Backyard Ecology™

Summary In this episode, Ashley Kennedy and I discuss simple ways that anyone can help eastern bluebirds. Our discussion is based off her recently published research looking at the diets of nestling eastern bluebirds. You can find our discussion of her research and its results in episode 115. 3 things you'll learn from this episode Simple ways to support eastern bluebirds and make a difference without getting overwhelmed. 2 resources for discovering caterpillar host plants. Some of the interactions between plants and the insects that eat them. Today's guest Ashley Kennedy is an entomologist who recently published her research on what eastern bluebird nestlings eat. Resources: Ashley's research Gardening for Moths a Regional Guide * New Research Reveals Diet of Baby Eastern Bluebirds (episode 115) The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter Backyard Ecology™ Community * affiliate link – We receive a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Thank you! We want to say a big "Thank you!" to all our financial supporters who help us provide free educational content about the plants, pollinators, and wildlife that can be found in our yards and communities. Join our financial supporters in helping us produce free content for everyone. It doesn't take much if we all work together. If everyone who hears this contributed just $2-3 / month (or the cost of one bottle of soda / month), we would be able to produce a whole year's worth of videos, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and other free content. Ways to contribute include: Monthly contributions. One-time donation online. Mailing a check to Backyard Ecology, P.O. Box 652, Glasgow, KY 42142-0652.

Summary In this episode, we dive deep into Laurel Wilt Disease which is a vascular wilt disease affecting trees in the Lauraceae family, such as sassafras, spicebush, and redbay. We discuss its history, how it spreads, ecological and cultural impacts of the disease, current management options, and challenges associated with managing the disease. We also explore potential future research directions and highlight the important role that each of us can play in monitoring for the disease and slowing its spread. Today's guest Dr. Albert, Bud, Mayfield is a Research Entomologist with the Southern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. He has been studying and working with Laurel Wilt Disease since the mid-2000s. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: An overview of Laurel Wilt Disease including what it is, the plants that it affects, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and ecological and cultural impacts of the disease. Current research, monitoring, and management activities, including the challenges associated with controlling Laurel Wilt Disease in forests. The importance of public awareness and the role of individuals in reporting symptoms to help monitor the spread of Laurel Wilt Disease. Bonus content: Symptoms of Laurel Wilt Disease (and what to do if you see them) Resources Bud mentioned: Map Showing Laurel Wilt Distribution Other Backyard Ecology resources: Discover Your Next Steps Sassafras Facts That Will Surprise You! Spicebush Super Shrub for Songbirds Butterflies Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary Each fall, the beautiful, rich, purple blooms of ironweeds (Vernonia spp.) grace fields and open areas throughout much of the eastern U.S. They are an ecological powerhouse for pollinators and wildlife, including a specialist bee. Ironweeds can make amazing additions to our native plant gardens where they serve as biodiversity magnets. In this episode, we discuss Mt. Cuba Center's Vernonia Report which includes information about how multiple ironweed species performed in the garden trials, the importance of garden soils and conditions to plant growth and health, how plant health can impact pollinator use, and potential management techniques. Today's guest Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Insights into the diversity and ecological value of ironweeds, including their ability to attract a specialist bee and other pollinators. The importance of selecting the right ironweed species for specific soil conditions, including some standout performers for average mid-Atlantic garden soils. Pros and potential cons of management techniques like the Chelsea Chop to control plant height. Resources Sam mentioned: Vernonia trial report Previous trial reports Mt. Cuba Center Other Backyard Ecology resources Butterfly Garden Ironweeds – Definitive Guide! Backyard Ecology Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary Dr. Doug Tallamy shares the story of how he and his wife transformed their newly built home located on a former hayfield into a thriving forest ecosystem. We talk about how they got started, their struggles along the way, the habitat wins they've celebrated, and what his next steps are for his property. He also shares what he's most excited about, his thoughts on creating habitat that you can maintain as you get older, information about his newest book, and much more. Today's guest Dr. Doug Tallamy has been an entomologist at the University of Delaware for 44 years and is the author of such well-known books as Bringing Nature Home, Nature's Best Hope, and The Nature of Oaks. His newest book is How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard. He is also the co-founder of Homegrown National Parks. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Doug Tallamy's personal story of how he and his wife transformed their newly built home located on a former hayfield into a thriving forest ecosystem. Answers to some of the most common questions he is asked. His thoughts on how climate change should influence which native plants we plant on our properties. Resources Doug mentioned: Bringing Nature Home * Nature's Best Hope * The Nature of Oaks * How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard * Homegrown National Parks Native Plants for Container Gardens * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology resources: Backyard Ecology Community Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary Twice a year billions of birds migrate across the U.S. We've only recently discovered just how large that number really is. Being able to quantify that number is thanks to a large degree to a program called BirdCast which anyone from backyard birders to scientists to emergency managers can use. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of bird migration. Today's guest Dr. Andrew Farnsworth is a visiting scientist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology and a member of the BirdCast Team, which is using radar to track and study bird migrations over the U.S. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: About bird migration including when they migrate, why they migrate, impacts of both human induced and natural climate change, and much more. The importance of making natural history observations and how technology can enhance, but not replace, those observations. The many ways in which BirdCast is being used by birds and by scientists, starting with giving us concrete data on the mind-blowingly large numbers of birds that migrate over the U.S. each year. Resources Andrew mentioned: BirdCast eBird Other Backyard Ecology resources: The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary Ground nesting bees represent a significant portion of our native bee population, yet they often go unnoticed due to their solitary nature and unique nesting habits. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of ground nesting bees and how we can get involved in their study and conservation. Today's guest Dr. Jordan Kueneman is a research associate in the Danforth lab of Entomology at Cornell University. He is also the creator of the Ground Nesting Bee project on iNaturalist where he is collecting observations of ground-nesting bee aggregations. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: An overview of ground nesting bee biology, their behaviors, and their importance in the environment and potentially to some of our agricultural crops. An introduction into how much we still don't know about ground nesting bees, including the answers to what would seem like fairly basic questions. How individuals like you and I can help researchers learn more about ground nesting bees and where they can be found. Bonus content: Tips on how to identify ground nesting bees Resources Jordan mentioned: Ground Nesting Bees iNaturalist Project Project GNBee website Instagram Other Backyard Ecology resources: 3 Tree Groups That Provide Early Season Bee Food! Discover Your Next Steps Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary Amanda shares the journey she and her husband have taken to transform their small, suburban yard into a vibrant habitat for birds and pollinators. We discuss the various projects they've undertaken, the challenges of DIY landscaping, the importance of community support, and the positive reactions from neighbors and family. Their story shows how creating wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and the property owners' well-being. Amanda encourages others to start small, focus on native plants, and seek community support to achieve similar successes. Today's guest Amanda is a mom, medical writer, former biomedical researcher, and nature enthusiast who lives in middle Tennessee on a small, suburban lot. I met Amanda about a year ago when she joined a small group coaching program we were offering in the Backyard Ecology™ Community. She dove right in and continued as community member after the coaching program was done. 3 things you'll learn from this episode The practical steps Amanda took and challenges she and her husband faced while transforming their small, suburban yard into a thriving ecosystem. How her involvement with supportive groups such as her local Wild Ones chapter and the Backyard Ecology™ Community were instrumental in her success. The positive impact creating backyard ecosystems can have on personal well-being, friends and family, and the local biodiversity. Bonus content Amanda's Checklist for Creating a Thriving Backyard Ecosystem Resources Amanda mentioned Backyard Ecology Community Wild Ones The Habitat Connection Other Backyard Ecology resources Attract Backyard Birds with an Ecosystem Approach! Discover Your Next Steps Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

I can't believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I've been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We've talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let's wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year. 🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-want-to-know-about-nesting-birds-with-nestwatch/ 🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder https://www.backyardecology.net/birding-tools-and-technology-to-help-you-be-a-better-birder/ 🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/ 🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-invasive-species-something-you-should-care-about/ 🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/ 🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-sedges-mt-cuba-center-carex-trial/ 🦋 4) How Can Your State's Native Plant Society Help You? https://www.backyardecology.net/how-can-your-states-native-plant-society-help-you/ 🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/ 🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner https://www.backyardecology.net/ecology-based-landscaping-with-larry-weaner/ 🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/ 🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/ Other Episode Relevant Links: 🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0 🦋 Garden Revolution https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F * Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N