Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

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!

  1. All Episodes
  2. After the Storm: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on NC’s Waters

After the Storm: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on NC’s Waters

Mar 15, 2025

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 over 30 inches of rain in just 48 hours, the storm drastically altered river landscapes, eroded stream banks, and even wiped out a major trout hatchery—resulting in the loss of 600,000 fish and a major hit to the state’s $1.4 billion trout fishing industry. Corey walks us through the resilience of aquatic wildlife, the long road to ecological recovery, and how both nature and local communities are adapting to the challenges ahead.

 

Join us for a compelling conversation about the power of nature, the impact of extreme weather, and the science behind rebuilding these vital ecosystems.

 

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 Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

 

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

 

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.