Episode 1 — Karen Dooley: No Yard, No Problem (Supporting Urban Pollinators)

Short episode description (podcast apps)

No yard? No problem. Trev sits down with Karen Dooley to talk about practical, realistic ways to support pollinators in urban spaces. From balconies and patios to street trees and community pockets, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create habitat where you live, with what you have.

What this episode is about

A lot of people assume they need land to “help pollinators.” This episode flips that story. Urban and suburban landscapes can be powerful habitat networks when we start thinking in small, repeatable moves: the right plants, less poison, more structure, and a little consistency.

Karen and Trev explore how pollinator support can be simple, affordable, and genuinely doable, even if your “garden” is a few pots and a sunny stoop.

You’ll learn

• Why small spaces still matter, especially when they connect into neighborhood “micro-habitat networks.”
• How to think in layers: flowers, water, shelter, and nesting opportunities.
• Container and small-bed strategies that actually work in urban conditions.
• The biggest mistakes people make (and what to do instead).
• How to make your pollinator efforts lower-maintenance and more resilient.

Practical takeaways

• Focus on a longer bloom window, not just one burst of flowers.
• Prioritize native plants where possible, and choose plants that can handle heat, wind, and reflected sun.
• Include habitat features beyond flowers: bare soil patches, stems, leaves, and overwintering structure.
• Keep it simple: start with 3 plants and scale from there.

“No Yard” Pollinator Starter Kit (quick checklist)

Pick one from each category to start:

• Nectar & pollen: a mix of early, mid, and late-season blooms
• Host plants: at least one plant that supports caterpillars/larvae
• Water: shallow dish with stones, refreshed regularly
• Shelter: leave stems, a brushy corner, or a small “messy” zone
• Chemical-free zone: skip broad-spectrum pesticides/herbicides

Suggested chapter markers (edit as needed)

• 0:00 — Welcome + what “no yard” really means
• 2:00 — Meet Karen Dooley
• 6:00 — Why urban pollinators matter more than people think
• 10:00 — Small-space planting strategies that work
• 17:00 — Nesting + shelter (the overlooked habitat pieces)
• 23:00 — Common pitfalls and easy fixes
• 28:00 — “Start tomorrow” action steps
• 33:00 — Wrap-up + where to follow Karen / Trev

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who says, “I’d help pollinators… but I don’t have a yard.” And if you haven’t yet, leave a rating and review. It helps more people find the show.