The Backyard Naturalists

🕷️ 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.

This week, Debbie and Laurie welcome Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation and Research, for a glowing conversation all about one of nature's most magical creatures — the firefly! ✨🐞 Or, depending on where you grew up, the lightning bug.

Ben shares his passion and deep knowledge of these enchanting insects, explaining why firefly populations are declining, how development and habitat loss play a role, and what we can do to help. From surprising facts (fireflies are found on every continent except Antarctica!) to sobering realities (some species are already at risk of extinction), this episode will open your eyes to just how important these nighttime twinklers are to our ecosystems.

You'll also learn:

🌱 The best habitats for fireflies — and how to create one in your own backyard. 💡 Why reducing light pollution is one of the easiest ways to help. 🪵 How leaf litter, native plants, and even a simple log can support firefly larvae. 🌎 Ways to get involved, including certifying your property as firefly-friendly and contributing to citizen science projects like iNaturalist and Firefly Atlas.

Most of all, Ben reminds us that what we love, we protect — and who doesn't love the magic of fireflies lighting up a summer night?

🎧 Tune in and rediscover the wonder of fireflies, plus find out how you can help keep them glowing for generations to come.

Ever heard of a shrew with venomous saliva, a vulture that cools off by pooping on its own legs, or a bird that impales its prey on barbed wire? 🦨🦅🐦 This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take you on a wild ride through some of the strangest, funniest, and downright bizarre behaviors in the animal kingdom.

You'll hear jaw-dropping stories like:

• Shrews that paralyze their prey and store them in a "meat locker" for later.

• Vultures with stomach-turning defense mechanisms.

• Loggerhead shrikes who skewer their meals on thorns or fence posts.

• Humpback whales using bubble nets to trap fish for a buffet feast.

• Octopuses that change color, shape, and even the texture of their skin for camouflage.

• Seahorses where the males give birth (to thousands of babies at once!).

• Hummingbirds doubling their body weight to fuel epic migrations.

With equal parts fascination and laughter, the hosts remind us that nature isn't just beautiful — it's endlessly surprising, sometimes gross, and always worth exploring. 🌿

🎧 Tune in to this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists and prepare to say "whoa!" more than once. Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you listen.

Summer is STILL here, and if you've stepped outside lately, you've probably felt it too—sweltering heat, sticky air, and maybe even a few critters making themselves a little too comfortable in your backyard. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie (with Chris chiming in, of course!) share a lighthearted but practical guide to keeping your habitat healthy during the hottest stretch of the year.

• ☀️ Heat & Hydration – Creative ways to keep bird baths cool, from ice cubes to misters, plus why moving feeders into shade can make all the difference.

• 🐦 Summer Feeding Tips – When to swap out hummingbird nectar, how to keep suet from melting, and a freezer trick to protect birdseed from pests.

• 🌪️ Weather & Wildlife – Preparing your yard before storms, and what to do if you find a nest on the ground afterward.

• 🌱 Pests & Plants – Why spraying isn't the answer, how to handle Japanese beetles and mosquitoes naturally, and which invasive plants to watch out for.

• 🦝 Backyard Bullies – From raccoons and squirrels to starlings and outdoor cats, Debbie and Laurie share stories, laughs, and tried-and-true tricks to keep the peace.

This isn't just about surviving summer—it's about helping your backyard thrive. With practical tips, neighborly humor, and plenty of "whoa!" moments, you'll walk away ready to make your space a safe, welcoming spot for wildlife (and maybe a little cooler for yourself, too).

Don't miss this fun, informative episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Listen now, and be sure to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more folks can discover how rewarding it is to care for the nature right outside their door.

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Allison Young, Director of Outreach Programs for iNaturalist, the global platform that's changing the way people experience nature. Whether you're snapping a photo of a butterfly in your backyard, spotting a rare bird on a hike, or identifying tracks in the mud, iNaturalist turns those moments into data that helps fuel research, conservation, and environmental education worldwide.

Allison takes us behind the scenes of iNaturalist, from its humble beginnings as a grad school project at UC Berkeley in 2008 to a thriving community of over 3.5 million users who have contributed 260+ million observations from more than 130 countries. She shares amazing success stories—like the rediscovery of species thought extinct, surprising range expansions, and new species discoveries—proving that every observation matters.

You'll also learn how easy it is to get started, why common species are just as valuable to document as rare ones, and how iNaturalist's unique mix of technology and community makes it "the friendliest place on the internet." Plus, Debbie and Laurie swap a few of their own backyard sightings and ideas for using iNaturalist in guided walks and local nature events.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist, a casual hiker, or just curious about the critters in your neighborhood, this episode will inspire you to slow down, look closer, and share what you see.

🎧 Listen now and find out how you can join a global movement—one observation at a time.

Welcome back, nature lovers! After a few weeks of summer break, The Backyard Naturalists are back with another brand-new episode, and this one's all about embracing the spontaneity that summer inspires.

In this week's episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris settle in for another unscripted (and unplanned) conversation that meanders through the joys and challenges of late summer in the Carolinas. From paddleboarding adventures and pumpkin spice opinions (we see you, Trader Joe's!) to prepping your yard for fall planting, this episode is full of helpful tips and laughs along the way.

🌿 You'll hear:

• Why fall is actually the best time to plant trees and shrubs

• How to prep your yard for a thriving wildlife habitat this autumn

• Where to find local native plants (shoutouts to Lisa Tompkins of Carolina Heritage Nursery and Carrie DeJaco from For the Birds and the Bees)

• A refresher on caring for birdbaths and feeders during the summer heat

• Why goldfinches are extra hungry right now and how to keep their thistle feeders fresh

• Pro tips for supporting hummingbirds as they bulk up for migration

Whether you're watching birds from your porch, sketching out fall landscaping plans, or just trying to keep the birdbath from turning into a sauna, this episode is packed with relatable stories, expert advice, and lots of backyard banter.

🎧 So grab your favorite beverage, take a seat in the shade, and enjoy another round of naturalist musings from the podcast that celebrates the wild wonders right outside your back door.

What do you get when you cross a fast-growing, hard-to-kill, concrete-cracking plant with curious naturalists and a microphone? You get this week's brand-new episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Debbie and Laurie are back and diving into the wild, weird world of Japanese knotweed—also known as "the plant that ate the world."

It's not every day a plant earns a reputation as one of the most invasive species on the planet. But Japanese knotweed? It's in a class all its own. Originally introduced for landscaping and erosion control (oops), it's now banned in many states and countries—and for good reason. This episode unpacks what makes this plant so aggressive, how it crowds out native species, and why it's such a pain to control once it gets a foothold. (Spoiler alert: Cutting it down once isn't going to cut it.)

Along the way, you'll hear some fascinating facts, a few laughs (because, well, it's Debbie and Laurie), and tips on what to do if this overachieving vine starts popping up in your backyard. Is there hope? Yes—but it takes knowledge, patience, and a whole lot of persistence.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist, a weekend gardener, or just someone who loves a good plant horror story, this episode is packed with insight and charm—and might just inspire you to take a second look at the plants in your own yard.

🌱 So grab your coffee, settle in, and tune in as we explore the tangled tale of the plant that's overstayed its welcome all across the globe.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—and maybe warn your neighbors too!

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're diving nose-first into the world of foxes with Elizabeth Negron, Director of Foxtales Wildlife Rehab in Midland, Virginia. Elizabeth shares her journey from Washington State to the East Coast, driven by her lifelong fascination with foxes. She offers incredible insights into their behavior, biology, diet, and the important role they play in our environment.

You'll learn what it takes to care for orphaned kits, the surprising foods foxes love, and why they're often misunderstood in suburban and rural areas. Elizabeth also highlights the difference between red and gray foxes plus, why some of them may be hiding right under your shed!

Whether you're a budding naturalist or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this episode offers something to spark your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for these clever canids. 🎙️🦊

Tune in and discover why coexisting with foxes might just be the key to keeping our ecosystems balanced.

We're reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week's encore—and trust us, it's a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one's for you.

Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broadcasting all the way from snowy Quebec, Tatiana shares the backstory of how a simple idea grew into a worldwide movement in backyard birding. You'll learn how Brome's clever feeder designs help bird lovers keep the seed for the birds—without harming curious critters.

From feeder engineering to sustainability and even a global bird photo contest, this encore episode is packed with insights, smiles, and tips to make your backyard more bird-friendly.

🎧 Give it another listen—or tune in for the first time—and find out why this episode continues to resonate with nature lovers across the Carolinas and beyond!