Plant Power: The Power of Plants in a Changing Climate

This brief recap episode highlights the making of this podcast from Emma Wilson (host) and Janna Starr (producer). Hear about their main takeaways from creating the series, and what actions they will take in the future because of the enlightening discussions had with experts featured in the podcast.

In this episode, learn how a less-managed lawn may be the best thing for pollinators! We speak with Dr. Clyde Sorenson, an entomologist at NC State University, who explains the greatest threats facing pollinators, and also explores ways we can enhance pollinator biodiversity in our own backyard. Join us in this conversation on native plants and pollinators, and how we can redefine beauty in a landscape by gardening for wildlife.

Ecotherapy, park prescriptions, forest bathing. While some of these concepts may be newer to our vocabulary, many of these methods are ancient practices. Beyond supporting biodiversity and the environment, nature plays a critical role in our mental health and overall well-being. In this episode, hear from Dr. Leslie Montana, a psychiatrist and mental health specialist from the University of North Carolina, on the many ways spending time in nature has a positive effect on our brains and bodies.

Trees! They are enormous both in size and significance to ecosystem health. Tune in to this episode to learn more about critical ways to protect our land, trees, and natural corridors, and hear more about the promising efforts taking place to conserve natural areas. Also discussed in this episode: the greatest threats to our forests and what you can do about it. Dr. Johnny Randall, Director of Conservation at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, is this week’s special guest on the topic of land conservation.

In this episode, learn about seed banks and the importance of seed collection during this time of climate change. Seed banks (collections of seeds stored in climate-controlled facilities) protect and preserve plant biodiversity, essentially serving the role of a living library. Hear from our experts in the field, Mike Kunz, Conservation Ecologist, and Emma York Marzolf, Conservation Grower at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who dive into the fascinating topic of storing seeds for a more resilient future.

Chinese wisteria, English ivy, Japanese stiltgrass: all are invasive species that have strong impacts on the flora and fauna of the southeast. Tune into our second episode to learn about the important differences between native and invasive plants, and why invasive plants can do more harm than good. In this episode, hear from our Battle Park Manager, Nick Adams, and Land Manager, Neville Handel on how to identify and control invasive plants, and learn about the benefits that native plants provide to humans & wildlife.

What is climate change? What role should technology play in protecting our planet? What can we do individually to start taking a stand against climate change? In this first episode of our series, we explore these questions, and discuss how curing plant blindness and conserving natural areas can be great assets to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Hear from Dr. Damon Waitt, Director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, on this episode of Plant Power.

Welcome to Plant Power: The Power of Plants in a Changing Climate, a new series brought to you by the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Through interviews with some of North Carolina’s finest naturalists, explore the conversation about native plants and their connection with our changing climate.This isn’t your typical doom and gloom climate change podcast; each episode is focused on providing resources to listeners to mitigate climate change impacts in their community. Tune in to our 6 episode mini-series for information on topics like land conservation, protecting our pollinators, and turning to nature as a source of healing.