Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

Latest Episodes:

Episode 29: RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary and Dragonflies Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

Larry Federman, a musician, birder, and former education coordinator for Audubon NY, is our guest today taking us on a virtual tour of the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary in Catskill, NY. He also spends time describing the lifecycle, diet and habitat of dragonflies and damselflies that can be found there. Take a listen!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Larry Federman

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Mary Ann Iaccino

Resources

Episode 28: Grassland Birds Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Learn all about Grassland Birds from ornithologist and Master Gardener Volunteer, Kathryn Schneider. In this episode, she cover what types of birds to look for in grasslands, the habitat they like, and how to protect them. Then Master Gardener Jean Thomas returns with another edition of “It’s All Greek” where she opines on garden perennial favorites (Phlox and Rudbeckia). Enjoy!

Guest: Dr. Kathryn Schneider

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Transcript and Resources

Episode 27: Ordering Trees, Shrubs and Bulbs Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Master Gardener Jean Thomas helps to decode the information found in catalogs when attempting to order shrubs, trees and bulbs. Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) describes the wide range of legume vegetables that can be grown in your garden. The Hum of the Hive (with Linda Aydlett) returns with a discussion of the role of propolis within a honey bee hive. Listen and learn!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Transcript and Resources

Episode 26: Gardening with Kids Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

Enjoy this delightful conversation with Anna Harrod to learn how to get children interested in gardening. Then listen to a discussion about Pests and Pathogens about Houseplants with Dede Terns-Thorpe. The episode wraps us with Joan Satterlee with some useful books about perennials (Tools of the Trade).There is something here for all ages!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Anna Harrod

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Resources and Transcripts

Episode 25: Leave No Trace Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Kelsey Jean West from CCE joins us to talk about Leave No Trace, an ethical approach to visiting public parks and conservation areas. Then Tim Kennelty features the Dogwood and Garlic Mustard (Good Plant/Bad Plant). This podcast episode concludes with a focus on the value of scarecrows (Hits and Myths with Devon Russ).

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kelsey Jean West

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Transcript and Resources

Episode 24: Invasive Plants (Part 2) Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

Re-join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 2), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Linda Levitt (Flower Power) lets us know all about Peonies, a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens. Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas (The Cover Up) close out this episode with a description of Green and Gold and the Dutchman’s pipevine. There’s something for everyone. We hope you listen in!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kristopher Williams

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Resources and Transcript

Episode 23: Invasive Plants (Part 1) Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

Join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 1), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails)is back talking about the bees and butterflies you can find at the Greenport Public Conservation Area in Hudson, NY. Finally, Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek to Me) enlightens us on the history and meaning of the botanical names for popular plants like coneflower, hosta, daylily, peony and milkweed.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kristopher Williams

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Resources and Transcript

Episode 22: Container Gardening Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

Container Gardening is more than just using thrillers, fillers and spillers. Learn all about it from Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt, to create beautiful containers for your home garden. Then, join Teresa Golden as she talks about brassicas (The Veggie Patch).And they hear about honey bee swarms with Linda Aydlett (The Hum of the Hive). There’s something for everyone in this episode.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Linda Levitt

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Resources and Transcript

Episode 21: Phenology Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. Join Heidi Bock from the Columbia Land Conservancy in a delightful discussion of the Phenology Trail at Borden’s Pond. Then learn all about Anthracnose from Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden (Pests and Pathogens) which affects gardens and trees. This episode concludes with a discussion of Merlin (Tools of the Trade with Joan Satterlee), a bird identification app developed by Cornell University. This episode has something for everyone. Listen in!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Heidi Bock, Columbia Land Conservancy

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden

Transcript and Resources

Episode 20: Flowering Bulbs Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

Flowering bulbs can add a burst of color to any landscape. Learn all about what makes bulbs special in spring and summer with Master Gardener Volunteer Jean Thomas. Then join Tim Kennelty (Good Plant/Bad Plant) talk about Native Willows and Bush Honeysuckle. This episode concludes with Devon Russ explaining why there are so many garden myths (Hits and Myths).There is something for everyone. Listen in!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Jean Thomas

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden,

Transcript and Resources