 Charles and Bob discuss vernal pools. Bob has always been intrigued by vernal pools and with time at home due to the pandemic he decided to build one in his backyard. Learn about his first aquatic visitor the water strider. Also learn about an amazing creature that lives in a vernal pool at Cincinnati Nature Center. If you have not seen fairy shrimp be sure to check them out. Charles explains what they look like and why they are found in vernal pools.   Related episodes: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy, Dragonflies, Damselflies and Wood Frogs Quack It Up   Our sources for this episode include:    Vernal Pool Chronicles: a YouTube channel about vernal pools with some fantastic footage Colburn et al., 2007: Diversity and ecology of vernal pool invertebrates (Chapter from: Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America) U.S. EPA informational page - Vernal pools  

Vernal Pools

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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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? 

Invasive Plants Part 2

Bob sits down with Greg and Sam to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, invasive plants. It’s such a dense topic that we decided to break it up into 4 separate episodes. In part 1, we introduce the concept of native and non-native invasive plants. Greg and Sam provide a big picture perspective on the human systems that are driving the spread of invasive plants and invite you to join us in starting a more meaningful conversation around invasive plants and their impact on our environment.  Related Episodes: Invasive Plants, Walnut Woods For more information, we recommend these resources:  Book: Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species by Sylvan Ramsey Kaufman & Wallace Kaufman Invasive and Exotic Species of North America National Association of Invasive Plant Councils (check out what is happening in your state around invasive species management)  UN Invasive Alien Species Report 

Invasive Plants Part 1

Bob and Tina chat about an amazing bird - the Indigo Bunting. Find out where and when you can see the brilliant blue male and how these birds migrate over 1200 miles. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episode: What’s Your Zugunruhe? Our sources for this episode include:  For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide by Laura Erickson Laura Erickson Blog Post on Floaters Where Do Indigo Buntings Live Indigo Bunting Life History BirdCast - migration tools 

Vernal Pools

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