People often put out Purple Martin houses to help control insects. In fact the Martins in the eastern United States could not exist without these houses.  Our sources for this episode include:  How to Attract Purple Martins https://www.purplemartin.org/purple-martins/attracting/ Fun Facts About Purple Martins https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-purple-martins-387110 Interesting Facts About Purple Martins That Will Make You Go Wow https://birdeden.com/interesting-facts-about-purple-martin Purple Martin Conservation Association https://www.purplemartin.org/ 

Purple Martin

Nature Guys connects you to the exciting natural world right in your own neighborhood. These nature connections will help you be cool, calm, collected and ready to make a positive difference in the world. Nature Guys is hosted by Bob a long time nature lover.

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Bob and Beth led family hikes at the Arc of Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary in April of 2024. After the hikes they recorded a podcast with some of the hikers. Tune in to hear about wildflowers and more from the perspective of the children on the hike. 

Wildflower Pilgrimage with Families

Central Indiana had clear skies for the April 8, 2024  eclipse!  Bob joined a fantastic group of family, friends and other nature lovers  at Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary  for a spectacular eclipse. He was able to record some of their reactions before, during and after the eclipse.  Related Episodes: Eclipse with Dean Regas, Eclipse Lovers

Eclipse Stories

In the final episode of the Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam outline several possible paths that the common person can undertake to help turn the tide of invasive plants. From education and community driven initiatives to pushing market changes through purchasing power, we can all do a small part to make a big difference.  Related Episodes: Walnut Woods, Invasive Plants, Lawns, Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy  For more information, we recommend these sources:   Native Plant Education and Volunteer Opportunities with Civic Garden Center  Native Plant Education with Active Outdoors  Native Plant Gardening Intro  Cincinnati Volunteer Opportunity with Cincinnati Parks       

Invasive Plants Part 4

In this episode the discussion turns toward the horticulture industry and the impact working with plants has had overtime. Bob, Greg and Sam then turn to examine the branch of Ornamental Horticulture and its culpability in the mass production and distribution of non-native plants around the world. While this trend continues, new options of planting with native plants and the idea of cultivating native plants at home for the sake of conservation are introduced.  Related Episodes:   Lawns, Invasive Plants, Seeds on the Move, Invasive Plants Part 1, Invasive Plants Part 2      For more information, we recommend these resources:   National Invasive Species Council  Mt. Cuba Center Trial Garden  Invasive Plant Species and the Ornamental Horticulture Industry             

Invasive Plants Part 3

In episode 2 of our Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam discuss why invasive plants pose such a problem to our ecosystem. The plant guru dives into the intricate connections between plants and other wildlife, explaining that plants truly are the basis of all ecosystems. From there, we talk about the way our land use decisions have created the perfect conditions for invasive plants to thrive in North America.  Related Episodes: Invasive Plants Part 1, Invasive Plants, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and Passenger Pigeon Part 1 For more information, we recommend these resources:  Why Native Plants Matter Native Plants are Key to Climate Resilience How Much Nature Should America Keep? 

Purple Martin

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