Backyard Ecology

Shannon Trimboli

Nature isn’t just “out there” in some pristine or far-off location. It’s all around us, including right outside our doors. Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.

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Top 10 Backyard Ecology Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Backyard Ecology episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Backyard Ecology for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Backyard Ecology episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023

Backyard Ecology

12/28/23 • 13 min

I can’t believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We’ve talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let’s wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year.

🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-want-to-know-about-nesting-birds-with-nestwatch/

🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder https://www.backyardecology.net/birding-tools-and-technology-to-help-you-be-a-better-birder/

🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/

🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-invasive-species-something-you-should-care-about/

🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/

🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-sedges-mt-cuba-center-carex-trial/

🦋 4) How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You? https://www.backyardecology.net/how-can-your-states-native-plant-society-help-you/

🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/

🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner https://www.backyardecology.net/ecology-based-landscaping-with-larry-weaner/

🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/

🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/

Other Episode Relevant Links: 🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0

🦋 Garden Revolution https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F

Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fu...

Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”

Backyard Ecology

12/21/23 • 4 min

Did you know that in addition to the regular Backyard Ecology videos that Anthony creates, he also produces a series of nature-trivia style short videos? Most of these videos are literally only a few seconds long so are perfect “bite-sized” samples if you’re just getting started or are looking for something to watch for a few seconds on your phone.

So, let’s quickly run through the top 10 Backyard Ecology shorts based on number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. Since the videos are so short, I’m just going to list the titles and let your curiosity decide whether to follow the link and explore further.

🦋 10) Caterpillar's Poop Stick Defense! https://youtube.com/shorts/R_mMaD2TadU 🦋 9) Ragweed SUPER FOOD for Birds! https://youtube.com/shorts/CfOM56BYZ_8 🦋 8) Hummingbirds Eat Nectar and WHAT! https://youtube.com/shorts/-IOGXUiOozY 🦋 7) Butterfly Garden Must Have! https://youtube.com/shorts/UppahIW3EnQ 🦋 6) These Cute Larvae Aren't Caterpillars! https://youtube.com/shorts/rorND6RmcGg 🦋 5) Bumblebees VS Carpenter Bees Easy ID! https://youtube.com/shorts/slBX3utAcdI 🦋 4) What Is This Weird Plant Growth! https://youtube.com/shorts/lhrmJlsKNfk 🦋 3) Have You Seen Invasive Tree of Heaven? https://youtube.com/shorts/Vqmq_8Bc3rc 🦋 2) This Caterpillar Looks Like What! https://youtube.com/shorts/Wkqy-qO8z98 🦋 1) Wolf Spider Momma Has How MANY Babies! https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7IjE8Jyyc

Bonus 🦋 See Me Fly Like Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dzpde6I3ju8

Other Episode-Related Links 🦋 Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/ 🦋 3 Awesome Native Trees to Replace Bradford Pear! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYPak0l1exo

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation

Backyard Ecology

02/18/21 • 64 min

Like many people, I grew up with a healthy.... apprehension (ok, fear) of wasps. And, of course, I’ve seen all the memes on social media vilifying wasps and calling them names that I’m not going to repeat on this podcast.

But, those fears and concerns are mostly unfounded and misplaced. Wasps generally aren’t going to bother you, especially when they are on flowers, and they definitely aren’t the evil villains they are often portrayed as. Instead, they are a vital part of the ecosystem that helps control many different insect and arachnid populations, as well as, helps with the pollination of some plants.

In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Heather Holm. Heather is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author. As of this recording, her book, Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants, has just been published. Because wasps are such diverse organisms, her book focuses on the wasps that we are most likely to find visiting flowers.

Of course, I had to start our conversation by asking Heather the obvious question – “Why wasps?” Her answer was that as pollinator gardens become more popular, more people are beginning to notice wasps visiting the flowers. Her goal with this book is to help people better understand and appreciate those wasps, instead of being afraid of them.

In many ways, wasps are just like bees. In fact, bees evolved from wasps. Most adult wasps feed on nectar and other sugary substances like honeydew and tree sap. However, unlike bees which gather pollen to feed to their larvae, wasps hunt for prey to feed their larvae. The specific type of prey they hunt for depends on the species of wasp.

Wasps can be very specific with the prey they capture. For example, the cicada killer only hunts cicadas. In some cases, the cicada she captures may be 2-3 times her size! Another species of wasp, called the queen ant kidnapper ant, only eats queen ants that still have their wings and are coming back from their nuptial flights. There are also a number of wasp species that hunt spiders.

Just about every type of insect, plus spiders, is on the menu for some species of wasp and this has led to a wide diversity of wasp species. There are way more species of wasps than bees. And because their prey is so specific, you may find several different species of wasps nesting in close proximity to each other because their different diets mean that they aren’t competing with each other.

Like bees, most of our wasps are solitary which means that each female must create and provision her own nest(s). This doesn’t leave them much time, or desire, to defend their nests. Also like bees, wasps can be found nesting below ground, in standing dead trees, in logs, and in pithy or hollow stems. Some wasps even build nests made entirely of mud. Some of these mud structures can be very beautiful and delicate pots that look like they should be ceramic vessels in a dollhouse.

Despite their many similarities to bees, wasps are a group of animals that many people love to hate. However, they are rarely as bad as they are made out to be, especially when they are feeding on flowers. As Heather puts it, “the flower restaurant isn’t defended.” And in some ways, wasps can be easier to identify than bees. If you want to identify the wasps that you find on your flowers, Heather suggests taking lots of pictures including a top-down view, a sideview, and a head-on view. Using your flash can also be helpful for picking up details and reducing the blur if the wasp doesn’t sit perfectly still for you.

I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about wasps, including how to identify them, to take a look at Heather’s book. And if you aren’t quite ready to venture into the world of wasps, then I still encourage you to take a look at Heather’s website. It is a treasure trove of free educational resources on pollinators, especially native bees. (In addition to her new wasp book, she has several other books on bees, pollinators, and native plants.)

Links:

Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 *
Heather’s website
Heather’s Facebook pages:
- Bee and Pollinator Books by Heather Holm

Growing Native Plants: Insights and Stories from 3 Native Plant Nurseries

Backyard Ecology

04/22/21 • 60 min

Gardening with native plants has been growing in popularity. Some people want to grow native plants for plant conservation purposes or to showcase the diverse, local flora of their region. Others want to grow native plants for the benefits they provide to pollinators and wildlife. Still others are interested in native plants as sources of food or herbal medicine. And some people want to grow native plants in their gardens for a combination of reasons. Whatever the underlying purpose is, we all share a common interest and often face some of the same general questions and challenges.

This week’s episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast features a roundtable type discussion with the owners of three native plant nurseries located in Kentucky. Those nursery owners are Alicia Bosela from Ironweed Native Plant Nursery, Margaret Shea from Dropseed Native Plant Nursery, and myself from Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting. Even though we’re all located in Kentucky, our conversation is applicable to people in other states as well.

Our conversation is a very fun, fluid discussion where our passion and enthusiasm for our work really shows through. Some of the many topics we cover include collecting, recommendations for people just getting started with growing native plants, some of our favorite starter native plants, and dealing with insect pests. We also discuss some of the questions that we are commonly asked. And of course, we share lots of stories and observations from our nurseries and our own gardens / properties.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll also hear us asking each other questions and learning from each other. All of us recognize that there is always more to learn and we enjoy learning ourselves as well as helping others learn. I always find conversations like this educational and inspiring. I hope you find this episode educational and inspiring as well.

Links:

Dropseed Native Plant Nursery (Margaret)
- Website
- Facebook page
- Email: [email protected]
Ironweed Native Plant Nursery (Alicia)
- Website
- Facebook page
- Email: [email protected]
Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting (Me)
- Website
- Facebook page
- Email: [email protected]
Backyard Ecology’s website
My email: [email protected]

Episode image:

Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved

Lightning bugs and Fireflies: A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 1

Backyard Ecology

03/04/21 • 50 min

For many of us in the eastern U.S., warm spring and summer nights are characterized by the methodical flashing of fireflies and lightning bugs. Fireflies and lightning bugs are exactly the same thing. I grew up calling them “lightning bugs,” but somewhere along the line picked up the term “firefly.” Now I use both terms interchangeably. It doesn’t matter what you call them, these flashing insects have the ability to bring out the child in all of us.

In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Lynn Faust. Lynn is the author of Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. She is also sometimes called “The Lightning Bug Lady,” and with good reason as you’ll quickly learn when you listen to this episode.

Our conversation is very informal and includes lots of stories mixed in with more educational discussions. This episode is a little different than previous episodes because it is the first in a two-part series. Lynn is so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has so many great stories that I couldn’t fit everything into one episode. So, we’ll start our conversation in this episode, and then conclude our conversation in the next episode.

Often, we tend to think of lightning bugs as all being the same, but they aren’t. In the eastern U.S., we are very rich in lightning bug species and we’re still identifying new species. One of the things that I love about lightning bugs is that we can enjoy them on so many different levels. We can sit on our porches or in our lawn chairs and just appreciate their beauty. We can run around in our bare feet and catch them. We can learn the different flash patterns and begin identifying the species that we are seeing. Or anything in between.

In this episode, Lynn shares the story of how she went from just watching the lightning bugs to becoming “The Lightning Bug Lady.” We also talk about some of the different species found in the eastern U.S., how to identify firefly species, and the general life history of fireflies. In the next episode, we’ll continue our life history discussion. We’ll also talk about some exciting recent discoveries, threats to fireflies, ways we can make our yards more lightning bug friendly, and tips for observing fireflies. I hope you enjoy both these episodes.

Links:

Episode image:

Firefly (Photinus pyralis)
Photo credit:

Lightning bugs and Fireflies – A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 2

Backyard Ecology

03/11/21 • 50 min

This week’s episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast is the conclusion of our conversation with Lynn Faust. Lynn is the author of Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada.

In this episode, we continue to just geek out about lightning bugs. Once again, this is a very informal conversation that includes stories and more educational content. If you haven’t listened to the previous episode, then I encourage you to go back and listen to Episode 15, which is part 1 of this conversation.

We ended the previous episode talking about the larvae of the Pyractomena or Spring Tree Top Flasher fireflies and how they are so special because they pupate on the sides of trees where we can see them. And they do this in the late winter / very early spring, basically the late Feb. or early March timeframe in Kentucky and Tennessee. We jump right back into that conversation with Lynn describing some of Pyractomena’s mating behaviors and why they might choose to come out so early.

Much of the story of lightning bugs and fireflies revolves around the theme of just paying attention, making observations, sharing what you see, and asking questions. People doing those things have led to the discovery of new species like the synchronized fireflies of the Smokies and the Low Country Ghost. Other people have been able to help better document the range of a given species like the Pink Flashers. Those activities have also led to recognizing previously overlooked behaviors like the fireflies nectaring on milkweeds. There’s so much out there to learn and discover if we’re willing to open our eyes and pay attention.

Lightning bugs, like many other insects, also face some threats. The main threats to lightning bugs are light pollution, pesticides in the soil, soil compaction, and habitat loss. Lynn talks about these threats and realistic ways that we can make our yards more firefly friendly. She takes a very balanced approach that basically boils down to being aware of how your actions might affect lightning bugs or other organisms and then making the best choices for you and your situation. I, for one, appreciate that balance. Lynn also shares some tips for observing lightning bugs.

Again, if you missed the first part of this conversation, then I encourage you to go back to episode 15 and listen to it. In that episode, Lynn shared the story of how she went from just watching the lightning bugs to becoming “The Lightning Bug Lady.” We also talked about some of the different species found in the eastern U.S., how to identify firefly species, and the general life history of fireflies. I hope you enjoy both these episodes.

Links:

Tracking the Periodical Cicadas with Dr. Gene Kritsky

Backyard Ecology

04/29/21 • 66 min

For many of us, the rhythmic chatter of annual cicadas is a natural part of every summer. But then... every once in a while... the trees explode in a deafening chorus of periodical cicadas. Periodical cicadas will spend over a decade as nymphs underground before emerging and maturing into adults. The adults only live a few weeks, but what an impression they make while they are here!

In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Dr. Gene Kritsky. Gene is the Dean of the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences at Mount St, Joseph University in Cincinnati. He is also the author of the book Periodical Cicadas: The Brood X Edition.

During our conversation, Gene talked about the different species of 17-year periodical cicadas, as well as, the difference between broods and species. We also talked about the interesting life history of periodical cicadas and the important roles they play in the local ecosystems when they emerge. In addition, Gene provided tips for anyone who might be a little concerned about any negative impacts that periodical cicadas might have on their trees.

One of the most exciting things Gene shared with us is his research on documenting and mapping the different broods. The idea that whole broods could be missed for centuries or that we have new broods appearing as portions of known broods shift their emergence patterns is fascinating to me. I also love the fact that he has given all of us the opportunity to help document and map the different broods through his Cicada Safari app.

Using the Cicada Safari app, we can help Gene and other researchers gain a better understanding of the distribution of the different broods. With today’s tools and technology, we have the opportunity to easily help create much more detailed and comprehensive maps of the broods than scientists have ever been able to do before. But to it will take all of us working together and documenting what is happening in our own yards and communities. I think that’s exciting and hope we can help grant Gene’s wish to completely overwhelm him with data.

I also appreciate all of the fun and educational resources that are included in the Cicada Safari app and on the Cicada Safari website. Whether you want to learn how to identify the different species, just have some fun making origami cicadas, learn how to dive into the historic records to try and identify overlooked broods in your area, or are looking for potential science fair project ideas, the Cicada Safari website has you covered. Links to the Cicada Safari website, Gene’s book, and other periodical cicada resources he recommended can be found below.

When we recorded this in 2021, Brood X was the periodical cicada emergence that we were looking forward to. However, at least one brood of periodical cicadas emerges somewhere in the country every year. So, no matter when you listen to this episode, it is likely that there will be an emergence somewhere in the U.S. that needs to be documented and mapped.

Links:

Cicada Safari
Periodical Cicadas: The Brood X Edition
- Paperback edition *
- Kindle edition *
Other recommended resources
- Cicada Mania
Backyard Ecology’s website
My email: [email protected]

Episode image:

Periodical cicada

The Fascinating World of Frogs and Toads in the Eastern U.S.

Backyard Ecology

03/18/21 • 67 min

Frogs and toads are so much fun to observe and learn about. In the eastern U.S. we are lucky because we have enough water that they can be found virtually anywhere. Some species may be very specific in their habitat needs, but others are fairly general and can be found in urban areas as well as more rural areas.

In this week’s episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are talking with Dr. Cy Mott. Cy is an associate professor of biology at Eastern Kentucky University. His focus is on amphibian ecology, which of course, includes frogs and toads. (Toads are actually a subgroup within frogs. So, all toads are frogs but not all frogs are toads.)

During our conversation, Cy shared with us the important roles that frogs and toads play in the ecosystem. He also talked about the threats that frogs and toads face. This led to a discussion about some of his current research on the impacts of bush honeysuckle on aquatic habitats and tadpole survival. I found his research and the potential implications of that research very intriguing.

Cy and I also discussed how to make our yards more frog and toad friendly. You can create a pond or vernal pool if you want, but it isn’t necessary. There are plenty of other ways to provide habitat for frogs and toads. We also talked about some of the different species that we could find around our homes or in other locations, and recommendations for how to start learning to identify the different species you find.

In the eastern U.S., we have around 45 species of frogs and toads. Frogs and toads are fairly well studied in the U.S., especially compared to some of our less-charismatic organisms. However, even with as well-studied as frogs and toads are, a new species was still identified not too long ago near New York City. To me, this just continues to show the importance of paying attention and sharing our observations.

Links:

Cy’s research lab's website
Cy’s email: [email protected]
EKU Herpetology Facebook page
Other Resources Cy recommends:
Backyard Ecology’s website
- More than a Mud Puddle: The Exciting World of Vernal Pools
My email: [email protected]

Episode image:

Spadefoot toad
Photo credit: Cy Mott

Backyard Ecology - Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos

FAQ

How many episodes does Backyard Ecology have?

Backyard Ecology currently has 92 episodes available.

What topics does Backyard Ecology cover?

The podcast is about Leisure, Home & Garden, Nature, Podcasts and Science.

What is the most popular episode on Backyard Ecology?

The episode title 'Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Backyard Ecology?

The average episode length on Backyard Ecology is 48 minutes.

How often are episodes of Backyard Ecology released?

Episodes of Backyard Ecology are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Backyard Ecology?

The first episode of Backyard Ecology was released on Oct 27, 2020.

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Backyard Ecology

Shannon Trimboli

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Episodes

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Podcast Episodes: October 1, 2022 – October 1, 2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023

Top 10 Backyard Ecology “Shorts”

Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation

Growing Native Plants: Insights and Stories from 3 Native Plant Nurseries

Lightning bugs and Fireflies: A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 1

Lightning bugs and Fireflies – A conversation with Lynn Faust, Part 2

Tracking the Periodical Cicadas with Dr. Gene Kritsky

The Fascinating World of Frogs and Toads in the Eastern U.S.

Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos

FAQ

How many episodes does Backyard Ecology have?

What topics does Backyard Ecology cover?

What is the most popular episode on Backyard Ecology?

What is the average episode length on Backyard Ecology?

How often are episodes of Backyard Ecology released?

When was the first episode of Backyard Ecology?

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