Conversing with Nature

Nature Based Exchange
  • 5.0 (10)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join us as we talk about nature with those who know her best so that we can plan, design, and implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to overcome the obstacles facing South Carolina and the Southeast. These methods keep nature at the heart of the solution and offer multiple benefits to the ecosystem and society. Each month we sit down with a nature expert or enthusiast who shares some of the wisdom and best practices that nature has taught them. Together, we learn more about nature, ways we can design NBS to address obstacles, and suggestions on how to implement equitable nature-based work.

  1. FEB 6

    Investing in Wild Places: Discussing Land Protection with Katy McWilliams and Dr. David Bishop of The Nature Conservancy

    On this episode, we welcome two of The Nature Conservancy's leaders in South Carolina land protection: Katy McWilliams, the director of land protection, and Dr. David Bishop, senior project director. Together, Katy and David explain how The Nature Conservancy (and partners) are investing in land protection across the state to protect South Carolina's wild places through land purchases and conservation easements. As Katy and David explain their process of identifying, protecting, restoring, and maintaining these unique spaces, we are reminded that land protection isn't just about promoting biodiversity or maintaining wildlife corridors, it's also about us - how the preservation of these lands leaves behind a legacy of clean water, fresh air, and open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. Learn more: Explore more of South Carolina’s protected lands on The Nature Conservancy’s Land Protection Dashboard.Visit the South Carolina Heritage Trust to discover a heritage preserve near you.-- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    58 min

  2. JAN 16

    Investing in Sustainable Buildings & Community Empowerment with April Magill of Root Down Designs

    On this episode, we welcome April Magill, the owner of Root Down Designs, an architectural firm focused on sustainable design; April is also the executive director of the non-profit Root Down Building Collective, which provides architectural services, consulting, and house plans for climate-smart structures. An advocate for natural building materials, April explains how plant-based and mineral-based building products help reduce our carbon footprint, increase building performance, and are better for our health than commonly used plastic-based products. As April navigates this growing movement of sustainable design for us, she reminds us of two very important things: 1) making even one sustainable building choice matters and 2) community building, skill building, and empowerment work together to elevate the health of our neighbors and our environment. Learn more: For more information on natural building materials, check out the US Hemp Building Association.(Coming soon!) Be sure to check out Root Down Building Collective's "Events" page throughout the year to discover new women-centered programming. -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    50 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    Investing in Business Sustainability & Conservation: A Special Collaborative Episode with Rick Crawford of Emerger Strategies and The Sustainable Angler Podcast

    On this exciting crossover episode we welcome Rick Crawford, the president of Emerger Strategies and host of the wildly popular podcast, The Sustainable Angler. A lover of all things fishing, Rick talks about his efforts to educate and excite anglers and businesses to take positive action towards sustainability. Together, Liz and Rick explore what it looks like when science, conservation, business, and the bottom line come together for the betterment of our society and the environment. As we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things – our business practices and supply chain choices, reducing emissions, combating biodiversity loss, and conserving nature – we see that this is an area where all people from all types of industries and interests can unite for a common goal. Want to learn more about how we can bridge the gap between nature-based solutions and business? Rick and Liz will be teaming up for a follow-up episode in the near future. Leave a comment if there is a topic or question you would like them to discuss. -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    1 hr

  4. 11/21/2025

    Investing in Urban Farms and Hands-On Learning with Jesse Blom of the Green Heart Project

    On this episode, we welcome Jesse Blom, the executive director of the Green Heart Project, an organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate and connect people in Charleston, SC. As Jesse describes the benefits of urban agriculture and school garden programs, he celebrates food, not just as a source of nutrition, but also for its role in bringing people together across neighborhoods and generations and for its ability to help us maintain cultural traditions. Everyone benefits from nature-based experiences, and spending time in the garden (no matter how small the garden) is one way that we can instill a love of nature (and a love of vegetables) in ourselves and our communities. -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    48 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Investing in Human Health & Workplace Wellbeing with Dr. Susan Johnson of Nature at Work

    On this episode, we welcome Dr. Susan Johnson, the founder and CEO of Nature at Work, a statewide initiative working to improve workplace wellbeing through an intentional connection with nature. As Susan draws parallels between human health, the workplace environment, and the benefits of being surrounded by nature, she reinforces what many of us already know: nature makes us healthier, happier, smarter, and better stewards of our environment. In describing the Nature at Work framework, Susan reminds us that there are many ways we can incorporate nature into our lives – both at work and at home, through our design choices and our behaviors – and that the investment in nature (and ultimately ourselves) is well worth it.   Learn more: Check out the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge.View the Nature Pyramid in this article by The Nature Conservancy’s New Mexico chapter that offers some tips on tapping into nature’s benefits.-- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    48 min

  6. 10/24/2025

    Investing in Native Plants with Maeve Snyder of SnailSeed Native Plants

    On this episode, we welcome Maeve Snyder, the owner of SnailSeed Native Plants in Myrtle Beach, SC. As Maeve describes the many benefits of native plants, the science behind genetic diversity, and the artistry of designing a beautiful garden, she teaches us that a native plant garden is something we can all do to create spectacular places of beauty, biodiversity, and restoration. Through Maeve’s passion for native plants and her dedication to seeing them thrive in communities around the world, we are reminded of our connection to nature, and that with a little work and dedication we can all make a positive impact on the unique ecosystems that surround us. Interested in expanding your native plant knowledge? Maeve recommends: Read Doug Tallamy's book Nature's Best HopeGet involved with your local chapter of the Native Plant SocietyLook for local field guides about the ecosystem where you liveCheck out Greening Your Space from North Carolina Sea Grant to find plants perfect for your container garden --- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    43 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Investing in Marsh Ecosystems & Grassroot Programs with The M.A.R.S.H. Project’s Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez

    On this episode, we are joined by the three founders of The M.A.R.S.H. Project: Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez. A grassroots and community program focused on revitalizing and advocating for Charleston's unique marsh ecosystems, The M.A.R.S.H. Project provides opportunities for neighbors to gather for cleanups, plant native plant gardens, be inspired through art and storytelling, and enjoy time together in nature. This group of friends proves that with a little dedication, a lot of passion, and a dose of positivity, it is possible to shift baselines at the community level and dream a better future into being through individual and collective action. Learn more: To join Charleston's Ecological Corridor, visit https://themarshproject.com/join.Follow them on Instagram @marsh_project Upcoming events: Oct 16: Hed Hi Studio Film Screening & TalkOct 20: Planting a demonstration garden at the College of CharlestonNov 20: Marsh cleanup -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    47 min

  8. 09/26/2025

    Investing in Thriving and Resilient Landscapes with Zack Snipes of Shoreline Restoration Group

    On this episode, we are joined by Zack Snipes, co-owner of Shoreline Restoration Group (SRG), a Charleston, SC-based company that promotes thriving and resilient landscapes by preserving and stabilizing Lowcountry shorelines. As Zack walks us through SRG's history and the need for nature-based solutions in South Carolina (including the value of native stormwater buffers), he reminds us of the need for clear communication and education and the need to plan (and budget for!) maintenance. Through SRG's work, we see a beautiful example of what can happen when a handful of people who really care about nature come together with a commitment to producing healthy ecosystems. -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

    45 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Join us as we talk about nature with those who know her best so that we can plan, design, and implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to overcome the obstacles facing South Carolina and the Southeast. These methods keep nature at the heart of the solution and offer multiple benefits to the ecosystem and society. Each month we sit down with a nature expert or enthusiast who shares some of the wisdom and best practices that nature has taught them. Together, we learn more about nature, ways we can design NBS to address obstacles, and suggestions on how to implement equitable nature-based work.

Information

  • Creator
    Nature Based Exchange
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nature Based Exchange
  • Show Website
    Conversing with Nature