Conversing with Nature

On this episode, we are joined by Holley Owings, co-owner and landscape architect at Earth Design , for a timely conversation about designing landscapes that work with nature, not against it. With over two decades of experience in ecological and sustainable design, Holley shares how nature-based solutions are being applied across the Southeast to support healthier ecosystems, stronger communities,...

On this episode, we are joined by Shannon Wilson, program manager of sustainability for Milo's Tea Company . As Shannon describes the history and core values of Milo's - especially their use of simple, quality ingredients and their dedication to their employees - we see how a dual focus on people and nature can help a company thrive. Through their zero waste initiative, water stewardship g...

On this episode, we welcome Kate Ancaya, founding partner and design principal at Living Roofs, Inc. , a firm out of Asheville, NC that specializes in creating green roofs and landscape on structure. As Kate dives into building plant communities in unlikely spaces, she explains the beauty and benefits behind this growing method of infrastructure and resilience. Kate reminds us that resilience star...

On this episode, we welcome two of The Nature Conservancy's leaders in South Carolina land protection: Katy McWilliams, the director of land protection, and Dr. David Bishop, senior project director. Together, Katy and David explain how The Nature Conservancy (and partners) are investing in land protection across the state to protect South Carolina's wild places through land purchases and...

On this episode, we welcome April Magill, the owner of Root Down Designs , an architectural firm focused on sustainable design; April is also the executive director of the non-profit Root Down Building Collective , which provides architectural services, consulting, and house plans for climate-smart structures. An advocate for natural building materials, April explains how plant-based and mineral-b...

On this exciting crossover episode we welcome Rick Crawford, the president of Emerger Strategies and host of the wildly popular podcast, The Sustainable Angler . A lover of all things fishing, Rick talks about his efforts to educate and excite anglers and businesses to take positive action towards sustainability. Together, Liz and Rick explore what it looks like when science, conservation, busines...

On this episode, we welcome Jesse Blom, the executive director of the Green Heart Project , an organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate and connect people in Charleston, SC. As Jesse describes the benefits of urban agriculture and school garden programs, he celebrates food, not just as a source of nutrition, but also for its role in...

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Susan Johnson, the founder and CEO of Nature at Work , a statewide initiative working to improve workplace wellbeing through an intentional connection with nature. As Susan draws parallels between human health, the workplace environment, and the benefits of being surrounded by nature, she reinforces what many of us already know: nature makes us healthier, happier, s...

On this episode, we welcome Maeve Snyder, the owner of SnailSeed Native Plants in Myrtle Beach, SC. As Maeve describes the many benefits of native plants, the science behind genetic diversity, and the artistry of designing a beautiful garden, she teaches us that a native plant garden is something we can all do to create spectacular places of beauty, biodiversity, and restoration. Through Maeve’s p...

On this episode, we are joined by the three founders of The M.A.R.S.H. Project : Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez. A grassroots and community program focused on revitalizing and advocating for Charleston's unique marsh ecosystems, The M.A.R.S.H. Project provides opportunities for neighbors to gather for cleanups, plant native plant gardens, be inspired through art and storytell...

On this episode, we are joined by Zack Snipes, co-owner of Shoreline Restoration Group (SRG), a Charleston, SC-based company that promotes thriving and resilient landscapes by preserving and stabilizing Lowcountry shorelines. As Zack walks us through SRG's history and the need for nature-based solutions in South Carolina (including the value of native stormwater buffers), he reminds us of the...

On our first episode of season 3, we sit down with Gillian Zettler, cofounder of The Drop In , a Charleston, SC-based movement studio that seeks to cultivate human connection and community resilience by growing individual wellness. As Gillian talks about movement, green spaces, and vulnerability, we are reminded that when we invest in people, we are investing in nature as well. Through her love of...

On this episode, we are joined by Andy Hollis, the manager of the Shellfish Management Section at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources . Andy transports us to South Carolina's vast system of estuaries as he describes the South Carolina oyster: its history, its impact on the Lowcountry's landscape and culture, its role as a habitat and a resource, and how SCDNR is working to m...

On this episode, we sit down with Mary Edna Fraser, a Charleston-based artist and environmental activist. An expert on the ancient method of Batik on silk, Mary Edna makes the artist's case for nature by bridging art and science to bring messages of conservation, stewardship, and environmental awareness to her art. As Mary Edna walks us through her design process and discusses her scientific c...

This episode honors Dale Morris, the former Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Charleston and co-founder of the Dutch Dialogues. Dale passed away unexpectedly just 4 days after this interview. With permission from his family, we have released this episode to honor the incredible work Dale achieved throughout his life as well as to showcase the passionate, charismatic, and kind person that Da...

On this episode, we are joined by Leslie Skardon, the chief executive officer at Sustain SC , which works to ensure a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment. As Leslie describes Sustain SC’s mission and roadmap, she dives into what it means for businesses to be both sustainable and profitable. (Hint: choosing the environment can also mean choosing profit!) Covering topics on e...

On this episode, we welcome EV Bell, the education and outreach manager at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium . EV makes the educator's case for nature through stories of empowering teachers, engaging kids with hands-on learning, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. She reminds us that there will always be opportunities for education, simple language can be the most ef...

On this episode, we sit down with Andrew Wunderley, the executive director of Charleston Waterkeeper. With training in both science and law, Andrew describes how Charleston Waterkeeper uses a combination approach of science, stewardship, and advocacy to be a voice for local creeks, marshes, and waterways. As Andrew describes the intricate relationship between land and water, we learn how our socie...

On this episode, we are joined by Rollen Chalmers, a farmer in the South Carolina Lowcountry who specializes in the cultivation of Carolina Gold Rice and other heritage crops, and the co-owner of Rollen’s Raw Grains . As Rollen dives into the history and traditions behind these special crops, he teaches us about the ecosystem where Carolina Gold Rice thrives, including the vital role of soil and w...

On this episode, we welcome Tom Dooley, the director of forest conservation for T he Nature Conservancy's South Carolina chapter . An expert on forest management, Tom illustrates the ecological and social value of forest ecosystems while simultaneously describing the science and history of the South's primary forest management technique: fire. As Tom and Liz discuss controlled burns (also...

On this episode, we sit down with Robert Etheridge, the owner and president of Mixon Seed Service . A PhD in agronomy and crop science, Robert makes the case for sustainable agriculture as he shares his knowledge and experience on all things farming, from the purpose of cover crops to the benefit of innovation, from the value of small and big ag to the significance of collaboration. As Robert give...

On this episode, we have the pleasure of being joined by Spencer Wetmore, South Carolina State Representative for District 115. As Spencer describes what it is like to work in state government - the challenges, successes, collaboration, and sometimes even fun! - she makes the political case for raising awareness for the environment and protecting nature. Through her personal experiences and storie...

On this episode, we are joined by KJ Kearney, a community organizer and founder of the social media account “Black Food Fridays.” An avid foodie, KJ explains how food can be used as a medium for political action and how he's used social media to support Black owned restaurants and businesses. KJ’s knowledge of Gullah Geechee history and his connections with Black chefs and restaurant owners worldw...

On this episode, we welcome Maurie Lawrence, the vice president of sustainability and general counsel at Milliken & Company . Maurie makes the corporate case for nature as she describes Milliken's sustainability efforts, their commitment to progress and volunteering, and the value of good data. As she talks, Maurie reminds us of the power of partnerships, the need to "set the standard" in our...

As the southeast reels from the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton, we decided to investigate what role nature-based solutions have - and could - play in post-disaster rebuilding. On this special post-disaster episode, we feature three guests - Darren Meyer from MKSK, Joshua Robinson from Robinson Design Engineers, and Garey Payne from Tyndall Air Force Base - who talk to us about three n...