In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Laurie and Debbie welcome Sarah Schweitzer from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss endangered species in the state and the critical efforts to protect them.

Sarah outlines the different levels of species classification, from common species like waterfowl and deer to those listed as species of concern, threatened, or endangered. She highlights reintroduction efforts for elk and red wolves, noting that while elk populations are stable, only 12-20 red wolves remain in the wild.

The discussion explores the challenges facing North Carolina’s wildlife, with approximately 17% of mammals and 20% of plants on endangered species lists. Endangered species include the Carolina northern flying squirrel, several bat species, and the piping plover. Success stories like the recovery of the bald eagle and brown pelican showcase the impact of conservation efforts.

Sarah emphasizes habitat loss and degradation as the primary threats to wildlife, with chemical pollution playing a role in some declines. She offers practical ways listeners can help:

1. Plant native species to support local ecosystems.
2. Reduce or eliminate the use of harsh chemicals on lawns and gardens.
3. Minimize plastic use and ensure proper disposal to keep plastics out of waterways.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Chris, Laurie, and Debbie share heartwarming memories and favorite traditions of the holiday season. From Christmas and Thanksgiving to New Year’s celebrations, the hosts discuss their cherished customs, delicious holiday foods, and unforgettable gifts.

Highlights include:

• Cooking family favorites like turkey, gumbo, and standing rib roast.
• Sipping eggnog and sharing photos with loved ones.
• Treasured gifts like binoculars, family heirlooms, and sentimental jewelry.
• Natural holiday decorations gathered from the yard.

Everyone reminisces about family gatherings, quirky holiday moments, and the joy of passing down traditions across generations. They encourage listeners to take time to enjoy nature and loved ones during the season.

Tune in for an episode filled with nostalgia, laughter, and ideas to make your holidays even more meaningful. Happy holidays from The Backyard Naturalists!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie explore ways to celebrate the holiday season while making environmentally-friendly choices. From sustainable food options to eco-conscious decorations and thoughtful gift-giving, this episode is packed with practical tips for reducing your environmental impact during the holidays.

Learn how to:

• Shop locally and seasonally for fresh, sustainable holiday meals.
• Choose real Christmas trees or plantable ball-and-burlap options.
• Decorate with natural items like pine cones, greenery, and sweet gum balls.
• Give gifts that support nature, such as bird feeders, native plants, or virtual experiences.

The hosts also share ideas for minimizing waste, including using reusable bags as gift wrap and avoiding non-recyclable materials. Along the way, they sprinkle in personal stories to inspire listeners to make mindful, eco-friendly holiday choices.

Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big difference—and share your own green holiday ideas with the community!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Sara Schweitzer from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss the intricate process of identifying and protecting endangered species. Sara shares insights into how federal and state agencies collaborate to assess species' population trends, distribution, and vulnerability through rigorous surveys and scientific review.

Learn about the classifications of endangered, threatened, and special concern species, and how catastrophic events like hurricanes can impact their survival. Sara also highlights conservation success stories like the recovery of the bald eagle and brown pelican, while noting the unique struggles amphibians and reptiles face in North Carolina.

The episode explores the importance of habitat restoration, such as recreating ephemeral pools, and offers actionable ways for individuals to contribute to conservation efforts, from planting native species to reducing chemical use. Tune in to discover how your backyard can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable wildlife!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, hosts Laurie and Debbie explore the lively debate between real and artificial Christmas trees. With environmental impact, sustainability, and holiday traditions on the table, they discuss the pros and cons of each option.

The hosts dive into the origins and ecological footprint of artificial trees, highlighting that while they’re made from plastic and steel and mostly produced overseas, using them for five or more years can help reduce their environmental impact. On the other hand, real Christmas trees, grown sustainably across the U.S., offer benefits like absorbing carbon dioxide, stabilizing soil, and supporting wildlife habitats.

Tune in to learn which tree type might be the greener choice for your family—and stay tuned for a future episode on what to do with your Christmas tree once the holidays are over!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie are joined by renowned nature photographer, author, and wildlife expert Stan Tekiela to explore the incredible world of animal adaptations. From polar bears' heat-absorbing fur and bats’ echolocation abilities to the hibernation habits of bears and chipmunks, Stan shares fascinating insights into how animals survive and thrive in diverse environments.

Listeners will hear about remarkable examples of adaptation, like how American goldfinches change colors with the seasons, giraffes’ long necks for feeding, and even the resilience of frogs that freeze solid in winter. Stan explains how these adaptations develop over millions of years and why backyard habitats are essential for supporting nesting birds and other wildlife.

Dive into the wonders of evolution and discover how animals' unique traits help them overcome environmental challenges in this captivating episode!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

 In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the world of food forests with Dr. Jason Crean, a biologist and animal nutrition expert. After moving to Florida, Dr. Crean transformed his suburban yard into a thriving “food oasis” to provide diverse, nutritious diets for his animals, including toucans and fruit doves, while reducing grocery costs.

 Dr. Crean shares how he optimized every bit of space, from raised beds to marginal areas, and cultivated a wide variety of plants—figs, bananas, papayas, berries, herbs, and native species like beautyberry—to support his animals and attract more wildlife. He offers practical tips for creating your own food forest, from choosing climate-appropriate plants to keeping maintenance low with careful planning and flexible watering.

Whether you're a nature lover, an aspiring gardener, or just looking for unique ways to invite wildlife to your yard, this episode will inspire you to start your own food forest journey!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this captivating follow-up episode, Laurie takes listeners back to her childhood years growing up on a remote homestead in Alaska. From age 6 to 18, she experienced life off the grid, where survival skills, hard work, and a deep respect for nature were essential. Laurie shares what it was like to endure frigid temperatures down to -50°F, live in a converted school bus before her family built a house, and be surrounded by breathtaking, yet rugged wilderness.

Listeners will hear about her family’s resourceful lifestyle—raising animals, hunting moose, and fishing to sustain themselves, as well as learning through homeschooling and tackling daily physical labor. Laurie recounts vivid encounters with Alaskan wildlife, like wolves and bears, and describes the beauty of witnessing the Northern Lights against the pristine Alaskan sky. With stories of joy, challenges, and a resilient spirit, Laurie paints a picture of a life most of us have only imagined.

This episode offers a unique perspective on homesteading and the lessons learned from a self-sufficient childhood in the Alaskan wilderness. Join Debbie and Laurie for this inspiring journey to the Last Frontier!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Laurie and Debbie dig into the world of plant identification apps! They review several popular options, including Picture This, Plant Snap, Leaf Snap, Flora Incognita, Plant Net, iNaturalist, and Garden Answers. Each app has unique features, from instant ID and care info to community science-based databases.

Whether you're a beginner or a plant pro, they cover the pros and cons—like accuracy, database scope, and ease of use—so you can find the app that fits your needs. The hosts also discuss how AI and community input power these apps and share tips on getting the best results. Don't miss the comparison chart they’ll be posting on Facebook to help guide your choice!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we dive into the joys of fall gardening! With cooler temperatures and colorful leaves setting the stage, now is the perfect time to plant native perennials that will thrive through the season and beyond. Learn about the best fall planting practices, including checking for pesticide-free plants and finding region-specific perennial favorites like Heuchera, Echinacea, Black-eyed Susans, and more.

Our hosts, Debbie and Laurie, also share their favorite deer and rabbit-resistant picks from the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program, as well as expert recommendations from local nurseries like Carolina Heritage Nursery and the Matthews Community Farmers Market. Plus, get tips on upcoming fall plant sales and a special event on tree adoption in Matthews, North Carolina. Tune in for all things fun, festive, and floral this fall, and don't forget to share photos of your garden with us!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning.