Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine, far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors.
Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli and I...
BirdCast: Revealing the Mysteries of Bird Migration
Summary Twice a year billions of birds migrate across the U.S. We’ve only recently discovered just how large that number really is. Being able to quantify that number is thanks to a large degree to a program called BirdCast which anyone from backyard birders to scientists to emergency managers can use. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of bird migration. Today’s guest Dr. Andrew Farnsworth is a visiting scientist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology and a member of the BirdCast Team, which is using radar to track and study bird migrations over the U.S. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: About bird migration including when they migrate, why they migrate, impacts of both human induced and natural climate change, and much more. The importance of making natural history observations and how technology can enhance, but not replace, those observations. The many ways in which BirdCast is being used by birds and by scientists, starting with giving us concrete data on the mind-blowingly large numbers of birds that migrate over the U.S. each year. Resources Andrew mentioned: BirdCast eBird Other Backyard Ecology resources: The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
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How to Do Spring Garden Cleanup for Pollinators and Wildlife
Summary As gardeners, it’s common to get the gardening itch in late winter and early spring. The temptation to finish cleaning up our gardens during this time is a natural temptation. However, when doing your spring garden cleanup, it’s important to remember why you didn’t do those activities in the fall. Remembering that can help you choose what to do and when so that you can best support the pollinators and wildlife that visit your property. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: When and how to deal with the leaves that you left from the fall. When and how to cutback any standing dead vegetation that you left in the fall. Creative ways to balance your needs with those of the pollinators and wildlife when doing your spring garden cleanup. Other Backyard Ecology resources: Fall Cleanup in the Pollinator and Wildlife Garden: A Comprehensive Guide to What You Need to Know and Do 2 SIMPLE Solutions for Fall Pollinator Garden Care! Should I Mow My Yard in May? The No Mow May Debate Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Get customized help There are lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. But, there are far fewer opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I’m struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That’s part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day. If you live in the eastern U.S. and would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we invite you to join the Backyard Ecology™ Community. Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/
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Exploring the Fascinating World of Ground Nesting Bees
Summary Ground nesting bees represent a significant portion of our native bee population, yet they often go unnoticed due to their solitary nature and unique nesting habits. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of ground nesting bees and how we can get involved in their study and conservation. Today’s guest Dr. Jordan Kueneman is a research associate in the Danforth lab of Entomology at Cornell University. He is also the creator of the Ground Nesting Bee project on iNaturalist where he is collecting observations of ground-nesting bee aggregations. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: An overview of ground nesting bee biology, their behaviors, and their importance in the environment and potentially to some of our agricultural crops. An introduction into how much we still don’t know about ground nesting bees, including the answers to what would seem like fairly basic questions. How individuals like you and I can help researchers learn more about ground nesting bees and where they can be found. Bonus content: Tips on how to identify ground nesting bees Resources Jordan mentioned: Ground Nesting Bees iNaturalist Project Project GNBee website Instagram Other Backyard Ecology resources: 3 Tree Groups That Provide Early Season Bee Food! Discover Your Next Steps Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
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How to Attract More Birds to Your Yard
Summary When someone decides they want to attract birds to their yard, often the first thing they do is put up a birdfeeder (or two). It’s what we did when I was a kid, and it’s what countless other people I know have done. There’s nothing wrong with putting out a birdfeeder. They’re a great way to bring the birds to locations where it’s easy for us to watch them. But, if you want to attract more birds (and better care for the ones you are already attracting), then you need to take more of an ecosystem approach. As an added bonus, you’ll also attract and provide for other wildlife and pollinators – something bird feeders alone will never accomplish. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode How to provide a wide variety of food sources for your birds. How to easily provide different types of shelter for your birds. How to provide water for your birds to drink and bathe in. Other Backyard Ecology resources Leave Standing Dead Trees (When Safe) Create a Brush Pile Plant Native Grasses Think About Layers Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Get help If you would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we encourage you to check out the Backyard Ecology™ Community. Because there’s lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. But, what’s lacking are opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I’m struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That’s part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day. Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/
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From Suburban Yard to Wildlife Haven: Amanda’s Story
Summary Amanda shares the journey she and her husband have taken to transform their small, suburban yard into a vibrant habitat for birds and pollinators. We discuss the various projects they’ve undertaken, the challenges of DIY landscaping, the importance of community support, and the positive reactions from neighbors and family. Their story shows how creating wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and the property owners’ well-being. Amanda encourages others to start small, focus on native plants, and seek community support to achieve similar successes. Today’s guest Amanda is a mom, medical writer, former biomedical researcher, and nature enthusiast who lives in middle Tennessee on a small, suburban lot. I met Amanda about a year ago when she joined a small group coaching program we were offering in the Backyard Ecology™ Community. She dove right in and continued as community member after the coaching program was done. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The practical steps Amanda took and challenges she and her husband faced while transforming their small, suburban yard into a thriving ecosystem. How her involvement with supportive groups such as her local Wild Ones chapter and the Backyard Ecology™ Community were instrumental in her success. The positive impact creating backyard ecosystems can have on personal well-being, friends and family, and the local biodiversity. Bonus content Amanda’s Checklist for Creating a Thriving Backyard Ecosystem Resources Amanda mentioned Backyard Ecology Community Wild Ones The Habitat Connection Other Backyard Ecology resources Attract Backyard Birds with an Ecosystem Approach! Discover Your Next Steps Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine, far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors.
Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli and I’m here to help busy homeowners in the eastern U.S. create thriving backyard ecosystems they can enjoy and be proud of.
Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.
Learn more at: https://www.backyardecology.net/podcast
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