The Backyard Naturalists

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 l...

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 th...

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...

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, c...

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...

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 invasiv...

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 environ...

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 sh...

Have you ever wondered what's really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists , hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature's most misunderstood creatures. Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to the conversation, helping us explore skunk beha...

It's pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants . From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillaries, you'll learn how simple choices in your garde...

Summer is heating up across the Carolinas, and that means snakes are on the move — and stirring up plenty of conversation. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie bust myths and tackle misinformation about snake deterrents , exploring what truly works (and what absolutely doesn't) to keep these fascinating reptiles out of spaces where they aren't welcome. From mothballs to marigolds, ultrasonic gadgets...

It's time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists , your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka "Zombie Deer Disease"), and the Monarch Butterfly pop...

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie take a fun and fascinating leap into the world of frogs and toads —those small but mighty voices you hear rising from ponds, ditches, and backyards as spring turns into summer. You'll learn how to spot (and hear!) some of North Carolina's most common amphibians , including the American Bullfrog , Southern Leopard Frog , Spring Peeper...

This week on The Backyard Naturalists , we're welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible. Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm , a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and often misunderstood) corner of the natural world: s...

In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina's most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market . With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen. You'll hear from: 🎙️ Jessica Thomas , Market Manager, who shares...

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...

This week, things get personal ( and a little playful!) as Debbie, Laurie, and Chris go round- robin style in a fun backyard- themed Q& A game! 🎙️🌿 They dish on their dream features ( hello, pond and bat house!), favorite parts of their yards ( shade gardens, native plants, and more), and even the gardening goofs they've made along the way. 🙈 From invasive monkey grass to erosion woes, they don'...

Want to welcome butterflies to your yard and help them thrive? This week on The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie dig into the magical role of host plants —the essential "nurseries" for butterflies and other pollinators. 🌿🦋🐛 While nectar plants might get all the glory, host plants are where the real action happens : eggs are laid, caterpillars feed, and life cycles begin. This episode is...

We're going back to our roots —literally! In one of our most popular topics to date, The Backyard Naturalists are revisiting how YOU can turn your outdoor space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation's newly streamlined program. 🐝🌼🐸 Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small garden, or even a balcony, this episode is packed with practical advice, updated...

What  really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists , we sit down with Jeff Smithberger , Director of Mecklenburg County's Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling. Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Mecklenburg County's waste management operation is...

This week on  The Backyard Naturalists , we're honoring Earth Day 2025 with a powerful and inspiring episode centered around this year's global theme: "Our Power, Our Planet." 🌍💚 Join us as we explore how small, everyday choices can make a big impact. From rethinking your grocery list to planting native species and reducing plastic use, this episode is packed with practical ways you can turn you...

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco—botanist, native plant advocate, and all-around plant powerhouse! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, The Backyard Naturalists is proudly hosted by credentialed nature enthusiasts, including a Master...

Spring has sprung, and so have weeds, pests, and garden invaders! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie dig into eco-friendly solutions for common yard and garden challenges. From natural weed control methods like solarization and manual removal to chemical-free pest management with neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and even beer traps (yes, really!)—this episode is pack...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.   Aquatic invasive species are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious threats to ecosystems, economies, and even public safety! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our award-winning hosts welcome Khristopher Stahr and Jenna Paugels from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to dive int...

Monarch butterflies are in serious trouble, and this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists dives into why. Our award-winning hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, break down the alarming 96% decline in western monarch populations and what's causing it—from habitat loss to pesticide use and climate change.   But it's not all bad news! Debbie and Laurie share simple yet...