Podcasts about Catawba River

State Republicans hiding overhaul of Governor's power in Helene aid bill; protecting the Catawba River; UNCC football coach fired.

It's been a little over four years, and Charlie's new show Lost Monster Files is about to premiere, so we think it's a good time to re-introduce ourselves to folks who might be new to the show. And while you're at it, take a dive into a legend shared by more than one of the indigenous peoples of the Carolinas as Charlie tells the tale of the Catawba River Runner! If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see this on Facebook, there's a link in the show notes for this episode. We hope everyone is safe and we're thinking of them all the time. Michael will also donate all royalties from Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 for the rest of 2024. Another reminder: the deadlines to register to vote are looming. Please check the links below if you need any information on voting, especially if you need to vote absentee or if you're unsure what to bring with you when you vote. Hurricane Helene has disrupted many people's lives, including displacing people, so if you're not sure what the status of services and travel in your community will be a month from now (a very real possibility) and voting is a priority for you, start planning now. Link: American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene Efforts Register & Vote: North Carolina voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina voter registration South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: "Writing Through the Dark" in Pittssboro, NC - Michael solo (October 20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Links: Michaelgwilliamsbooks.com Lost Monster Files press release Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! arcanecarolinas@gmail.com

S2, June 22nd, 2024 Summer camp for many of our youth is a rite of passage during childhood.  Randy Peterson is the Chair of the Board of Managers for Camp Harrison in Boomer, NC, & a volunteer with the Y & Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie, SC.  He joins host Bill Bartee on the Carolina Outdoors to speak on the opportunities for the community to get to summer camp.Show Highlights: Camp Thunderbird will serve 2,000 unique campers over the summer It began in 1936 as a CCC Project on the Catawba River. Cabins, ziplines, water skiing, & environmental education are a part of the attributes of Camp Thunderbird Multiple generations have attended camp at Thunderbird Day Camps & Overnight Camps are available   Camp Harrison will serve 1,500 campers on 2,000 acres in Wilkes County Harrison has a 100 acre lake that has incredible bass fishing Camp Harrison includes a family camp when the summer camp isn't in session Day Camps & Overnight Camps are available, too Whether it's a day camp or an overnight camp, there are several essentials that campers need to bring along. Here's a comprehensive guide on what you'll need: Arts, Crafts, Drama, & traditional field games are also a part of camp.  High ropes, ziplining, and challenging backpacking & creeking are all a part of camp at T-Bird & Harrison. Clothing Daily Wear: Pack enough clothing for the duration of the camp, including t-shirts, shorts, underwear, and socks. For overnight camps, it's important to have at least one change of clothes per day. Outerwear: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a lightweight jacket or sweater. A raincoat or poncho is also essential in case of rain. Swimwear: Most YMCA camps offer swimming activities, so bring at least two swimsuits to allow one to dry while the other is in use. Footwear: Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are a must for daily activities, along with sandals or flip-flops for the pool or shower. Personal Items Toiletries: Pack a toiletry bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and any other personal hygiene items. Don't forget a comb or hairbrush and hair ties if needed. Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protecting skin from the sun and insects is crucial. Choose a high-SPF sunscreen and a good quality bug spray. Medications: If the camper is on any medication, ensure it's packed with clear instructions and given to the camp nurse upon arrival. Include a first aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids and antiseptic wipes. Bedding and Sleeping Gear Sleeping Bag: For overnight camps, a comfortable sleeping bag is essential. Check if the camp recommends a specific temperature rating. Pillow: Bring a small pillow for comfort. Sleepwear: Pack lightweight pajamas suitable for the weather. Activity Gear Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, so a reusable water bottle is a must. Backpack: A small daypack for carrying personal items during daily activities. Flashlight: A flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for evening activities or emergencies. Notebooks and Writing Materials: For journaling or writing letters home. Optional Items Camera: A disposable or digital camera to capture memories, though many camps have policies on electronics. Books or Games: For downtime or quiet periods, bringing a favorite book or compact game can be a good idea. Tips for Parents Label Everything: Make sure all clothing and personal items are labeled with the camper's name to avoid loss. Pack Light: Encourage campers to pack light but smart, focusing on multipurpose items. Prepare for Homesickness: Include a comforting item from home, like a favorite stuffed animal or a family photo. Communication: Understand the camp's policy on communication. Some camps have specific times for phone calls or letters. Health Information: Ensure the camp has all necessary health information,

Segment 2, April 13th, 2024 Last year two iconic, regional organizations in the Charlotte-area decided to utilize a Shared Leadership structure to reduce administrative costs & the align the similar pursuits of both organizations.  The CEO & Executive Director of the Catawba Riverkeeper & Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, John Searby, joined Bill Bartee on the Carolina Outdoors to discuss how & why the decision happened. Show Highlights: The organizations were more alike that many thought. Both had scientists, infrastructure to aid, & were working in adjacent spaces. Shared CEO, CFO, HR, & education duties help create more efficiencies with Shared Leadership services. We learn the Catawba Riverkeeper advocates, manage, & educate regarding the 8,900 miles of waters of the Catawba/Wateree basin The Catawba River has been the life water in this area for thousands of years: from indigenous people to modern Carolinas' drinking water, transportation, food & power generation It flows through 26 counties in North and South Carolina & has been called the “Hardest working river in America.” Catawba Riverkeeper is headquartered in McAdenville, NC Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is located on the banks of Lake Wylie in Belmont, NC Made up of 380 acre campus features manicured gardens, trails, & an Orchid Conservatory Things You'll Learn by Listening: Summer Camps are upcoming at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens & Kayak Rentals & Monthly Eco-Tours are happening with Catawba Riverkeeper Collaboration of organizations that have some similarity is a goal in order to reach each organizations goals. The Carolina Outdoors is powered by the Charlotte fly shop, Jesse Brown's.

A new report dives into concerning findings of forever chemicals in freshwater fish nationwide and in the Carolinas. KFF Health published a report in USA Today that says many states aren't warning residents of the toxic chemicals present in waterways and fish. According to the article, North Carolina is one of the 17 states that does notify people, and it's for good reason. There are concerning levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in the Carolinas' rivers and fish. The report cites a national study from about 10 years ago that found catfish in the Catawba River had high levels of forever chemicals.  "It ain't like it used to be," fisherman Jeff Rudisill said to WCNC Charlotte. "You used to come over here and catch a bunch of fish and cook ‘em and eat ‘em, you can't do that anymore," he said before fishing on the Catawba River.  Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/toxic-forever-chemicals-freshwater-fish-regional/275-37bf132f-6026-4b1c-b549-484b116c1bba Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

A new report dives into concerning findings of forever chemicals in freshwater fish nationwide and in the Carolinas.  KFF Health published a report in USA Today that says many states aren't warning residents of the toxic chemicals present in waterways and fish. According to the article, North Carolina is one of the 17 states that does notify people, and it's for good reason.  There are concerning levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in the Carolinas' rivers and fish. The report cites a national study from about 10 years ago that found catfish in the Catawba River had high levels of forever chemicals.   "It ain't like it used to be," fisherman Jeff Rudisill said to WCNC Charlotte. "You used to come over here and catch a bunch of fish and cook ‘em and eat ‘em, you can't do that anymore," he said before fishing on the Catawba River.   Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/toxic-forever-chemicals-freshwater-fish-regional/275-37bf132f-6026-4b1c-b549-484b116c1bba Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart  All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

In 1992, an infant girl was found inside a plastic Sears shopping bag floating in the Catawba River between Fort Mill and Rock Hill. For 29 years, leads on the case ran cold until science caught up to help bring closure to the murder of Baby Angel Hope.

Segment 2, October 28th, 2023 Several weeks ago we welcomed Head Fly Fishing Guide & Lead Instructor from Jesse Brown's, Elijah Saint Blancard. He's hit the ground running by speaking to groups in Charlotte & taking several fly fishing trips around the NC mountains.  He knows where the water is flowing and where the fish are biting.  More importantly he knows the sport of fly fishing (the how to learn properly, have fun, and catch fish). In the segment of the show, Saint Blancard, speaks with host, Bill Bartee of the Carolina Outdoors about fly fishing western North Carolina during this time of year. Things You'll Learn by Listening: Show Highlights: How the fall fly fishing is shaping up thus far? Addresses the concerns of water levels and the benefit of the cooler temperatures The people going on the fly fishing trips are men & women of all ages. What they're catching and what flies are working Saint Blancard's recommendation of a few places to Go:  Wilson Creek, Old Fort's Curtis Creek, Catawba River in Marion, NC, Mitchell River in Surry County, & the East Fork of the Roaring River in Stone Mountain State Park More Insights from the Outdoor Guys:  Book a North Carolina Fly Fishing Trip with Elijah at Jesse@jessebrown.com or Call 704.556.0020 The Carolina Outdoors is brought to you by Jesse Brown's.  Check out this Charlotte outdoor store located in the Southpark-area.

Segment 3, July 22, 2023 All aboard this train called the Carolina Outdoors. One of the most happening places in the Carolinas this summer is Lake Norman.  Sitting just north of Charlotte this lake, fed by the Catawba River, is the largest manmade lake in the Carolinas. Mike McDonald from Surf & Sport Lake Norman joins the program during these busy summer months to find out about boat safety. McDonald states that lake traffic is much busier on Saturdays and Sundays but early weekdays are a great time to enjoy the lake with less traffic. He breaks down what qualifies for boat safety?  If born after January 1, 1988 a boater safety course is required according to NC state law. Also, remember to have PFD for the number of people that are on a boat, a cushion floatation, & fire-extinguishers. Allow 100 yards space between other vessels, structures, or shallow water when operating a boat. Check out the pontoons, tritoons, and wake surf boats that are available from SurfandSportLakeNorman. Special thanks to Mike McDonald for joining the Carolina Outdoors, powered by Jesse Brown's, & sharing boat safety requirements, recommendations, & lake wisdom for a safe fun summer on the lake.

Segment 4, July 22, 2023 A few things in the news with the Carolina Outdoors: Six-hundred acres has been acquired for a new state park in South Carolina.  The new park will honor the Catawba Nation in Lancaster County, SC, along the banks of the Catawba River.  The property was sold by the Nisbett family through a transaction secured by the Open Spaces Institute.  Located south of Charlotte, the property is near Van Wyck Road in Lancaster County. It includes a mile of waterfront on the Catawba River. Airlines are cracking down on the practice of skiplagging.  This is where passengers book a ticket but leave the flight in a connecting city (before it reaches its final, ticketed destination). The reason for doing this is to save money on certain tickets.  It is not illegal but does violate the carriage requirements of airlines. Special thanks to Mike McDonald of SurfandSportLakeNorman for joining the program as well as first year course marshall of the 24 Hours of Booty, Tom Pearman. Wardrobe for the host was provided by the fly shop of Charlotte & incoming back-to-school supplies like the Borealis backpack from Jesse Brown's.

Segment 3, May 20th, 2023 We have a famous bloom of flowers that happens once a year in the Carolinas.  The reason it is famous?  It is because it is one of the world's largest blooms of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. This plant loves the free-flowing, shallow-water, that is in this part of the Catawba River. Every mid-May & June, Landsford Canal State Park becomes the epicenter of flower, wildlife, water & history lovers.  This 448-acre SC State Park, located in Chester County is located one hour south of Charlotte. Park manager, Zack Gross, joins the program to talk with host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown's, to talk about his park, the bloom, & wildlife that you may see along the way. He'll also mention LilyFest.  It takes place May 21st, 2023 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about the thousands of years of history along the Catawba River.  This includes indigenous people utilizing group fishing methods, Revolutionary War armies crossing, the Canals utilized in the 1820's, & the famed flower bloom. Throw in a few frogs, snakes, eagles & deer & you'll be ready for a nice easy hike or human powered boat ride down the river. Things to bring:  Water Bottle from Jesse Brown's, hiking shoes from Charlotte Outdoor shop, & snack & sun-protection hats, & sun protection clothing. Canoe rentals for the Catawba River:  Great Falls Adventure & NC Outdoor Adventures Wardrobe for the host was provided for by Olukai shoes from Jesse Brown's, DuckHead shorts in Charlotte, & a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses in Charlotte to help him see the microphone.

An update on the health of the Catawba River from the Catawba Riverkeeper and on what he and his organization are doing to improve the river for all of us.

A Charlotte high school basketball player required medical attention after collapsing during a game Tuesday night. A spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed to WCNC Charlotte the collapse happened during the boys' game between Rocky River High School and Butler High School. While specific details about what happened weren't immediately available, CMS confirmed the student received on-site care. "At this time, we do not have an update on the student's condition but are hopeful for a safe and full recovery," the spokesperson said. WCNC Charlotte is reaching out to North Carolina athletics officials to determine what's next for the game, what protocols are in place for the player and both teams, and what other actions may be taken as well. Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/cms-charlotte-basketball-game-player-collapse-sports-local/275-2cba0906-63ee-4f6d-915b-5e361a692994 After years of complaints over a pervasive rotten egg smell hanging over Catawba, South Carolina, New-Indy Containerboard is facing new legal action over alleged discharge from its facility into nearby waters. According to a lawsuit filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, six plaintiffs are asking for the factory's concerning practices to be curbed, civil penalties and other "relief." The plaintiffs allege New-Indy is releasing "dangerous substances" into the Catawba River. The court document states that New-Indy "discharges millions of gallons of inadequately treated wastewater per day to the Catawba River, affecting potentially over one million citizens, residents, and workers in South Carolina and North Carolina." Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/new-indy/new-indy-faces-new-suit-complaints-discharge-catawba-river/275-12140fb6-5642-4c5c-a315-b5fe5187f6e4 Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! 

A Charlotte high school basketball player required medical attention after collapsing during a game Tuesday night.A spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed to WCNC Charlotte the collapse happened during the boys' game between Rocky River High School and Butler High School. While specific details about what happened weren't immediately available, CMS confirmed the student received on-site care."At this time, we do not have an update on the student's condition but are hopeful for a safe and full recovery," the spokesperson said.WCNC Charlotte is reaching out to North Carolina athletics officials to determine what's next for the game, what protocols are in place for the player and both teams, and what other actions may be taken as well.Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/cms-charlotte-basketball-game-player-collapse-sports-local/275-2cba0906-63ee-4f6d-915b-5e361a692994After years of complaints over a pervasive rotten egg smell hanging over Catawba, South Carolina, New-Indy Containerboard is facing new legal action over alleged discharge from its facility into nearby waters.According to a lawsuit filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, six plaintiffs are asking for the factory's concerning practices to be curbed, civil penalties and other "relief." The plaintiffs allege New-Indy is releasing "dangerous substances" into the Catawba River.The court document states that New-Indy "discharges millions of gallons of inadequately treated wastewater per day to the Catawba River, affecting potentially over one million citizens, residents, and workers in South Carolina and North Carolina."Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/special-reports/new-indy/new-indy-faces-new-suit-complaints-discharge-catawba-river/275-12140fb6-5642-4c5c-a315-b5fe5187f6e4Watch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT! 

The top headlines from The Charlotte Observer for November 3, 2022 including National Sandwich Day deals, crime news, park land purchase on the Catawba River and more.

The Catawba River is Charlotte's source of water. It's vital to our region. So how do we protect it? Brandon Jones of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation discusses that important topic with The Charlotte Ledger's Lindsey Banks. They explore what being a riverkeeper means, why protecting the river basin is important in Mecklenburg County, the foundation's work and the coolest spot in the basin to visit. Podcast produced by Lindsey Banks.For original and smart local insights on Charlotte, sign up for The Charlotte Ledger's newsletter at www.TheCharlotteLedger.com. Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Lake Wylie, South Carolina, "Where geography, people, and economic vitality have fashioned Southern lifestyle!" Lake Wylie is located in York County 16 miles South of Charlotte, NC along the North and South Carolina border.  When the border was resurveyed in 2012, it was discovered that some of the properties in Lake Wylie were actually located in North Carolina.  The area is officially a census-designated place (CDP) instead of a town.  The CDP is located on a peninsula along the shore of the Lake Wylie.  The lake was formed in 1904 by the Catawba Power Company when it dammed the Catawba River to build a hydroelectric power plant.  The lake was originally named Lake Catawba, but was renamed Lake Wylie in 1960 in honor of one of the founders of the Catawba Power Company.  The lake has become a popular recreation area for the region.   We hope you enjoy our visit to Lake Wylie!

***Sponsored by: ZocDoc! Visit ZocDoc.com/Trace and download the app FREE! | The End Up podcast. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts! | Talkspace! Visit Talkspace.com and use code Trace to get $100 off your first month!***In May of 2008, the body of twenty year old Irina Yarmolenko was discovered along the shore of the Catawba River, in North Carolina. Initially, investigators were baffled as they found Irina with three ligatures tied around her neck. Hoping to locate witnesses in the area who had seen or heard something, detectives began canvassing.They quickly came upon thirty-nine year old Mark Carver, fishing just up the river. He, along with his cousin, Neal Cassada, would become the prime suspects despite absolutely no evidence linking them to the crime. Cassada would pass away as the result of heart attack before going to trial, Carver would ultimately be found guilty and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.Several years later in 2019, Carver's lawyer successfully argued to have his conviction thrown out and a new trial ordered. While the District Attorney promised to charge Carver again, his lawyer felt there wasn't even enough evidence to have charged him the first time.***Update*** -- In August of 2022, fourteen years after Irina Yarmolenko was murdered, the Gaston County District Attorney's Office officially dropped all charges against Mark Carver noting that the Touch DNA upon which he had originally been arrested did not meet the modern standard necessary to link him to the crime. In today's episode we'll dig into all of the news regarding this update and what it means for the case in the future.FB: https://www.facebook.com/TraceEvidencePod/IG: https://www.instagram.com/traceevidencepod/TW: https://twitter.com/TraceEvPodVisit https://www.trace-evidence.com for more information, case photos, contact information and more.Merch: https://traceevidence.threadless.com/ Music Courtesy of: "Lost Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Talk about perfect timing!  Gabrielle and I hit it perfectly and found ourselves absolutely surrounded by the very rare but locally abundant Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies of the Catawba River, right here in little 'ol Chester County and Landsford Canal.  Join us and learn about these amazing flowers and their spectacular show.  We'll share observations, biology, when and where to go, and just our awe and appreciation for this amazing floral display that is the largest in the world!!Here's a few websites and resources to learn more:Landsford Canal State ParkRocky Shoals Spider Lily-festRocky Shoals Spider Lily Restoration Project with the S.C. Native Plant SocietyUnravelling the Mystery of the Spider Lily - Clemson University (Go Tigers!!)Interested in having Marvin and Gabrielle speak at your event?  Email us below for more information!Email us at www.walkingonthewildside21@gmail.comFollow us on our two webpages and see our trip to see the spider lilies:Nature Nook PhotographyWalkin' on the Wild SideYou can listen directly from our website at https://walkinonthewildside.buzzsprout.com, or from any of the major podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Stitcher, and more! Subscribe to our podcasts on any of these platforms and leave us a review!We hope you enjoy listening to our podcast and welcome your emails, comments, and feedback.  Hopefully, we will inspire you to get out there and start "Walkin' on the Wild Side"!

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.     A few weeks ago, Dr. Bill Hilton, Jr. joined Debbie and Laurie to talk about his organization, Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, located in York, SC. Bill was twice named the South Carolina Science Teacher of the Year and was also honored as the state's outstanding biology teacher, Discover Magazine, named him as one of the 50 Best Brains in Science and one of the top 10 amateur scientists. He was also an active member of the Sierra Club Campaign, which made Congaree Swamp in South Carolina and National Park. The Charlotte Observer named him as a Carolinas Guardian of the Environment because of a project that he participated in to protect the Catawba River.     In this week's episode, Bill returns to have a conversation about his project, Operation Ruby Throat, a cross-disciplinary international initiative in which people collaborate to study behavior and distribution of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).     “In Operation Ruby Throat, participants observe the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in their home countries and share information with peers across North and Central America. Data they collect about hummingbird behavior and distribution are submitted to a central clearing house, analyzed, and then disseminated through this Operation Ruby Throat Web site. Participants learn not only about natural history of hummingbirds but reinforce skills in math, writing, geography, foreign language, art, drama, and other disciplines AND gain deeper understanding of the need for environmental cooperation among people of the Americas.”     Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.   Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.   Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.   Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.    

Understand why British Crossing at Cowan's Ford on Catawba River located halfway between Salisbury & Charlotte became so difficult. Understand why Torrance's Tavern based upon its location was crucial given activity that took place on February 1, 1781. Find out if in fact Patriot & British Forces showed extreme signs of fatigue come early 1781. Discover what barbaric practice British Troop Forces under Cornwallis's Command resorted to while marching en route to Salisbury between February 2-3. Find out just how vital Salisbury had become prior to & during Revolutionary War. Get a brief introduction about Guilford Courthouse. Discover what General Morgan achieved that was considered improbable. Find out how many men General Greene has in his army come February 7. Understand about the importance behind A Council Of War and whether General Greene called for one prior to Mid February 1781. Discover what General Greene sought to preserve in the present moment including having learned from past militaristic mistakes. Find out whom Greene wrote to around February 9 including the explanations behind doing so. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kirk-monroe/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kirk-monroe/support

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast. The show about anything and everything connected with nature. Debbie and Laurie, The Backyard Naturalists are absolutely thrilled for this weeks episode as they host and welcome Dr. Bill Hilton, Jr. to the show.     Bill is the Executive Director of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, which is located in York, South Carolina. He's also the principal investigator for Operation Ruby Throat, the hummingbird project.     He was twice named the South Carolina Science Teacher of the Year and was also honored as the state's outstanding biology teacher, Discover Magazine, named him as one of the 50 Best Brains in Science and one of the top 10 amateur scientists.     He was also an active member of the Sierra Club Campaign, which made Congaree Swamp in South Carolina and National Park. The Charlotte Observer named him as a Carolinas Guardian of the Environment because of a project that he participated in to protect the Catawba River.     Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.     Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.     Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.     Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

(From 03.26.22, Segment 3) During this episode, the topic of water continues as Bill and Wes chat with Vanessa Covington, the Recreation Director for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. The Catawba River provides plenty to do within the world of recreation! Listen in to find out how you can make the most of the outdoors on the Catawba River! Heading out to explore? Stop by Jesse Brown's Outdoors for your Chacos, sun shirts, bathing suits, hats, daypacks, sunglasses, and more!

The Catawba Crossings Feasibility study looks at adding a new road across the Catawba River, connecting Belmont and the area near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We talk with the experts on why your voice is critical to the process.

Continuing this series informing listeners about how the Catawba River affects life in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and how the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation works to preserve the river.

No Agenda Episode 1400 - "The Learning Curve" "The Learning Curve" Show 1400 Special Executive Producers Dreb Scott, Duke of the Southern California MegaRegion Baron Keg of Southern Wake Sir Jolly Weirdo of the Surrealist Landscapes Steven Fettig, Sir Pants Sir Maggot of the Forest Bas Van vliet Tony Cabrera - NoAgendaShop.com Cody Smith Lou Perz: " The last of the "JUNGIAN" dreams spycoanalyst. Sir Loin, Superfreak of the Catawba River David Fugazzotto Jonas Astrom Dame of the Happy Hummers James Boyle Sir CrashEMT, Viscount of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina Sir Tommyhawk of the Heartland Sir Alberto Barbosa of the Fluoride Free Waters Sir Onion Knight Sir Nathan Lee Miller Foster Noah Watenmaker Stormshayd, Knight Champion of the Frozen Wastes Taylor Davis Anonymous Sir Wes of the Westside Sir Absentea Ryan Marsh James Fukumoto Jeff (Icognito) William Robb Sir Chris - Protector of psychotic sausage dogs John Kimmich Sir Goon, Lee North Sir Hamilton Fish Sir Thomas Alwin Buskens Matt Chase Sir Christian of Phoenix Sir Addison, CEO of Shitposts Sir Kit Bored James Turner Sir Vince, Baron of Floribama. Ray Grill Giuseppe Conte Baron Gordon Walton Associate Executive Producers: Sir Jaymo Black Knight of North Central Idaho Janet Alligood Paul Tompkins Christopher Weirich Mary, Tom and Patrick Hughes Matthew LeRoy Dame Jennifer Ranck, Knight of the Iguana Steve Clutter Sir Jonathan of the Double-Bladed Paddle Bradley Shellnut JENNIFER WINTER The Phoenix Meetup Lillian Soehner Sir Cal Become a member of the 1401 Club, support the show here Boost us with with Podcasting 2.0 Certified apps: Podfriend - Breez - Sphinx - Podstation - Curiocaster - Fountain Title Changes Sir Keg of the Spring -> Baron Keg of the Southern Wake Sir CrashEMT, -> Viscount of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina Knights & Dames Kurt Hildebrand -> Sir Jolly Wierdo of the Surrealist Landscapes Adam Petrey (pronounced Pet Ree) -> Sir Adam Petrey Todd Winton -> Sir Maggot of the Forest Bas Van Vliet -> Zombie With The Ring Lou Perez -> Sir Lou Perz, The last of the "JUNGIAN" dreams spycoanalyst James Foster -> Sir Lion, Superfreak of the Catawba River Susan Beales -> Dame Mama Susan of the North County San Diego Thomas Balmer -> Sir Tommyhawk of the Heartland Robert Conti -> Sir Alberto Barbosa of the Fluoride Free Waters Josh Persello -> Stormshayd, Knight Champion of the Frozen Wastes Wesley Olsen -> Sir West of the Westside Jac Bot -> Sir Absentea Chris Kimmich -> Sir Chris - Protector of psychotic sausage dogs Hamilton Fish -> Sir Hamilton Fish Rob -> Sir Zin of the Forgotten Vines Thomas Sullivan -> Sir Thomas Katherine Walton -> Dame Katherine Bradley Shellnut -> Sir Badley Shellnut Mike Bryan -> Sir Mike of the Rising Elevator Brandon Foster -> Sir Foster of the Deep Woods Electrons Bob Loew -> Sir Gears, Knight of Second-Hand Memes Art By: Capitalist Agenda End of Show Mixes: Sir Geoff Smith Engineering, Stream Management & Wizardry Mark van Dijk - Systems Master Ryan Bemrose - Program Director Back Office Aric Mackey Chapters: Dreb Scott Clip Custodian: Neal Jones NEW: and soon on Netflix: Animated No Agenda No Agenda Social Registration Sign Up for the newsletter No Agenda Peerage ShowNotes Archive of links and Assets (clips etc) 1400.noagendanotes.com New: Directory Archive of Shownotes (includes all audio and video assets used) archive.noagendanotes.com RSS Podcast Feed Full Summaries in PDF No Agenda Lite in opus format NoAgendaTorrents.com has an RSS feed or show torrents Last Modified 11/18/2021 15:46:38This page created with the FreedomController Last Modified 11/18/2021 15:46:38 by Freedom Controller  

Host Keith Cradle takes a look at the 10,000-year history of the Catawba River, powered by OrthoCarolina.

The 100-Mile Fonta Flora State Trail will connect Morganton to Asheville with hiking and biking trails along the Catawba River, creeks, around Lake James, through the mountains and into our charming downtowns like Morganton, Marion, Old Fort, Black Mountain, and Asheville's River Arts District. It will provide an unparalleled experience for people of all ages and abilities. The full scope of the Fonta Flora State Trail will take many years, but the 32 mile loop around Lake James, as well as other completed sections in Morganton, Marion, Old Fort & Black Mountain have already served as a spark to ignite the passions to complete the project. This region has no shortage of recreational and cultural amenities, and by linking these communities and natural assets, the Fonta Flora State Trail will leverage mountains, waterways, and main streets which have made the region a destination for adventurers both near and far.In this episode I traveled over to Black Mountain to sit down with Beth Heile, Executive Director of the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail, to talk about the origin and vision for this incredible state trail and navigating through the process of becoming a State Trail. We also talk about the challenge of keeping a large project like this moving forward when it involves three counties, multiple constituents & decision makers, getting bills passed in the NC House and Senate, securing funding to move the project from concept to completion…and a whole lot more, including sections to enjoy right now, and a vision of what is to come. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEFonta Flora State Trail – 100 Mile Trail from Morganton to Asheville – Designated in 2015 – 32 of 100 miles completeFonta Flora State Trail – Current Access Points: https://fontaflorastatetrail.com/_files/2021/04/Fonta-Flora-State-Trail-Access-Points.pdfFonta Flora Trail Master Plan: https://fontafloratrail.com/index.html Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail started Feb 2020 - goal – complete 10 in years, funded by municipalities -https://fontaflorastatetrail.com/ How State Trails Work – how they come to be, how they are built, how they are funded  https://trails.nc.gov/state-trailsGreat Trails State Coalition – Bill just passed designating 2023 as the Year of the Trail in NC; goal of collation has been to get is to get state funding for trails. $29.25M Complete the Trails Fund in House Budget - https://greattrailsnc.org/NC Year of the Trail 2023: https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/nc-year-of-the-trail-2023Friends of the Valdese Rec – how I got started in all this – formed in 2015 to acquire 300 acres on the lake for a passive park – now will have Wilderness Gateway State Trail and regional trail coming through park - https://friendsofthevaldeserec.org/  Where to Access the Completed Sections: https://fontaflorastatetrail.com/the-trail/Where can you hike and bike on the Fonta Flora State Trail Right Now? https://fontaflorastatetrail.com/access/https://www.ncparks.govhttps://greattrailsnc.orghttps://www.kitsbow.com/pages/old-fort-ride-house

In this episode I talk to Ben Shook of Catawba River calls about duck hunting and duck calls.

The top headlines from The Charlotte Observer for Tuesday, July 20, 2021, including news about the sewage spill in the Catawba River, a big lottery win for a Charlotte resident, and a former Panthers wide receiver calls it a career.

(From 06.05.21, Segment 3) Bill Bartee and Wes Lawson expand upon the Midland Carolinas through the connection of the Carolina Thread Trail and Rocky Shoals Spider Lily at Landsford Canal State Park. The Outdoor Guys also welcome in Al James, Park Superintendent, to provide more of his expertise on this connection. Landsford Canal State Park is located about an hour south of Charlotte, NC along the Catawba River with about 400+ acres. The months, May and June, bring in the most visitors as Landsford Canal State Park becomes home for the largest number of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world. Tune in to find out more about.. The Carolina Thread Trail Details about Landsford Canal State Park The effects of the pandemic and weather patterns on the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily population How this year's bloom of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily is going If you're planning to go check out Landsford Canal State Park stop by Jesse Brown's or visit www.jessebrowns.com to gear up for your adventure!    

Starting May 6th at 9:00 P.M. for 17-Days The I-77 southbound bridge over the Catawba River in York County is scheduled for major repairs. During construction, the southbound bridge will have to be closed and southbound traffic will be diverted to the northbound bridge. This closure is planned to last through May 23rd at 5:00 A.M. On this bonus edition of Behind the Badge we talk with Deputy Quinn with the Traffic Enforcement Unit on how you can prepare and be safe during the project.

In this bonus episode, host Renee Roberson pulls two mysteries from the Carolinas out of her research files. What is Lavinia Fisher from South Carolina known for and how did a young college student die on the banks of the Catawba River in North Carolina? Show Notes: Cover art by Mackintosh Multimedia Sound Editing by Mia Roberson Learn more at missinginthecarolinas.com.

Today we celebrate the man remembered as the "Father of American Dendrology" (the study of woody plants, trees, and shrubs). We'll also learn about the November birth flower, which was celebrated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on this day in 1883. We also recognize the botanist, who was Philadelphia’s botany man during the 1800s. We hear some words about November by an American comedian, writer, and activist. We Grow That Garden Library™ with a Garden Cookbook with a southern flair. And then we’ll wrap things up with a little story about a pesky Otter and a koi pond in Vancouver.   Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart To listen to the show while you're at home, just ask Alexa or Google to “Play the latest episode of The Daily Gardener Podcast.” It's just that easy. Gardener Greetings Send your garden pics, stories, birthday wishes, and so forth to Jennifer@theDailyGardener.org   Facebook Group If you'd like to check out my curated news articles and blog posts for yourself, you're in luck because I share all of it with the Listener Community in the Free Facebook Group - The Daily Gardener Community. There’s no need to take notes or search for links - the next time you're on Facebook, search for Daily Gardener Community and request to join. I'd love to meet you in the group.    Important Events November 5, 1801    Today is the anniversary of the death of the botanist Humphrey Marshall. The Marshalls were cousins to the Bartrams - their mothers were sisters. Humphrey’s cousin, John Bartram, was known as the "Father of American Botany” after establishing the country's first botanical garden, and he ignited Humphrey's love of native plants. In 1773, after Humphrey inherited his family estate and a sizable inheritance from his father, he created the country's second botanical garden. Humphrey incorporated natives, naturally, but also exotics. Humphrey forged a friendship with the British botanist John Fothergill who paid Humphrey for his plant collecting. John was a collector and a connector, introducing Humphrey to many of Europe's top botanists and a growing customer list. John's contacts helped Humphrey source new plants for his botanical garden. And Twenty-five years before Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis & Clark on their expedition, Humphrey Marshall repeatedly suggested exploring the American West - in 1778, 1785, and 1792.  A fellow friend, Quaker, and botanist Joseph Trimble Rothrock wrote this about Humphrey: "The earth abounds in beauty, all of which is open to his chastened senses. He revels in the sunlight and the breezes. The songs of the birds fall, welcome, into his ear. The colors of the flowers attract him." In 1785, Humphrey published the very first American essay on trees and shrubs. Humphrey Marshall is also known as the "Father of American Dendrology" (the study of woody plants, trees, and shrubs). Marshalltown, Pennsylvania, was named in honor of Humphrey Marshall. The genus, Marshallia, is named in honor of Humphrey Marshall.   November 5, 1883  On this day in Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society held its first Chrysanthemum Show in Horticultural Hall. This would be the first of several Chrysanthemum events presented by PHS to the public. Chrysanthemums have a fascinating history. In 1790, Chrysanthemums were brought back from China and introduced to England, where they were greeted with much adoration. The greens and blossoms of the chrysanthemum are edible, and they are particularly popular in Japan, China, and Vietnam. During the Victorian times in the language of flowers, the red chrysanthemum meant "I Love," and the yellow chrysanthemum symbolized slighted love. In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon. During the Han dynasty, the Chinese drank chrysanthemum wine - they believed it made their lives longer and made them healthier. As a result, the chrysanthemum was often worn to funerals. Generally, chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy - but they have some unique cultural meanings around the world. On Mother's Day down under, Australians traditionally wear a white chrysanthemum to honor their moms, and Chrysanthemums are common Mother's Day presents. In Poland, chrysanthemums are the flower of choice to be placed on graves for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower and the 13th wedding anniversary flower. In 1966, Mayor Richard Daley declared the chrysanthemum as the official flower of the city of Chicago.   November 5, 1896  On this day, the newspaper out of Buffalo, New York, reported that John Redfield herbarium was looking for a home. John H Redfield was born in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1815. In 1836, John became friends with Asa Gray after joining the Lyceum of Natural History in New York, where Gray was the Librarian and Superintendent. They remained life-long friends. During the 1840s, Gray tried to locate a plant called the Shortia galacifolia (commonly known as Oconee bell). Gray named the plant Shortia in honor of the Kentucky botanist, Charles Wilkin Short. Originally, Andre Michaux had found the plant and had sent it back to Paris. But since Michaux, no one could identify where the plant had been harvested. In 1863 Charles Short died - and still no Shortia. Botanists like Asa Gray and John Robinson dealt with constant taunting from comments like "Have you found the Shortia yet?" In May of 1877, a North Carolina teenager named George Hyams was walking beside the Catawba River when he spied a plant he couldn't name. His father was an amateur botanist, and he sent the specimen to a friend. Somehow the specimen made it to Gray, who could be heard crying 'Eureka' when he saw it. Thanks to George Hyams, Gray had found his Shortia. In 1879, Gray and his wife invited their botanist friends John Redfield, Charles Sprague Sargent, and William Canby to see the Shortia in the wild. Soon enough, they found the Shortia growing in the exact spot Hymans had described. It was an honor of a lifetime for John Redfield to be there with his old friend. John devoted most of the final twenty years of his life to the herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. John's work at the Academy was both worker bee and preservationist. John made sure the early botanical work was indexed and mounted, preserving the city of brotherly love's precious botanical history. During John's lifetime, botanists had traditional visiting habits depending on the city they were in: they would visit Torrey if they were in New York, Asa Gray if they were at Harvard or in Boston, and John Redfield when they passed through Philadelphia. Botany folks genuinely liked John; his botanist friends noted his "strong yet tender character" when they wrote about him in his obituary.   Unearthed Words I have come to regard November as the older, harder man's October. I appreciate the early darkness and cooler temperatures. It puts my mind in a different place than October. It is a month for a quieter, slightly more subdued celebration of summer's death as winter tightens its grip. — Henry Rollins, American comedian, writer, and activist   Grow That Garden Library The New Southern Garden Cookbook by Sheri Castle This book came out in 2011, and the subtitle is Enjoying the Best from Homegrown Gardens, Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands, and CSA Farm Boxes. In this book, Sheri aims to make "what's in season" the answer to "what's for dinner?".  I love that! Shari’s cookbook offers over 300 recipes that will inspire new and experienced cooks, southern or not, to utilize the seasonal delights from our gardens. “Sheri Castle offers a vision for Southern cuisine that's based wholly on locally grown, seasonal foods. . . . The ingredient lists are seductive on their own, but Sheri is a warm and engaging writer with the kind of practical wisdom that enlightens any kitchen.” — Oxford American “She formulates realistic recipes in her well-equipped but ordinary home kitchen….The proof of this pudding is in the produce: fresh, with reverence and flair. Y'all dig in.” — The Pilot This book is 456 pages of garden recipes from a true southern hostess. You can get a copy of The New Southern Garden Cookbook by Sheri Castle and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for around $4   Today’s Botanic Spark November 5, 2019  Finally, last year during this week, the Global News shared a story called Koi Tremble in Fear as Otter makes a reappearance in the Vancouver Chinese garden. "Nearly a year after a hungry otter began decimating the koi population at Vancouver’s Chinese Gardens... The Vancouver Park Board said Saturday the otter was spotted in the koi pond on Wednesday morning after three koi carcasses were found. Park board staff began draining the pond that same day to transfer the remaining koi to a temporary holding area off-site. It’s not yet known whether this otter is the same one that ate 11 of the garden’s 14 prized koi fish in November of last year, including a prized 50-year-old fish named Madonna." When I shared this story in the Facebook Group last year, I wrote: "There Otter be a law!" In all seriousness, for pond owners, there's nothing worse than losing your koi. After watching the Vancouver park measures to prevent animals from getting into the pond area, I have to say it's pretty intense. And, it just goes to show that whether you're a big public garden or a small private garden, dealing with critters like this can require ingenuity and hard work — and even then, there are no guarantees.

Catawba River Keeper Brandon Jones visits Palmetto Mornings.

In this episode of The Best of LKN, I'm joined by the brewmeister of Eleven Lakes Brewing Company - Ray Hutchinson. Ray introduces us to the Eleven Lakes story, shares some background on the company, and talks about business amidst current events.From the Eleven Lakes website (www.elevenlakesbrewing.com):The Catawba River flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the coastal plains of South Carolina.  The eleven major lakes that form along the way provide an unparalleled source of life, growth, energy, and recreation to the people of the Catawba Basin.  At Eleven Lakes Brewing Company, our mission is to brew exceptional craft beer in hopes of providing opportunities to bring others together in a celebration of life and community.Eleven Lakes Brewing roots are deeply embedded in homebrew culture. Owners Jack and Ray began their journey in summer 2007 with a simple desire to make great beer. Our attention to detail and high standards remain constant.  Whether it's desire to produce year-round favorites with consistency or create a new and imaginative seasonal ale, our passion for the great craft beer and a homebrew spirit shine through. Grab a pint and feel free to talk craft beer. ~The Eleven Lakes Brewing FamilyListen to this episode with a pint, and enjoy!A few helpful links:Web: www.elevenlakesbrewing.comFacebook: @elevenlakesbrewingInstagram: @elevenlakesbrewingLocation:10228 Bailey Road, Suite 201Cornelius, NC 28031Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/epicjourneymedia)

Happy Thursday! At least we hope it's Thursday - is anyone else struggling to keep track of the days through quarantine? Anyway, this week we're diving into Lake Norman...literally. Did you know there is a TON of stuff under there? We're giving you the full bodycount ...err... rundown of what's buried in the deep, but let's just say that more headstones were relocated than actual caskets. We're also going to take a stroll through what could be Charlotte's version of Serial, but our brief recap is like watching Forrest Gump on cable: you just know there's a ton of stuff missing. Along the way we'll learn that you can't take pillows to Goodwill, there's a better way to preserve historical battlefields, and propose an eerily beautiful way to honor the dead.Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/vangocreative/D9 Brewinghttps://www.d9brewing.comIra Yarmolenko / Mark Carverhttp://freemarkcarver.comLake Normanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_NormanWhat's Below Lake Normanhttp://brooksideexclusives.com/history-lurks-lake-norman/Below Lake Norman - Commentshttps://www.charlottestories.com/people-no-idea-towns-lake-norman-even-exist/Don't forget to subscribe!

One of Charlotte’s crowning jewels is most certainly the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC) located along the Catawba River. Don and Christopher check in with Cooper L. at the USNWC, to get an update on their Ice Skating Rink which has replaced one of their channel pools as well as their Light Trail which has recently been installed. In addition to all that is currently going on out there already, Cooper even gives us a sneak peek as to what is to come in 2020 at this exciting outdoor venue!

Today we celebrate the botanist who created the second botanical garden in the United States and the botanist who was a dear friend to Asa Gray and was with him as he saw first hand one of the most sought after plants of the 1800s. We'll hear some words about the falling leaves and autumn senescence. We Grow That Garden Library with a book that is so gorgeous that some folks buy copies to cut out the pages to frame them. I'll talk about the three things you need to do to winterize your pressure washer, and then we'll talk about a troublesome otter in Vancouver. But first, let's catch up on a few recent events. Who doesn't want MORE Small Garden Design Ideas on a Budget? I stumbled on a great video about this very topic by Alexandra Campbell @midsizegarden, who is the brains behind the middle-sized garden. What I love about Alexandra's video is that she culls the best tips from top garden designers she's interviewed over the years. Find out how to save money and still get the garden you’ll love. The designers share tips like designing off of the house or a tree, making your boundaries look smart, and the secret benefits of using a large pot instead of buying lots of little pots. Alexandra has pulled together a handy set of clips with commentary. It's a great video. Plus, I love her voice...    Boy, did Tom Brown @headgardenertom pick some wonderful plants for November in his article for Gardens Illustrated called "Best flowers and plants for November." There are beautiful photographs of these plants and flowers from Jason Ingram in this great post from @GdnsIllustrated.  There's plenty for gardens across all different growing zones. Northern Gardeners should check out Rosa 'Geranium' and Acer griseum - they both caught my eye.     The Irish Florist, Lamber de Bie, shared a post called A Romantic Garden Wedding at Waterford Castle.  You know those breathe/calming apps? This is basically that - but with flowers. Check out @Lamber_de_Bie & @WaterfordCastle on a private Island SE of Ireland. Lamber's woodland birch arch includes blue & pink summer hydrangea & tall plumes of pampas grass. It's a unique combination, and it's just incredible.   Now, if you'd like to check out these curated articles for yourself, you're in luck - because I share all of it with the Listener Community in the Free Facebook Group - The Daily Gardener Community.So there’s no need to take notes or track down links - the next time you're on Facebook, just search for Daily Gardener Community and request to join. I'd love to meet you in the group.   Brevities #OTD  Today is the anniversary of the death of the botanist Humphrey Marshall who died on this day in 1801. The Marshalls were cousins to the Bartrams - their mothers were sisters. John Bartram was known as the "Father of American Botany, and he ignited Humphrey's love of native plants. John had established the country's first botanical garden. In 1773, after Marshall inherited his family estate and a sizable inheritance from his father, he created the country's second botanical garden. He incorporated natives, naturally, but also exotics. Marshall forged a friendship with the British botanist John Fothergill who paid Marshall for his plant collecting. Fothergill was a collector and a connector, introducing Marshall to many of Europe's top botanists and a growing list of customers. Marshall's contacts helped him source new plants for his botanical garden. And Twenty-five years before Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis & Clark on an expedition to the west, it was Humphrey Marshall who first made the suggestion - in 1778, 1785, and 1792. He really wanted the United States to sponsor an expedition to explore the west. A fellow friend, Quaker, and botanist, Joseph Trimble Rothrock wrote this about Marshall: "The earth abounds in beauty, all of which is open to his chastened senses. He revels in the sunlight and the breezes. The songs of the birds fall, welcome, into his ear. The colors of the flowers attract him." Marshalltown Pennsylvania was named in honor of Humphrey Marshall. In 1785, Marshall published the very first American essay on trees and shrubs. Humphrey Marshall is also known as the "Father of American Dendrology" (or the study of woody plants, trees, and shrubs). The genus, Marshallia, is named in honor of Humphrey Marshall.     #OTD  On this day in 1896, the newspaper out of Buffalo, New York, reported that the John Redfield herbarium was looking for a home. John H Redfield was born in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1815.  In 1836, Redfield became friends with Asa Gray after joining the Lyceum of Natural History in New York, where Gray was the Librarian and Superintendent. The remained life-long friends.  When Redfield married in 1843, he moved to Philadelphia and worked for his Father-in-law's company making wheels for the railroad. During his free time,  Redfield went on plant hunting expeditions with Asa Gray and other botanists.  During the 1840's Gray was trying to locate a plant called the Shortia galacifolia (commonly known as Oconee bell). Andre Michaux had found the plant and had sent it back to Paris. In 1839, when Gray was in Paris on behalf of Harvard, he found a cabinet of unidentified plants, and there was Michaux's plant - the Oconee bell. Gray named the plant Shortia in honor of the Kentucky botanist, Charles Wilkin Short. Gray made two serious attempts in 1841 and 1843 to find the spot where Michaux had found the Shortia, but both failed. Soon every botanist wanted to find the Shortia. In 1863 Charles Short died - and still no Shortia. Botanists dealt with constant comments like "Found Shortia yet?" In May of 1877, a North Carolina teenager named George Hyams was walking beside the Catawba River when he spied a plant he couldn't name. His father was an amateur botanist, and he sent the specimen to a friend. A specimen made it to Gray, who could be heard crying 'Eureka' when he found it. In 1879, Gray organized a group to see the Shortia. Along with his dear friend, John Redfield, Gray brought his wife, Charles Sprague Sargent, and William Canby. Sure enough, they found the Shortia growing in the spot Hymans found it. It was an honor for Redfield to be there with his old friend. Redfield devoted most of the final 20 years of his life to the herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. During Redfield's lifetime, botanists would visit Torrey if they were in New York, Asa Gray, if they were at Harvard or in Boston, and John Redfield when they passed through Philadelphia. It helped that people genuinely liked Redfield; his botanist friends noted his "strong yet tender character" when they wrote about him in his obituary. Redfield's work at the Academy was both worker bee and preservationist. In the early 1800s, Philadelphia had been a major botanical hub in the country. Redfield made sure the early botanical work was indexed and mounted, preserving the precious botanical history of the city of brotherly love.   Unearthed Words "Nature is, above all, profligate. Don't believe them when they tell you how economical and thrifty nature is, whose leaves return to the soil. Wouldn't it be cheaper to leave them on the tree in the first place?" - Annie Dillard, author   "Saw the rainbow in the heaven, In the eastern sky the rainbow, Whispered, "What is that, Nokomis?" And the good Nokomis answered: "'Tis the heaven of flowers you see there; All the wild-flowers of the forest, All the lilies of the prairie, When on earth they fade and perish, Blossom in that heaven above us." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Song of Hiawatha     Today's book recommendation: Botanicum by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis I got my own copy of this book just last week, and it immediately became one of my favorites. And, it's a beautiful coffee table book with stunning pictures and heavy paper - although it actually was written for kids ages 8 -12. Don't let that dissuade you. It really is a remarkable book, and it's chock-full of information. Just seeing it on my ottoman in the family room makes me so happy. In fact, some people buy copies of this gorgeous book to cut the pages out to frame them. So just a quick heads up - they sell a Botanicum poster book too. The cover is spectacular. OK - now let me tell you about it. This book came out in 2017 and is part of Big Picture Press's Welcome to the Museum series. Botanicum is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. The text was written by Kathy Willis, the director of science at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England. Botanicum also features artwork from the fabulous Katie Scott of Animalium fame.  Botanicum is designed to make you feel like you are having a museum experience - visiting a fascinating exhibition about the world of plants -from perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica. Like any excellent exhibit, Botanicum offers a beautiful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross-sections of how plants work. This is an excellent gift book for the holidays or gift for yourself. It's undoubtedly one of my unexpected favorites this year - a treasure of art and botanical information. You can get a used copy and support the show, using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for under $20.     Today's Garden Chore Take 5 minutes and winterize your pressure washer. If your pressure washer is gas-operated, you need to start with this step: First, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Then run the engine for 2 minutes to get the stabilizer to circulate through the engine's system.   If your pressure washer is electric, you begin the process here (gas pressure washer, continue): Second, hook up the pressure washer to your garden hose. Let it run to clean the detergent out of the system. Turn off the water and remove the garden hose and then spray it until no more water comes out of the system. Finally, add anti-freeze “Pump Saver” to pump inlet if the temperatures are going near or below freezing, so that your pressure washer doesn't freeze up.       Something Sweet  Reviving the little botanic spark in your heart Finally, this past week, the Global News shared a story called Koi Tremble in Fear as Otter makes a reappearance in the Vancouver Chinese garden. "Nearly a year after a hungry otter began decimating the koi population at Vancouver’s Chinese Gardens... The Vancouver Park Board said Saturday the otter was spotted in the koi pond on Wednesday morning after the carcasses of three koi were found.    Park board staff began draining the pond that same day to transfer the remaining koi to a temporary holding area off-site.   It’s not yet known whether this otter is the same one that ate 11 of the garden’s 14 prized koi fish in November of last year, including a prized 50-year-old fish named Madonna." When I shared this story in the Facebook Group, I wrote: "There Otter be a law!" In all seriousness, for pond owners, there's nothing worse than losing your koi. You should watch the measures the park is taking to prevent animals from getting into the pond area. It's pretty intense. And, it just goes to show that whether you're a big public garden or a small private garden, dealing with critters like this can require ingenuity and hard work and even then - there are no guarantees.     Thanks for listening to the daily gardener, and remember: "For a happy, healthy life, garden every day."

In May 2008, there was a strange scene along the Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina - a 20-year-old college student was found dead beside her car. Two local fishermen were arrested, and one of them was convicted of murder. Years later, that conviction was overturned due to, in part, ineffective assistance of counsel. Today’s episode looks at the evidence presented at trial, the overturned conviction, and what will happen next in this case. Special thanks to Mark’s attorney, Chris Mumma, from the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, for talking to us about her work on Mark’s case. This episode was researched and written by Jordan Hensley, with the interview by Jillian Jalali. Sponsors in this episode: - AUTOPSY - The hit Reelz Channel show “Autopsy” is coming to PodcastOne with all new episodes. Download new episodes every week on Apple Podcasts and PodcastOne. - The Real Real - Shop from designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Rolex, Cartier and hundreds more, at up to 90% off retail. Shop in-store, online, or download the app, and get 20% off select items with the promo code REAL. Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a month via Patreon.com/CourtJunkie to receive ad-free episodes. Help support Court Junkie with $6 a month and get access to bonus monthly episodes. Follow me on Twitter @CourtJunkiePod or Instagram at CourtJunkie.

The F’d Up Finale Recap Written by Brandi AbbottOn F’d Up this season we’ve learned a lot about how broken the criminal justice system is and how fucked up the NC SBI Crime Lab has been. There has been some reform based on everything that has come to light, but there is still a long way to go. After Alan Gell’s case in 2004, the governor signed a bill that required DAs to provide all of their files from their cases to defense attorneys if they ask for them. The attorney general at the time, Roy Cooper, made changes to the SBI Crime Lab. He installed an ombudsman to address concerns relating to the crime lab or its employees. Documents and ASCLD-LAB reports were posted for transparency, but none of the results or repercussions from internal investigations seem to have been made public. The governor at the time, Pat McCrory, moved the SBI Crime Lab from under the purview of the attorney general at the time, Roy Cooper, to the department of justice so that it was under the purview of the governor and the name was changed from the NC SBI Crime Lab to the NC State Crime Lab. In 2016, Roy Cooper ran for governor and narrowly beat Pat McCrory, which put the crime lab back under his control. Right after the audit report was released, the governor at that time, Bev Perdue, signed a bill making it a crime for lab workers to withhold results. The North Carolina SBI Blood Stain Pattern Analysis unit was suspended during the audit. To this day it has still not been reopened and analysis of bloodstain patterns is outsourced.When Priya and Jess went into detail about the history and missions of the crime lab in NC, they didn’t mention that all of the information was from the current crime lab’s website. According to their site they and other forensic labs across the nation are now subject to the ISO/ISE 17025 accreditation standard. ANAB is authorized to perform this accreditation but no one can confirm whether or not they’re the one’s doing the accreditation for the NC State Crime Lab. One would hope not given that ANAB merged with ASCLD LAB who spent years accrediting the SBI Crime lab while it was full of misconduct. Priya checked out some public documents on the state crime lab’s site and found an update on the preservation of biological evidence. They now preserve evidence in capital cases until the convicted person is executed or dies and if a convicted person receives a life sentence, the evidence is preserved until they die. But if a person pleads guilty in a crime – evidence is only preserved for three years! Three years doesn’t seem like very long given how often coercion of confessions occur. Priya says that she’s visited the site often over the course of doing research for this podcast, and that recently a lot of information that used to be easy to access like policies, accreditation reports and the like are not as easy to obtain. Policies can only be accessed if you sign in with a Microsoft account and you have to email the lab to get accreditation reports. Another reform is the forensic advisory board that is now in place and includes forensic scientists from a couple of different states, however, they could benefit from a commission like the one Marvin Schechter is on in New York that includes more people who are involved in the justice system or are impacted by forensic science, like defense attorneys. Their website includes the minutes from their board meetings up until a year ago, but if they’re still meeting, they don’t seem to update the site any longer. The new director of the lab, Vanessa Martinucci, does have a forensic background which is a big deal considering their past employees. She has a Masters in biology and was a supervisor at the Houston Forensic Science Center. People Priya and Jess have talked to who were or are affected by the lab has said a lot of this hasn’t helped to fix the huge systemic issues that have happened. Instead, it seems as though they’re making changes to distract from their issues. People had been trying to enact change in North Carolina even before Greg Taylor’s exoneration. Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake had been noticing problematic issues in NC cases, the same kind Chris Mumma was noticing when she was clerking for him. Because of these concerns, in 2002 Chief Justice Lake established the Criminal Justice Study Commission, the purpose of which was to review police and prosecution procedures for factors that helped lead to wrongful convictions. This commission helped to birth the Innocence Inquiry Commission - which ultimately led to Greg Taylor’s exoneration. In very sad news, Chief Justice died last month, but he leaves a legacy of trying to make the world a better place. Chief Justice Lake, along with Darryl Hunt and others, helped in getting the Racial Justice Act enacted in 2009. As you may recall from an earlier episode, the Racial Justice Act allowed death row inmates and those still on trial to challenge their sentence if they thought it had been negatively impacted by their race. They also discussed that in December of 2012, three defendants who had been on death row had their cases reheard because of this act and their lives were saved. F’d Up covered three cases on the past episode but there was actually six. As you may remember from that episode, the three that were discussed had their sentences reduced to life in prison and this was only possible because they filed their grievances prior to 2013 when then governor Pat McCrory signed a repeal of the Racial Justice Act. This repeal affected all of the cases. One of these cases was Tilmon Golphin, a black man, was pursued by the police through the woods where they eventually caught him. A perspective juror who was black overheard two white jurors say that Tillman never should have made it out of the woods. The black juror brought this up and the prosecutor questioned him about it. He was struck from the jury but the two white people were not. Overall, five of the seven qualified black people were removed from the jury. Tilmon was ultimately sentenced by a jury of 11 white people and one black person. This was in Johnston county which had billboards boasting that it was “KKK country” up until the 80s. Another case was Rayford Burke who was black and was sentenced to death by an all white jury. The prosecutor drew attention to Rayford’s size and race in a negative fashion and called him a “big black bull” during a plea for the jury to find him guilty. Quintel Augustine is also black. In his case, the prosecutor wrote handwritten notes about each perspective juror. For a perspective white juror who admitted to drinking, they wrote “drinks, country boy, okay” but described a perspective black juror who admitted to drinking as a black wino. For a black female juror they made the note that she was from a “respectable black family” but made no such note for any of the white jurors about their potential “respectable” families. In the case of Marcus Robinson there was a perspective juror who was black and a high school graduate. The prosecutor asked this juror if he repeated grades or had trouble reading, but never asked any of the prospective white jurors the same question. This prosecutor admitted he was not particularly racially fair. Christina Walter’s trial involved the prosecutor asking prospective jurors if they ever felt they had been burgled. Two white perspective jurors who had had some minor property crimes and felt it wasn’t a big deal ended up on the jury, whereas a black prospective juror was struck when they said they didn’t feel like a victim over their car being broken into and a radio stolen. Out of 14 qualified black jurors, 10 ended up being struck.Cassandra Stubbs, the director of the ACLU Capital Punishment Project, said that one of the things that was so remarkable about the Racial Justice Act was that before when one suspected prosecutors were acting discriminatory, there was no opportunity to question them. With the RJA they had to testify about and answer to their actions. As of August of 2019, the RJA is back on the table. The state Supreme Court heard all six cases that fell under the RJA. A couple of choices were on the table. Do the four defendants try and get back life without parole or do they try and get new hearings since it’s already been proven that there was racial bias in their cases. According to the NCCADP, for the other two cases the court will decide whether people on death row who filed claims under the RJA will get their chance to present their evidence in court even after the repeal. They went on to say that three of the six defendants were sentenced to death under an all white jury. The NCCADP breaks down a study done in Michigan that was covered in the death row episode to say that qualified black jurors were struck from capital juries at twice the rate as white jurors. Even when other factors are brought in, the disparity can only be attributed to race. Defendants found direct evidence of discrimination such as prosecutors’ notes of potential jurors where the notes included descriptions such as “blk wino” and “thug”. Cassandra Stubbs is the director of the ACLU Capital Punishment Project and represents one of the defendants, Marcus Robinson. She spoke with a reporter at the Real News Network and said that even though the NC Supreme Court didn’t re-sentence them to death and did not enter a new order about their life sentences, after they remanded, all four prisoners were moved from the prisons around the state where they had been serving their life without parole sentences. Without any reason at all, these four defendants were moved back to death row. If the court rules in the defendants favor, they can get new hearings and present significant evidence that race played a factor in their sentencing. The RJA attorneys said that the states highest court must take on this crucial issue and if it doesn’t, it will send the message that the state is willing to execute people after overwhelming evidence of racism in their trial has come to light. Cassandra said never before had any state sanctioned dismissal of comparable allegations and proof of racial bias. The state’s position is that since the RJA has been repealed we should all just forget about everything and move on, but the court cannot. Attorneys for the NC Attorney General’s office did not dispute the evidence of racism and said that racism in capital trials is serious and must be dealt with. However they asked the courts to deny the cases and leave the lower courts to deal with it, though they haven’t been doing a great job so far. As of right now, the courts have not ruled and it’s unclear when that’s expected to happen. The New York Times Editorial Board wrote an article about the RJA, which showed that the actions of the prosecutors in these capital cases were unconstitutional. The practice of being able to strike black jurors from cases with impunity was banned by the Supreme Court in 1986 after a case named Batson v. Kentucky. However, just because the Supreme Court banned the practice, it doesn’t mean prosecutors stopped doing it, just that they tried to hide it better. The article said that especially in places like North Carolina, this wasn’t the behavior of a few bad apples, it was standard operating procedure. There was a document distributed to NC prosecutors in training that apparently listed 10 “race neutral” explanations for striking a juror in case a judge asked. Categories included inappropriate dress, physical appearance, attitude, body language, and hair. If this is too subtle for you, the document was titled “Batson Justifications Articulating Juror Negatives”. This is especially important as prosecutors receive no repercussions for their actions, except under the RJA. As mentioned earlier, in August of this year attorneys from across the state argued before the state Supreme Court on behalf of the six individuals who are on death row and filed claims under the Racial Justice Act. Cassandra told a reporter for the NCCADP that everyone who filed a RJA case is entitled to a hearing on their RJA claims. This was because of a case decided after the Civil War called “Keith”, which is the best name!  Cassandra said in the case of Keith, a war criminal who massacred boys and men ages 13-60 was given amnesty by the NC Supreme Court because of due process. He was given a defense by the NC Legislature. A few years later the NC Legislature came in and repealed that act, and he successfully invoked the defense that was given to him by them. The Supreme Court ruled that he was entitled to it, and a repeal could not take it away. So essentially, the question is will a law that protected confederate soldiers and has never been overturned protect these cases. When the court eventually rules on all of this, according to the NCCADP, the outcome could affect nearly 150 other prisoners who petitioned under the RJA but never got their day in court. Lawyers for the prisoners who filed claims said the law may now be gone but they still should have a chance to prove that their client’s punishment was racially motivated. There’s a group of former judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials who have a hope that the court will use this as an opportunity to strike down punishment in NC all together.A series of articles written by Radley Balko, he sought solutions from experts who work in the areas of law and forensics. Radley wrote that the legal system is too reluctant to revisit cases. As Priya has mentioned before, she’s of the opinion that retesting old cases with updated science is her idealistic solution to so many issues. Money is a huge obstacle with this but I would bet there are those who don’t want even more of their mistakes to come to light. Within the past 10 years there have been attempts to correct some of the issues with forensic science. In 2013, Congress and the Obama administration created the National Commission on Forensic Science, a panel of lawyers and scientists whose job it was to come up with standards and protocols in this field. However the Trump administration allowed the commissions’ charter to expire in April of 2017 - which is unsurprising since he doesn’t even believe in science. Radley found in speaking with his experts that the one resounding answer for reform has been what has come up again and again that all forensic labs should become independent of police and prosecutors. However, according to the experts Priya and Jess have spoken with, police and prosecutors don’t want to give up their “aces up their sleeves” especially as they are provided with little to no cost. Radley found that people he reached out to agree that if we keep this current system, then defense attorneys should be given the same amount of funds to provide their own experts. Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek told him that local pubic defender offices need to be funded at the same level as prosecutor’s and need to be given the same amount of access to forensic evidence. She also suggested that the laws should be changed to where defendants can appeal their convictions if scientific advancements indicate that they were wrongfully convicted based on faulty scientific testimony. Radley discussed the fact that many fields of forensics have come under scrutiny in recent years such as blood stain pattern analysis, hair fiber analysis, ballistics testing, and fingerprint analysis. Eyewitness testing has also been shown to be much less reliable than most people think and juries give them too much consideration. Bloodstain pattern analysis has been criticized as being more subjective than scientific. Steps have been made in the right direction using something called “fluid dynamics and physics”.Sandra Guerra Thompson, a law professor and the director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston Law Center is a founding member of the board of directors of the Houston Forensic Science Center. The crime lab in Houston was once affiliated with the police and underwent a huge scandal similar to the North Carolina SBI Crime Lab. However, the response from their scandal was for the crime lab to be replaced with the Houston Forensic Center which is an independent lab. Texas has also created an influential science commission that in 2016, rendered bite mark evidence, a type of junk science, inadmissible. Sandra told Radley that the more information an analyst gets from law enforcement officials, the more likely they are to produce a false positive. Good scientists know that cognitive bias is a threat and take precautions to keep it from corrupting their work. Many of Radley’s experts suggested the idea of a case manager to benefit labs. As analysts receive information such as race, a case manager, who would preferably have a scientific background could be the go between for analysts and law enforcement and would decide what information needs to be distributed to the analyst. Barbara A. Spellman, a professor of law, and former professor of psychology from the University of Virginia suggests that for every case of which there is forensic evidence could have three forensic evidence who would examine the evidence together. By lottery one would be the consultant to the plaintiff, one to the defendant, and one would testify at the trial. Radley mentioned that a few of his experts cited the Houston Forensic Science Center as the ideal model of an independent science driven crime lab. That lab has already implemented the case managers and the shield analysts from being able to expend any bias. Sandra suggests that labs should be transparent and all documents including accreditation and even budget reports should be posted on the website and easy to find. She also suggested independent labs across the board, not just for eliminating bias, but also because she’s learned that independence enables labs are able to be transparent without needing approval from law enforcement and they eliminate the appearance of pro-police bias. She says that having scientists (who are not affiliated with police) collect the evidence from crime scenes restores the public’s trust, especially in officer-involved shootings.Another of Radley’s experts is Fred Whitehurst who Priya spoke with about his personal experiences in the FBI Forensic Lab. He was the whistleblower in a scandal there and ultimately turned his experience into an organization to help whistleblowers. Whistleblowers should be protected so that they’ll be more comfortable coming forwards. ASCLD-LAB had reporting protocols that involved using your own name and handwriting your complaint so that it essentially discouraged anyone from coming forward and “tattling”. Fred and a gentleman named John Lentini, another one of Radley’s experts in fire and arson – they were in complete agreement: suggesting that analysts be held accountable if their expert opinions led to a wrongful conviction. John also suggested that prosecutors be held accountable for intentional Brady violations - which is where prosecutors are required to hand over any and all evidence that could potentially exonerate the defendant. John told Radley he wants the court to reverse the Connick v. Thompson decision so that prosecutors will be held accountable for these violations. As John Lentini told Radley, and perhaps this answers some of the questions about Brady violations.  Priya said she’s all for prosecutors being held liable for their wrongdoings, but  she had no idea what the Connick v. Thompson decision was, so she looked it up:  apparently the Connick in this is Harry Connick Sr. - the father of Harry Connick Jr.   And the Thompson in this case was John Thompson who, in the 80s, was charged - with another guy - for killing someone.   And in this case, a fucking lot of fuckery happened.Including Connick allegedly withholding evidence that blood that was not the victim’s was found on or around the body - and that blood did not match John’s blood.  John was innocent.John sued and won $14 million dollars a million for each year he was wrongfully imprisoned.  But, you know, no one liked that - and nothing Priya read suggests this, but my theory is that John was a black man in Louisiana who was a shining example of a bunch of white prosecutors fucking up.  So, his win was appealed.  The case went all the way to the Supreme Court.  And despite popular opinion that there were an awful lot of shenanigans in that case, the Supreme Court ruled in Harry Connick Sr.’s favor, and, well, prosecutors can legally withhold Brady materials.  Obviously, Queen Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented in this case.  Because of course she did.Prosecutors are almost immune when it comes to wrongdoing. They’re immune to civil cases and are rarely disciplined in cases of misconduct. An article written in March of 2019 looking into accountability for prosecutors in California, mentions that the CA State Bar rarely investigates prosecutors. They mention that a lack of resources may contribute to this. They looked at a study that found in California from 2004-2009 there were 707 instances where a judge found that a prosecutor committed misconduct. Only six of those resulted in a public sanction by the state bar. This problem isn’t isolated to California: in Massachusetts only two prosecutors were publicly disciplined between 1980 and 2016. There were at least 142 instances during that same period of time where a judge reversed a guilty verdict or dismissed charges due to prosecutor misconduct. Over 1,400 non-prosecutors have been disciplined in Massachusetts over the last 15 years. In Louisiana, the first professional sanction against a prosecutor didn’t occur until 2005. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo approved a bill in the spring of 2019 to set up the nations first independent commission to investigate reports of misconduct by prosecutors. The bill received support from many black and latinx democrats who saw it as an answer to systemic racism. The commission will be made up of 11 people who can investigate attorneys and determine whether their conduct is unprofessional or unlawful. Prosecutors have been fighting this and calling it unconstitutional, even filing suit against it. The article discusses the different types of unethical stuff prosecutors do and mentions that they have a “whatever it takes mentality”. The article also notes that when someone is accused of a crime they cease to be seen as a person by the legal system. It says that without plea bargaining our criminal system couldn’t process the nearly 11 million arrests that occur every year, and without misconduct way fewer people would plead guilty. We live in a culture that doesn’t trust defense lawyers. Marvin Schechter told Priya that people often ask him how he can defend guilty people to which he replies “how can I not defend innocent people?” Our system promises innocent until proven guilty but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The defense attorneys fight for that promise, but exonerees are left with broken promises from the system. They’re presumed guilty from the beginning and often are even after being exonerated. They deserve a public apology and the victims deserve a promise that the justice system will do everything they can to find the person actually responsible for the crime. Priya and Jess asked their experts if they had a “wis hlist” of reforms they would like to see. On Chris Mumma’s list was restrictions or controls on the use of jailhouse informants. In many of the cases this podcast has covered, jailhouse informants were used and were lying. The I Beverly Lake Jr Fair Trial Act was put up for a vote. It included concerns about the reliability of jailhouse informants and suggested that no one should be convicted based on the word of a jailhouse informant alone, there should be other corroborated evidence. Regulating the use of jailhouse informants should be done nationwide and Connecticut is currently doing work in this area. The new rules there include requiring pre-trial hearings on whether their testimony should be allowed and forcing prosecutors to disclose any deals with informants and their history of testifying in other cases. A bill was signed in July that will create the nation’s first statewide system to track the use of informants and the benefits they receive in exchange for their testimony. California, Connecticut, Oklahoma, and Utah all require juries to be given instructions to scrutinize informant’s testimonies. Also on Chris’ wish list was a more cooperative post-conviction review and resolution process and repercussions for prosecutorial misconduct. This item was on a few of their expert’s list. Kim Cook’s and Saundra Westervelt’s list includes that the state helps an exoneree readjust to life after exoneration. They suggest reparations for the exonerated person and their family, compensation within a reasonable about of time, expungement of the crimes for which they were convicted immediately upon release, access to healthcare including mental healthcare, free education and training for employment, assistance finding employment, and adjustments to social security, they also want officials and advocates to remember the harm done to the victims or family of victims at the heart of the original conviction case. They suggest reparations that may assist in their healing in the form of: time to ask questions about how this happened, answers to be provided by the judicial body overturning the conviction or someone in a position of authority who does not continue to maintain the exoneree’s guilt, an opportunity to meet the exonerated person if both parties agree, financial compensation to help with costs from the wrongful conviction, access to healthcare to assist with physical or emotional trauma, and extension of the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault cases to allow the identification of the actual perpetrator. Priya goes a step further and says that the evidence should be preserved for a long time. This is especially true as it’s not always easy for survivors to come forward. Marilyn Miller said she would like to see the adoption of common sense standards set by The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC). The standards they set include minimum requirements, best practices, standard protocols, and other guidance to help ensure the results of the forensic analysis are reliable and reproducible. She would also like to see the accreditation of forensic science programs in higher education. Marilyn was also asked about some of the things she was grateful for. The standards set by OSAC is one of those as well as lawyers who understand the power of forensic science done properly and 25 years of cool students. The impact of the results of the audit will be felt for a long time as prosecutors and defense attorneys examine cases up to two decades old. Chris Mumma is still dealing with the reverberations today. In episode two we learned that the Center on Actual Innocence rejects 95% of the cases that come across their desk as they have to pass a series of rigorous tests. When Chris takes on a case, it means not only that there’s credible evidence that the individual is innocent but it seems to mean the individual is definitely innocent. When she takes on a case she completely dedicates herself to the case. Chris had been dealing with the SBI Crime Lab since 2006 and is still dealing with the repercussions of their misconduct. On May 5th 2008, a boater on the Catawba River in Mt Holly, NC called 911 after seeing a car that had run off an embankment and a body near it. When police arrived, they discovered the body of Ira Yarmolenko, a 20 year old UNC Charlotte student, lying dead next to her car. She had three ligatures around her neck and 100 yards down the embankment a man named Mark Carver and his cousin Neal Cassada were fishing. DNA found microscopic skin cells that “matched” Mark in Ira’s car. This is touch DNA which is really unreliable because it’s something you could leave just by picking something up in the store. Mark and Neil were charged with the murder of Ira and ultimately placed under house arrest. Being charged with a murder you didn’t commit sounds like it would be extremely stressful, so it’s not that big of a surprise that the night before his trial, Neil had a heart attack and died. Prosecutors offered Mark a deal where he would get four to eight years in prison, and, as he was innocent, he turned down their offer and the case went to trial. Like we’ve seen before, the defense thought the case was really weak and didn’t bother to provide any evidence. At this point, it was 2011 and the 230 cases from the audit had happened but that was evidently not enough for the defense attorneys to be diligent. A year earlier there had been a publication of updated guidelines that were relevant to the evidence reported at the trial. Had the DNA testing been reported at the trial, none of it would have been reported as matching Mark but instead he was sentenced to life in prison. Chris Mumma took on Mark’s case in 2013 and after a number of delays, the hearing began last spring. On April 8th, 2019, former SBI Special Agent Mark Booty testified. He said that in the lab in 2010 everyone was panicked about the audit report that had just come out but inexplicably inside the lab, agents were ignoring scientific advancements that could have helped Mark. He told the court that they were trying to save their jobs and that they weren’t focused on science at the time. A couple of years prior to the trial, Chris Mumma pointed out the similarities between Mark and Greg’s cases where the biggest reason for the conviction was proximity to a dead body. Priya says that, on a personal note, it was great watching the headlines over the summer because in June the judge set aside Mark’s case and he walked out of the courtroom a free man. However, he still has an ankle monitor and was not found not guilty. Mark will likely have to suffer through a new trial, but maybe justice will prevail and the charges will be dropped. Of course this means that after a decade, there has been no investigation into who actually murdered Ira. Mark and Neal have always been the only suspects so it’s likely that, as with Greg, there won’t be any investigation, meaning there will be no justice for the victim and her friends and family. There are many similarities between Greg and Mark’s cases including the minuscule evidence and offers of plea deals. Chris refers to Mark as her “Greg Taylor 2.0”. It was Greg’s case that sounded the alarm that something was drastically wrong in the SBI lab, which plunged the lab into chaos. The chaos that resulted in no one paying attention to the evidence that could have cleared Mark and his cousin. Chris says that it’s almost ironic that the exoneration of one of her clients could have lead to the wrongful conviction of another. In Radley Balko’s articles that were referenced earlier, Judy Melenik suggested that if the courts are following the laws placed before them by legislatures then it’s time to find legislatures who are serious about criminal justice reform and who are ready to pass laws that fund forensic labs and require the legal system to give the wrongfully convicted another chance at overturning those convictions and seeking retribution. Jess and Priya advises us that DAs are elected officials and that the best thing we can do is "vote the F’d Up people out”. To close the podcast, the F’d Up crew share their final thoughts on what they’ve covered this season. Keith says that in doing this podcast he’s been most surprised about the justice system’s willingness to pick and choose evidence to which Priya says that they don’t treat someone as innocent until proving guilty. It’s more like they decide the person is guilty and just work towards proving it. When asked what reform she would like to see since doing this podcast, Jess said for her it’s that the prosecutors are held accountable. Priya says that that’s also a huge deal for her and that behind the scenes of doing the podcast she’s learned that you have to be very clear in asking for a lawyer. You can’t say something like “I may want a lawyer now” you have to clearly invoke your right for a lawyer, and she wants more people to know that. In closing they want us to know the most important thing we can do to help is vote.

Jesse Brown’s has been involved with the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (CRF) for many years, and at 250 miles long, taking care of the Catawba River is quite a feat. Don & Bill check in with John Searby, CRF Executive, to learn more about the how the organization does this and more. From Lake James to Lake Wateree, 2 million people in between get their drinking water from the river so the importance of keeping this resource clean is paramount. CRF’s “Riverfest 2019” event is taking place September 28th from 1-6PM in Belmont, and Jesse Brown’s will be on hand to participate in this 3rd annual event too.

From the shores of Mountain Island Laketo the sandy beaches of the Catawba River, from the west-side country near the US National Whitewater Centerto the wooded hills of Mint Hill, there’s one man who keeps Mecklenburg County’s wildlife in check and the laws enforced: Sampson Parker Jr. Sampson, the county’s only NC Wildlife Resources CommissionOfficer, speaks with The Outdoor Guys today on topics ranging from coyotes’ loss of habitat, to lake activity, to purple paint on trees. Sounds like a busy job? He says he likes his office better than anyone else!

In the late spring of 2008, a young lady was found on an embankment of the Catawba River. How did a young lady who was headed East to Chapel Hill, NC end up on the Catawba? 10 years later, no one knows. This is the story of Irina Yarmolenko. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week the #OutdoorGuys are taking a trip down the Carolina Thread Trail, cleaning up the Catawba, and learn a bit about Ocean Flies.

Drifting a stretch of the Catawba River for mountain trout in early spring.

Drifting a stretch of the Catawba River for mountain trout in early spring.

Biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are asking anglers to help stop the spread of the rusty crayfish — a destructive, non-native crayfish that has invaded the upper Catawba River in western North Carolina.