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!

🐦 Backyard Dreams, Blunders & Big Ideas

May 17, 2025

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

🦋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies

May 10, 2025

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...

Build It and They Will Come: Certify Your Wildlife Habitat!

May 3, 2025

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,...

Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste

Apr 26, 2025

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...

Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

Apr 19, 2025

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...