Sam and Greg join Bob at the Civic Garden Center’s Fall Native Plant Festival.  They have an engaging presentation about the benefits and history of this under appreciated plant. 

Related episode: Johnny Appleseed

Our sources for this episode include:

• In Defense of the Lowly Grape
• The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart

Bob and Beth led family hikes at the Arc of Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary in April of 2024. After the hikes they recorded a podcast with some of the hikers. Tune in to hear about wildflowers and more from the perspective of the children on the hike. 

Central Indiana had clear skies for the April 8, 2024  eclipse!  Bob joined a fantastic group of family, friends and other nature lovers at Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary for a spectacular eclipse. He was able to record some of their reactions before, during and after the eclipse. 

Related Episodes: Eclipse with Dean Regas, Eclipse Lovers

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

Nature’s Ark Photography offers many native plants for sale: https://naturesarkphotography.com/plants-for-sale/

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
• “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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?

Nature Guys delve into the invasion of the stink bug! Bill and Bob will share the history of the stink bug and some tips on what to do if they visit your house.

 

Bill and Bob dive into the captivating world of the Loon. This is a bird so talented it helped Henry Fonda win an Academy Award!

Bob brings a treat for Bill that only a squirrel could love. Bill leads a hike and finds a red eft. Learn the fascinating story of this seldom seen creature.