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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!

Oct 11, 2025

As the seasons turn and the air gets crisp, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris are diving into everything fall for your wildlife habitat! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the team explores how to make the most of autumn’s natural bounty, especially those fallen leaves. Should you rake them up, blow them away, or just “leave the leaves”? The answers might surprise you.

Drawing from new data from the National Wildlife Federation, the hosts share why letting your leaves lie can make a big difference for native wildlife and the planet. You’ll learn how something as simple as skipping the leaf blower helps reduce landfill waste, cut methane emissions, and provide shelter, food, and nesting materials for birds, butterflies, salamanders, and even bumblebees.

The episode also covers easy, eco-friendly fall tasks, like planting native trees and perennials, prepping your feeders and birdbaths for winter, and creating cozy roosting spots for your feathered neighbors. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small garden, you’ll find practical, feel-good ways to make your habitat thrive this season.

So grab a warm drink, step outside, and discover how to enjoy fall in your own backyard while helping nature do its thing. 🍁