The Backyard Naturalists

The Backyard Naturalists podcasts is geared toward nature lovers of all kinds, from beginners to those with more experience. We have a very diverse lineup of topics planned for you, such as what you can do in your own yard to enhance the habitat for the creatures who live there, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count as a citizen scientist, using native plants, which snakes live in our area, how to attract specific birds, common and uncommon raptors in the greater Charlotte region, spring and fall migration season for birds, plants for butterflies and much more!

Quiet Invasives — Why Invasive Plants Spread, and What You Can Do About It

Dec 13, 2025

In this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Benjy Strope, Private Lands Management Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to explore the sneaky, persistent, and surprisingly complex world of invasive plants. Inspired by Benjy’s article “Quiet...

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees — Which Is Better for You and the Environment?

Dec 6, 2025

In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into a holiday-season debate that comes up year after year: Should you buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? The answer may surprise you and it definitely has more to do with nature, sustainability, and even family traditions than you...

Encore Episode: Animal Adaptations with Wildlife Expert Stan Tekiela

Nov 22, 2025

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite conversation with wildlife expert, naturalist, and author Stan Tekiela, a flock-level guest whose knowledge always leaves us wide-eyed and amazed. In this encore episode, Stan takes us on a deep dive into the remarkable world of animal adaptations,...

What Do I Do If I Find…? Wildlife Rehab Q&A with Ruby Davis

Nov 15, 2025

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome back “Flocker” and trusted friend of the show, Ruby Davis of NC Wildlife Rehab, for a rapid-fire myth-busting session about what to do when you encounter wildlife in your own backyard. From possums playing dead to raccoons out in the daytime,...

Encore: The Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kelly Oten

Nov 8, 2025

In this encore presentation of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne revisit one of the most important conversations of Season 2 — their discussion with Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, about the invasive and destructive Spotted Lanternfly.