The WildStory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants by The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

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**The WildStory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants by The Native Plant Society of New Jersey**

The Wildstory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants by The Native Plant Society of New Jersey, is hosted by Ann E. Wallace, Poet Laureate of Jersey City. Art and nature intercept in each episode to bring listeners inside the world of poetry about the natural world and to introduce them to other well-known voices from the world of ecology. It is an independent project of The Native Plant Society of New Jersey, a state-wide nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation, protection, and study of the native flora of NJ. Learn more at npsnj.org.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 32: All New Episode with Gabrielle Myers, Rachel Mackow, Bob Swain and Bill Young Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

Hosted by Ann E. Wallace, PhD

Co-host Kim Correro

Special Contributor Dr. Randi Eckel

The Wildstory returns after a longer summer hiatus than we had planned. In May, Ann's father Vern Wallace suffered a devastating stroke and Ann was in Massachusetts for several weeks helping with his care. Sadly, he passed away in late June, just shy of his 90th birthday and of her parents’ 70th anniversary.

Before we introduce this episode’s guests, NPSNJ has just announced its fall classes and workshops—from birding and botany in the field, to tree care, land management, plant reproduction, and designing with natives. The free Wednesday Webinar series also returns Sept. 16th with Dr. Jared Barnes. Visit NPSNJ.org/programs and keep an eye on the events calendar for everything ahead.

We also invite you to join NPSNJ on Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Park Native Plant Sanctuary to remember Mary Denver, a devoted land steward, native plant advocate, and valued member of the NPSNJ community whose commitment to protecting and caring for the natural world inspired many.

Now, about this episode!

Gabrielle Myers joins us as our guest poet, speaking with Ann about her new collection: Go Forth, Lose Yourself into Life, from Finishing Line Press. This is a book of healing and renewal, and Gabrielle reminds us that life has the power to astonish to us, especially when we allow ourselves to depart from our expected path and take a different one.

In this episode's Ask Randi, Dr. Randi Eckel of Toadshade Wildflower Farm introduces us to the fascinating Eastern Carpenter Bee—she tells us how to identify them, why they nest in wood, what attracts them to your property, and she reminds us why these impressive native pollinators deserve a little more understanding.

Then Kim catches up with Rachel Mackow, co-owner of Wild Ridge Plants, a nursery dedicated to restoring native plant communities that sustain people and wildlife. Rachel shares the realities of running a native plant nursery, why the location a plant is grown matters, and her experience as a leading woman in the industry—including a few words about the women who inspired her along the way.

Ann and Kim close the episode with a long-awaited conversation with Bill Young and Bob Swain, pioneers in restoring some of New Jersey’s most disturbed landscapes—from landfills and Superfund sites to brownfields and mines. They reflect on the early days of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, their respective years serving as president, and Bob’s remarkable legacy, now honored through the Bob Swain Native Plant Leadership Award—inaugurally presented to John and Susan Landau this past spring. Meet up with Bob and Bill Sept. 24th and 25th at the Society of Ecological Restoration Mid Atlantic Chapter Regional Conference.

Be sure to listen right up to the end of this month’s show. We close the episode with “Plant People FTW,” a new song by Dr. Chris Martine and Billy Kelly celebrating all of us who love plants. And don’t skip the ending—the final minute features 25 different lab groups joining in as the Botaneers. Chris Martine, President of the Botanical Society of America, will also be teaching for NPSNJ this fall, so stay tuned for more!

Episode 31: Poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Margaret Renkl, Beronda L. Montgomery May 14, 2026

Show notes

We have a very special episode for you this month, featuring an inspiring lineup of guests who invite us to lean into curiosity and reflect on reciprocity, history, and the connections to one another found within the natural world.

We open with our guest poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil (0:03:15), who joins Ann in conversation about her stunning new poetry collection Night Owl (Ecco). Aimee shares her sense of wonder and joy, as she reminds us to stay inquisitive and to take care of the life–in all its forms–found on this planet.

In this month’s Ask Randi, entomologist and Toadshade Wildflower Farm owner Randi Eckel (0:34:27) tackles a listener's question about insect hotels. Are they actually helpful for pollinators — or could they do more harm than good? Listen in to hear what Randi recommends and why.

We then speak with best-selling author and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer (0:42:39) in a powerful conversation about Plant Baby Plant — a grassroots movement she founded that is rooted in restoration, reciprocity, and resistance.

We welcome back celebrated writer Margaret Renkl (0:57:11) to talk about her beautiful new children’s book, The Weedy Garden (Greenwillow Books), featuring gorgeous collage illustrations by her brother, Billy Renkl. A celebration of biodiversity and curiosity, the book invites young readers to see the wonder, wildness, and importance of the plants we too often overlook right outside our doors.

We close this episode of The WildStory in conversation with acclaimed botanist, professor, and author Beronda L. Montgomery (1:13:17), speaking about her important new book, When Trees Testify (Henry Holt and Co.). Beronda explores the deep connections between black botanical history and the living landscape, revealing how trees and plants hold stories of resilience, survival, and wisdom.

This episode of The WildStory Podcast is dedicated to the memory of Megan Andrejco, a beloved member of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey’s Hudson Chapter. Megan was a Master Gardener, passionate land steward, and generous volunteer who devoted countless hours to caring for gardens and green spaces throughout Hudson County. Megan recently died from ovarian cancer, which was diagnosed late and was untreated due to the profound injustice of inadequate access to healthcare. Megan’s loss is felt deeply first by her family, friends from NYBG, clients here in NJ and many communities she nurtured with her knowledge, kindness and care for the living world.

Episode 30: Poet Rebecca Hart Olander, Author Elise Howard of Plant This, Not That and Dr. Linda Rohleder, Founder of Wild Woods Restoration Project Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

The WildStory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants

by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey

Hosted by Ann E. Wallace, PhD

Poet Laureate Emeritus of Jersey City

Author of Keeping Room

Co-host Kim Correro

Director of State Programs

Co-owner of Wildflower City

Special Contributor Dr. Randi Eckel

Vice President of Membership

Owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm

Do you have a question about native plants for Randi?

Email: TheWildStory@npsnj.org

Questions: Email Thewildstory@npsnj.org

This month, our guest poet is Rebecca Hart Olander (0:02:28), of Singing from the Deep End, published in 2026 by CavanKerry Press. Rebecca and Ann discuss walking as a way of being in the world as a poet, inviting us to observe closely and stay in the moment, even as we look back and forward in time. This is a collection in which nature holds a steady presence as Rebecca reflects on childhood, friendship, motherhood, grief, and more.

In this episode’s Ask Randi, Dr. Randi Eckel (0:33:52) answers a common homeowner question: what should you do when a large tree dies—remove it or let it stand? Responding to a listener, she explains the powerful role of “snags” in supporting wildlife and how to manage them, from how much to leave to whether branches and stubs matter.

Next, Kim talks with Elise Howard (0:46:42), author of Plant This, Not That, about how thoughtful plant choices can create meaningful habitat. Elise shares practical, inspiring guidance for turning any space into a resilient native plant garden with over two hundred native plant swaps. Don't miss a chance to meet Elise in person on April 20th when she partners with the Nature of Reading Bookshop and the Madison Environmental Commission, and on April 22nd at the Maplewood Library.

In our final segment, we sit down with Dr. Linda Rohleder (1:09:06), founder of the Wild Woods Restoration Project, whose work is rooted in restoring the health and resilience of our forests. Linda shares what first drew her to ecological restoration, why growing her own native plants is central to her mission, and how a dedicated community of land stewards and volunteers makes this work possible. Sign up for their popular newsletter, The Understory, to learn more!

Episode 29: Poet Dorsia Smith Silva, Tedor Whitman of Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Joe Lamp'l of The Joe Gardener Show Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

This month, our guest poet is Dorsia Smith Silva (0:02:51), whose collection In Inheritance of Drowning, published by CavanKerry Press, bears witness to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico. Dorsia speaks with Ann about the long recovery process and the power of the community, both in moments of crisis and in the extended aftermath of extreme weather events.

On Ask Randi (0:34:13), Randi Eckel, entomologist and owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm, introduces one of spring’s quiet treasures: Spring Beauty. After hearing Randi speak about this tiny native wildflower at a Wildstory event a few years ago, Ann wrote a poem, included in her new book Keeping Room, titled “Such a Perfect Ecosystem,” celebrating the delicate beauty of this often-overlooked plant and the rich web of life it supports. So we asked Randi to tell us more about Spring Beauty for all of you.

Next, in celebration of Women's History Month, Kim sits down with Tedor Whitman (0:45:42), longtime birder and Executive Director of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Short Hills, NJ. Tedor shares what makes the arboretum so special, from protecting native plants and local wildlife to inspiring the next generation—and gives us a preview of Beak Week, happening April 17–24.

To close the episode, Kim and Ann chat with Joe Lamp’l (1:01:17), host of the Emmy-winning PBS series Growing a Greener World, founder of joegardener.com, and creator of The Joe Gardener Show podcast. Joe shares how he got started, reflects on a time when birds and butterflies were everywhere, and reminds us why native plants pack a powerful punch—and why planting them matters now more than ever.

Plus, Joe shares the story behind the Ultimate Gardening Sheath he co-designed with Wheeler Munroe, a wildly popular tool that keeps your pruners and essentials within easy reach and makes life in the garden a whole lot easier. Keep reading to learn how you can find one.

Episode 28: Poet Ann E. Wallace, Choreographer Samuel Pott, Author N. West Moss and Landscape Architect Larry Weaner Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Season 4 of the WildStory! We have a wonderful, jam-packed season opener, and we hope you enjoy all that we have in store for you this episode!

To open, Award winning poet James Crews (0:3:15), author of the forthcoming book Breathing Room (Battenkill Books, March 17th), and our featured poet in Episode 19, is back! This time as our guest host, speaking with Ann E. Wallace about her new poetry collection Keeping Room, out this month from Nixes Mate Books. James and Ann have a lovely conversation about holding space—for pain and disruption, but also nature, love, and unexpected joy.

In Ask Randi, Randi Eckel (0:28:47), owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm, spills some inside details about the NPSNJ Annual Meeting on March 7th—and trust us, you won’t want to miss what she’s teasing. Then she jumps into listener questions, breaking down the mysteries of native seed stratification.

We’re joined by Samuel Pott (0:39:27), Founding Artistic Director of Nimbus Dance, to explore ANIMA, a powerful new trilogy confronting environmental crisis and reimagining our place in the natural world. There will be a special performance on Friday, February 27, at 8 pm at the Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey.

We catch up with N. West Moss (0:49:51) to talk about her new middle-grade novel Birdy (Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown, Feb. 17), the story of an 11-year-old girl who, after her mother’s death, spends a summer in the country where the natural world helps her protect her little brother, heal her grief, and discover that family and belonging can take root in unexpected places.

We wrap the episode with legendary ecological landscape designer Larry Weaner (1:14:47), founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates and New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL) and keynote speaker for NPSNJ’s Planning for the Unplanned, where ecological restoration meets bold landscape design. For tickets visit NPSNJ.org

Questions or guest ideas: Email Thewildstory@npsnj.org

Episode 27: Poet Han VanderHart, Visual Artist Mare McClellan and Benjamin Vogt, Author of Prairie Up Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

In the season three finale of The WildStory, poet Han VanderHart (0:2:29) joins Ann to discuss their collection Larks, which was published in 2025 by Ohio University Press. Han and Ann talk about the uncertainty and mutability of knowledge and the ordering of the natural world, and about the poet’s work of observation—not only of what we can see and hear, but of all that we can’t.

In the Ask Randi segment (0:29:05), Dr. Randi Eckel, owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm, answers a question from Rikki and takes a deep dive into native versus non-native wisteria, explaining why invasive wisteria overwhelms ecosystems, resists competition, and is notoriously hard to remove. She closes with practical resources for controlling invasive vines.

Kim then talks with Mare McClellan, (0:39:15) artist and nursery manager at Gino’s in Newtown, PA about her upcoming spring show of multi-media artwork at Morpeth Contemporary. Mare shares how the Dogbane Tiger Moth caterpillars sparked her imagination and how she keeps a quiet promise to a Cecropia moth, whose emergence you can watch on Instagram.

Hyalophora Cecropia, Cecropia Giant Silk Moth

Dogbane Tiger Moth, Delicate Cycnia, and their larval host plant, Dogbane, Apocynum cannibinum

Cecropia, Giant Silk Moths, emerged from their cocoons on June 20,2025

To close the season, Kim and Ann talk with Benjamin Vogt, (0:58:04) author of Prairie Up about how social and cultural pressures and affordability shape our gardens and landscapes. Ben reflects on the “happy accidents” that have guided his work, talks about his forthcoming Timber Press book, Unlawning America, and offers advice for navigating weed management, local ordinances, and the design of public space.

Thank you for joining us during season 3 of The WildStory. We look forward to bringing you a brand new season in 2026.

Episode 26: Julie Zickefoose, Poet and Birder, Dr. Lea Johnson, Director of Conservation at the Native Plant Trust Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Wildstory, Ann Wallace and Kim Correro sit down with the incomparable Julie Zickefoose (0:2:39), beloved writer, birder, and wildlife rehabilitator. Julie shares a first listen of her unpublished nature poetry and dives into the brand-new edition of Birdwatching for Dummies, co-written with bwd editors Jessica Vaughan and Dawn Hewitt. And don’t miss the finale: Julie reveals how you can create her popular Warbler Fall and gives an exclusive sneak peek at the updated Enjoying Bluebirds More, returning this spring after selling over half a million copies.

Next up, Dr. Randi Eckel, owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm (0:42:02), tackles a listener's question by demystifying the confusion around Purple Giant Hyssop. She also breaks down the fundamentals of proper plant naming and offers a quick guide to reading nursery labels so you can tell whether you’re choosing a true native species or a cultivar.

In our final segment, we are thrilled to talk with Dr. Lea Johnson (0:53:03), Director of Conservation at the Native Plant Trust, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. A plant ecologist specializing in community ecology, ecological restoration, and urban forestry, Dr. Johnson bridges foundational research with real-world land management and design. Her work brings together multiple disciplines to better understand human-altered environments and to strengthen the science that guides effective ecological restoration in a rapidly changing world.

Episode 25: Poet Holli Carrell, NPSNJ President Kazys Varnelis and Mary Anne Borge, Editor of Butterfly Gardener Magazine Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

This month’s featured poet is Holli Carrell, whose debut collection Apostasies was recently published by Perugia Press. Holli speaks about her personal process of reflection and discovery—including an intentional turn toward the natural world—after leaving the Mormon church of her upbringing.

In Ask Randi, Dr. Randi Eckel, Owner of ToadShade Wildflower Farm, tackles a listener’s question about Oleander aphids and explains why buying ladybugs isn’t the best approach to eliminating them.

In Five Questions, President of the Native Plant Society of NJ, Kazys Varnelis, shares the lineup for Weird NJ, this fall’s virtual conference, happening Saturday, November 1. From parasitic plants to carnivorous, aquatic, and fungal species, discover how these fascinating natives play vital roles in our ecosystems.

And to close out the episode, we speak with Mary Anne Borge, editor of Butterfly Gardener Magazine, a publication of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), and a naturalist at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Mary Anne talks with us about how we can each make a difference for butterflies, the connection between the Sleepy Orange butterfly and Wild Senna, and why ants deserve a spot on every gardener’s “thank you” list.

Episode 24: Poet Lynne Shapiro, Chris Martine, President-Elect Botanical Society of America and Jean Epiphan, Assoc. Professor of Ecology Rutgers University Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

This episode features poet Lynne Shapiro (0:2:29) of Hoboken, New Jersey, who speaks with Ann about her collection To Set Right, published in 2021 by WordTech Editions, and about her work in progress. Lynne’s work holds space for the life we can and cannot see. She talks with Ann about the importance of returns, learning to see, and the persistence of nature, and reminds us that, to truly know a place, we must look upward and study the sky.

In this Ask Randi segment, Dr. Randi Eckel (0:33:10) answers a question from Eilika about native alternatives to the ecologically harmful Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), particularly options that still provide distinctive purple or burgundy foliage with vibrant red stems.

Later, we debut our new segment, Five Questions With. Kim sits down with Chris Martine, (0:45:35), who is the President-Elect of the Botanical Society of America and the David Burpee Professor of Plant Genetics and Research at Bucknell University. He shares stories behind his newly re-published field guides from the NJ Forest Service, Trees of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States, and Shrubs and Vines of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States.

In our final segment, Kim and Ann talk with Jean Epiphan, (1:03:05) Associate Professor of Ecology at Rutgers University and the newly appointed arborist on the NPSNJ board. Jean reminds us that the future of our forests begins in our own backyards, underscoring how true forest stewardship starts with the everyday choices we make as caretakers of our own land. Jean is also a Coordinator for Region 1 (Northern NJ) for the Rutgers Environmental Steward program with an extensive background in forestry, ecology, and landscape restoration, as well as garden design, landscape management, tree care, and land stewardship.

Episode 23: Poet Charise Hoge, Urban Naturalist and Birder Ken Chaya and Children's Author Mélina Mangal⁠ May 24, 2025

Show notes

Today’s featured poet is Charise Hoge (0:03:35) whose latest collection, Inheritance of Flowers, came out this spring from Kelsay Books. Reflecting on her grandmother’s legacy as a southern flower shop owner, Charise speaks with Ann about ancestry, belonging, and our internal connections with nature that are sustaining even in times of upheaval and hibernation.

In the Ask Randi segment, Dr. Randi Eckel (0:29:27) dives into New Jersey’s game-changing Bill S1029, which was just passed by the State Senate. This bill tackles the sale of invasive plants and creates an Invasive Species Council—huge wins for our native ecosystems. But this bill is not law yet. The New Jersey State Assembly still needs to pass Bill A4137 to seal the deal. So now is the moment to act: Call or email your State Assembly member and urge them to support A4137 or reach out to NPSNJ Advocacy with questions. Your voice can help protect the landscapes we love! Plus, Randi answers a listener question about living native Christmas trees—sharing her top picks for outdoor planting after the holiday season.

Kim then talks with Ken Chaya (0:43:43) celebrated artist and New York-based urban naturalist. Ken shares why Central Park has become one of the premier birding spots in the United States. With its unique geography and rich canopy of over 20,000 trees, the park is a vital oasis for migratory birds—and a paradise for birders. Ken was instrumental in creating the Central Park Entire App, is the past President of the Linnaean Society and teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, where he helped design the Urban Naturalist Certificate Program. Most recently, he led a four-week deep dive into The Natural History of Birds for NPSNJ.

Kim and Ann close the episode in conversation with the remarkable Mélina Mangal (1:11:32)—author of children's books that explore our deep connections between nature and culture. Her latest works, Birds Sing Their Words and Trees Stand Tall, are lyrical board books for young readers, published by Free Spirit Publishing. Mélina is also a school library teacher in Minneapolis, where she champions the joy of reading every day. Together, we discuss book censorship, the vital role of storytelling, and why the freedom to read and access information is essential to the health of our democracy.

Announcement from The WildStory: We will take a short hiatus this summer—offering regenerative time for gardening, writing, family, and more. We will be back with a new episode in September!

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