Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

Re-join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 2), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Linda Levitt (Flower Power) lets us know all about Peonies, a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens. Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas (The Cover Up) close out this episode with a description of Green and Gold and the Dutchman’s pi...

Join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 1), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails)is back talking about the bees and butterflies you can find at the Greenport Public Conservation Area in Hudson, NY. Finally, Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek to Me) enlightens us on the history and meanin...

Container Gardening is more than just using thrillers, fillers and spillers. Learn all about it from Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt, to create beautiful containers for your home garden. Then, join Teresa Golden as she talks about brassicas (The Veggie Patch).And they hear about honey bee swarms with Linda Aydlett (The Hum of the Hive). There’s something for everyone in this episode. Hosts...

Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. Join Heidi Bock from the Columbia Land Conservancy in a delightful discussion of the Phenology Trail at Borden’s Pond. Then learn all about Anthracnose from Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden (Pests and Pathogens) which affects gardens and trees. This episode concludes wit...

Flowering bulbs can add a burst of color to any landscape. Learn all about what makes bulbs special in spring and summer with Master Gardener Volunteer Jean Thomas. Then join Tim Kennelty (Good Plant/Bad Plant) talk about Native Willows and Bush Honeysuckle. This episode concludes with Devon Russ explaining why there are so many garden myths (Hits and Myths).There is something for everyone.  Liste...

Community Gardens are a timely topic for this episode where you’ll hear from Kim Bender and Eliza Spear on the how the Community Garden in Coxsackie, NY was founded and maintained. They also touch upon the very popular Coxsackie Farmer’s Market. Then learn all about irises with Linda Levitt (Flower Power).This episode concludes with coral being the color of the day in a conversation about Heuchera...

Jumping worms (also know as crazy worms) are invading gardens, lawns and forests throughout the Hudson Valley. Get the latest information about these pests from Josef Gorres (University of Vermont) and how to identify and manage them on your lot. Then, Jean Thomas explains the meaning behind many botanical plant names. A worthwhile listen! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest:: Joseph Gorez P...

Spring weather refocuses us on our lawns. Join David Chinery from Cornell Cooperative Extension as he talks about turf issues and the best way to care for or improve our lawns. Then join Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) as she explores Borden’s Bond, near Chatham, New York. This 1.6 mile trail features a great forest setting that can be used for hiking, walking, trail running and nature trips. We...

Pollinators are the subject of this passionate conversation with Master Gardener Volunteer and podcast co-founder, Tim Kennelty. Learn about their role in the ecosystem and some of his favorite bees, butterflies and moths. Then join Teresa Golden in a segment about how to start seeds at home for your Veggie Patch. This is followed by another fascinating description of the role of field bees with L...

Listen to a wonderful virtual tour of Berkshire Botanical Garden, located in Stockbridge, MA, with Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Levitt. She provides a vivid description of the history of these gardens as well as an overview of what you’ll see if you stop by. Then stay tuned for a segment on the Spongy Moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) with Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden (Pests and Pa...

Join the podcast co-founders with a lively discussion about the dreaded poison ivy. Learn how to identify it, control it, and treat your symptoms should you be allergic to its oils. Then the focus of Good Plant/Bad Plant with Tim Kennelty is Serviceberry and Invasive Bittersweet. Are your plants looking for a friend?  Deven Russ (Hits and Myths) discusses the realities of companion planting.  Phot...

Kathryn Schneider rejoins the podcast with a discussion about the upcoming New York Breeding Bird Atlas. Discover how it is created and how you can help! This is followed by a Linda Levitt (Flower Power) covering an early spring flowering plant, the hellebore. This episode concludes with a description of two wild strawberry plants and the Scarlet Runner Bean (The Cover Up with Jean Thomas and Tim...

Holiday Plants are the topic of conversation with Rachael Ashley from Story’s Nursery in Freehold, NY. She discusses the wide range of gift plants that are available throughout the year, from Valentine’s Day through the year-end holiday season. Then tune in for a great description of the Harris Conservation Area by Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails), as she talks about amphibians including wood frog...

Seed Starting is a very timely topic for this podcast episode.   Briana Davis, from Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd. located in Cornwallville, NY,  joins hosts Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty, for a wonderful overview of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ process used to grow a wide variety of vegetable and perennials, including ~40 tomato cultivars.  Then stay tuned for the Veggie Patch, with Teresa Golden, where sh...

In this episode, join Master Gardener Volunteers in a fascinating conversation with Tracey Testo of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. She discusses the many wildflowers and woodland foraging opportunities that can be found in the forest. Tracey brings her passion and an amazing wealth of information that inspires us to take a fresh look at the world around us. Then sta...

Get ready for planting season with a informative and wide-ranging discussion about perennial plants with Joe Behn from Behn's Best Perennials. Learn about the wide range of options available to add color and interest to your landscape. Monarda and Japanese Stiltgrass are the focus of the Good Plant/Bad Plant segment with Tim Kennelty.  And Wooly Bears are the star of Hits and Myths with Devon Russ...

Join us in an informative conversation with Tracey Testo from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia of Greene Counties. She discusses the history of maple syrup in New York as well as how you can tap trees to make your own. Then Linda Levitt (Flower Power) will talk about the beautiful and versatile Lantana plant. The episode concludes with a new segment (Cover Up) with Tim Kennelty and Jean T...

Listen to Pammi Price, from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties, in a fascinating discussion about Getting to Know Your Woodlands. Learn how to explore your property to discover its history and how to steward it towards a healthy future. Then join us with Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) to discover the wonderful variety of birds that you can find at the Ooms Conservation...

Intro In this episode, Rebecca Polmateer, from CCE, sets us straight on the ins and outs of Food Preservation. Learn about freezing, canning, dehydrating, pickling and fermentation. Then listen to Teresa Golden talk about how to decide what to plant in your vegetable garden. This episode concludes with a fascinating conversation about the role of the queen bee in The Hum Of The Hive. Tune in and e...

In this episode, join Master Gardener Volunteer and this podcast co-creator, Jean Thomas, in an informative conversation about seed catalogs. Learn about their history, their changing content and how to read them. This will be followed by a new segment, Pests and Pathogens, featuring Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden who discuss how to diagnose plant problems. The episode concludes with Joan Sat...

Eli Joseph-Hunter is the featured guest on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. As proprietor of the Greene Bee Greenhouse, Ltd, listen to his discussion with CCE Master Gardeners as we learn about Plants for Winter Interest. Then stay tuned for the first segment of Good Plant/Bad Plant where Tim Kennelty will talk about oak trees and Japanese Knotweed. This episode...

Join Master Gardeners in an informative conversation with Kathryn Schneider, an author and educator about all things birds. Learn what to feed birds in winter, the best feeders, and how to keep squirrels and bears away from them. Then, dream about your summer garden as Linda Levitt (Flower Power) will explain the difference between annuals, perennials, and biennials. Tune in for a winter treat! Ho...

Celebrate National Groundhog Day by joining Master Gardeners with a table discussion about these and other Hudson Valley furry wildlife including moles, voles, chipmunks, bears and raccoons. Join Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) on a virtual winter hike to Drowned Lands Swamp, one of the Columbia Land Conservancy’s nature trails. Then be entertained and informed by Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek) as...

Join Master Gardeners, Jean Thomas, and Tim Kennelty, in a conversation with Evon Antonio and Connor Young about CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties and their programming. Then listen to some practical tips about how to site a vegetable garden with Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) and learn how honey bees survive in the winter with Linda Aydlett (The Hum of the Hives).Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean...