It's time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka "Zombie Deer Disease"), and the Monarch Butterfly population.

From celebrating 94,000+ listens (can you believe it?!) to sharing laughs about bell ringing at the Matthews Community Farmers Market, this episode is full of gratitude, good vibes, and grounded science. You'll hear real updates, new developments, and—most importantly—simple actions you can take to make a difference. Whether it's learning to ID a bug, reporting sick deer, or planting milkweed, we all have a role to play.

🌎 Heard in 125 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and throughout the Carolinas, The Backyard Naturalists is proud to be twice named Best of the Weeklies by Matthews–Mint Hill Weekly. Thanks for being part of our growing nature-loving community!