Long time friends Melissa and Thom are visiting from Argentina and they come bearing delicious mate. Join us for a fun learning experience centered around the social aspects of drinking this delicious shrub.
Music by Moneycat
Ep. 25 - Why We Botanize
When it comes to botanizing, we all have methods to our madness. In this episode, Steve and I discuss some of our favorite aspects of the hobby of plant exploring.
Ep. 24 - Highlands Biological Station Pt. 2
Part 2 of my tour of the Highlands Biological Station. Head horticulture specialist Russell Funderburk provides entertaining insights into what it takes to run a botanical garden. We get to meet loads of native plants, many of which are endemic to this region of North America.
As a special treat, here is a link to a photo album of some of the species you will hear about in this podcast: www.indefenseofplants.com/highlands
Click here to learn more about the Highlands Biological Station
To contact Russell Funderburk - rrfunderburk@email.wcu.edu
Ep. 23 - Highlands Biological Station Pt. 1
When people found out that I would be living in western North Carolina, there was one sentiment I kept hearing, "You need to see the Highlands Botanical Garden." No one had to twist my arm for that to happen. Highlands is an incredible place which centers around research and conservation with a special focus on endemic plant species. Join me for a tour of the garden lead by Horticulture Specialist Russell Funderburk. As a special treat, here is a link to a photo album of some of the species you will hear about in this podcast: www.indefenseofplants.com/highlands
Click here to learn more about the Highlands Biological Station
To contact Russell Funderburk - rrfunderburk@email.wcu.edu
Ep. 22 - American Ginseng
American ginseng is one of those species that most people are aware of on some level. Despite its notoriety, it is hard to track down information on what this plant is as a species. Join me for a discussion with Dave DeViney, a man who truly knows ginseng. This interesting discussion covers many aspects of what makes this plant special.
Music by Moneycat
Ep. 21 - The Birds And The Seeds
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Coweeta Hydrologic Lab's Summer Meeting. There I attended a day long seminar series showcasing the different kinds of research going on in the basin. One of these talks was given by Dr. Robert Warren regarding a novel form of seed dispersal involving birds. I know what you're thinking and no this doesn't have to do with berries. Bonus Q & A session at the end!
Ep. 20 - On The Road
An update from the road! I am on my way to North Carolina for a month of plant identification and data collection. I bring you up to speed on our trip to the Bruce Peninsula as well.
Ep. 19 - Poaching
Steve returns this week for a rather lengthy discussion on plant poaching. We touch on some reasons why people poach as well as a handful of plants that are frequently falling victim to this greedy crime.
Ep 18. - Adventures & Cultivars
This week I touch on some recent adventures as well as some exciting things to come. I also discuss my disgust with cultivars.
Ep. 17 - Rare vs. Common
Commonness and rarity are snapshots in time. The abundance of plant species can change drastically as conditions change around them. Over the last two years I have been investigating what makes some plant species rare while others are common. It has been an amazing journey. Join me in this episode as I explore this idea.
Ep. 16 - Plants, Pack Rats, and Paleoclimate
Novel approaches are always fun. Nowhere is this more apparent than in today's podcast. I am joined by Dr. Camille Holmgren from SUNY Buffalo State to talk about her research reconstructing ancient desert climates using pack rat middens. Join us for a fun and interesting discussion that will take you back thousands of years in the past.
Click here to read more about Dr. Holmgren's work
Music by Moneycat
Ep. 15 - Life at a Costa Rican Botanical Garden
In this week's episode I am joined by senior horticulturist Dave Janas of the Wilson Botanical Gardens in Las Cruces, Costa Rica. Dave is what I like to call a "plant guru." Join us for a discussion about all the wonder and beauty that is life at the Wilson Botanical Gardens.
Like the Wilson Botanical Garden on Facebook
Click here for more info on the Organization for Tropical Studies
Ep. 14 - Urban Ecology
Urban ecology is a growing field of study. In this episode I sit down for a talk with ecologist Dave Spiering from Tifft Nature Center in the City of Buffalo. Dave studies succession in these man-made environments and his experience as a restoration practitioner provides unique insights into how we can manage our urban environments in better way.
Music by Moneycat
Ep. 13 - Conifers, Mountains, and Life as an Ecologist in Training
This week I take some time to catch up with an old friend. Melissa and I met while training for a seed collection job out west and since then she has been quite busy working on an advanced degree in ecology. We talk about her work in the so-called "Miracle Mile," which is a hotspot for conifer diversity and just how lucky we are to be pursuing a career investigating the natural world. It's always nice to see people who are passionate about the natural world.
Read more about the Miracle Mile here.
Music by Moneycat
Ep. 12 - Parasitic Plants
Plants interact with fungi in incredible ways. From pathogens to important symbionts, it would seem that plants cannot escape the mycological community. There are plants out there that have reversed their role with fungi. These are the parasitic mycoheterotrophs. Join me for a discussion with Dr. Tom Horton from the SUNY college of Environmental Science and Forestry about these incredible marvels of evolution. This is certainly one you don't want to miss!
Music by Moneycat
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. 10 - Books!
Steve stops by for a fun discussion about some of our favorite nature-themed books.
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
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Ep. 8 - Chara, A Model Organism
Chara represent the earliest stages of true plant evolution. They are also model organisms for a wide variety of research questions. Join me for an intriguing discussion with Dr. Mary Bisson from the University at Buffalo.
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.
Music by Moneycat