Backyard Ecology™

Shannon Trimboli
  • 4.9 (78)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Nature isn't just "out there" in some pristine, far-off location. It's all around us, including right outside our doors. Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli and I'm here to help busy homeowners in the eastern U.S. create thriving backyard ecosystems they can enjoy and be proud of. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat. Learn more at: https://www.backyardecology.net/podcast

  1. OCT 23

    Short's aster: A beautiful late season extravaganza for pollinators

    Summary Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii).  3 things you'll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of Short's aster. The pollinators and wildlife that use it. How to incorporate it into your garden. Resources mentioned: BONAP's range map for Short's aster  Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora*  * affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through affiliate links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Black-eyed Susan: A favorite nectar source for butterflies  Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz  Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    7 min
  2. The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"

    OCT 9

    The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"

    Summary "Leave the leaves" has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard. Today's guest Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: The impact that leaving your leaves can have on the numbers and diversity of insects and spiders in your yard. How removing your leaves can impact soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter. Practical, easy steps you can take even if you can't leave all your leaves. Bonus content The Difference That Leaving Your Leaves Makes Resources Max mentioned: Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects Legacy effects of long-term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    48 min
  3. Black-eyed Susan: A must-have for the pollinator garden

    SEP 25

    Black-eyed Susan: A must-have for the pollinator garden

    Summary Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects.  3 things you'll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it. How to incorporate it into your garden. What to watch out for when purchasing black-eyed Susan. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    9 min
  4. A Bad Naturalist's Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow

    SEP 11

    A Bad Naturalist's Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow

    Summary Paula Whyman shares her journey of trying to restore and manage a remnant prairie located on a Virginia mountaintop. Our conversation touches upon some of the challenges she faced, lessons she's learned, and exciting discoveries she's made along the way. Whether you're managing a small backyard or large acreage, Paula's story provides valuable insights and motivation for fostering pollinator and wildlife habitat. Today's guest Paula Whyman is an avid nature enthusiast and the author of the book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: How Paula and her husband have approached the task of restoring and maintaining a mountaintop remnant prairie or meadow. Some of the challenges and opportunities associated large-scale private restoration work. The importance of patience and accepting that ecological restoration is an ongoing process without a definite endpoint. Resources Paula mentioned: Paula's website  Bad Naturalist's Newsletter  Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop*  Digital endoscope for monitoring nestboxes*  * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Backyard Ecology™ Community  Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    1h 23m
  5. Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens

    AUG 28

    Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens

    Summary Hummingbirds are probably one of the most beloved groups of birds that people want to attract to their yards. In this episode, I share 10 of my favorite native plants for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in the eastern U.S. 3 things you'll learn from this episode The surprising truth about a hummingbird's diet. The best way to attract and support hummingbirds to your property. 10 of my favorite native plants to grow for hummingbirds in eastern U.S. gardens. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Hummingbirds Can't Resist These Native Vines!  Want More Hummingbirds? You NEED Eastern Columbine  Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden  Discover Red, White, and Blue Lobelias For Pollinators! Native Jewelweed - 10 Reasons to Grow this Annual!  Hummingbird Feeding: The Ultimate Guide!  Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz  Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    13 min
  6. Gardening for Moths: Why It's Important for Backyard Conservation

    AUG 7

    Gardening for Moths: Why It's Important for Backyard Conservation

    Summary In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of moths and why gardening for moths is so im-portant for any backyard ecologist. We also talk about specific native plants grow to attract moths, simple ways to observe moths, practical tips for photographing moths at night, and much more. From pollination by fuzzy moth eyeballs to carnivorous moth caterpillars, this episode is full of sto-ries and information you won't want to miss. Today's guest Jim McCormac is an author, photographer, and conservationist. He worked for the Ohio Depart-ment of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife diversity pro-jects for the Division of Wildlife. Jim has authored or co-authored several books including Garden-ing for Moths: A Regional Guide. 3 things you'll learn from this episode Why moths are so important to the ecosystem. Actionable tips on how to garden for moths. Simple ways to easily attract and photograph moths at night. Bonus content Jim's Tips for Observing and Photographing Moths Resources Jim mentioned Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide* Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History* A Naturalist's Guide to the Odonata of Ohio* Jim's photography website Jim's blog Mothapalooza   * affiliate links – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support.   Other Backyard Ecology resources Discover Your Next Steps Sedge vs Rush vs Grass Learn the SECRET to Tell Them Apart!  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    1h 12m
  7. 9 Native Blueberries You Can Grow in the Home Landscape

    JUL 10

    9 Native Blueberries You Can Grow in the Home Landscape

    Summary Our native Vacciniums, what we commonly call the blueberries, are keystone plants which support tons of pollinators and wildlife. They also produce yummy berries which we can eat. In this episode, we talk about 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: The ecological importance of blueberries. Special considerations you need to consider when growing blueberries in the home landscape. A short overview of 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Discover Your Next Steps  Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    14 min
  8. Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden

    JUN 26

    Choose the Best Native Milkweed for Your Eastern U.S. Garden

    Summary Milkweeds are a common component of butterfly and pollinator gardens. Not only are they important for monarch caterpillars, but they are also used by a wide variety of pollinators. There are lots of different species of milkweed that are native to the eastern U.S. and have the potential to work really well in home gardens. In this episode we discuss 10 species that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and responsible ways to obtain those species. 3 things you'll learn from this episode: Why it is important to choose milkweed species that are native to where you live. Responsible ways to obtain milkweed seeds or plants. A short overview of 10 species of milkweeds that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and the pros and cons of using each species in your home garden. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources: Discover Your Next Steps  Doug Tallamy on the Cultivar vs Wild Type Debate! Join the Backyard Ecology™ Community  Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

    20 min
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4.9
out of 5
78 Ratings

About

Nature isn't just "out there" in some pristine, far-off location. It's all around us, including right outside our doors. Hi, my name is Shannon Trimboli and I'm here to help busy homeowners in the eastern U.S. create thriving backyard ecosystems they can enjoy and be proud of. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat. Learn more at: https://www.backyardecology.net/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Trimboli
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Backyard Ecology™

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