Native Plants, Healthy Planet

Latest Episodes:

Education and Community with Beth Ginter of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Beth Ginter (Executive Director) of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, to discuss education, community, and quality in stewardship. Topics include the beginnings of the CCLC, the importance of the Turning a New Leaf Conference, why training matters, and how you can become involved. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Follow Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council Here.

Become a Certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Here.

Find a Certified Pro Here.

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.

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The Buzz - A Ribbiting Experience Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Did you hear? The Buzz is HOT! Welcome to National Frog Month. “That’s Hot” highlights emerging color. “This or That” tackles theft and highlights a former guest. Tom and Fran get stuck with a Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant

Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189

Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.

Visit our store Here!

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NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference Part 2 with Joshua Moody Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joshua Moody (Research Scientist at NJDEP), to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, the wonders of Atlantic White Cedar habitat, Josh's journey through ecology, and the promise of a better future. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Follow NJ DEP Division of Science and Research Here.

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.

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Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here!

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The Buzz - If You Think Native Plants are Boring, You're in Luck! Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It’s still conference season! Tom shares his experience at his latest speaking engagement. “That’s Hot” is sticky in more ways than one. “This or That” tackles biodiversity, or lack thereof. Tom and Fran sink into a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant

Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189

Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.

Visit our store Here!

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NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference with Terry Doss and Amanda Archer Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Terry Doss (Co-Director and Chief Restoration Scientist) of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute, and Amanda Archer (Coastal Training & Engagement Coordinator) of Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, educating about climate change, the RISING workshop, and the promise of a better future. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Follow Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute Here.

Follow Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve Here.

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz - Can You Smell That Smell? Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It's conference season! We have a Canada Goose update. “That’s Hot” is touring the Southern United States. “This or That” tackles Climate Change and Urban Endangered Plants. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Can you smell what Tom and Fran are cooking? Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant

Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189

Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.

Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Fred Lubnow (Senior Technical Director) of Princeton Hydro, and Jenn Rogers (Executive Director) of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, to discuss Harmful Algal Blooms. Topics include What is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and what does it mean for you, how and why do HAB's occur, what technology is used to monitor and prevent them from occurring, and how you can make a difference in your every day life. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Follow Princeton Hydro Here.

Follow Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Here.

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz - Caaryaaa! Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Tom and Fran spill the tea. “That’s Hot” pits Northeast vs Southwest. “This or That” travels abroad so make sure you check travel times. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our musical secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant

Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189

Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.

Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roots So Deep with Mike McGraw and Santino Lauricella Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Mike McGraw (Senior Project Manager. Regulatory Compliance and Wildlife Surveys; Senior Wildlife Biologist) of Princeton Hydro, and Santino Lauricella (Education Manager) of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, to discuss the Roots So Deep Documentary. Topics include how Mike became involved with the project, generational shifts in family owned agricultural businesses, and the live Q&A with Mike, Santino, and Fran from the Newtown Theater in PA on January, 21st, 2026. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Rent the Roots So Deep Documentary Here.

Follow Princeton Hydro Here.

Follow Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Here.

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz - Film at 11 Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. The Roots So Deep screening was a success! Could there be video in the future? “That’s Hot” pits East Coast vs West Coast. “This or That” offers hope and answers. Tom and Fran have plenty of shout outs this episode. We have a caller! Are you listening to the end for a secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant

Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article

Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189

Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com

Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Follow Fran Chismar Here.

Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.

Visit our store Here!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.