Welcome back, nature enthusiasts! In this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie embark on an enlightening conversation with Lynn Rivera, the Trail Master at Carolina Thread Trail.   Join us as we dive into the expansive world of this remarkable project, originally conceived to weave an intricate network of trails throughout the 15-county metro Charlotte area, reaching into South Carolina. With 300 miles of trails already established, the ambitious goal is to...

Welcome to a special seasonal episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! In this episode, we delve into the age-old debate of artificial vs. real Christmas trees. As we explore the ecological impact, we discover that artificial trees, despite their convenience, have a threefold negative impact on climate change and resource depletion, and they often end up in landfills. But fear not, we'll share a way to mitigate these drawbacks if you still prefer an artificial tree.   It's fascinating...

Welcome to a brand new episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the show that brings the wonders of nature to your ears. We're thrilled to have you joining us from 115 countries, all 50 states, and our beautiful Carolinas. We're particularly excited about today's episode as we welcome back our friend, Marvin Bouknight, the host of "Walkin' on the Wild Side" podcast. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie dive deep into the intriguing world of armadillos, or as Debbie and Chris affectionately call...

Welcome to a captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalists! In this week's installment, hosts Debbie and Laurie delve into the intriguing world of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Venom One Response Team.   Joining them is the distinguished Captain Rusty Shaw, who provides invaluable insights into the team's origin, mission, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible. Tune in as they explore the rigorous training and background requirements that equip these heroes for their...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast, the show that explores everything nature-related, reaching listeners in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the beautiful Carolinas. We're thrilled to have been recognized with the Best of the Weeklies podcast award by the readers of Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.   In this week's episode, we're diving into the world of barred owls in urban settings. If you've ever spotted one of these majestic birds in your city or town, you're in for a...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast that explores the wonders of nature. We're thrilled to bring you today's episode, all about trees! As we dive into the world of trees, our guest, Brad Caudle, the Master Arborist and landscape manager for the town of Matthews, will be sharing his expert insights on tree planting and care. In this enlightening conversation, we tackle questions like, "Are there trees that are simply overused in landscaping?" and "What's the earliest and latest...

Welcome to a fresh, fall-inspired episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast that connects nature lovers worldwide. Debbie and Laurie are your guides as they embrace the changing seasons and what it means for our local wildlife habitats.   As we transition into autumn, they explore the surprising ways we can support our feathered friends with bird feeders and natural food sources from our gardens. Bird migration is in full swing, and leaves are starting to fall. But...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, the ultimate destination for all things connected with nature! We're thrilled to have listeners tuning in from 107 countries, all 50 states, and our beloved Carolinas. We're especially honored to share that The Backyard Naturalist has been recognized with the Best of the Weeklies podcast award by the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.   In this episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie bring you the grand finale of...

Hello nature enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast. We're thrilled to have listeners from 107 countries, all 50 states, and our beloved Carolinas joining us today. Thanks to your incredible support, we're proud to share that we've won the Best of the Weeklies podcast award.   This week, Debbie and Laurie delve deeper into the fascinating world of certifying your natural wildlife habitat. Join us as we explore the essential topics of...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast, the show that explores everything under the sun when it comes to our incredible natural world. With listeners spanning 107 countries, all 50 states, and our beloved Carolinas, we're excited to bring you the second episode of Season Three. We're thrilled to announce that The Backyard Naturalist has been honored with the Best of the Weeklies podcast award.   In this week's episode, Debbie and Laurie are back to guide you through the exciting...

Welcome to a brand new season of The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast that explores the wonders of nature right outside your door! We're thrilled to be back for our third season, and in this episode, your hosts Debbie and Laurie dive into the fascinating world of the Certified Wildlife Habitat Program with the National Wildlife Federation.   Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just getting started, creating your own Certified Wildlife Habitat has never been more accessible...

Welcome back to The Backyard Naturalists, where we conclude our thrilling two-part season finale! In this episode, Debbie and Laurie are joined once again by their incredible guests, Dr. Tony Lombardino, Reptile Expert Jay Bell, and native plant guru Lisa Tompkins. Building upon the captivating 'why' discussions from part one, our hosts and guests delve even deeper into their unwavering love for nature and their respective fields. As we bid farewell to Season 2 of our internationally...

Welcome to a special episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast that celebrates the wonders of the natural world. We're thrilled to have you join us from our audience spanning 107 countries, all 50 states, and our beloved Carolinas. Your favorite hosts, Debbie and Laurie, have gathered their Top Three Guests for an extraordinary conversation. Dr. Tony Lombardino, our esteemed Reptile Expert, Jay Bell, and the ever-knowledgeable native plant expert, Lisa Tompkins, come together in this...

Welcome to a special episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! Join hosts Debbie, Laurie, and Chris as we take a fond look back at our first two seasons, celebrating nature's marvels and the podcast's journey. With listeners spanning 107 countries, 50 states, and the Carolinas, we're thrilled to share our passion for the outdoors.   Having earned the "Best of the Weeklies" podcast award, we're grateful for the global nature community we've built. In this episode, we reveal the origins...

Dive into another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, we're thrilled to sit down with Hannah O’Carroll, a dedicated Park Ranger from Key Largo, Florida, bringing her expertise from Wildlife Conservation at NC State University and roles in wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary care. With listeners spanning 107 countries, 50 states, and the Carolinas, our podcast, a proud recipient of the Best of the Weeklies award, unites nature enthusiasts globally.   Join hosts...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.   Join hosts Debbie and Laurie as they return to the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast. They sit down with Director Jessica Thomas, vendors, and partners, including Mayor John Higdon, to explore the market's impact on the community.   Founded with a vision to support local farms and foster a sense of togetherness, the market has...

In this exciting new episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, we welcome back a familiar face and a renowned wildlife expert, Ruby Davis. As the wildlife rehabilitation director and wildlife biologist at the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center, Ruby brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We can't emphasize enough the importance of seeking professional help from licensed wildlife rehabilitators like Ruby when encountering injured or distressed animals, as attempting to...

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

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast that delves into all things connected with nature. We're thrilled to have been selected as the favorite podcast by the readers of The Matthews Mint Hill Weekly, and we're humbled to be listened to in all 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide.   This week, your enthusiastic hosts Debbie and Laurie have a special treat in store for you as they sit down with the esteemed Pepe Chavez, Director of...

Welcome to a special episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! We are thrilled to share that our podcast has been recognized by the readers of The Matthews Mint Hill Weekly as their favorite, earning us the honor of being an award-winning podcast. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners, as we now reach audiences in all 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide.   In this week's episode, your hosts Debbie and Laurie are joined by a special guest, Nick Lund, also...

Welcome to an exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! In this week's installment, Debbie and Laurie have the pleasure of conversing with Kristen Dean, the Director of Avian Operations at Carolina Raptor Center—an esteemed organization known both nationally and internationally. Kristen's journey began in 2005 as a part-time wildlife rehabilitator, and her passion and dedication have led her to her current role.   During the conversation, Kristen provides intriguing insights...

Welcome to another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! In this week's episode, Debbie and Laurie engage in a fascinating conversation with Laurel Millaci, from Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, located in Indian Trail, NC. Together, they delve into the intricacies of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue's Baby Songbird Feeding program—an initiative that aligns with the hatching season of songbird babies, spanning from early April to early October.   During the episode, Debbie and...

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! This week, we delve into a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years—the harmful effects of fireworks. As we approach the 4th of July, a cherished celebration in the United States, we cannot ignore the impact these dazzling displays have on pets, wildlife, and nature itself. While picnics, cookouts, and pool parties have become synonymous with this holiday, fireworks have also become an integral part...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! The show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this week's episode, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Leslie Lee, the Market Manager for the Anson County Farmer's Market in Wadesboro, NC.   Located on Highway 52 South, the Anson County Farmer's Market has emerged with renewed vigor in a post-COVID world. With twenty-seven vendors participating last week, this vibrant market owes its success to the...

The Backyard Naturalist is a podcast about anything and everything related to nature. Today we talk about the bad bugs, including yellow jackets and Japanese beetles. We welcome back returning guest Annie Howell.   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...