitt Photo By: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Welcome to another Retrospective series consisting of previously aired short segments on similar topics packaged together for easier listening. This retrospective is called Flower Power which is all about how to select, grow and care for a wide range of flowers. Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt provides lots of practical tips on how to best select, plant, and care for a wide range of flowers. The first segment focuses on the difference between Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials. Annual plants complete their life cycle, from germination to seed production, in a single growing season and then they die. They tend to have numerous and continuous blooms from spring or early summer until frost and devote more energy to see production than roots when compared to perennials. Some well known annuals include: pansies, marigolds, lantana, super bells, garden mums, Zinnias, alyssum, and nasturtium. Annuals are a great way to experiment. maintain constant color, and refresh your garden year after year. By contrast, perennial plants regrow every spring, but have a shorter blooming period. By contrast, perennial plants will continue to grow each year. Only the top portion of the plant dies annually in the fall, maintaining their growing root system allowing reblooming in the spring. These plants tend not to bloom the first year of their life. Typically a perennial plant has a root system that spreads outwards and deep and will benefit from being divided after a couple of years. Perennials should last at least three years. They have a shorter bloom time than annuals so think about pairing different perennials that bloom at different times during the growing season. And pairing with some annuals for constant color. Perennials can be planted from bulb, seed or plant. Some commonly known perennials are coral bells, purple, coneflower, daffodils, bleeding, heart and daylilies. A biennial plant completes its growth cycle in two seasons but does not bloom until the second year. It drops its seeds after blooming and in two years, you should have new blooms. Some well known examples of biennial plants are poppies, sweet William and foxglove. In the next segment, Linda talks about the beautiful and versatile Lantana plant. This is an easy care, versatile, and colorful plant that is known for its long bloom season, from late spring to first frost. There are about 150 species within the Verbena family. The plant is considered an annual plant in colder climates and a perennial plant in more tropical environments. Lantana can propagate from seed or stem cuttings and should be planted at least two weeks after the danger of frost. It thrives in hot dry spots, and in all soil types that are well drained, as long as it has enough water to get established. Lantana blooms best in full sun. As an annual it can grow three to four feet tall and one to three feet wide in just one season. Some species can grow upright and tall providing great color in your garden or then can trail, spilling over in a hanging basket or container. The tiny flowers appear in clusters called umbels that are one to two inches across in colors that range from vivid reds and oranges to muted shades of coral, pink and peach and they don't have to be deadheaded. This plant is continuously blooming with foliage that is dark green or variegated, rough, textured and oval in shape. The plants attract pollinators, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Some plants to consider using as companion plants include Angelonia, Pentas, sun-loving Coleus, Superbells, Petunias and Salvia. They all have similar growing conditions and will do so well with Lantana. In summary, theyare beautiful, colorful, ever-blooming plants that require little or no maintenance when planted in the right conditions. This episode concludes with another short segment covering the hellebore, which is called the 'harbinger of spring'. It provides nectar for emerging pollinators when there are so few nectar sources available. Some of the plants are well-known by the names Winter Rose, Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, but they have no relation to the rose family. These plants are surprisingly frost resistant and some are even evergreen, keeping their color during the winter. Many species are toxic to animals and tend to be deer resistant. They thrive in partial shade, especially at the woodland edge. They will grow in dense shade but may not produce many flowers. However, they have been known to adapt to more light if necessary. Limda recommends that you plant hellebores in moist well-draining soil that has been supplemented with compost. They prefer soil rich in organic material and they will thrive if you plant them under trees, but note that Hellebores do not like hot summer sun. Plant in the spring or early fall as long as the ground is frost free. Once established, the plant will grow about 18 inches high with flowers that consist of five large petals, which are actually sepals, that form to protect the reproductive parts of the plant. For most species, the flowers are drooping and falling downward, so a woodland slope would be an ideal location. Some varieties however, have been bred with upright flowers and are used in spring bouquets. After a few years, a mature plant in the right conditions can produce 50 or more flowers. You should mulch every year in the fall and do allow fallen leaves to act as natural mulch and soil conditioner. Hellebores are hardy, long-loved perennials that if grown in ideal conditions will naturalize and spread. They are tough, cold hardy, deer or rabbit resistant and easy to grow, providing the possibility of evergreen foliage for year round interest. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Linda Levitt Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Learn more about the behind-the-scenes running of a restaurant in Round Top, NY. It's more than just the garden, and the kitchen. Julia Joern, Henning Nordanger, and Dan Hartquis are back on Nature Calls; Conversations from the Hudson Valley to finish their journey to create Julia's Local. There are plenty of business decisions that need to be made to keep a restaurant viable. It started from renovating an old house, that had lots of nooks and crannies, into an inviting place to enjoy a meal. As a non-tipping establishment, they have opted to use this approach to attract and retain a great staff. Julia's Local grows their own food in their culinary garden located on Blackhead Mountain Road on 1+ acres. Everything is started from seed. With the help of 'Tractor Dan', they have been cultivating the soil since the early summer of 2023. They grow root vegetables, peppers, garlic, kale, spinach, and berry bushes. They even have greenhouses where they grow both heirloom and sun gold tomatoes. Their raised bed gardens are used to grow herbs, nasturtiums, and other edible flowers, as well as the flowers they use on their dining room tables. But that's not all! Their garage houses multiple types of microgreens that thrive under grow lights. Learn where 'Tractor Dan' sources his seeds and how they keep the produce coming all year long. In addition to the restaurant, they offer some frozen 'small batch' offerings such as soups, stews, pot pies, that can be ordered online. It's a great option when hosting surprise guests and being able to provide them with a delicious meal. Cooking classes are also occasionally offered. So regardless of the season, enjoy learning about what it takes to run a farm-to-table restaurant and take the time to check out this local gem! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Henning Nordanger, Julia Joern, Daniel Hartquist, and JD Eiseman Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kenelty, Amy Meadon, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith Resources

Julia's Local is a garden--to-table restaurant serving rustic American cuisine withulia's Local is a garden--to-table restaurant serving rustic American cuisine with a Scandinavian twist. Located in Round Top (Greene County), NY. After a multi-year building renovation, the restaurant was opened about four years ago. Three of the key forces behind the restaurant joined Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the restaurant and how they bring fresh produce to their patrons every day. Julia Joern has lived in Round Top since 1999. Her background includes architecture, design, and public relations. She purchased the building that houses the restaurant in 2019, initially for a boutique company that organized public and private programs, and was the host of 'Hudson Valley Work of Mouth', a radio show on WGXC/90.7 FM interviewing creative people throughout the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Capital Region. She loves working with creative people who know how to make 'something' from basic materials. Chef Henning Nordanger is a native of Bergen, Norway. Escoffier-trained, he gained experience working in large hotel restaurants and mountain resorts throughout Norway. A quarter of a century after arriving in the United States, he worked in New York City in restaurants and as a private chef. He moved to Sullivan County in 2006 and after a stint as a carpenter, opened and ran his first restaurant. Henning's Local (Sullivan County) between 2012-2024. He has developed long-time relationships with many regional, sustainable agricultural businesses throughout the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. 'Tractor Dan' Hartquist, a fruit and vegetable farmer originally from Columbia County, moved to Round Top once he bought a house in Greene County. Purely by chance, he met with Julia and Henning, and the rest is history! There is a wonderful collaboration between Henning and Dan selecting what to grow to enhance the menu in the restaurant. Using organic practices, they continually try new produce yet need to balance the new with some of their standard fare. If there is extra, they package offerings that can be purchased retail. But their produce is always picked the same day so everything is at its peak of flavor.. Learn about the history of this restaurant, the backgrounds of the individuals involved, and how they create a menu from what the garden produces throughout the year Your taste buds will waken hearing about their eggplant parmesan tomato soup, and tomato salads, Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Julia Joern, Henning Nordanger, and Dan Hartquist    Photo by: Julia's Local Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kenelty, Amy Meadon, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith Resources

Viburnums are a genus of flowering evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous shrubs or (in a few cases) small trees in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae. There are more than 150 species and cultivars, many (but not all) of which are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere either in North America or Asia. With this many to choose from, it may be hard to pick which might be appropriate for your landscape. Enter Eli Joseph-Hunter from Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd, located in Cornwallville (Greene County), NY. Greene Bee is a full service nursery that was started in 2007. Owned by passionate gardeners, it contains a wealth of herbs, perennial, and woody plants and is a delight to visit. Eli rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to provide us with a deep dive into this favorite landscape plant. The good news is that viburnums are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, whether it be wet or dry soil, or anywhere between full shade to full sum. In addition to providing beautiful aesthetics, once established, viburnums tend to be drought resistant, require minimal maintenance, and have relatively few disease or insect problems. Some compact species max out under two feet tall, while others grow to be 20 feet high. Considered mostly moderate- to fast-growing plants, viburnums typically grow from 1- 2 feet per year. Some varieties (like arrowwood viburnum) may take seven to eight years to reach their mature size of 15 feet. Viburnum leaves are opposite on the branches and can be rounded or lance-shaped, smooth, velvety, or rough, and are often deeply veined. They typically have attractive white or pink flowers that bloom between early spring and early summer. The individual florets that grow in clusters at the ends of branches attract many butterflies.. On the deciduous varieties, their fall color can be striking ranging from bright yellow, to glossy crimson, to a deep rusty maroon. Their fruit (drupes) contain a single seed, set in late summer, attract birds and other wildlife, and can be metallic blue, bright red, yellow, orange, or in some cases change from red to deep purple as autumn progresses. A heavy fruit set is more reliable when at least 2 different cultivars or seedlings of the same species are planted together. Most viburnums are dense shrubs, great as hedges or border screenings, forming a mass of green foliage. They also tend to be relatively deer-resistant shrubs, although recently planted ones should be protected from deer browse, at least for the first year. From a disease perspective, a variety of fungal leaf spots and a bacterial leaf spot may be fairly common in some areas. Viburnum leaf beetles, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and scale can also be problems, but they are relatively easy to care for. So don't hesitate to experiment with and enjoy one or multiple viburnum varieties in your landscape. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Eli Joseph-Hunter Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith Resources

Founded in 1982 by Joseph Gilbert, The Chatham Berry Farm has been providing Columbia County and the surrounding areas with local, healthy and wholesome food for over 4 decades. Starting as a fruit stand pulled by a tractor, the 25 acre farm now includes a specialty food store, a garden center, a farm kitchen, a full-service meat and seafood department, production greenhouses and even a Cidery. Joe Gilbert, a vegetable and fruit farmer, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the history of the Chatham Berry Farm, lessons learned over time, and what the future may hold. Joe was born in New Jersey, and lived in Connecticut, before moving to Columbia County, NY. Working with a friend, they initially sold their produce in New York City, but eventually started the farm stand in1982. At that time, produce was only sold in bulk but they differentiated themselves by allowing customers to buy their produce by the 'piece'. They worked the land, focusing on creating rich soil and Improved it by composting leaves from neighboring towns on the property, tilling it into the soil every year. That approach paid off as, even today, they don't use any chemicals. They primarily grow blueberries, raspberries, herbs, and vegetables, partnering with other area farms to offer more options, and only selling retail (not wholesale). The Cidery, opened in 2016, is a relatively new addition which became very popular during the pandemic and beyond with its outdoor seating. The Chatham Berry Farm is a family owned and operated farm that faces the same challenges of other farmers in the region. Joe describes how farmers need to be multi-talented, able to handle carpentry, electrical, and plumbing tasks to keep everything working properly in addition to knowing how to run a farm. The hours are long to keep the fields productive and weed free and to keep their prices competitive and affordable. Farmers must adhere to many regulations and face many challenges. The number of farms in Columbia County today is a small fraction of what existed in the past. Farmers learn through trial and error what works and what doesn't, and Joe shares some of the lessons he's learned over the years. While Joe and his family enjoy the farming lifestyle, he understands that the long hours are not for everyone, especially in light of the challenges associated with turning a profit. Unfortunately, most farms today do not provide the only income for farm families. Joe's two sons, Jon and Mike, are integral in the day-to-day management of the farm business. Together, they've invested in their land, in the people they serve. as well as in the future of the entire community. Joe served on the board of Cornell Cooperative Extension for 20 years and continues to have great outreach to the local community with classes and seasonal events. The future of the farm lies in the hands of his children who will need to address the challenges of climate change, finding skilled labor and affordable housing for farm workers, among other things.. Listen to Joe to learn about the joys and challenges of farming in the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Taly Hahn Guest: Joe Gilbert Photo by: Taly Hahn Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Eileen Simpson Resources

Cultivate Catskill is an all volunteer group dedicated to the beautification of their village. It all started over a dozen years ago when Shelly Pulver, who has lived in Catskill for 55 years and President of the organization, saw an email about hanging baskets. She thought that installing them along Main Street was something that could be done. Over a dozen years later, the village, with a population just under 4000, has over 90 hanging baskets along both Main Street and Bridge Street to the delight of the local residents.. Joining Shelly in this endeavor is her long-time friend, Robin Smith, who is a native Catskillian, Treasurer of the organization, and has been a Master Gardener Volunteer for over 20 years. The two of them along with another dozen volunteers get together every year to help plant pride in their community. In addition to the hanging baskets, they install brightly colored annuals in numerous urns and other containers, care for multiple pocket parks adding seasonal flowers, and  make the downtown shopping district attractive and inviting for visitors and residents alike. The local Tree Council, spearheaded by Hudson Talbott and now part of Cultivate Catskill, has planted over 76 trees in the village along Main Street and more recently in the cemetery. They even worked with the Village Board to create a Tree ordinance to protect and maintain the local trees. Their combined efforts have contributed to a kind of renaissance of the downtown area. To get started they worked with a national organization, America in Bloom, which helped to prioritize their efforts and provided a framework that helps revitalize other municipalities. With their guidance and a lot of hard work, the Bank of Greene County and the Department of Public Works have become great supportive partners in this initiative. To fund their efforts, they have sold memorial bricks, held cookie sales, applied for grants, hosted a Holiday House tour, and still hold monthly Trunk Sales (on the 2nd Saturday of the month between May and October). They decorate for all seasons including funding Holiday snowflake lights (complete with swags that cross the street). Working with local merchants, they organized 'Caturday' and Winter Solstice Strolls events, became an official non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and have gradually expanded their focus beyond Main Street. Uncle Sam's Bridge becomes a feature during the summer months adorned with window-boxes overflowing with multi-colored flowers. The Howard Street and Mott Street slides (alleyways) get attention, as do the Blue Star Park, Policeman's Park, Leggio Park, and now Dutchman's Landing. Recently, working with the local Fortnightly Club, they built a Sprayground (a.k.a. a spray playground) at Elliott Park for children and adults to enjoy during the summer months. Volunteers are always welcome especially to weed and water. Listen in to learn more and potentially apply this approach to your community. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests; Shelly Pulver and Robin Smith Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tally Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas Resources

Welcome to the third retrospective episode featuring previously aired short segments about Tools of the Trade with Tim Kennelty and The Grateful Shed with Annie Scibienski. They discuss Tools that most gardeners deem essential. The episode starts off with Tim Kennelty discussing two resources that help you choose perennials for your garden. The Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware is a not-for-profit organization that has a great display garden and offers courses on native plants and ecological gardening. They also conduct three year native plant trials to determine which cultivars of a certain species might work best. Plants are rated on their habitats, floral display, disease resistance, among other factors. The web site includes lots of photos and basic information on each cultivar. Similarly, the Chicago Botanical Garden website focuses on herbaceous and woody plants. They also conduct trials to identify the best cultivars looking at factors that include the plants ability to respond to winter damage. Both are useful resources when looking to design a garden or add some additional plants to an existing one. Next, Annie Scibienski discusses garden forks of which there are many varieties. The typical garden fork has a horizontal 'shoulder' with four tines that is used for loosening and lifting hard-packed soil. It can also be used to mix compost or other fertilizers into the soil. Look for a garden fork made out of forged steel and either a hickory or ash wooden handle. Pitch forks or hay forks are an option to break up and turn compost or aerating soil in addition to working with hay. A hand fork is useful to use for weeding or cultivating shallower areas. There's lots to learn about forks! Annie comes back for the last segments when the discussion shifts to shovels, spades and trowels, A shovel has a bowl shaped blade with a pointed tip and typically a longer handle to break up the ground, dig holes, or move dirt and other materials from one place to another. A spade typically has a straight-edged blade flat made with pressed steel and a handle made of a hardwood. It's great for edging a garden bed or lawn, cutting through compacted soil, slicing roots, and typically offers greater precision in digging. A trowel is typically used with one hand to dig small holes, transplanting seedlings, or even scooping potting soil. The right tool for the right job makes any gardening task easier. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski Photos by: Tim Kennelty and Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas Resources

Welcome to the second part of our Tools Retrospective with Master Gardener Volunteer, Joan Satterlee, which consists of 3 previously aired segments known as Tools of the Trade. Learn about some great resources that many gardeners consider essential. This episode starts off with a short segment about bird identification. The Merlin app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology was developed over 10 years ago with contributions of photos and recordings from over 5000 birders around the world. It's very easy to use as it asks you very easy questions such as where and when you saw the bird, its size, colors (up to 3), and what activity the bird was engaged in when you saw it. It then provides you with photos and a brief description to help you identify what you saw. It also has a sound ID feature that allows you to make a recording and the app tells you what birds you are hearing. A very useful tool to better understand the world around you. Next, learn more about perennials with three great resources. "Essential Perennials" is organized by botanical name but has a handy common name index too. It provides information such as the plant's flower color, bloom time, foliage characteristics, and light requirements."Gardening with Perennials by Month" is another great book featuring 700 different species, with great descriptions, that is organized by bloom time, as well as providing information on growing conditions and potential plant diseases. So if you are looking to create a garden with something in bloom all season, or a garden with plants that are in bloom at the same time, this book is for you. Finally, for beginners, check out "Perennial All Stars" featuring 150 different options. Plants are selected for their long bloom times, ease of maintenance, ability to grow in a variety of conditions, and reliability to come back year after year. The third segment in this episode features the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. You might wonder why we recommend this for Hudson Valley Gardeners, but it is such an easy, ready-to-use web tool. You can search by both botanical and common name with over 8,000 plant listings that are concise, informative and consistent. It includes 17 attributes for each plant including zone, bloom time, bloom description, suggested uses, noteworthy characteristics, etc. So it's a wonderful tool for New York gardeners. Next time, we'll have even more tool resources that you may find helpful. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Joan Satterlee Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

This episode contains three previously aired segments about a common topic that have been put together for easier listening. Tools of the Trade is a series of descriptions of essential tools that Master Gardeners use to research and answer questions about our natural environment. Master Gardener Volunteer Joan Satterlee provides detailed explanations of each tool including how it is best used. The topic of the first retrospective segment is iNaturalist, which is a website or app that can be used to identify plants, insects, and animals. Launched in 2008, it uses photographs and artificial intelligence to help you explore your surroundings. Available on iOS and Android operating systems, there is no fee to use it. There is even a version, called Seek, that is an alternative for beginners. Are you looking to find native plants for your garden? Stay tuned for information about the Audubon Native Plant Database. Once you enter your zip code, you'll find a listing of all the native plants that are from your area. You can organize the search results in many different ways such as type of plant, features, or even the type of bird it may attract. There are lots of search options and filters to get even more information specific to your interests. The last segment in this episode features a gardener's classic resource for woody plants: the Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants written by Michael Dirr. Organized by botanical name, this gardening 'bible' also has an index of common names that can be extremely helpful. It provides information about the plant's leaves, bids, flowers, fruit, size, hardiness, and diseases, among other things. It even describes its landscape value. While this manual contains line drawings, if you prefer photographs, consider investing in the Dirr's Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs as another potential resource. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Joan Satterlee Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Resources

The Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team was honored to meet with Joel DuBois who is the Executive Director at Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District (GCSWCD), as well as chairman of the Greene County Planning Board. and a board member at the Greene Land Trust. There are 58 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across New York State. Each is focused on an individual county's specific needs. They are all dedicated to the best management of natural resources. Greene County is located in southeastern NY and is home to the northernmost Catskill high peaks and is bordered on the east by the Hudson River. The GCSWCD has been in existence since 1961. Since its inception, they have developed a diverse conservation program to address local needs, and assist landowners, local municipalities, as well as state and federal agencies in their conservation efforts. One of their focus areas is watershed management, including both policy and programs. A watershed can be defined as the area or land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins or seas. As Greene County (along with Schoharie County) is home to New York City's drinking water supply that serves 9 million people, managing water quality is of prime importance. The watershed is the largest unfiltered water system in the country so maintaining the health of the system saves the expense of building an expensive water filtration system. The only treatment NYC's water receives is some ultraviolet light exposure. So the Soil and Water Conservation district spends a lot of time reducing any turbidity (cloudiness) of the water typically due to glacial lake clay. Other causes of turbidity include flooding or long term channel migration. The network of roots from the forest trees along the watershed areas helps to stabilize the soil and becomes a natural filter for the water. But stream water quality is also a focus where they install buffer initiatives. For example, with the landowner's permission, GCSWCD will plant native trees and shrubs in fallow fields up to 300 feet away from a stream. GCSWCD typically plants over 3,000 trees each year, but they sell another 4,000 annually at their bare root plant sale as a public service. Trees can be ordered in late winter and picked up around Earth Day in April. They come in bundles of 10. Compost, fertilizer, and tree tubes (to protect the seedlings from deer browse) can also be ordered for pickup during the annual sale. The GCSWCD can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and offers volunteer opportunities to interested residents. Listen in to the good work that is being done to help the entire community today and into the future. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Joel Dubois Photo By: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas Resources

A houseplant can be defined as a plant that is grown indoors, typically in some kind of a container. Many houseplants are those that are adaptable to the lower light levels usually found indoors. But all plants, including houseplants, require water, light and food. The trick to success with houseplants is to find the right plant for the conditions within your home and practice moderation in taking care of it. Water is a key to success, but overwatering is often the cause of houseplants that fail to thrive. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch to water them, as most don't like 'wet feet' if the soil is too moist. Light is another key ingredient. Many plants do best in a window with a southern exposure that maximizes the available light. But others don't like direct sunlight and may prefer a well lit room with filtered light (e.g. through a curtain) or a light from a bulb. Plants that don't get the light they need may not flourish. Soil is the third key ingredient. The best soil depends on the plant species, so read the labels carefully or do some research to determine the best growing medium. If you successfully nurture houseplants through the winter, you might be able to move them outdoors for the summer. This helps to build roots and foliage, but be careful when and how you do this. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants. Listen to Master Gardener Volunteer Kristin Swanson in a general discussion about houseplants on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. In addition to talking about basic year-round care, she'll cover considerations when bringing houseplants outdoors in the spring and back indoors in the fall. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants. Just remember they're living things, so take care of them the best you can. Unfortunately Kristin left this world at the end of December 2024, so we pulled this interview from our radio archives from the fall of 2019 when Digging In with Master Gardeners was a radio show on WGXC 90.7 FM. With the permission of the radio station, we've edited the interview to fit our podcast format and are presenting it again for your listening pleasure. In addition to being a Master Gardener Volunteer, Kristin was a nurse, an educator, a musician (playing the bagpipes and the flute), a volunteer at the New York State Museum and at the Clermont Historic As a dedicated nurse, she was compassionate and always saw the patient as a person first, and strove to recognize their true needs. Drawn to nature, she loved to hike and became a Master Forest Owner volunteer helping others appreciate the natural landscape.She was proud of her military service and passionate about her cats, her ferns, and learning new things. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, intelligence, enthusiasm, sage-like wisdom, strong convictions, and insight. As a Master Gardener, she touched our lives and for that we are forever grateful. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Kristin Swanson Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith,  Resources

Health challenges, unfortunately, tend to come with age. Gardening is a popular retirement hobby but may require a new approach as we age. Adaptive Gardening means making small changes to accommodate a gardener's physical needs. This approach may help us continue to enjoy this hobby. However, realistically, adaptive gardening applies to gardeners at any age. Think about gardening smarter, not harder. Examples of some adaptations might include gardening in raised beds, containers, or soft-sided bags. Different gardening tools might also help in the care of plants and even reduce the chance of injury. For example, a balanced watering jug with a wide handle might lessen the tightness of the grip needed to carry it. Once you understand some adaptive considerations, you can get creative implementing gardening techniques. Three areas typically require some form of adaptation: Muscles and Joints, Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary issues,, Visual and Memory problems. Special tools can make a big difference to help with some of these issues. But the selection of plants can also help. For example, woody plants are easier to care for and don't require the same amount of work as annuals and perennials. Air Plants are a great option indoors. Life long marketer and gardener, Duane Pancoast, has helped tree, landscape, and lawn care businesses market their services. His passion for gardening started when he studied Landscape Architecture at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, As mobility restrictions began taking their toll on his own gardening abilities, he decided to share his experience with other senior gardeners, including how he 'adapted'. His blog and book "The Geriatric Gardener 2.0" provide a wealth of information that might be helpful to you too. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team to share his insights. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Duane Pancoast Photo by: Duane Pancoast Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

David MacDougall joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about snakes, turtles, and other inhabitants of wetlands. Dave is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and a Consulting Biologist who also does site assessments and wetland delineations. Dave also wrote the Field Guide book about the Karner Blue butterfly that can typically be found in a pine barren. Amphibians are semi aquatic beings, having adapted to inhabit a wide variety of habitats. Their life cycle typically starts as aquatic larvae and they later undergo metamorphosis to become an air-breathing adult with lungs. They are similar to reptiles but do require access to water bodies to breed. Amphibians and reptiles are both ecological indicators to habitat conditions which is why some of them are protected and/or endangered. Reptiles, unlike amphibians, have scales and their skin is dry. They include snakes, alligators, lizards, turtles and tortoises. Snakes play a critical role in managing the environment including control of rodent, insect, and other invertebrate populations. A single rat snake can consume over 100 rodents a year. Snakes, in turn, are part of the diet of hawks and foxes. New York State is home to 17 different types of snakes, the most being the garter snake and the water snake. Non-venomous snakes also exist in the environment like garter, rat, milk, brown, and green snakes. Others like water snakes, black rat snakes, or black racers can be found in the area. There are only three types of venomous snakes in New York: eastern copperheads, timber rattlesnakes and the massaguas. They don't really want to bite you because if they do, they won't be able to eat for a week. Fundamentally, you're too big to waste their venom! There are 18 species of turtles in New York State. The snapping turtle and the painted turtle are the most common. Others that can be found include bog turtles, eastern box turtles, wood turtles, and others that are on the list of threatened, endangered, or species of concern. In this episode, you'll also learn about the Karner Blue butterfly and how climate change and development may be affecting the habitats of some of these species. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: David MacDougall Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

The walled garden at Bellefield was originally created by one of America's most celebrated landscape architects, Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959), Renowned for the gardens she designed for some prestigious private universities and colleges, Bellefield represents a prime example of American garden design and one of Farrand's few surviving private commissions. In 1911, Beatrix was asked to design a garden adjacent to a newly renovated house at Bellefield in Hyde Park, NY. She was influenced by several well-known landscape architects and garden designers early in her career and applied what she learned to this residential design commission located at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site. The garden stretches from a terrace attached to the house and is enclosed by a stone wall and a hemlock hedge. The garden is divided into three 'rooms' defined by gravel walks, long planting beds, and areas of open lawn. The garden is laid out in forced perspective so that the sequentially smaller garden rooms further away from the house create the impression of a much larger space. The planting beds along the gravelled walks and lawn are filled with layers of color with plants spilling over the vertical stone edging and taller plants stand next to the garden walls. The original plans also depicted an outline of a natural or wild garden beyond the walled area that incorporated several existing trees. The vegetation in this area was to serve as a transition to the surrounding lawns and trees. Bellefield was donated to the National Park Service in 1976 to provide a protective buffer for the adjacent Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The garden was carefully put to bed until 1993 when it was restored by the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in partnership with the National Park Service. The restoration contains a stunning display of composed borders washed in pink, white, blush, cream, grey, mauve and purple. surrounded by vine covered walls and well maintained hemlock hedges. Karen Waltuch talked with the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team to discuss more of the history of the Garden, what can be found there, how to visit it, and how to volunteer there. Karen joined the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in 2018 after working at other public parks and gardens over many years. She is also a professional violist who has a diverse performance career. After listening to this episode, you'll definitely want to visit this hidden gem in New York's Hudson Valley. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Karen Waltuch Photo by: National Park Service Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Amy Meadow, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas Resources

Madeline Hooper rejoins the podcast Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the second season of GardenFit that is available on PBS. GardenFit is a delightful combination of stunning garden tours and practical tips helping viewers learn how to take care of their bodies while taking care of their gardens. Its fundamental premise is that gardening should be joyful, not painful. The 13 episodes in Season 2 feature passionate gardeners who are also well-known artists, ranging from painters, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, musicians, designers and culinary pioneers. Learn how creative artistry is often inspired by nature. Take a journey into how art can also spark a vision for an imaginative garden. The show also provides simple, easy-to-learn practical tips and tune-ups to prevent strain and stress , and like a garden tool, use the body correctly. Madeline is from upstate New York (Columbia County) who has been a gardener for over 30 years. After an exciting career in public relations, a trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and then of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, she honed her gardening skills at Rockland Farm, a ten-acre property that she and her husband have developed from scratch over the past 25 years. The Rockland Farm is open a few times a year to benefit the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program and the Berkshire Botanical Garden's educational programs. She is very familiar with many aches and pains due to her daily gardening. Her personal trainer has taught her common-sense body movements and self-care to relieve the pains, enabling her to share these tips with us and truly enjoy being in the garden. Host: Jean Thomas and Taly Hahn Guest: Madeline Hooper Photo by: Madeline Hooper Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson Resources

One thing the pandemic taught us is the importance of our National Parks. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is no exception. With over 300 acres of trails, gardens, Springwood (the FDR Homestead), and the FDR Presidential Library, this is a wonderful place that is worth a visit. Admission is free, but there is a fee if you'd like to tour the house. A home, a farm, and an experimental forestry plantation, Springwood is an enduring memorial to the 32nd and longest serving President of the United States. 33 acres were deeded to the National Park Service with instructions to maintain the house, flower gardens, orchard, and vegetable garden as they were during FDR's time. The National Park Service opened the land to the public in 1946. The nearly two acre FDR Home Garden was a central part of life for the Roosevelt family. FDR grew up working and playing in the garden as did his children and grandchildren. It remained important to him long after his childhood. The Home Garden, nearly two acres in size, was a central part of life for the Roosevelt family. Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up working and laying in the garden. It shaped his ideals of sustainability, land stewardship, support of the grow-your-own movement in the 1940s, and the legacy of his presidency. This garden and the rest of the Springwood estate were managed by FDR's mother, Sara Roosevelt, and maintained by gardener William Plog. The high quality produce fed the Roosevelt family and their staff. The farm was a prime example of gentleman farming in the Hudson Valley. The current vegetable garden was designed to replicate the Roosevelt's garden with as much historical accuracy as possible. The heirloom vegetable varieties grown today are cultivated using modern organic practices including composted manure from the horses on the property to fertilize the garden. The garden is maintained with the support of volunteers who help plant, maintain, and harvest the crops. The garden is used for a variety of educational programs and remains free and open for the public to enjoy. Anna de Cordova joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about the historic site and the home gardens. Anna is a horticulturist with the National Park Service focused on the home gardens in Hyde Park. Prior to her current role, she worked at numerous other historic sites including Locust Park in Poughkeepsie.  She loves the public outreach and volunteer aspect of working at a historic garden site.  She thrives at the intersection of science, art, and history, and has lots to share about the FDR Home Garden. Listen and learn about FDR's love of the land, and value for the findings of science, both of which helped to shape the conservation policies and focus on clean water for the country. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Anna De Cordova Photo by: National Park Service  Resources

Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas join us once again for the third and final episode of The Cover Up Retrospective, where we've grouped some previously aired short segments together for easier access. In the first segment, Morning Glories are a featured annual vine, but this category also extends to gourd and mini-pumpkin vines, scarlet running beans, and more. Sedums, including Hens and Chicks, are the featured ground covers (and succulents) in this episode. These herbaceous perennials, commonly known as stonecrops, are great options for rock gardens and other areas that are drought prone. Both of these vines and ground covers are low maintenance and relatively easy to grow. The second segment discusses the benefits of sedges, bearberry, and trailing arbutus as ground covers and vines that support pollinators and provide shelter for insects and birds. Sedges are a good alternative for a ‘native' lawn. With over 2000 species, mostly low-growing, and many ever green, they can also be used as a living mulch. Bearberry is a great option to plant under oak or pine trees as it thrives in partial to full shade environments. The name, Trailing Arbutus (a.k.a. Mayflower and Plymouth Mayflower), is derives from the fact that the flowers of this plant were the first to greet the pilgrims after their first winter. It is a native perennial subshrub that forms a creeping mat, usually four to size inches high. The third segment focuses on flowering vines. Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with white and purple or blue flowers. There are now hardier varieties that can survive in zone 5. While it blooms from midsummer to early fall, each flower only lasts about one day. The Kiwi vine is another interesting option that can grow up to 33 feet long and has some varieties that are hardy to zone 4. A native of China, it has green heart shaped leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem and a flower that has a slight resemblance to the kiwi bird. Both passionflower and kiwi vine can be fragrant additions to your garden if you can provide the appropriate support for them to climb. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Welcome to The Cover Up Retrospective Part 2. This conversation features potential ground covers and ornamental vine choices to consider for your own garden. Master Gardener Volunteers Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas share some of their favorites in these three previously aired segments. The first segment starts with a discussion of Green and Gold (a.k.a. golden star) which is a low-growing, clump-forming herb. It thrives in full sun or part shade with long-blooming yellow flowers. This ground cover is climate resilient, slow-growing, and does not have to be ‘pampered'. Dutchman's pipe, a relative of wild ginger, is a vine that can grow 15-30 feet in length and width. It's a great option if you want to create a privacy screen as long as it's given a strong support to grow on.Its tiny flower even attract hummingbirds. Purple and white flowers are the theme of the second segment. Wild Geraniums (cranesbill) and native Wisteria are the focus. A cousin of the annual geranium, the native wild geranium is a hardy perennial that comes in a range of cultivars forming mats of foliage that look great planted under shrubs or with spring bulbs. Don't confuse the native American Wisteria with the invasive variety that can pull down structures and spreads easily. The native version can grow 15-40 feet so it does need a sturdy support. Planted in full sun, it will reward you with fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The final segment features golden ragwort and climbing hydrangeas. Tim likes golden ragwort for its bright yellow flowers as well as its ability to compete with invasive plants like garlic mustard and Japanese stilt grass. It thrives in moist shady locations, naturalizes rapidly and has a long spring blooming period. Spreading via underground rhizomes, it forms clumping colonies and attracts multiple bees, butterflies and moths. Climbing hydrangeas, like other vines, need a sturdy support, like plenty of water, but are not very aggressive. Known for their attractive reddish-brown bark, they are happy in partial shade and produce fluffy white clusters of lace-cap flowers. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Photos by: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

This Cover Up Retrospective (Part 1) is a series of previously aired short segments focused on ground covers and vines. We've packaged them together for your easier access. Featuring Master Gardener Volunteers, Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas, it focuses on some of their favorite plants that do well to ‘cover up' rock walls, trellises, as well as the ground. As with all plants, their beauty and functionality vary based on the eye of the individual gardener. This episode includes three of these segments. The first focuses on Ajuga and Trumpet Vine. Jean starts off with a discussion on ajuga, also commonly known as bugle weed. A relative of the mint family, the speed of its lateral spread is based on light conditions, but its foliage provides its ‘star' quality. Tim then talks about trumpet vine which can be aggressive, even though it is not ‘invasive'. Just make sure to plant it to enjoy its showy blooms on a strong structure or rock wall. It needs sun but is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Hummingbirds love it as well as bees and the sphinx moth. The second segment features two wild strawberry plants and scarlet runner beans. Tim loves the ever green and versatile wild strawberry which spreads with runners and feeds multiple birds and other wildlife. But he also likes the barren strawberry which has yellow flowers inedible fruit, and spreads via rhizomes. One of Jean's favorite vines in the scarlet runner bean, an annual that arrived in the US with the pilgrims. If deer visit your garden, make sure the fence this plant so that you get a chance to enjoy it. The third segment is all about the color ‘coral'. Heuchera (a.k.a. coral bells) is a hummingbird favorite ground cover with its graceful flowers, but it is really loved for its foliage that is available in multiple colors. There are 35 species of heuchera in the USA, so there is bound to be one just right for your garden. Coral honeysuckle is native to the southern US, but hardy in our NY zones A sun lover, it can grow up to 20 feet long producing red/orange flowers. It is even deer and rabbit resistant with lots of birds enjoying its red fruit. Just make sure not to confuse it with the invasive bush honeysuckle variety. Until next time! Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Green burials, also referred to as natural burials, are structured to care for the dead with minimal impact to the environment. In many ways, green burials are a return to the past with simple methods. We once disposed of our dead in earth-friendly, regenerative ways with no chemicals and biodegradable containers. Dust to dust. But over the last 150 years, death care has become toxic and polluting in the United States. Over the last two decades, however, green burials are increasingly considered a sustainable death care choice that contributes to a healthier and less wasteful planet. In today's world, most death rites are linked to a $15 billion market of goods and services including cultural traditions, use of chemical embalming, sealed hardwood and metal caskets, reinforced concrete vaults and liners, and restrictive cemetery rules. Rituals can vary widely along ethnic, geographical, and religious lines. In contrast, natural burials help to curb unsustainable conventional care of a deceased body that pollute, dishonor natural decomposition processes, and provide grieving families to experiences of loss, through a connection to each other as well as the natural world. Suzanne Kelly, an author, scholar, farmer, cemetery administrator, and resident of the Hudson Valley, explores the myths that drive many of our standard environmentally damaging burial practices. In her book, Greening Death – Reclaiming Burial Practices and Restoring Our Tie to the Earth, she explores the myths that drive many of our standard environmentally damaging burial practices and the movement to ‘green' death while integrating death and life. In this episode of Nature Calls; Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn how people are reclaiming old practices of death care in new ways and thus changing the American way of death. Suzanne sheds light on the ways in which individuals can make a positive impact on the planet even in death. As the movement lays claim to greener, simpler, and more cost-efficient practices, it also offers tangible way of restoring our relationship to nature. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Suzanne Kelly Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

 Rob Handel is a chef, forager, caterer and educator. He joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a discussion about his farm-to-table business both in-home and as a corporate caterer. A native of the Hudson Valley, he grew up with a love of nature. He tends to be a trend-setter. Lilac lemonade anyone? Rob likes to educate folks about how to bring wonderful ingredients, that are farmed and foraged in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, to plates across Upstate New York. With experience catering locally sourced meals for groups ranging in size from 2-200, he provides unique and thoughtful fare that cannot be found elsewhere. He pairs locally farmed and foraged produce with the grass-fed and pastured meats and poultry. If you are interested in restaurant quality meals, cooking and foraging presentations, hand on classes, or foraging walks throughout the Northeast, give Rob a call! With years of experience working in unfamiliar home kitchens, bringing all the tools necessary to prepare a multi-course meal, he prepares, cooks, serves AND cleans up, leaving the kitchen clean and ready for the next day. He sounds perfect for bachelorette/bachelor parties, birthday weekends, family vacations, and holiday parties. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Rob Handel Photo by: Rob Handel Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Robin Smith, Annie Scibienski Resources

Master Gardener Volunteer, Shelley Haefner, from Old Chatham (Columbia County) is passionate about gardening, nature photography and the great outdoors. She re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast for an informative discussion about Kid-Friendly Gardening. As a mother of two, and the organizer of a summer gardening program for children in Chatham (NY), Shelley has lots of ideas and practical experience to get kids engaged in gardening and keep them interested throughout the season. Perhaps the easiest way to get children engaged with nature and gardening is to make it fun and treat it as a game or play. Consider making a bug bingo game or treating the garden as a place for a scavenger hunt. A pole bean race is one way for kids to have fun. Have you thought about using hornworms with parasitic wasps to introduce a child to pest control? Using edible flowers (pansies, nasturtiums, herbs, etc.) in an arts and crafts project is another possibility. Obviously, gardening tasks should be tailored or customized to the age, attention span, and the interests of the individual child. Some are interested in getting their hands dirty. Others prefer to look at the garden from a more scientific perspective. Others can be encouraged to get engaged in learning about nature from an artistic or culinary perspective. Pizza gardens anyone? How about a sensory garden? Kids can also create a photo journal of their experiences in the garden. Shelley offers lots of ideas and suggestions based on the age of the child and their interest areas. Listen in to learn more about how to engage children in gardening activities and make some memories with your family. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Shelley Haefner Photo By: Shelley Haefner Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Dr. Charles Canham and Dr. Clive Jones rejoin Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a discussion about Forest Ecology. Charles Canham is senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. He specializes in forest ecology and management. He is also the author of Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees. Dr. Clive Jones is a terrestrial ecologist with expertise in biodiversity and environmental management, also working with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies The northeast is one of the country's most thoroughly forested regions, with forests covering two-thirds of the nine northeastern states. But that statistic belies the extraordinary wave of logging and clearing of land for agriculture that followed European settlement 400 years ago. In the Mid-Hudson, forest cover declined to a low of 15% at the turn of the twentieth century. Today, that has rebounded to over 60%. Trees were the first native plants to recolonize. Today, decades later, these reclaimed forests have understories of shrubs and herbaceous species. It's interesting to note that a large, well-established tree holds its position for many years, even as the climate changes. Northeastern forests today are a critical source of carbon sequestration to combat climate change and can potentially provide a renewable energy source. That said, our forests are under threat from development, climate change, deer browse, and perhaps most worrisome, the introduction of invasive pests and pathogens. In addition to spongy moths, Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer have done significant damage to the elm and ash tree populations. Dogwoods are under threat with anthracnose. Pine and oak trees have their own issues.Despite these threats, there are still lots of reasons for optimism. In this discussion, you'll gain an appreciation of the flexibility and resiliency demonstrated by our forests. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Charles Canham and Clive Jones Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

The spongy moth (lymantria dispar) is a non-native, foliage eating insect that threatens deciduous trees and impacts humans. It is considered one of the 100 most destructive invasive species worldwide. Originally from Europe and Asia, spongy moths made their debut in the Massachusetts in 1869 in an unsuccessful attempt to introduce silk production to the US. They complete one generation in a full year with a life cycle that consists of four stages: Egg: Females lay eggs in masses of 500-1000 in August. The egg masses are beige with velvety texture and spongy consistency. Larva (caterpillar): The larval stage typically lasts about 7 weeks. Larvae are most active during May and June. The caterpillars partially or entirely strip trees of their leaves. They prefer oaks, especially white and chestnut. But they'll also eat alder, aspen, basswood, birch, hawthorn and willow trees. Pupa (Cocoon): After feeding and accumulating far, the larvae pupate. Adult (moth): The adult emerges from the pupa and reproduces If you have damaged, compromised, or beloved trees in your landscape, be prepared to treat those trees early if spongy moth injury is expected. Talk to an arborist about applying a well-timed insecticide treatment. Also, consider adding a tree band in late May. These trap spongy moth caterpillars as they hike up and down a tree. Don't forget to fertilize the tree to improve its ability to recover from spongy moth damage. And make sure to water your tree on dry days to prevent any added stress from drought. Dr. Clive Jones is a terrestrial ecologist with expertise in biodiversity and environmental management. Working with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, he joined the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the recent outbreaks of spongy moths in the area. Clive has spent much of his career studying how organisms physically modify the non-living environment and the consequences for those species, other species and ecological processes. He has also contributed to understanding complex interaction webs in oak forests that connect oaks and acorns with insect outbreaks like spongy moth. He joins Dr. Charles Canham, another senior scientist at the Cary Institute who specializes in forest ecology and management. We hope you find this conversation and interesting as we did. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Clive Jones and Charles Canham Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

In New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has regulatory and enforcement authority for Environmental Conservation Law, including two law enforcement divisions, as well as administrative and civil actions. To be effective, state enforcement personnel and policies work in concert with their local and federal counterparts, and citizens must be kept informed and involved. The DEC includes two law enforcement divisions, as well as administrative and civil actions. The DEC's Division of Law Enforcement employs Environmental Conservation Police Officers to enforce the law and protect the state's natural resources including fish and wildlife. Retired Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Captain and current columnist, Larry DiDonato, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a wide-ranging discussion about a wide range of outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting and trapping. Learn about how his career evolved from working in New York City versus in upper New York State. The environmental conservation issues downstate vary considerably from those in the Hudson Valley region and northwards. Larry talks about the roles of various environmental enforcement agencies and the challenges they face on a daily basis. Larry discusses the regulatory changes with deer hunting permits and the data the DEC looks at when setting regulations is each deer management unit. He also discusses the variety of things, besides hunting, that impact deer populations including diseases, car collisions, starvation, and wildlife predation. Fishing is another one of Larry's passions as he avails himself of fishing opportunities throughout the seasons. Access to the Hudson River, via boat ramps, is a wonderful asset to this region allowing fishermen to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the area. And don't forget about trapping as another outdoor opportunity that helps support the environmental conservation efforts in New York State. Host: Tim Kennelty and Taly Hahn Guest: Larry DiDonato Photo by: CCE Suffolk County Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Robin Smith, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Have you heard the adage that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Is there any truth to this? Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, returns to explore the cultural origins and meanings of the famous proverb that associates lions and lamb with the crazy swings of March weather. What about deer repellents? Do they work? As many gardeners know, deer damage can be a significant problem, and there are many so-called remedies out there. Devon explores the effectiveness of strong-smelling soap and concludes that it's not a magic bullet. Instead, she recommends using deer repellents that contain eggs or creating a simple homemade egg and water spray. Gardeners might want to consider using a protective cage or fence. So, if you want to protect your garden from deer damage and learn the truth about deer repellents, you won't want to miss this segment! Lawn thatch is a bane of many homeowners. Dethatching the grass every spring is a chore that no one looks forward to doing. Learn how thatch is created and what you can do to reduce the amount of thatch that can cause problems in your lawn. This segment provides some useful information that might reduce the amount of work you need to put in to enjoy a nice lawn. There are lots of approaches to watering a garden. Do it in the morning. Don't water in the middle of the day. Is there any science to the best way to keep your plants hydrated? Devon is back to dispel the common myth that watering your garden on a hot summer day will result in leaf scorch. In reality, this condition is caused by either drought, root damage, or acidic damage. Learn about the science behind leaf scorch to keep your garden thriving. In Part 3 of this Hits and Myths Retrospective, get answers to these questions. In this episode, we've compiled four short segments of previously aired content for easier listening. We hope you enjoy and learn from this information. Thanks for listening! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Devon Russ Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Part 2 of the Hits and Myths Retrospective focuses on some additional popular nature and gardening myths. In this episode, listen to three short segments of previously aired information on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, that have been collated together for easier listening. Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, provides insight into the science behind some common myths that have been handed down through the generations. Do scarecrows work? Will a scarecrow help keep destructive birds away from your crops? The answer is yes, but not for long. So this is a myth that is partially true. Learn how to get the most value from a scarecrow by listening to this first segment. In the second one, get answers to questions like: “Why should I mulch my garden?” “What kind of mulch should I use?” and “How deep should the mulch be spread?” Devon Russ is back separating the facts from fiction in a segment about mulch. Have you heard that guinea hens and opossums eat ticks? In the third segment, Devon provides an update on ticks, including their relationships with guinea hens and opossums, and clarifying some myths along the way. This diverse episode provides lots of interesting and useful information to help clarify the facts associated with commonly understood approaches. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Devon Russ Photo by: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim, Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a myth is a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. There are lots of myths associated with nature and gardening. A popular one is that the woolly bear caterpillar can predict the winter weather. Another is that plants like companions. And if you are a fan of the Farmer's Almanac, I suspect you've heard about planting by the phases of the moon. Are these myths based on science or hearsay? While there is a lot of science behind the natural world, not everything has been studied to determine if something is true. There are lots of reasons for this as science can be expensive as only ‘high priority' items tend to get funded. Thus, many ‘myths' continue to get handed down across the generations. This episode is the first part of a 3-part ‘retrospective' on Hits and Myths. It is a compilation of previously aired short segments on this subject. We've compiled them here for easier listening. The first segment will explore whether your garden would be more productive if you planted by the phases of the moon. You may have heard that crops grown for their flowers or fruit are best planted during the waxing half of the moon cycle, when the moon gets brighter each night (from new moon to full moon). On the other hand, crops grown for their roots and tubers should be planted during the waning half of the moon cycle, when there is less moonlight each night (from the full moon to the next new moon). Does this really matter? Next, learn about the wooly bear caterpillar, which is considered a natural indicator for predicting winter weather. (A narrow orange band is said to signal a snowy winter, which a wide band suggests a mild one.) Is there any science behind this? The third segment focuses on companion planting, the idea that crops will grow better next to other specific plants. I suspect you've heard of the three sisters (corn, planted with squash, and beans), or that basil should be planted with tomatoes, or the marigolds will fend off insects in a vegetable garden. There actually is some science behind some of these common ‘companions', but not necessarily all of them. The last segment in this episode goes into why these myths persist. Learn about what goes into confirming or dispelling a myth and why so many of them persist. We hope this episode is a ‘hit' with you as you learn more about the science associated with these ‘myths'. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Deven Russ and Jean Thomas Photo by: University of Maine Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

We, at Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, appreciate all of our listeners. Thank you for your support, feedback, and encouragement! That said, everyone once in a while, we recognize that you might like to check out another special podcast that focuses on the Catskill Region. Kaatscast is an award-winning podcast that focuses on Catskill regional arts and culture, history, sustainability, local business interviews and more. In this episode, the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team interviewed Brett Barry, the host of Kaatscast, his biweekly podcast series about the heart of the Catskills. You can subscribe to Kaatscast for free wherever you get your podcasts, to experience what reviewers have called “delightfully informative” storytelling with “great production quality.” There's a reason it was voted “Best Regional Podcast” 3 years in a row. Brett hosts and produces Kaatscast from Silver Hollow Audio. He teaches podcasting and audio production in the Digital Media and Journalism department at SUNY New Patlz.  Brett graduated from Syracuse University's television, radio and film program and worked as an associate documentary producer for several years before launching a career in voice-overs in 2002. He returned to Syracuse 10 years later for a graduate degree in television-radio-film.  In addition to doing television and radio commercials, audiobooks, promos, and narration, he is also the host of public radio's 'Sound Beat', was the longtime voice of India's English-language network 'Zee Cafe', and the last announcer for the soap opera Guiding Light.  He has narrated more than 125 audiobooks and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. In this episode, you'll learn about the different approaches taken by Kaatscast and Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley relative to content selection and production methods.  Enjoy! Hosts:  Jean Thomas and Robin Smith Guest: Brett Barry Photo By: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Justin Wexler returns to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to share his vast wealth of knowledge about the Indigenous People who used to inhabit the Catskill Mountains and the surrounding area. Understanding the past practices employed by the native inhabitants, we can better steward our natural environment today. When first encountered by European settlers, the Lenape were a loose association of closely related peoples who spoke similar languages and shared familial bonds in an area which spanned what is now eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley to the lower Catskills, and eastern Delaware. Many area locations are still referred to by names from these indigenous peoples. Hereditary leadership passed through the maternal line. They lived in several small towns along the rivers and streams that fed the waterways. Agricultural land was managed by women and allotted according to the subsistence needs of their extended families. As Justin researched the history of the Hudson Valley and its occupants, he made connections with descendants of the Lenape, now dispersed to communities in Ontario, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. After befriending residents of those communities, he hosted Lenape people who came to visit their homeland. He continues to make links with organizations that would help represent their culture and history. Each weekend throughout the summer, Justin and his partner, Anna Plattner, invite visitors to the property, Wild Hudson Valley, to learn about edible plants, medicine, folklore, history, and both ancient and modern forest farming practices. They offer guided nature walks and workshops geared toward all ages. Their programs help both children and adults connect with nature. Listen to this episode to reconnect with the culture of the Hudson Valley's native inhabitants and get inspired to learn more about nature, history, and wild foods. Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas Guest: Justin Wexler Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Ayd Resources

John Michelotti rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to continue his mission to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. John is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair, and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He describes the various parts of a mushroom (e.g. gills, pores, teeth, etc.) that produce spores which are the way that fungi reproduce. He recommends that mushrooms be cooked for us to get the nutritional benefits. In addition to food uses, mushrooms can be used medicinally. Certifications are required to sell mushrooms commercially. People can become quite ill if they consume mushrooms that are not safe to eat. Some mushrooms can also be deadly. Traceability is key to understand the source of the mushrooms, especially when sold to restaurants.Foragers are encouraged to have liability insurance if they plan to sell mushrooms. Knowledge about how to identify mushrooms is key if you want to find mushrooms for personal use. Mushroom walks and conferences are great sources of information. Fungi break down plants. Anything that is plant-based can potentially be decomposed by mushrooms and make good soil in the process. Conserving soil and habitat is key to protecting fungi in the future, especially with the risks of climate change. Understanding fungi brings us closer to better understanding the interconnection being all members of the universe. Learn about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. Get inspired to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, heal yourself by using the health properties of fungi, and explore the historic uses and present-day innovations of the fungal kingdom. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: John Michelotti Photo By: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

A fungus is any member of the group of organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as mushrooms. Fungi, like animals, acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, typically by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment. Fungi do not photosynthesize. Growth is their means of mobility, with spores that may travel through the air or water. Fungi are known as the principal decomposers in ecological systems. When a tree falls in the forest, whether someone hears it or not, the fungi get in there and excrete enzymes to break down the building blocks of wood. As they do this, they are extending out through the wood, breaking down certain things that bacteria can't. Because of them we don't have big stands of dead wood in the forest. They excrete enzymes and break down wood and other things too. They can take our human waste products, like coffee grounds, and break them down. We can grow healthy food from things we throw away, like cardboard, coffee grounds, paper – any kind of wood-based material. What's left behind after the mushroom digests it is growable soil. There are more fungi than there are animals and plants combined. Ninety percent of plant roots have mycorrhizal fungi attached in a symbiotic relationship, where the fungi is mining nutrients that the plant roots can't reach and transferring those nutrients to the plant's roots in order to keep that plant alive. Not only are they doing that to one plant, but they're also interconnected between multiple plants. Understanding this is changing the way scientists look at evolution. We used to look at the trees and say they're fighting for sunlight, that they're individualistic. In reality, there is a lot more cooperation under the soil. The species that cooperate with the most with other species are the ones that are thriving. This changes the way we look at our forests as well as how we treat other species. A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. The name “mushroom” has been given to over 38,000 varieties of fungus that possess the same threadlike roots and cap. And, while mushrooms and toadstools (poisonous mushrooms) are not the most numerous or economically significant fungi, they are the most easily recognized. Self-described “mushroom guy,” John Michelotti's mission is to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. He is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces the highest quality triple-extracted health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. Their aim is to empower people to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, to heal themselves through utilizing health properties of fungi, and to explore the historical uses and present-day innovations of this exceptional fungi kingdom. As former President of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association (MHMA), John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project as well as the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He is an instructor for the Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification courses in NY. He was chosen by the Catskill Center as a "Steward of the Catskills" for his contribution to the environment. He served on the Mushroom Advisory Panel for Certified Naturally Grown to develop ecological standards in mushroom production. John has presented at the New York Botanical Gardens, Telluride Mushroom Festival, and North American Mycological Association Annual Foray, as well as several colleges and universities. Listen to John on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn about mushrooms and get inspired to work with fungi to improve your health, community, and the environment. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: John Michelotti Photo by: Catskill Fungi Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit. Yeast consumes the sugar in the fruit and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Wine is most often made from grapes, and the term "wine" generally refers to grape wine when used without any qualification. But note that, wine can be made from a variety of fruit crops, including plum, cherry, pomegranate, blueberry, currant, and elderberry. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are major factors in different styles of wine. These differences result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the grape's growing environment, and the wine production process. Like most of New York, the Hudson Valley is home to many grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Syrah, and Albariño. Hybrid varieties like Noiret, Chelois, Seyval, and Baco Noir are also popularly grown throughout the area. The unique climate and soil are particularly beneficial for Native American, French American, and European grape varieties. J. Stephen Casscles rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast as he talks about Wines of the Hudson Valley. He is a grape grower, winemaker and author, from Athens, NY, (Greene County) after an illustrious career as an attorney. In addition, he lectures on wine, grape cultivation, 19th century American horticulture and landscape architecture at botanical gardens and historical societies throughout New York and New England. In today's episode, Steve talks about his book Grapes of the Hudson Valley which includes a description of some of the basics of wine production. This can be challenging as the grape variety and the current year's weather (both winter and summer) can influence the sustainability and sweetness of the grapes. He touches upon the wide range of dessert wines on the market and where they are made. He also focuses on the people beyond the hybridizers. Due to the wide variety of grapes grown in New York, wine producers can produce a wide variety of hybrid wines. Listen to this episode and learn about the science and ‘art' behind wine production. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Robin Smith Guest: Steve Casscles Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Annie Scibienski is back with another Patch to Plate Retrospective episode. Once again, she talks about a variety of ways to prepare ingredients from your home garden or your local farmer's market in your own kitchen. Today's previously aired short segments feature corn, melons, peppers, tomatoes and a range of brassica vegetables. Corn on the cob, fresh-picked from the garden, farm stand or farmer's market, is a delightful summertime treat. Many Americans think of it as an American barbecue staple, but corn is actually a global food. Annie, she talks about corn and everything that goes well with it. The long list of options will make your taste buds clamor for it. Fire roasted corn salad anyone? Melons are the topic of discussion on the second segment. This category includes watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes. A great resource, Vegetable Varieties of New York State, published by Cornell University, provides a list of vegetables and fruits (including melons) that are rated highly to grow well in New York State. Get your taste buds watering with descriptions of recipes for watermelon salad, watermelon pickles, and grilled cantaloupe. The next segment features Peppers and Tomatoes. Annie shares her cooking and gardening expertise with these flavorful Hudson Valley Garden favorites. Discover the joys of growing and enjoying both tomatoes and peppers and how these garden favorites can be the stars of your menu planning. She discusses their unique qualities and offers valuable insights into incorporating them into your meals. If you're looking for inspiration or are looking for a simple, under-30-minute dinner ideas, Annie has you covered with delicious recipes you won't want to miss. This episode ends with a segment about brassicas. Annie talks about a variety of ways to cook cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Awaken your taste buds with her descriptions of recipes involving these popular vegetable varieties. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

In Part 2 of our Patch to Plate Retrospective series, Annie Scibienski is back with four previously aired short segments all about using ingredients from your home garden in your home kitchen. This time, however, they are all in one place. Up first, Annie Scibienski shares her wealth of knowledge on all things asparagus. From growing to cooking and preserving, she provides some great tips to help you make the most out of this delicious perennial vegetable. She suggests different cooking methods, including blanching, grilling, and stir-frying, and shares some mouth-watering recipes like Pan Roasted Asparagus and Asparagus Quiche without crust. So, if you're a fan of asparagus or want to learn more about this nutritious and flavorful vegetable, don't miss this segment! Next hear all about a wide variety of tender greens that can be grown in spring gardens in the Hudson Valley. You probably know all about lettuce, but arugula and spinach are also great spring greens that are fun to grow, cook and eat! Listen and gain some new tips and techniques. The focus of the third segments is on hardy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli rabe. Get out the olive oil and garlic to enjoy these veggies. Do you know how to massage kale for a delicious salad? Interested in learning about what ingredients go well with Swiss chard or broccoli rabe? If so, this segment is for you. Finally, learn about a wide range of ways to prepare zucchini and summer squash, some simply using your pantry staples, while others are more creative. If you'd like to know how to cook squash blossoms, make frittatas, or serve it with eggs or rice, this segment is for you. Your mouth will be watering! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

It's harvest time and also time for some more retrospective episodes. These are a series of previously aired short segments on a common subject that have been packaged together for easier listening. In this case, it's all about Patch to Plate, which provides lots of ideas on how to prepare all the fresh produce from your garden and/or local farmer's market and make delicious meals in your home kitchen. Annie Scibienski, discusses how to prepare multiple seasonal vegetables to awaken your taste buds. The first segment features root vegetables such as radishes, beets, carrots, etc. Carrots love butter, sugar, lemon, maple sugar, etc. Maple- glazed carrots anyone? Similarly, have you ever heard of a hidden beet pound cake that uses pureed beets to add nutrition to a basic cake recipe? Annie provides lots of tips on how to do this and what to check for to ensure that the batter is just right. The next segment focuses on winter squash (e.g. butternut, acorn, honeynut, etc.), and cabbage. These squashes are delicious served roasted, or in soups. Sage, onion, garlic, and salt, butter, nutmeg, lemon, lime, can complement and enhance the squash flavor. Cabbage wedges can be roasted.  There are easy ways to prepare cabbage which can then be served with walnuts and/or toasted seeds. The third segment features winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions and dried beans. Annie describes a recipe that combines all three of these ingredients that goes great with pasta. Garlic, onion, chili peppers, and dairy (cheese, butter, etc.) complement these main ingredients. But they can also be used to create delicious scones. One of the keys to success is to ensure that each scone is of a consistent size so that they bake at the same rate. The fourth segment in this episode focuses on potatoes. Annie talks about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, as well as the need to focus on serving size. There are lots of different types of potato, including starchy potatoes for baking, or others for general purpose uses. She provides lots of great tips on how to successfully bake potatoes so that they have a crispy skin and a nice, fluffy interior. Tips including not wrapping them in foil or microwaving them to avoid steaming them. Listen to her suggestions on ingredients to combine potatoes with and let your imagination savor the flavors. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. For optimal health, science supports following a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet or MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. Plant-based diets have been shown to have various health benefits and are linked with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. As a general rule, these diets tend to recommend: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains Choosing fat-free or low fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils Limiting saturated and trans fat intake, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products Limiting drinks and foods that contain added sugars Restricting sodium intake while increasing consumption of potassium, magnesium and calcium Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including building strong bones, protecting your heart, preventing disease, and boosting your mood. A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense goods from all of the major food groups including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors. Healthy eating habits also include replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and sugar with more nutritious options. Rebecca Polmateer, Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about good nutrition and the programs and resources that are available to help residents eat healthy. Listen as she describes how to find the most nutritious foods starting with fresh local produce, frozen vegetables, fresh produce from more distant locations, followed by canned foods. Whole foods are always better than packaged/processed ones. ‘Superfoods' (e.g. blueberries, quinoa, etc.) tend to be packed with more vitamins. Lean meats are also preferable. She also talks about the importance of food labels on packaged foods. There are multiple governmental programs that can help ensure your family gets good nutrition. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. New York State also offers a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) which offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support referrals, nutritious foods. We're wishing you more thoughtful and healthy diets in the future! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Rebecca Polmateer Photo by: MyPlate Graphics | MyPlate Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Ravensbeard Wildlife Center is located in Saugerties, New York. The center is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization that provides wildlife rehabilitation for injured, ill and orphaned animals in order to return them to the wild. For over two decades, Ravensbeard has been supporting the wildlife from the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston. In caring for animals, they promote community awareness, education, appreciation, compassion and acceptance of the circle of life. They also offer volunteer opportunities to work with many different species in order to experience their true nature. Ellen J. Kalish is the Founder and Executive Director of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on rescue and release for wild birds and other wildlife. In 2017, Ellen was given the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award from the Woodstock Land Conservancy, for her service of rehabilitating and releasing wild birds back into nature, and for her educational programs with wild, non-releasable birds of prey. She's also served as a board member for the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC). Through NYSWRC licensed wildlife rehabbers work to inform, educate, support in field work and promote conservation. At Ravensbeard, Ellen currently cares for some unreleasable birds that she utilizes to educate the community about the environment, the interconnectedness of all life, and the reliance on each other for long-term survival. The birds used for educational programs cannot be released due to injuries that would be fatal if left in the wild. So, they have become ambassadors in wildlife education. In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation center as well as Rocky the Owl, a Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest owls in the northeast, who was rescued from the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, Rocky was given fluids and all the mice she would eat, was checked by a vet, and ultimately was released back to nature. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Ellen Kalish Photo by: Ellen Kalish Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

An ecological garden is a thoughtfully designed space that is harmoniously integrated with the surrounding environment. Ecological gardening is a sustainable approach focused on understanding and enhancing the interactions between plants, insects, soil, water, and other garden elements. Achieving a successful ecological garden requires a mindset shift to actually work with nature to foster a vibrant plant ecology and rich biodiversity. A key element of ecological gardening is ensuring the soil is nutrient-rich, alive, and chemical-free. The use of organic (versus chemical) fertilizers will release nutrients slowly, ensuring that the plants have a steady food supply while nurturing the soil's health. Understanding the unique light, moisture, and temperature conditions within your garden is also important in plant selection. Choosing native plants supports local wildlife, requires less water and also minimizes the need for pesticides. Native perennials are the steadfast friends of the garden. Once they've settled in, they return yearly, offering both beauty and function. Investing in these perennials lays the groundwork for a sustainable, vibrant garden for years to come. Companion plants and herbs also play an important role in the health of a garden. They both help to repel harmful pests and, at the same time, lure beneficial insects that can aid in pollination, and help to create an ‘immune system' with integrative pest management principles. Committing to an ecological garden approach is also a commitment to aligning our green spaces with nature's rhythms, fostering a sustainable balance between plants, insects, and other organisms. Learn from Jennie Cramer how you can the transform your home landscape into a habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Jennie is an educator with Cornell Garden-Based Learning. She is an ecologist turned enthusiastic horticulture educator with a quarter of a century's experience in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education. She is especially fond of teaching students how to create a resilient, abundant, and beautiful garden ecosystem by applying ecological principles. She joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to help all of us turn our landscapes into ecological gardens. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Jennie Cramer Photo by: Cornell Garden Based Learning Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Rocks are any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals. There are three major types of rock: igneous which are formed through the cooling of lava sedimentary which are formed by the accumulation or deposition or mineral or organic particles metamorphic which result from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock as a result of extreme temperatures or pressure Studying rocks provides us with a primary record of much of the geological history of the Earth. Geology describes the structure of the earth and the processes that have shaped that structure. By studying the earth's structure, geologists determine the relative ages of rocks found at a given location. They use a wide variety of methods to understand this, including fieldwork, rock description, geophysical techniques, chemical analysis, and more. The Hudson River School was a mid-19th-century American art movement embodied by a group of landscape painters who created a realistic, detailed, and sometimes idealized portrayal of nature, often juxtaposing peaceful agriculture and wilderness, which was fast disappearing from the Hudson Valley just as it was coming to be appreciated The study of art along with geology can provide insights into the past culture, especially when you combine the Hudson River School paintings with our local geologists, Robert and Johanna Titus. By studying the paintings of Thomas Cole, Frederic Church and others, the Tituses help to provide additional insights into some popular tourist and cultural locations in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. Robert Titus, PhD, is a paleontologist by training, and a retired professor at Hartwick College in the Geology Department, who has don considerable professional research on the fossils of New York. Johanna Titus, MS, has a degree in molecular biology, also a retired professor from SUNY Dutchess. Together, they have authored multiple books (The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age; The Catskills in the Ice Age; The Catskills: A Geological Guide; and The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins). They are also regular columnists for The Mountain Eagle newspaper. They joined the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team in a delightful conversation about the Art of Rocks. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Robert and Johanna Titus Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Dr. Abbey Cash is in her 20th year as a Master Gardener Volunteer and has a passion for growing Roses in Columbia County. Trained as an educator, having taught in elementary, and at the college level, Abbey is also an avid hand-fan collector as well as a grower of annuals, perennials and bulbs. She joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in a discussion about demystifying the challenges of growing roses in Zone 5 in New York State. Understanding hardiness zones is key to the selection of a rose that will grow well in the Hudson Valley. Abbey takes us through the many things to look for when picking a good, healthy rose to purchase. There are many different types of roses to choose including hybrid teas, floribundas, climbing roses, miniature roses and tree roses. While not discussed in this episode, make sure to avoid the multiflora rose, an invasive species in our area (see more information in the resource section). Once you bring a rosebush home, the fun is only beginning. There are many things to consider in selecting a site where the rose will thrive.6 hours of morning sun with one side protected is ideal. Creating a soil ‘formula' (with cow manure, compost, peat and slightly acidic soil) is also a key to success. The planting process is also multi-faceted but will improve your odds have having a beautiful rose to grace your landscape for years to come. Once the rose if planted, however, you are not ‘done'. Keeping your new roses healthy and free of insects and/or diseases may involve the use of fertilizers, sprays or powders that need to be applied periodically. Roses also require some TLC (tender, loving care) and grooming. Understanding the basics of pruning will help to keep your roses producing either individual stems, climbers, or a beautiful hedge throughout the season. But water only when really needed, keeping the water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, to avoid the dreaded ‘black spot'. There is also work to be done to prepare roses for the winter, cutting them back (except for climbers), burying the knob at the base of the plant with soil, and spreading the area with pine needles and pine branches and/or straw. These actions are reversed in the spring to prepare the plants for another growing season. Listen to this episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, to improve your odds of successful rose growing! Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Abbey Cash Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Tim Kennelty returns with Part 3 of his Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective. In this episode he continues with a wealth of information about native plants that are beneficial to the environment, as well as others that tend to be invasive or noxious. Today, Ironweed, Japanese Barberry, Asters, Tree of Heaven and Viburnums are featured. Ironweed, is a great native, pollinator plant known for its purple flowers and impressive height that will add ‘presence' to any garden. Ironweed prefers rich moist acidic soils but will grow in average moist to wet soils in full sun. Use in a rain garden, cottage garden, meadow, along streams or ponds or the back of the border. By contrast, invasive Japanese Barberry is not such a good choice for a garden as it creates a great habitat for the white-footed mouse which is known to be a carrier for tick-borne diseases Asters, once known as New World asters, are now classified under a different genera, particularly Symphyotrichum. These native plants offer vibrant colors in purple, pink and white while also supporting late-season pollinators, making them an excellent addition to your garden. On the flip side, the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), is a non-native plant that has wreaked havoc in many ecosystems, including New York's. As Tim describes, it's critical to manage this troublesome plant, which also serves as the primary host for the destructive spotted lanternfly. Listen and learn how to identify, control, and support your local ecosystem. Viburnums are a very admired and fast-growing flowering landscape shrubs or small trees with a large number of cultivars available. Bloom times span from early spring through June, followed by attractive fruit and great fall foliage. However, not all viburnums are created equal. Learn about the differences between the native and non-native species Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Good Plant/Bad Plant retrospective that includes previously aired short segments on beneficial plants as well as invasive ones. In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, talks about the benefits of dogwoods, milkweed, and coneflowers, as well as the challenges associated with garlic mustard, multi-flora rose, and mugwort. The first segment features a family of about 50 species of trees/shrubs/sub-shrubs that grace the landscape with multi-season interest with spring flowers, berries in mid/late summer and fall color. Dogwoods are fairly easy to grow and have great spring flowers for pollinators, nutritious fruit for birds and many are host plants for butterflies and moths. In contrast, the non-native garlic mustard is an invasive herb. It is a biennial, maturing over two years. In its second year, it produces thousands of seeds (that can be viable for 10 years), which when they germinate, they push out beneficial native plants, inhibit growth of other plants, and quickly become dominant in the landscape. The second segment features milkweed, a butterfly magnet, which offers both ornamental and wildlife value. As you probably know, milkweeds are the only host plant for monarch butterflies. Milkweed flowers are rich in pollen and nectar and are extremely attractive to native bees, wasps and beetles, as well as more than 400 different species of insects. With more than 70 species of milkweeds in North America, there's a milkweed for you. On the other hand, the multiflora rose is a perennial shrub from Asia that was once planted for erosion control, wildlife enhancement and to deter roaming animals. But today, multiflora rose is considered an invasive plant as it quickly forms thickets, pushing out native plants and inhibiting nesting birds. A single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds per year, viable for up to 10 years, and dispersed by birds and other fruit eating animals. This episode ends with a segment about featuring the purple cornflower (echinacea purpurea), a favorite New York native garden perennial, beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Seed heads, if not removed, become a great food source for birds in the winter. Tolerant of heat, drought and poor soils, the flowers look great in a mass planting or in flower arrangements. But Tim also discusses the challenges of dealing with mugwort (artemisia vulgaris). Mugwort is a perennial weed in the daisy family. It grows in loamy or sandy soils in forested areas, and along roadsides. It spreads by rhizomes and can form dense mats. This plant has been listed as invasive in several states. But remember, if you want to support wildlife in your yard, make sure to plant natives. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

This retrospective episode consists of previously aired short segments that have been compiled here as they all relate to a common topic. It's called Good Plant/Bad Plant because each segment focuses on two plants: one that support pollinators, birds and other animals and one plant, or plant group, that is an invasive or noxious weed. In this episode (Part 1 of 3), Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, covers native species like oaks, monarda, serviceberry, and willows. But he also advises against invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, Asian bittersweet, and Asian bush honeysuckle. In the first segment, oaks (genus quercus) and Japanese knotweed are put under the microscope. The mighty oak refers to the many oak trees that are native to New York. Oaks can grow to about 100 feet and can live from 200 to 400 years. Oaks are generally relatively easy to grow and thrive in well drained acidic soil in full sun. They're really beautiful, majestic trees, often with attractive fall foliage in shades of red, gold, and orange. Oaks support more than 500 different caterpillar species, which of course turn into butterflies and moths, but are critical food for young birds as well. And they produce acorns that are eaten by squirrels, deer, turkey and other birds. If the oak is the king of beneficial plants, the queen of invasive plants is Japanese knotweed. It can grow from three to 15 feet and has bamboo like stems. Knotweed thrives in disturbed areas like drainage ditches, wetlands, streams, woodland edges, and along roadsides. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes. Knotweed forms dense thickets that crowd out and shade native vegetation, reducing species diversity while also adversely impacting ecosystems and wildlife. Management includes repeated cutting, and most likely will require herbicide application. The second segment in this episode focuses on monarda and Japanese stiltgrass. Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee bam, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America. It is a great addition to butterfly gardens and bird gardens. By contrast, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a widespread invader of woodlands, roadsides and trails. It is an annual grass, but a prolific seeder, that germinates in the spring and dies back each fall. Once introduced, it is extremely difficult to remove from a site. Serviceberry and Asian bittersweet are featured in the next segment. Amelanchier spp. is a native North American shrub that is sometimes grown as a small tree. There are many species of this native that grow in full sun to part shade, have small five-petalled white flowers that emerge before or at the same time as the leaves, and have small edible berries that darken to a deep reddish-purple to black when ripe. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a woody, deciduous, perennial vine has since naturalized and become an extremely aggressive, capable of damaging natural areas. It chokes out desirable native plants by smothering them with its dense foliage and strangling stems and trunks. Willows and Asian bush honeysuckle are the conversation topics for the last segment in this episode. Most, shrubs and trees of the Salix genus, are mostly native to north temperate areas and are valued as ornamentals, as well as for their shade, moisture control, and wildlife attributes. By contrast, invasive bush honeysuckles originated in Eurasia and Eastern Asia, and were introduced in the U.S. for ornamental landscaping, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, bush honeysuckles self-seed aggressively and rapidly escape into natural areas. Although the fruits have poor nutritional value for wildlife, birds disperse them widely. Native vegetation is displaced as bush honeysuckle blocks sunlight and exudes chemicals into the soil that are toxic to other plants. Learn more about these plants on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3 of this Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective series. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Episode 127: Native Lawns Have you ever given serious consideration of the limited value of traditional suburban lawns? Sure, they add a certain beauty to the landscape, but is there a better way to incorporate more native plantings to our lawns? Are their native lawns that could become alternatives to the typical field of turf grass that creates a monoculture that is not supporting of pollinators? Todd Bittner, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to share his perspective on more environmentally sustainable Native Lawns. As the Director of Natural Areas for the Cornell Botanic Gardens and a Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University as well as today's guest, Todd Bittner furthers our understanding of natural systems, environmental sustainability, and natural resource conservation, management, and use. The Cornell Botanic Garden's natural areas program is responsible for the protection and management of a system of preserves spanning nearly 3,600 acres across 40 natural areas. As part of Cornell's educational mission, the natural areas include examples of the natural community plants and the rarest plant habitats in the New York's central Finger Lakes Region. The holdings include one-third of Cornell's iconic campus landscape, including two massive gorges, scenic Beebe Lake, and a renowned wildflower garden. Todd leads the organization's native biodiversity conservation efforts, while facilitating compatible educational, research, and recreational uses across these outdoor classrooms.  Native Lawns, or lawn alternatives, are a designed plant community that, when compared to traditional turf grass lawns, require minimal mowing and watering, no pesticides and fertilizers, yet more biodiversity to support pollinators and other invertebrates. In the research being conducted by Todd Bittner, the goal of the native lawn was to be aesthetic, able to handle a moderate amount of trampling, and require minimal hand weeding as well as to address the environmental objectives (minimal watering, mowing, chemical supplements, etc.). There was also a desire for native plants to comprise at least 85 percent of the land area. Plant species were selected that are suitable for both full sun and shady as well as wet and dry conditions Danthonia spicata and Danthonia compressa (poverty oat grass) are dominant in the planting. Penstemon hirsutus is also widely planted. Twenty nine native species have established spontaneously from the adjoining natural area or seedbank, including a number of violet species, several woodland asters including calico, heart-leaved, and frost asters, and Lobelia siphilitica, or great blue lobelia, which is a very attractive valuable pollinator species. Tune into this episode to hear what has been learned over the last 15 years in moving towards a more environmentally sustainable native lawn.  Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas  Guest: Todd Bittner  Photo by: Cornell University CALS  Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Chris Bowser is a professional educator and environmental scientist with experience in citizen science, estuary and river monitoring, conservation biology, and fisheries science. Part of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he coordinates a team with NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson River Estuarine Research Reserve. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team with a passionate discussion about the Hudson River Estuary. An estuary is defined as the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream. If you think of New York's Hudson River, this covers a lot of territory. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, estuaries are among the most productive of Earth's ecosystems. Native Americans discovered the Hudson's bounty thousands of years ago; evidence of their existence remains in heaps of oyster shells on its shores. Hudson and Dutch traders wrote of a river teeming with striped bass, herring, and giant sturgeon. More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson and its tributaries. The estuary's productivity is ecologically and economically valuable to much of the Atlantic Coast; key commercial and recreational species like striped bass, bluefish, and blue crab depend on nursery habitat here. Bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other birds feed from the river's bounty. Tidal marshes, mudflats, and other significant habitats in and along the estuary support a great diversity of life. The Hudson River Estuary has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater wetlands in the northeastern part of the United States. It has also been found that due to climate change, the rising sea levels have led to an increase in the area of the wetlands. Chris brings the Hudson River to ‘life' not only talking about what can be found within it, but also about the wide range of programs to adults and children to help everyone become more acquainted with its value to our broader ecosystem. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Chris Bowser Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

The state bird of New York is the eastern bluebird, one of the first birds to return north each spring. Bluebirds are insectivores and part of the thrush family. Three types of bluebirds inhabit the United States: the mountain bluebird (found in western North America); the western bluebird (in California, the southern Rocky Mountains, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States) and the eastern bluebird (in the east, central and southern US states all the way to southeastern Arizona). In New York, you can spot eastern bluebirds sitting on telephone wires or perched on top of a nest box, calling out in short chirps, or flying around in pursuit of insects. The male Eastern Bluebirds have bright blue feathers on their backs and heads with warm red-brown ones on their breasts. Female birds are less brightly colored than males, although color patterns are similar and there is no noticeable difference in size. If you'd like to attract a breeding pair, consider putting up a nest box, well before breeding season. They typically have more than one brood per year between March and August. Young produced in early nests usually leave their parents in summer, but young from later nests frequently stay with their parents over the winter. Eastern Bluebirds are territorial and prefer open grassland with patchy vegetation and large trees or nest boxes. Meadows, old fields, and golf courses tend to be places they can be found. When they are not nesting, the birds roam the countryside in small flocks. Kathryn Schneider, an author, avid birder, and a Master Gardener Volunteer, re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk all about Bluebirds. Her book, Birding in the Hudson Valley, explores Hudson Valley history, ecology, bird biology It describes sites in every county in the region, including farms, grasslands, old fields, wetlands, orchards, city parks, rocky summits, forests, rivers, lakes, and salt marshes. In this episode, Kathryn provides lots of information about our state bird including its habits, where it lives, what it likes to eat, as well as its competitors (swallows, house sparrows and wrens) and predators (snakes, cats, raccoons and even bears). After listening to this episode, you'll appreciate these delightful birds even more the next time you see them! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Dr. Kathryn Schneider Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers,  Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith