The Backyard Naturalists

Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne
  • 4.5 (38)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world.

  1. 3D AGO

    Encore Episode: Tiny Habitats — Big Nature in Small Spaces

    Think you need a big backyard to help wildlife? Think again! In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie prove that even the tiniest patio, balcony, porch, apartment landing, condo space, or HOA-approved corner can become a welcoming wildlife habitat. With a little creativity — and maybe a bit of "no mess, no evidence" bird feeding strategy — you can provide food, water, shelter, and nesting spots for birds and other backyard visitors without creating chaos or attracting unwanted attention. From sunflower hearts and Hot Meats to tiny hummingbird feeders, decorative birdbaths, hanging plants, wreaths, baskets, and roosting huts, this episode is packed with practical, small-space nature ideas that are fun, doable, and surprisingly sneaky in the best possible way. Whether you live in a townhouse, senior living community, apartment, or neighborhood with lots of rules, Debbie and Laurie share how to support wildlife, keep things tidy, and even certify your tiny habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. Big nature moments really can happen in small spaces! In this episode, you'll hear about: Creating a certified wildlife habitat in a small space Bird feeding ideas for apartments, patios, balconies, and condos Zero-waste bird seed options like sunflower hearts and hot pepper seed Tiny water features, misters, and small birdbaths Natural shelter ideas using hanging plants, baskets, wreaths, and roosting huts How to support birds while keeping your space clean and neighbor-friendly Creative wildlife habitat ideas for HOA communities and senior living spaces

    22 min

  2. MAY 16

    Plant This, Not That

    In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing plants that support wildlife and strengthen local ecosystems. Using the idea of "Plant This, Not That," they compare native plants that thrive in the Carolinas with invasive or problematic plants that can outcompete native species, spread aggressively, or reduce habitat value. The discussion also highlights Constructive Plant Rescue, a local nonprofit working to save native plants from construction sites and give them a second life in home landscapes. Debbie and Laurie walk through helpful plant swaps by category, including vines, groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses. From coral honeysuckle, wild ginger, oakleaf hydrangea, native dogwoods, oaks, and muhly grass to plants best avoided — like Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, butterfly bush, Chinese privet, Bradford pear, crape myrtle, monkey grass, and pampas grass — this episode offers approachable guidance for anyone hoping to make more environmentally friendly planting choices. They also remind listeners to research what is native or invasive in their own region, consider sun exposure and soil type, and match each plant to the goals of their yard, garden, balcony, or habitat space. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why native plants are better adapted to local soil, rainfall, and temperatures How invasive plants can outcompete native plants and reduce habitat value What Constructive Plant Rescue does to save native plants from development sites Native vine options like Carolina jessamine and coral honeysuckle Better groundcover choices, including wild ginger, bloodroot, green and gold, native phlox, and dwarf crested iris Native perennial, shrub, tree, and grass options for wildlife-friendly landscapes Why plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, butterfly bush, Bradford pear, Chinese wisteria, monkey grass, and pampas grass can become problems How oaks support hundreds of insects, butterflies, and moths Why it matters to check plant names carefully before buying How to evaluate sun, soil, moisture, and planting goals before choosing new plants

    24 min

  3. MAY 2

    Barred Owls — Silent Flight, Big Personalities, and Backyard Nesting

    In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne take us into the fascinating world of barred owls, inspired by a local owl box success story just in time for Earth Day. From the excitement of watching young owlets leave the nest to the unmistakable "who cooks for you?" presence of barred owls in the Carolinas, this conversation explores how these remarkable birds live, hunt, nest, and raise their young in our neighborhoods and natural spaces. Debbie and Laurie discuss what makes barred owls such efficient hunters, including their almost silent flight, incredible night vision, asymmetrical ear openings, and the ability to pinpoint prey by sound alone. They also share practical ways listeners can help barred owls thrive, such as protecting large mature trees, considering properly placed owl nesting boxes, and reducing pesticide use. Whether you have heard barred owls calling in your own backyard or are hoping to spot one on a local greenway, this episode will deepen your appreciation for one of North America's most recognizable and adaptable owls. In this episode, you'll learn about: How barred owls nest and raise their young Why mature trees and creekside habitats are so important The size, markings, and features that distinguish barred owls from great horned owls How owls use sound, vision, and head rotation to hunt What barred owls eat, from mice and voles to crayfish, reptiles, and fish Why barred owls are expanding their range and creating challenges for spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest Simple backyard habitat choices that support owls and other wildlife

    21 min

  4. APR 25

    Tadpoles, Horse Troughs, and Backyard Habitats

    What do you do when tadpoles take over a horse trough? In this fun and wide-ranging episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris dive into the fascinating world of tadpoles after a listener from California asks how to handle an unexpected amphibian boom in her horses' water troughs. Along the way, the conversation explores why frogs choose certain places to lay eggs, what tadpoles need to survive, and how understanding wildlife habitat — food, water, shelter, and places to raise young, can help explain nature's behavior right in your own backyard. Listeners will also learn practical tips for encouraging or discouraging tadpoles, what they eat as they grow, why shade and clean water matter, and how these tiny creatures can actually provide natural mosquito control. Equal parts educational and entertaining, this episode is a reminder that even a simple horse trough can become a window into the amazing processes of metamorphosis, backyard ecology, and the everyday wonder of the natural world.

    23 min

  5. APR 18

    Celebrating Earth Day the Backyard Naturalists Way

    In this special Earth Day episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris celebrate Earth Day 2026 by exploring the history behind this global movement and sharing practical, everyday ways listeners can make a real difference for the planet. From the surprising origins of Earth Day in 1970 to the staggering number of people who now participate around the world, this episode is packed with inspiration, useful resources, and plenty of the lively conversation listeners love. The trio highlights simple but meaningful actions you can take right now — from skipping plastic bags and straws to planting native trees, supporting pollinators, reducing chemical use, choosing shade-grown coffee, and voting with your dollars for environmentally responsible products and businesses. Whether you're already an avid environmental advocate or just looking for a few easy Earth Day ideas, this episode is a motivating reminder that caring for the planet does not have to be complicated. Small actions matter, and together they add up in a big way.

    31 min

  6. APR 11

    How Big Is It? Part 2: Nature's Biggest and Boldest Creatures

    In this fun and fast-moving second installment of "How Big Is It?", Debbie and Laurie explore some of the biggest creatures in the natural world—from the world's largest vulture and giant hummingbird to the Komodo dragon, Goliath frog, capybara, and even a massive Australian sea snail. Along the way, they share surprising facts about size, habitat, diet, and behavior, with plenty of laughter and off-the-cuff conversation that makes this episode feel like you're sitting right at the kitchen table with them. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the incredible diversity of wildlife around the globe, including species from South America, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa. Whether you are fascinated by record-breaking animals, love quirky nature trivia, or just enjoy hearing nature explained in an entertaining and approachable way, this episode delivers. It is a lighthearted but informative look at some of the most astonishing animals on Earth—and a reminder that nature is always bigger, stranger, and more wonderful than we expect.

    34 min

  7. APR 4

    Encore Episode: Spring Weeds, Pests, and Planet-Friendly Solutions

    This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're bringing back a timely favorite from last spring as an encore presentation packed with practical, eco-friendly garden advice. Debbie and Laurie revisit smart, natural solutions for some of the season's most common backyard headaches, including weeds, garden pests, and unwanted plant invaders. From weed control methods like solarization and hand-pulling to chemical-free pest strategies using neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and even beer traps, this episode is full of easy, earth-friendly ideas for a healthier yard and garden. You'll also hear tips for attracting beneficial insects, protecting spring flowers, and managing problem plants without disrupting the environment or harming your local ecosystem. Whether you're a longtime gardener or just getting started with your backyard habitat, this encore episode offers plenty of helpful information, nature-based wisdom, and a few fun surprises along the way. Send us your ideas for future episode topics on our Facebook page or through our website — we'd love to hear from you.

    31 min

  8. MAR 28

    What's It Called? Animal Homes from Nests to Dens

    What do you call the place an animal lives? In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dive into the surprisingly fascinating world of animal homes. From bird nests and squirrel dreys to eagle aeries, bobcat dens, bird rookeries, and bee hives, they explore the wide variety of places wildlife builds, borrows, and calls home. Along the way, they share fun facts about everything from turtles, termites, and raccoons to alligators, snakes, wolves, and even octopuses. As always, the conversation is lively, curious, and full of the kind of nature trivia that makes you look at the backyard a little differently. Whether you are a bird lover, a wildlife watcher, or just someone who enjoys learning the language of the natural world, this episode is packed with surprising discoveries and plenty of charm.

    26 min
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4.5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world.

Information

  • Creator
    Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Downtown Podcasting
  • Show Website
    The Backyard Naturalists

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