A Bad Naturalist’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow
Summary Paula Whyman shares her journey of trying to restore and manage a remnant prairie located on a Virginia mountaintop. Our conversation touches upon some of the challenges she faced, lessons she’s learned, and exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're managing a small backyard or large acreage, Paula's story provides valuable insights and motivation for fostering pollinator and wildlife habitat. Today’s guest Paula Whyman is an avid nature enthusiast and the author of the book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: How Paula and her husband have approached the task of restoring and maintaining a mountaintop remnant prairie or meadow. Some of the challenges and opportunities associated large-scale private restoration work. The importance of patience and accepting that ecological restoration is an ongoing process without a definite endpoint. Resources Paula mentioned: Paula’s website Bad Naturalist’s Newsletter Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop* Digital endoscope for monitoring nestboxes* * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Backyard Ecology™ Community Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz 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.
--------
1:22:44
--------
1:22:44
Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens
Summary Hummingbirds are probably one of the most beloved groups of birds that people want to attract to their yards. In this episode, I share 10 of my favorite native plants for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in the eastern U.S. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The surprising truth about a hummingbird’s diet. The best way to attract and support hummingbirds to your property. 10 of my favorite native plants to grow for hummingbirds in eastern U.S. gardens. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Hummingbirds Can't Resist These Native Vines! Want More Hummingbirds? You NEED Eastern Columbine Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden Discover Red, White, and Blue Lobelias For Pollinators! Native Jewelweed - 10 Reasons to Grow this Annual! Hummingbird Feeding: The Ultimate Guide! Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz Backyard Ecology™ Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
--------
13:24
--------
13:24
Gardening for Moths: Why It’s Important for Backyard Conservation
Summary In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of moths and why gardening for moths is so im-portant for any backyard ecologist. We also talk about specific native plants grow to attract moths, simple ways to observe moths, practical tips for photographing moths at night, and much more. From pollination by fuzzy moth eyeballs to carnivorous moth caterpillars, this episode is full of sto-ries and information you won’t want to miss. Today’s guest Jim McCormac is an author, photographer, and conservationist. He worked for the Ohio Depart-ment of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife diversity pro-jects for the Division of Wildlife. Jim has authored or co-authored several books including Garden-ing for Moths: A Regional Guide. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode Why moths are so important to the ecosystem. Actionable tips on how to garden for moths. Simple ways to easily attract and photograph moths at night. Bonus content Jim’s Tips for Observing and Photographing Moths Resources Jim mentioned Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide* Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History* A Naturalist's Guide to the Odonata of Ohio* Jim’s photography website Jim’s blog Mothapalooza * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology resources Discover Your Next Steps Sedge vs Rush vs Grass Learn the SECRET to Tell Them Apart! 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.
--------
1:11:36
--------
1:11:36
9 Native Blueberries You Can Grow in the Home Landscape
Summary Our native Vacciniums, what we commonly call the blueberries, are keystone plants which support tons of pollinators and wildlife. They also produce yummy berries which we can eat. In this episode, we talk about 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The ecological importance of blueberries. Special considerations you need to consider when growing blueberries in the home landscape. A short overview of 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Discover Your Next Steps Backyard Ecology™ Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
--------
14:29
--------
14:29
Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden
Summary Milkweeds are a common component of butterfly and pollinator gardens. Not only are they important for monarch caterpillars, but they are also used by a wide variety of pollinators. There are lots of different species of milkweed that are native to the eastern U.S. and have the potential to work really well in home gardens. In this episode we discuss 10 species that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and responsible ways to obtain those species. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: Why it is important to choose milkweed species that are native to where you live. Responsible ways to obtain milkweed seeds or plants. A short overview of 10 species of milkweeds that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and the pros and cons of using each species in your home garden. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Discover Your Next Steps Doug Tallamy on the Cultivar vs Wild Type Debate! Join the Backyard Ecology™ Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
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
USA