The Backyard Naturalists

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...

Spring is here, and it's time to give your backyard a refresh—nature-friendly style! In this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our expert hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, share essential tips for making your outdoor space a haven for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.   From scrubbing bird feeders and freshening up birdhouses to planting native sp...

In this episode of the award winning Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina's aquatic ecosystems. Our special guest, Corey Oakley from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shares firsthand insights into the devastation caused by historic flooding and landslides in the Appalachian region.   With some areas receiving...

Get ready for a wild ride through the world of nature myths! In this fun and engaging episode of The Backyard Naturalists , an award-winning podcast loved in over 115 countries, hosts Debbie and Laurie put their knowledge to the test with a true/false quiz led by Chris. From the surprising way squirrels help reforest the planet to whether earthworms can really regenerate when cut in half, the host...

Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, our award-winning podcast welcomes Lee Rankin, owner of Apple Hill Farm in North Carolina, to share her incredible journey from alpaca admirer to agritourism entrepreneur. Located near Boone, Apple Hill Farm is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, donkeys, goats, and more—welcoming over 10,000 vis...

Step into the wild with this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Ruby Davis, a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist, to discuss the inspiring work of NC Wildlife Rehab. After going dormant for five years, this nonprofit is back in action thanks to Ruby and veterinarian Dr. Laura Latham, providing vital care to North Carolina's nat...

Charlotte is on a mission to stay green, and this week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're digging into how Trees Charlotte is making it happen! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature lovers—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we're thrilled to welcome Heather Brent, an urban forest educator, to talk all things trees.   Trees Charlotte has planted and given away ov...

Flush out the facts on toilet paper sustainability in this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature enthusiasts—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we're diving into the environmental impact of one of life's everyday essentials.   Join us as we break down the latest findings from the Natural Resources Defense Council'...

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. Hosted by Debbie and Laurie, passionate nature advocates with credentials like Master Naturalist and Wildlife Ambassador, this multi-award winning show dives into everything connected with the natural world!   In this episode, we're talking about one of the most exciti...

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, author, and naturalist, to explore the art and science of forest bathing. Originating in Japan as "shinrin-yoku," forest bathing is the practice of immersing oneself in nature to reap significant physical and mental health benefits.   Melanie explains how thi...

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco, an ecological consultant and native plant expert, to explore the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—role of honeybees in pollination.   Dr. DeJaco shares that honeybees, while vital for commercial agriculture, are not native to the Americas and are classified as livestock by the USDA. Their presence o...