92 episodes

Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine or far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.

Backyard Ecology Shannon Trimboli

    • Leisure
    • 4.9 • 68 Ratings

Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine or far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.

    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023

    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023

    I can’t believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We’ve talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let’s wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year.
    🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch
    https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-want-to-know-about-nesting-birds-with-nestwatch/ 
    🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder
    https://www.backyardecology.net/birding-tools-and-technology-to-help-you-be-a-better-birder/ 
    🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live
    https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/ 
    🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About?
    https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-invasive-species-something-you-should-care-about/ 
    🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond
    https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/ 
    🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial
    https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-sedges-mt-cuba-center-carex-trial/ 
    🦋 4) How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You?
    https://www.backyardecology.net/how-can-your-states-native-plant-society-help-you/ 
    🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley
    https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/ 
    🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner
    https://www.backyardecology.net/ecology-based-landscaping-with-larry-weaner/ 
    🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel
    https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/ 
    🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants
    https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/ 
    Other Episode Relevant Links:
    🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0 
    🦋 Garden Revolution https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F 
    * Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you.
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
     

    • 13 min
    Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”

    Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”

    Did you know that in addition to the regular Backyard Ecology videos that Anthony creates, he also produces a series of nature-trivia style short videos? Most of these videos are literally only a few seconds long so are perfect “bite-sized” samples if you’re just getting started or are looking for something to watch for a few seconds on your phone.
    So, let’s quickly run through the top 10 Backyard Ecology shorts based on number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. Since the videos are so short, I’m just going to list the titles and let your curiosity decide whether to follow the link and explore further.
    🦋 10) Caterpillar's Poop Stick Defense!  https://youtube.com/shorts/R_mMaD2TadU 
    🦋 9) Ragweed SUPER FOOD for Birds!  https://youtube.com/shorts/CfOM56BYZ_8 
    🦋 8) Hummingbirds Eat Nectar and WHAT!  https://youtube.com/shorts/-IOGXUiOozY 
    🦋 7) Butterfly Garden Must Have!  https://youtube.com/shorts/UppahIW3EnQ 
    🦋 6) These Cute Larvae Aren't Caterpillars!  https://youtube.com/shorts/rorND6RmcGg 
    🦋 5) Bumblebees VS Carpenter Bees Easy ID!  https://youtube.com/shorts/slBX3utAcdI 
    🦋 4) What Is This Weird Plant Growth!  https://youtube.com/shorts/lhrmJlsKNfk 
    🦋 3) Have You Seen Invasive Tree of Heaven?  https://youtube.com/shorts/Vqmq_8Bc3rc 
    🦋 2) This Caterpillar Looks Like What!  https://youtube.com/shorts/Wkqy-qO8z98 
    🦋 1) Wolf Spider Momma Has How MANY Babies!  https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7IjE8Jyyc 
    Bonus
    🦋 See Me Fly Like Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dzpde6I3ju8 
    Other Episode-Related Links
    🦋 Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/ 
    🦋 3 Awesome Native Trees to Replace Bradford Pear! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYPak0l1exo 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
     

    • 4 min
    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023

    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023

    I always like to do roundups of the top 10 blog articles and top 10 podcast episodes at the end of every year because I know how easy it is to miss stuff. Sometimes we have the best intentions to go back and read or listening to something, but other things come up and then we forget. So, it can be helpful to have a reminder at the end of the year for some of those articles that we might have missed. 
    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles
    🦋 10) Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ 
    🦋 9) Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly: A Common Fall Migrant: https://www.backyardecology.net/cloudless-sulphur-butterfly-a-common-fall-migrant/ 
    🦋 8) 5 Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/ 
    🦋 7) Downy Woodpecker: Our smallest woodpecker and a common backyard visitor: https://www.backyardecology.net/downy-woodpecker/ 
    🦋 6) Allegheny Chinquapin: An underutilized but excellent nut producing shrub: https://www.backyardecology.net/allegheny-chinquapin-an-underutilized-but-excellent-nut-producing-shrub/ 
    🦋 5) Why Are Some Native Plants Unavailable Early in the Season?: https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-some-native-plants-unavailable-early-in-the-season/ 
    🦋 4) Native Ground Nesting Bees: Important Early Season Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/mining-bees/ 
    🦋 3) Spicebush – A Native Shrub with Plenty to Like: https://www.backyardecology.net/spicebush/ 
    🦋 2) Wildflower vs Native Plant: What’s the Difference?: https://www.backyardecology.net/wildflower-vs-native-plant-whats-the-difference/ 
    🦋 1) 5 Things to Consider Before Buying or Putting Up a Bat Box: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-or-putting-up-a-bat-box/ 
    Bonus: Most downloaded Backyard Ecology blog article of all time 
    🦋 Bluets: Delicate Blue Flowers of Spring: https://www.backyardecology.net/common-bluets-delicate-blue-flowers-of-spring/ 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
     

    • 10 min
    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos

    Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos

    Did you know that we have a Backyard Ecology YouTube channel? If you’re like many of the blog readers and podcast listeners who responded to our 2023 end-of-year survey, then answer is “probably not.” 
    If you are one of our frequent viewers, thank you for coming on this journey with us. We enjoy reading all your comments on the videos.
    If you haven’t discovered the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to check it out. To get you started, here are the top 10 Backyard Ecology videos based on the number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. 
    The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/ 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
     Episode related links:
    🦋 YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/backyardecology 
    🦋 10) 3 Native Crabapples You Need for Pollinators and Wildlife! https://youtu.be/LxlP4m3QsFg 
    🦋 9) Poison Hemlock Alert! How to Safely Control Flowering Hemlock
    https://youtu.be/oTenHO5QgW8 
    🦋 8) Why You DON'T Want Multiflora Rose on Your Property! https://youtu.be/0KrIk1KckPU 
    🦋 7) Is a Black Gum Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard? https://youtu.be/WLssxkqaLjM 
    🦋 6) 4 Serviceberries That Attract Pollinators and Support Wildlife! https://youtu.be/t2l398XM2kQ 
    🦋 5) The 2 Best Milkweeds for Your Butterfly Garden! https://youtu.be/JH6UIIDWY4s 
    🦋 4) Is a Catalpa Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard?  https://youtu.be/BnPn9nfi9S0 
    🦋 3) Why You Need Native Hazelnuts on Your Property!  https://youtu.be/DdIoNp5OuXo 
    🦋 2) How to Control Poison Hemlock on Any Property!  https://youtu.be/FuK0MO6ST8A 
    🦋 1) Everything You Need to Know About American Persimmon! https://youtu.be/sSNg-b-v7Ek
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
     

    • 8 min
    Tips and Tricks for Growing Prairie Plants in Your Native Plant Garden

    Tips and Tricks for Growing Prairie Plants in Your Native Plant Garden

    Did you know that for many of our most commonly grown native wildflowers and grasses, 2/3 or more of the plant is underground in the form of roots? Or that you can reduce weeding requirements in your native plant garden by understanding the root systems of different plants that you are growing? Or that there is now a resource that can help you avoid mistaking a native plant in your garden as a weed and accidentally pulling it?
    Today, we are talking to Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll. They are the authors of the newly published book, The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants. Neil is also the president and consulting ecologist of Prairie Nursery, located in Wisconsin.
    The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-prairie-plants
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
     Episode related links:
    🦋 Hilary’s email: crumpetlee@gmail.com
    🦋 Neil’s email: NDiboll@prairienursery.com 
    🦋 The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants: https://amzn.to/3QTmMco  (affiliate link)
    🦋 Prairie Nursery: https://www.prairienursery.com/ 
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

    • 54 min
    Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds

    Resharing Your Favorites: Winter Hummingbirds

    Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird. 
    Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property.
    I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago.
    The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds
    Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is:
    https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 
    🌻 🌻 🌻
    Episode related links:
    🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/
    🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html 
    🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/ 
    🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/
    🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com
    Become a Backyard Ecologist:
    🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
    🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 
    🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/
    Backyard Ecology content:
    🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net
    🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
    Support Backyard Ecology:
    🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
    🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
68 Ratings

68 Ratings

Hoosier Nikki ,

Episode 75 is amazing

I love episode 75 about the Mt. Cuba carex (sedges) trials. This is information all homeowners or land managers need!

NORG! ,

A podcast that deserves to be sown widely

For people interested in learning how to play an active, personal and meaningful role in preserving and restoring the natural environment around us, this podcast is superb.

Wild Quinine ,

So informative!

I’ve learned so much from this podcast. Great variety in the guests and I really appreciate that it’s evidence-based. Shannon is so enthusiastic. I’m going through the archives.

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