Queen City Green

Host John Searby of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy interviews Blair Primis, Chief Growth Officer at OrthoCarolina, about community-focused partnerships and building brand relevance beyond traditional advertising, and to introduce OrthoCarolina as sponsor of Daniel Stowe’s race series, highlighted by a July 18 Summer Nights evening race through the gardens.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble talk with horticulturists Chloe Linton and Karen Kottkamp on eucalyptus at Daniel Stowe, covering species diversity, leaf changes, bark, flowers, oils, and uses. They discuss eucalyptus fire risks and invasiveness in California and Florida, adaptations to resprout after fire, and animals that feed on it.

Host John Searby interviews Charlotte artist and illustrator Brett Blumenthal about collaborating on “The Guardian of Lost Hollow,” a children’s book inspired by the Adventure Trail’s secret-room dragon at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The book launches Memorial Day weekend at the garden's Butterfly Festival, with preorders and related merchandise online.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture team members Lindsey Bargar and Allyssa Boerngen to discuss grapes and wine. They cover viticulture basics, China’s grape production, wine vs table grapes, fermentation and barrel effects, wine tasting techniques, and grape domestication.

Host John Searby welcomes Dr. Roopen Patel of Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center to discuss enjoying Daniel Stowe Conservancy despite spring allergies. Dr. Patel explains common Charlotte pollens, avoidance steps, OTC medicines, and when to seek professional testing.

Host John Searby interviews Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about the 1,600‑mile regional trail plan and how it’s built through partnerships, grants, and technical support. They highlight trail benefits, including transportation, health, and economic returns. The focus is Gaston County’s Matthews Belk South Fork River Corridor: a 23‑mile segment toward a 60‑mile route from Lake Wylie to H...

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel are joined by Janet Manuel and Cassy Hallman from Daniel Stowe Conservancy to discuss Trailhead’s tastings and then spotlight milkweed (Asclepias): its latex, toxins, specialized pollination, flowers, and silky seed pods, plus historical uses like WWII life-jacket stuffing. They explain milkweed’s role as a keystone host plant for monarchs and highlight Carolina...

In this episode of 'Shovel and Spade,' Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel discuss the mountain mint plant's benefits and its ecological impact. Joined by Katherine Baxter and Emma McGee, they explore garden scents, both pleasant and off-putting, and share personal stories.

Host John Searby talks with Aaron and Annie Crites of Your Lawn Stewards. They discuss their journey from corporate life to starting an eco-friendly lawn care business focused on biodiversity and sustainability. They also talk about their partnership with the Daniel Stowe Conservancy and share practical advice for transforming traditional lawns into environmentally friendly spaces.

Hosts Ryan Cater talk with Piedmont Promise's newest team member, Alexis Thompson, to talk about the overlap between conservation and public health.

John Searby hosts Josh Jacobson, CEO of Next Stage. They discuss shared environmental initiatives, the importance of collaboration among nonprofits, nonprofit challenges, strategies, and Josh's unique method of supporting nonprofits.

The 'Shovel and Spade' podcast, sponsored by Petty Thieves Brewing Company, discusses tasting a hazy IPA, the science of hops, and horticultural challenges faced by the hosts at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

Data-driven decisions are still important, especially when it comes to conservation. In this episode, Ryan Carter talks with UNCC’s Urban Institute and Data Trust about Piedmont Promise, the power and impact of shared data, and what we can do to make our region a better place with it all. The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute + Regional Data Trust is a nonpartisan research and data unit of UNC Charlot...

John Searby, CEO of The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, discusses the unique partnership with guests from WithersRavenel, an engineering firm known for its sustainable and innovative projects. Guests Will Cauthen and Emily Buehrer-Douglas share their professional backgrounds and roles at WithersRavenel, emphasizing their passion for sustainable development and landscape architecture. They discuss how th...

In this first episode of Shovel and Spade, from The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, hosted by Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble, we explore the world of horticulture. Joined by team members Lindsay Bargar and Michaela Karutz, this episode delves into their personal journeys into horticulture, sparked by inspirational moments from childhood and diverse career paths.

John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba River Keeper, discusses initiatives to promote environmental change and outdoor activities in the Charlotte region with guests Eric Smallwood, Parks and Rec Director of Mount Holly, and Rachel Andrea, Recreation Manager at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, who share their experiences and contributions to outdoor recreation.

In this episode of the Advocacy Hour podcast, hosted by Ryan Carter and Ellie Riggs of Piedmont Promise, the focus is on recent conservation efforts and legislative updates in North Carolina, and the hectic legislative session, emphasizing the progress and challenges faced with several bills.

The ladies in charge of the Butterfly Bungalow talk with host John Searby about how the butterflies get to the bungalow, how they are cared for, and just what to expect when you visit.

"Conservation" and "affordable housing" have a lot in common but are, unfortunately, too often used as cannon fodder against one another. From accusations of NIMBYism to greedy development to being out of touch with reality, both sides take shots at the other. Join us for a conversation between a conservation turned housing advocate and a housing turned conservation advocate as we dive into this d...

John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy, talks with Jason Bonham, Director of Horticulture, and Dylan Wruble, Operations Manager. They discuss the intricacies of maintaining the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, from horticulture tasks to irrigation and fountain maintenance. Jason and Dylan share their backgrounds, detailing their roles and unexpected challenges they face.

John Searby, CEO at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, talks with Sarah Degnan and Sarah Taylor from Albemarle Corporation, about their personal backgrounds and their roles at Albemarle, focusing particularly on the company’s sustainability efforts. They detail Albemarle's Kings Mountain Project and the company's overall commitment to environmental stewardship.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba River Keeper, talks with Allison Rhodes, the Executive Director at Trees Charlotte. They discuss Rhodes' journey to Trees Charlotte, the organization's mission to grow, steward, and diversify Charlotte's tree canopy, and the various programs and initiatives they run, including tree plantings, tree adoption events, and educational tree w...

Host John Searby discusses the rebranding journey of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy with guests from Boone Oakley, including Dave and Claire Oakley, and Jake Vowell. The conversation covers the origin and background of Boone Oakley, the strategic process for rebranding, and the collaborative effort to develop a new identity.

A roundtable discussion with other friends in NC Policy work. ·  NC Audobon Advocacy website: https://nc.audubon.org/conservation/advocacy o NC Audobon Day at the Legislature: https://act.audubon.org/a/2025-advocacy-day?aud_path=/&_gl=1*1fbx468*_gcl_au*MTQwMjYyNjk0MS4xNzM5OTg3NDQw*_ga*MTI3MDAzOTA5My4xNzM5OTg3NDQw*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTc0MzUxMzY3NC40LjAuMTc0MzUxMzY3Ni41OC4wLjA. · Toxic Free NC website: ...

In this episode, host John Searby welcomes guest Angie Stegall, who shares her journey from military life to becoming a forest therapy guide and consultant. Angie discusses the physical and mental health benefits of 'forest bathing,' a practice involving mindful interaction with nature inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.