In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome back "Flocker" and trusted friend of the show, Ruby Davis of NC Wildlife Rehab, for a rapid-fire myth-busting session about what to do when you encounter wildlife in your own backyard. From possums playing dead to raccoons out in the daytime, baby bunnies hidden in plain sight, fallen squirrel nests, mysterious fawns, mangy foxes, and even the occasional bat on the ground—Ruby walks us through what's normal, what's concerning, and when to step in (or absolutely not step in). Her calm, science-based guidance cuts through the online chaos of Google, Facebook groups, and Nextdoor "experts," reminding us that common sense and compassion go a long way when we share space with wild neighbors.

Packed with practical tips, safety reminders, and fascinating facts about animal behavior, this episode aims to replace misinformation with clarity. Whether you're a seasoned backyard watcher or someone who simply wants to do the right thing when wildlife shows up unexpectedly, Ruby's insights will leave you more confident—and more connected—to the natural world right outside your door.

In this encore presentation of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne revisit one of the most important conversations of Season 2 — their discussion with Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, about the invasive and destructive Spotted Lanternfly.

This brightly colored but harmful insect has become a serious concern for North Carolina's forests, vineyards, and backyards. Dr. Oten explains how the Spotted Lanternfly arrived from Asia, what it looks like in each stage of its life cycle, and why early detection is crucial to protecting native trees and agricultural crops. From fascinating facts about its preferred host plant, the invasive Tree of Heaven, to how trained detector dogs are now helping locate infestations, this encore episode remains as timely and informative as ever.

Key Topics:

• How to identify the Spotted Lanternfly in every life stage

• The risks it poses to grapes, trees, and native habitats

• North Carolina's first confirmed sighting and rapid response

• Surprising details about the insect's spread across 13 states

• The role of trained detector dogs in tracking this invasive pest

• How listeners can help spot, report, and prevent its spread

Takeaway: Awareness is the first step in protecting our natural spaces. By learning what the Spotted Lanternfly looks like and how to report sightings, we can all play a part in safeguarding North Carolina's environment and agriculture.

Guest: Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University Ph.D. in Entomology and Forestry

Mentioned in this Episode:

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

• Trained detector dogs used in invasive species management

Presented by: Backyard Birds in Matthews, North Carolina — your destination for bird seed, feeders, and nature-friendly backyard essentials. Visit thebirdfoodstore.com or stop by in person to make your backyard a haven for wildlife.

Even the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and seasonal slowdowns, they cover the small details that make a big difference in attracting and keeping healthy flocks.

The trio revisits the basics of building a thriving wildlife habitat; food, water, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices, and digs deeper into what to do when the birds just aren't showing up. Along the way, you'll learn why "cheap seed" can cost you more in the long run, how to spot hidden mold, and which feeder styles best suit different species. Whether you're a first-time feeder or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this episode offers smart, practical advice to help you create a safe, sustainable, and bird-friendly backyard all year long.

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're revisiting one of our most popular and seasonally fitting episodes, "We're Talkin' About Pumpkins!" Originally aired in October 2021, this encore favorite is the perfect listen for fall. Join Debbie and Laurie as they explore the fascinating world of pumpkins, from surprising agricultural facts and record-breaking gourds to their valuable role in supporting backyard wildlife.

Did you know pumpkins are technically a fruit? Or that they can be repurposed after Halloween to help feed everything from squirrels and deer to backyard birds and even chickens? Debbie and Laurie share creative and eco-friendly ways to give your pumpkins a second life, including making your own pumpkin bird feeder! It's a fun, festive, and sustainable way to celebrate the season while helping nature thrive right outside your door.

So grab your favorite fall beverage and tune in to learn how pumpkins can do more than decorate your porch, they can help nurture the wildlife you love. 🍂

👉 Connect with The Backyard Naturalists: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit thebackyardnaturalists.com for more episodes and resources.

In this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take listeners on a fascinating update tour of several topics previously featured on the show, all of which continue to evolve in the natural world. From hopeful signs of recovery to growing ecological concerns, this episode is packed with new developments and ways for citizen scientists to get involved.

You'll hear encouraging news about the Red Wolf Recovery Project, where careful management and breeding efforts in North Carolina are giving this critically endangered species a better shot at survival. Then, the hosts revisit the ongoing battle against Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, often dubbed the "zombie disease." Learn about the latest testing results, updated hunting restrictions, and why understanding this issue matters beyond state lines.

The team also checks in on two invasive species making headlines: the striking but destructive Spotted Lanternfly, now spreading across the Southeast, and the large, brightly patterned Joro Spider, whose range has expanded into the Carolinas. You'll discover how to spot, report, and help manage these species using simple tools like iNaturalist, proving that everyone can play a role in conservation.

Tune in for science, stories, and a few laughs (especially from those less-than-fond of spiders)! This episode reminds us that nature is always changing, and so is our understanding of it.

As the seasons turn and the air gets crisp, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris are diving into everything fall for your wildlife habitat! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the team explores how to make the most of autumn's natural bounty, especially those fallen leaves. Should you rake them up, blow them away, or just "leave the leaves"? The answers might surprise you.

Drawing from new data from the National Wildlife Federation, the hosts share why letting your leaves lie can make a big difference for native wildlife and the planet. You'll learn how something as simple as skipping the leaf blower helps reduce landfill waste, cut methane emissions, and provide shelter, food, and nesting materials for birds, butterflies, salamanders, and even bumblebees.

The episode also covers easy, eco-friendly fall tasks, like planting native trees and perennials, prepping your feeders and birdbaths for winter, and creating cozy roosting spots for your feathered neighbors. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small garden, you'll find practical, feel-good ways to make your habitat thrive this season.

So grab a warm drink, step outside, and discover how to enjoy fall in your own backyard while helping nature do its thing. 🍁

If you've ever dreamed of turning your backyard (or even your balcony!) into a haven for butterflies, this episode is for you. Debbie and Laurie welcome Pamela Grundy — historian, writer, and passionate butterfly gardener from Charlotte, North Carolina — to share her journey into creating thriving butterfly gardens and inspiring others to do the same.

Pamela explains the simple but powerful difference between nectar plants and host plants, why milkweed is essential for monarchs, and how even a few parsley plants can support the full butterfly life cycle. Along the way, she shares practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and insights from her book Butterfly Gardening in the Carolina Piedmont. Whether you're new to gardening or ready to take your pollinator-friendly planting to the next level, you'll leave this episode inspired to make space for butterflies — and all the beauty they bring to our natural world.

The Backyard Naturalists are back for Season 5! In this special anniversary episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take a fun walk down memory lane to celebrate over four years, 200+ episodes, and more than 106,000 listens across all 50 U.S. states and 137 countries. From their very first kitchen table recording during COVID to becoming a Saturday morning routine for listeners around the world, the team reflects on the unexpected journey of the podcast.

Join us as we revisit listener-favorite moments, surprising wildlife facts, and unforgettable guests, from reptile expert Jay Bell and "the Q-tip Lady" Ruby Davis to conservationists, plant gurus, and even a fish biologist or two. The hosts also share behind-the-scenes stories, listener engagement highlights, and what's ahead for Season 5. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, community, and the natural world we all share.

🕷️ What's big, colorful, and showing up in backyards across the Southeast? Debbie and Laurie are diving into the world of Joro spiders, and trust us, this is one episode you won't want to miss! From their eye-popping golden webs to their wild habit of "ballooning" through the air as babies, these spiders are making quite an entrance in the Carolinas (and beyond).

Are Joro spiders scary invaders, or helpful bug-eaters keeping stink bugs and lanternflies in check? 🤔 Debbie and Laurie share what we know so far, sprinkle in some fun spider facts, and, of course, have plenty of laughs along the way (with maybe a few shivers, too!). Whether you're fascinated or freaked out, you'll come away seeing these newcomers in a whole new light. 🌎✨

In this episode, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Kristen Rhodes, an organizer with the North Carolina Conservation Network (NCCN), to explore the power of grassroots action in protecting our state's environment.

Kristen introduces NCCN as a statewide network of more than 60 environmental and justice organizations, all working collaboratively to safeguard North Carolina's natural resources and public health. She highlights the group's three key initiatives:

1. Campus Fellows Program – Engaging 30 students across 11 UNC campuses (including 3 HBCUs) to educate peers on environmental issues and encourage civic participation through nonpartisan voter outreach.

2. Environmental Justice Leadership Academy – A partnership with groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center and NC Environmental Justice Network, bringing together a diverse cohort (ages 14 and up) to visit historic sites, learn advocacy skills, and champion environmental justice in their communities.

3. Organizing Campaigns – Including efforts to protect wetlands, address "forever chemicals," and host community events such as trivia nights, coffee meetups, and outreach at Charlotte Pride.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the critical importance of wetlands—nature's "sponges" that reduce flooding, filter pollutants, and provide habitats for species like salamanders. Kristen explains how a 2023 Supreme Court decision and subsequent NC legislation narrowed wetland protections, leaving isolated wetlands vulnerable. The consequences? Increased flooding and biodiversity loss. NCCN's campaign is mobilizing communities to push for stronger state-level protections.

Beyond wetlands, Kristen shares how NCCN partners with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to highlight environmental health disparities, and stresses the importance of individual action. From voting in local elections to signing petitions and connecting with local affiliates, she underscores that everyone can do something—big or small—to make a difference.

The episode wraps with a look at upcoming events, including trivia nights, cleanups, and the 2025 NC Breathe Conference hosted by Clean Air Carolina, reminding listeners that community is at the heart of conservation.

🌿 Whether you're a seasoned activist or someone just beginning to care about local conservation, this episode shows how collective action and small steps can lead to meaningful change.