Conversing with Nature

Conversing with Nature

Join us as we talk about nature with those who know her best so that we can plan, design, and implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to overcome the obstacles facing South Carolina and the Southeast. These methods keep nature at the heart of the solution and offer multiple benefits to the ecosystem and society. Each month we sit down with a nature expert or enthusiast who shares some of the wisdom and best practices that nature has taught them. Together, we learn more about nature, ways we can design NBS to address obstacles, and suggestions on how to implement equitable nature-based work.

Episodes

May 8, 2026 41 mins

On this episode, we are joined by Holley Owings, co-owner and landscape architect at Earth Design, for a timely conversation about designing landscapes that work with nature, not against it. With over two decades of experience in ecological and sustainable design, Holley shares how nature-based solutions are being applied across the Southeast to support healthier ecosystems, stronger communities, and more resilient places. The conv...

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On this episode, we are joined by Shannon Wilson, program manager of sustainability for Milo's Tea Company. As Shannon describes the history and core values of Milo's - especially their use of simple, quality ingredients and their dedication to their employees - we see how a dual focus on people and nature can help a company thrive. Through their zero waste initiative, water stewardship goals, purposeful partnerships, and c...

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On this episode, we welcome Kate Ancaya, founding partner and design principal at Living Roofs, Inc., a firm out of Asheville, NC that specializes in creating green roofs and landscape on structure. As Kate dives into building plant communities in unlikely spaces, she explains the beauty and benefits behind this growing method of infrastructure and resilience. Kate reminds us that resilience starts in our backyards (or roofs!) and ...

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On this episode, we welcome two of The Nature Conservancy's leaders in South Carolina land protection: Katy McWilliams, the director of land protection, and Dr. David Bishop, senior project director. Together, Katy and David explain how The Nature Conservancy (and partners) are investing in land protection across the state to protect South Carolina's wild places through land purchases and conservation easements. As Katy and...

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On this episode, we welcome April Magill, the owner of Root Down Designs, an architectural firm focused on sustainable design; April is also the executive director of the non-profit Root Down Building Collective, which provides architectural services, consulting, and house plans for climate-smart structures. An advocate for natural building materials, April explains how plant-based and mineral-based building products help reduce ou...

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On this exciting crossover episode we welcome Rick Crawford, the president of Emerger Strategies and host of the wildly popular podcast, The Sustainable Angler. A lover of all things fishing, Rick talks about his efforts to educate and excite anglers and businesses to take positive action towards sustainability. Together, Liz and Rick explore what it looks like when science, conservation, business, and the bottom line come together...

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On this episode, we welcome Jesse Blom, the executive director of the Green Heart Project, an organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate and connect people in Charleston, SC. As Jesse describes the benefits of urban agriculture and school garden programs, he celebrates food, not just as a source of nutrition, but also for its role in bringing people together across nei...

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On this episode, we welcome Dr. Susan Johnson, the founder and CEO of Nature at Work, a statewide initiative working to improve workplace wellbeing through an intentional connection with nature. As Susan draws parallels between human health, the workplace environment, and the benefits of being surrounded by nature, she reinforces what many of us already know: nature makes us healthier, happier, smarter, and better stewards of our e...

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On this episode, we welcome Maeve Snyder, the owner of SnailSeed Native Plants in Myrtle Beach, SC. As Maeve describes the many benefits of native plants, the science behind genetic diversity, and the artistry of designing a beautiful garden, she teaches us that a native plant garden is something we can all do to create spectacular places of beauty, biodiversity, and restoration. Through Maeve’s passion for native plants and her de...

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On this episode, we are joined by the three founders of The M.A.R.S.H. Project: Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez. A grassroots and community program focused on revitalizing and advocating for Charleston's unique marsh ecosystems, The M.A.R.S.H. Project provides opportunities for neighbors to gather for cleanups, plant native plant gardens, be inspired through art and storytelling, and enjoy time together in natu...

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On this episode, we are joined by Zack Snipes, co-owner of Shoreline Restoration Group (SRG), a Charleston, SC-based company that promotes thriving and resilient landscapes by preserving and stabilizing Lowcountry shorelines. As Zack walks us through SRG's history and the need for nature-based solutions in South Carolina (including the value of native stormwater buffers), he reminds us of the need for clear communication and ed...

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On our first episode of season 3, we sit down with Gillian Zettler, cofounder of The Drop In, a Charleston, SC-based movement studio that seeks to cultivate human connection and community resilience by growing individual wellness. As Gillian talks about movement, green spaces, and vulnerability, we are reminded that when we invest in people, we are investing in nature as well. Through her love of nature and her passion for both peo...

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On this episode, we are joined by Andy Hollis, the manager of the Shellfish Management Section at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Andy transports us to South Carolina's vast system of estuaries as he describes the South Carolina oyster: its history, its impact on the Lowcountry's landscape and culture, its role as a habitat and a resource, and how SCDNR is working to manage the fishery and restore oyster...

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On this episode, we sit down with Mary Edna Fraser, a Charleston-based artist and environmental activist. An expert on the ancient method of Batik on silk, Mary Edna makes the artist's case for nature by bridging art and science to bring messages of conservation, stewardship, and environmental awareness to her art. As Mary Edna walks us through her design process and discusses her scientific collaborations, she inspires us to m...

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This episode honors Dale Morris, the former Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Charleston and co-founder of the Dutch Dialogues. Dale passed away unexpectedly just 4 days after this interview. With permission from his family, we have released this episode to honor the incredible work Dale achieved throughout his life as well as to showcase the passionate, charismatic, and kind person that Dale was.


A renowned advocate for...

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On this episode, we are joined by Leslie Skardon, the chief executive officer at Sustain SC, which works to ensure a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment. As Leslie describes Sustain SC’s mission and roadmap, she dives into what it means for businesses to be both sustainable and profitable. (Hint: choosing the environment can also mean choosing profit!) Covering topics on energy, conservation, innovation, col...

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On this episode, we welcome EV Bell, the education and outreach manager at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. EV makes the educator's case for nature through stories of empowering teachers, engaging kids with hands-on learning, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. She reminds us that there will always be opportunities for education, simple language can be the most effective, and the valuable role that ...

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On this episode, we sit down with Andrew Wunderley, the executive director of Charleston Waterkeeper. With training in both science and law, Andrew describes how Charleston Waterkeeper uses a combination approach of science, stewardship, and advocacy to be a voice for local creeks, marshes, and waterways. As Andrew describes the intricate relationship between land and water, we learn how our society - and our everyday choices - can...

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On this episode, we are joined by Rollen Chalmers, a farmer in the South Carolina Lowcountry who specializes in the cultivation of Carolina Gold Rice and other heritage crops, and the co-owner of Rollen’s Raw Grains. As Rollen dives into the history and traditions behind these special crops, he teaches us about the ecosystem where Carolina Gold Rice thrives, including the vital role of soil and water, and shares his favorite recipe...

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On this episode, we welcome Tom Dooley, the director of forest conservation for The Nature Conservancy's South Carolina chapter. An expert on forest management, Tom illustrates the ecological and social value of forest ecosystems while simultaneously describing the science and history of the South's primary forest management technique: fire. As Tom and Liz discuss controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire), their conv...

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