Ep. 11 - Changing a State's Flower

Do you think your state's flower is boring and uninspiring? American poet Robbie Q. Telfer does and he is calling for a change. He would like to see the state flower of Illinois represent something truly Illinoian. Robbie stops by the podcast for a conversation regarding his call to action and so much more. It is people like Robbie that remind us of the Ed Abbey quote - "The idea of wilderness needs no defense. It only needs more defenders." 

Click here for Habitat 2030's website

Click here to check out the Jackass Gardener blog

Music by Moneycat

Ep. 9 - Plants In a Drying Climate

Ecosystems around the world have been getting progressively drier. With changes in annual precipitation and desertification on the rise, understanding how plants and ecosystems in general respond to drought is of growing importance in ecology. Join me for a conversation with Dr. Dan Potts of SUNY Buffalo State about his research into plant responses to changing precipitation. 

Dr. Potts' Website

Music by Moneycat 

Yerba Mate

Steve Fleck returns for a fun and interesting discussion on yerba mate. This tea-like beverage is made from the leaves of a holly and is consumed as a coffee substitute all around the world. As such, it has some interesting ecological implications. 

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Ep. 4 - Invasive Species: A Refreshing Take

Community ecologist Dr. Robert Warren joins us from SUNY Buffalo State for an interesting discussion on invasive plant species. Learn about the challenges of this type of research, rapid evolution, and Eltonian noise. This is a refreshing departure from the normal when it comes to invasive species discussions. 

Dr. Warren's Website

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Ep. 3 - Phytotelmata

Whereas plant communities define much of what we think of as "habitat," individuals themselves can be habitat too. Join Steve and I for a fun discussion about a very interesting way in which plants support a whole community of life. 

Music by: Moneycat

Episode 2 - Monarchs and the Subnivean Realm

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are up for a potential listing on the Endangered Species List. Fellow botanical enthusiast Steve Fleck stops by for a discussion on the implications of such a listing followed by an introduction to life under the snow in the subnivean zone. 

Music by: Moneycat