Conversing with Nature

Conversing with Nature

By Nature Based ExchangeScienceNature
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Conversing with Nature episodes

  • How and Why We Value Nature with Kate Quigley

    On this episode, we are joined by Kate Quigley, a natural resource and environmental economist with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management. Kate unveils what the study of economics is really about (hint: it's not just about money!) and explains how economists like herself study marine and coastal ecosystems to determine their value. Kate highlights some common economic valuation tools while also describing the importance of finding the co-benefits of natural systems, the need to tell nature stories using more than just numbers, and why our choices (such as how we spend our time and money) can show how much we support nature.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted and edited by Dr. Liz Fly and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    47 min
  • Building Resilient Ecosystems and Communities Through Education and Exploration with Jonathan Zucker

    On this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Zucker, Chairman of Z-Man Fishing Products and board chair for the South Carolina Aquarium. As a businessman, conservationist, and education advocate, Jonathan is a prime example of how a love of nature can permeate everything we do, from our work to our community involvement and our hobbies. Jonathan's passion for resilient ecosystems and communities is infectious as he describes his efforts to revolutionize the fishing industry, support education efforts at the South Carolina Aquarium and beyond, protect his own backyard, and scuba dive in faraway places.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    50 min
  • Unlocking Environmental Justice and Building Stronger Communities with Keisha Long

    On this episode, we are joined by Keisha Long, the environmental justice coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). Keisha demystifies what “environmental justice” means (including what it means to be an EJ Community) and delves into the ways that SC DHEC’s EJ Strong initiative is working to support EJ Communities in South Carolina. Keisha’s engineering background coupled with her love for people and nature conveys the need to blend environmental justice with nature-based solutions and the far-reaching impacts of that action.


    Learn more:

    SC DHEC’s EJ Strong Initiative

    SC Food Access Map & Clemson Rural Health Locations

    EJ Strong Free Online Learning Module: Strengthening Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction, Response & Recovery

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit ww.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    50 min
  • Using the Tools Nature Gives Us with Rick Huffman

    On this episode, we talk to Rick Huffman, a landscape architect and the founder of Earth Design. A conservation advocate and founder of the South Carolina Native Plant Society, Rick illustrates the beauty and biodiversity of life in the South Carolina upstate while also explaining the importance of environmental education and exposure to nature. Rick's enthusiasm for science, native plants, and applied ecology shines a light on the need for actionable sustainability and how hard-work and persistence have led to changes within the landscape industry.


    Learn more about the South Carolina Native Plant Society and the ASLA SITES Initiative.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted and edited by Dr. Liz Fly and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    49 min
  • Working with Nature on Recovery and Mitigation in South Carolina with Emily Bentley

    On this episode, we welcome Emily Bentley, chief of recovery and mitigation for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). Emily explains what the SCEMD does for the state, the differences and similarities between recovery work and mitigation work, and why both aspects of emergency management need high levels of collaboration. Emily brings her love of nature to the discussion as she talks about the benefits of nature-based solutions and how important it is for us to work with nature, rather than against it.

    Learn more about the Conway project, the first nature-based solution in SC supported by FEMA funding.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    50 min
  • Building Social, Economic, and Environmental Resilience in the Town of Andrews, SC with Mayor Frank McClary

    On this episode, we sit down with Mayor Frank McClary, a retired United States Army Colonel and the current mayor of Andrews, SC. Mayor McClary explains some of the resilience challenges and opportunities that are present in Andrews and how the town is tackling flooding, educating the community, and prioritizing the inclusion of nature-based design. Mayor McClary also talks about the town's new revisioning and revitalization plan and how they are planning for the new Black River State Park.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    44 min
  • Finding Evidence of Nature's Resilience with Kim Morganello

    On this episode, we welcome Kim Morganello, a senior project manager at Weston & Sampson⁠. Kim shares her findings from a study on Folly Beach that show how nature truly is resilient, and that we can draw inspiration from the resilience of nature and people during difficult times. Kim brings her

    past experiences as a biologist, educator, and urban designer to the conversation as she and Liz discuss the changing views towards green infrastructure, Clemson Extension's master rain gardener program, and Kim's desire to never stop exploring. 

    Explore Clemson Extension’s Carolina Rain Garden Initiative.

    Learn about Weston & Sampson’s Resilient Design work.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    50 min
  • Oysters, Estuaries, and the Value of Community-Based Restoration with Michael Hodges

    On this episode, we are joined by Michael Hodges, an oyster restoration biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). Michael talks all things oysters: their benefits, their history in South Carolina, and how SC DNR is managing them today. Michael also describes the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE), how important community-based restoration is, and how YOU can recycle your oyster shells!

    To learn more about saltwater fishing and oyster permits, visit http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/.

    Visit SCORE's website to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in volunteering with the SCORE program, email them at [email protected] to sign up.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Editing for this episode was done by Dr. Liz Fly with original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    51 min
  • South Carolina’s Progress Towards Statewide Resilience with Alex Butler

    On this episode, we are joined by Alex Butler, the resilience planning director for the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). Liz and Alex dive into the history and purpose of SCOR as well as the contents and recommendations included in their recently released Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan. Alex also shares how SCOR is using nature-based solutions to address flooding and other hazards and describes specific projects and next steps to enhance community resilience across the state.

    For more information on the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, visit SCOR's Resilience Planning page.

    Decoding acronyms:

    SCOR - South Carolina Office of Resilience

    HUD - United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

    CDBG-DR - Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery

    CDBG-MIT - Community Development Block Grant Mitigation

    ARPA - American Rescue Plan

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    41 min
  • Understanding Equity and What it Means to be Resilient with Cheryl Cail (Part 2)

    In the second half of our two-part episode with Cheryl Cail, southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People, Liz and Cheryl explore the history of the Waccamaw Indian People and the challenges of meaningful and intentional community engagement. Cheryl also explains the history and impact of PFAS and finding ways to improve existing social and political systems while enhancing our connection to nature.

    For more information on tribal communities in South Carolina, visit the SC Commission of Minority Affairs Native American Affairs Division.

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    Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

    48 min

About Conversing with Nature

From the publisher's feed

Join us as we talk about nature with those who know her best so that we can plan, design, and implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to overcome the obstacles facing South Carolina and the Southeast. These methods keep nature at the heart of the solution and offer multiple benefits to the ecosystem and society.