The Backyard Naturalists

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 might expect. Debbie and Laurie compare the environmental impacts, benefits, drawbacks, and unexpected trivia behind both types of trees (including the very unusual product that inspired the original artificial Christmas tree, yes, it's true!). You'll learn why artificial trees have a larger carbon footprint, how long you need to keep one to reduce its environmental impact, and why most of them eventually end up in landfills. Then the hosts explore the world of real Christmas trees, from where they're grown, to how long they take to reach your living room, to the important role they play in local ecosystems and rural economies. With more than 15,000 farms and millions of trees grown annually, real Christmas trees help stabilize soil, protect water, support wildlife, and provide pure, fresh oxygen, plus they're fully biodegradable. This episode also touches on the family traditions tied to choosing a tree, how tree farms replant for the future, and why real trees still come out on top in sustainability studies. And stay tuned: Debbie and Laurie will follow up with a companion episode on what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays, whether real or artificial.

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, exploring how species survive, evolve, and thrive through millions of years of change. From the hollow white hair of the polar bear, to the extraordinary echolocation of bats, to the nomadic lifestyle of American Goldfinches, Stan explains how nature's most surprising traits came to be and why adaptation is the ultimate key to survival. Listeners will also hear fascinating insights into hibernation (and why bears aren't true hibernators), the plant-bird "arms race" shaping hummingbird bills and flower corollas, the freeze-solid survival strategy of wood frogs, and the uncanny abilities of monarch butterflies, turtles, and even snakes that can climb walls without limbs. Stan's stories offer a perfect blend of science, wonder, and humor, reminding us just how ingenious the natural world truly is. Whether you're a backyard birder, a curious learner, or a longtime fan of Stan's work, this encore episode is packed with discoveries that will change the way you see the creatures around you.

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, baby bunnies hidden in plain sight, fallen squirrel nests, mysterious fawns, mangy foxes, and even the occasional bat on the ground—Ruby walks us through what's normal, what's concerning, and when to step in (or absolutely not step in). Her calm, science-based guidance cuts through the online chaos of Google, Facebook groups, and Nextdoor "experts," reminding us that common sense and compassion go a long way when we share space with wild neighbors. Packed with practical tips, safety reminders, and fascinating facts about animal behavior, this episode aims to replace misinformation with clarity. Whether you're a seasoned backyard watcher or someone who simply wants to do the right thing when wildlife shows up unexpectedly, Ruby's insights will leave you more confident—and more connected—to the natural world right outside your door.

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. This brightly colored but harmful insect has become a serious concern for North Carolina's forests, vineyards, and backyards. Dr. Oten explains how the Spotted Lanternfly arrived from Asia, what it looks like in each stage of its life cycle, and why early detection is crucial to protecting native trees and agricultural crops. From fascinating facts about its preferred host plant, the invasive Tree of Heaven, to how trained detector dogs are now helping locate infestations, this encore episode remains as timely and informative as ever. Key Topics: How to identify the Spotted Lanternfly in every life stage The risks it poses to grapes, trees, and native habitats North Carolina's first confirmed sighting and rapid response Surprising details about the insect's spread across 13 states The role of trained detector dogs in tracking this invasive pest How listeners can help spot, report, and prevent its spread Takeaway: Awareness is the first step in protecting our natural spaces. By learning what the Spotted Lanternfly looks like and how to report sightings, we can all play a part in safeguarding North Carolina's environment and agriculture. Guest: Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University Ph.D. in Entomology and Forestry Mentioned in this Episode: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Trained detector dogs used in invasive species management Presented by: Backyard Birds in Matthews, North Carolina — your destination for bird seed, feeders, and nature-friendly backyard essentials. Visit thebirdfoodstore.com or stop by in person to make your backyard a haven for wildlife.

Even the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and seasonal slowdowns, they cover the small details that make a big difference in attracting and keeping healthy flocks. The trio revisits the basics of building a thriving wildlife habitat; food, water, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices, and digs deeper into what to do when the birds just aren't showing up. Along the way, you'll learn why "cheap seed" can cost you more in the long run, how to spot hidden mold, and which feeder styles best suit different species. Whether you're a first-time feeder or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this episode offers smart, practical advice to help you create a safe, sustainable, and bird-friendly backyard all year long.