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

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, 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.

  1. 12/18/2025

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

    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.

    1h 26m

  2. 11/18/2025

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

    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.

    1h 22m

  3. 10/17/2025

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

    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.

    1h 19m

  4. 09/11/2025

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

    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.

    1h 34m

  5. 05/24/2025

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

    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!

    1h 33m

  6. 04/15/2025

    Poet and Firefighter Ibe Liebenberg, William Cullina Executive Director of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Kelly D. Norris, Award-Winning Author and Ecological Horticulturist

    Today’s featured poet is Ibe Liebenberg (0:03:51) who joins Ann Wallace to talk about his new collection, Birds at Night, published in 2025 by Texas Tech University Press. Ibe is a member of the Chickasaw nation, as well as a firefighter from Paradise, California. With wildfires causing increasing destruction across the nation in recent years, we have wanted to speak with a firefighter on The WildStory—and this conversation with Ibe does not disappoint. It is a reflective one, highlighting the intertwining threads—of land, migration, and ancestry, of family and memory, of fire, loss and healing—contained within his poetry.   Spring is here, and in this month’s segment of "Ask Randi," Randi Eckel (0:31:47), owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm encourages listeners to take a gentle approach when tidying up their gardens this season. She explains that because insects and other wildlife rely on leaf litter, stems, and decaying wood throughout the year, plant debris is essential for the survival of many creatures.   Next, Kim Correro is joined by guest host Susan Landau, one of the people behind the Foote’s Pond Wood Park restoration project in Morristown, New Jersey. Susan has also been instrumental in creating the "Going Native" planting guide for Northern New Jersey, and she collaborates each year on the popular Great Swamp Watershed Native Plant Sale, which is open online through April 18th. More information can be found at greatswamp.org.   Together, Kim and Susan interview William Cullina (0:41:10), the F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania. Cullina is a well-known author and recognized authority on North American native plants. During their conversation, he shares his long-term goals for the Morris Arboretum and discusses his research in tree genetics and soil microbiology, as well as an exciting new exhibition titled "Bees, Butterflies, and Blooms: A Pollinator Paradise," which will run this year from May 23 to September 30.   In the final segment, Kim and Ann speak with award-winning author and designer Kelly D. Norris (1:08:39), one of the leading ecological horticulturists of his generation. Kelly’s new book, Your Natural Garden, is a page-by-page guide through the seasons of a naturalistic garden’s life, and the tasks that come with each stage. Kelly explores the connections between people, plants, and place through ecological, site-specific design and art. He talks with Kim and me about the history of natural places, the value of abundance—in life and in planting—and the importance of becoming familiar, beyond the limited information contained on labels, with the plants we have in our gardens and parks.  Follow The Wildstory on Instagram at Thewildstory_podcast

    1h 40m

  7. 03/11/2025

    Episode 21: Poet Theta Pavis, Pollinator Conservationist Heather Holm, Author Paula Whyman

    In this episode, featured poet Theta Pavis (0:03:00) speaks with Ann Wallace about her new chapbook, The Red Strobe, which just came out from Finishing Line Press. Theta’s work is marked by grief and pain, but also love, family, protection, and a fierce kind of resilience—as can be seen in the garden her mother created many years ago, a garden which is now Theta’s, in her Jersey City yard. Follow Theta online at ThetaPavis.com Randi Eckel returns for a brand-new Ask Randi segment about NPSNJ's upcoming BioBlitz, (0:34:31) to celebrate National Native Plant Month. Randi describes how volunteers, scientists, and naturalists collaborate to document as many native species as possible in a specific area within a set timeframe.   Kim Correro is then joined by Bobbie Herbs, (0:41:36) co-leader of the NPSNJ Southwest Chapter. Bobbie has played a crucial role in establishing the IGC Committee, which aims to encourage independent nurseries throughout New Jersey to stock native plants. Together, Kim and Bobbie talk with award-winning author and pollinator conservationist Heather Holm. Heather is an expert on the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and she will teach a four-week course for NPSNJ beginning in April. In the final segment, Kim and Ann speak with Paula Whyman (1:09:57) about her new book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop, which was released this winter by Timber Press. Blending memoir, natural history, and conservation science, the book chronicles her efforts to restore a former mountaintop farm to its natural habitat. If you enjoy the book, you can continue following Paula's journey by signing up for her popular newsletter, Bad Naturalist at PaulaWhyman.com.  Thank you for joining us on The WildStory. Follow us on Instagram @Thewildstory_podcast

    1h 42m

  8. 02/12/2025

    Episode 20: Shaun Spencer Hester of the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum, Jerri Mitchell-Lee , grand niece of Effie Lee Newsome and Abra Lee of Oakland Cemetery

    The WildStory: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey Hosted byAnn E. Wallace, PhD Poet Laureate Emeritus of Jersey City Co-hostKim Correro, Rutgers Master Gardener and Director of State Programs Special ContributorDr. Randi Eckel Entomologist and Vice President of Membership NPSNJ Do you have a question about native plants for Randi? Email: TheWildStory@npsnj.org The WildStory presents a special episode this month in celebration of Black History. We have three amazing guests, who share the stories of Black Americans who wrote poetry, created gardens, advanced the field of horticulture, and inspired others—and who are each doing important work themselves today. An unexpected throughline in these conversations is the influence of W.E.B. DuBois, the Black leader, visionary and author of the 1903 book The Souls of Black Folk, which inspired generations of Black Americans toward self-realization and liberty through education, the arts and culture, and more.    The first guest is Shaun Spencer-Hester (0:04:43), granddaughter of the poet, gardener, and community leader Anne Spencer. Anne Spencer’s home and garden in Lynchburg, Virginia was a gathering place for Black intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance, offering a garden refuge and retreat at a time when many Black Americans had migrated north to urban centers for new opportunities. Shaun shares family stories about her grandmother’s life, garden, and poetry, and brings us inside theAnne Spencer House and Garden Museum, where she is the Executive Director and Curator.   In lieu of our usual Ask Randi segment, this month, Kim and Ann take the mic and dive into the exciting opportunities on the horizon for NPSNJ members (0:41:10)! Mark your calendars for the highly anticipatedSpring Annual Meeting and Conference on March 1st, where we’re proud to welcome the esteemed keynote speaker Doug Tallamy. NPSNJ is rolling outsix brand new classes that explore a range of captivating topics, and is thrilled to introduce a Spanish language version of the helpful brochure, "Going Native: A Guide to Landscaping with Native Plants in Northern New Jersey.” Don’t miss these incredible chances to elevate your knowledge and skills!    In the second interview, Jerri Mitchell-Lee of Newark, NJ speaks with us about her remarkable great-aunt,Effie Lee Newsome (0:50:33) a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Newsome was the editor of the children's column "Little Page" in W.E.B. Du Bois's influential publication, The Crisis, where she showcased several of her own children's poems. An avid lover of the outdoors, Effie Lee Newsome possessed an extraordinary talent for connecting people—especially children—with the wonders of nature. Whether she was marveling at a spider, a goldfinch, a snowflake, or a violet, she made the natural world come alive. In 1940, she published Gladiola Garden: Poems of Outdoors and Indoors, which was reprinted in 2020, making her work accessible to a brand new audience.   In the final segment, horticulturalistAbra Lee (1:10:01) tells us about her highly anticipated book, Conquer The Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country's Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers (Timber Press, 2026). This remarkable work is set to inspire readers and shed light on the profound history and culture of Black growers across our nation. Abra serves as the Director of Horticulture at the historicOakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA. During our conversation, we delve into Abra’s impressive career path and explore the influential figures in her life, particularly her parents, who encouraged her curiosity and ambition. Thank you for joining us on The WildStory. Follow us on Instagram@Thewildstory_podcast

    1h 44m
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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.

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