Native Plants, Healthy Planet

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Willow Defebaugh (Co-Founder of Atmos, Podcast Host The Nature Of, Author The Overview: Meditations on Nature for a World in Transition) to discuss connectivity and deep ecology. Topics include allowing grace and reverence help guide our journey, connecting with nature by listening, allowing nature to teach us beyond words, allowing queer ecology to see what a traditional environmenta...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  There will be a live Podcast in September!  Will you be there?  “That’s Hot” becomes a is Fragrant and Shiny!  “This or That” comes leaves Tom and Fran with more questions than answers. We are giving listener shoutouts!  A wonderful call leads to some introspective thoughts. Intro music by RJ Com...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Jared Rosenbaum (Co-Owner Wild Ridge Plants, Author Wild Plant Culture) to discuss connectivity with our natural heritage. Topics include revisiting the recent NY Times article about ecologically minded gardening and what it means to the novice and what it means to the professional, how disconnected are we from nature and what is the path back, and places you can look for inspira...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  There will be a live Podcast in September!  Will you be there?  “That’s Hot” becomes a chuckle patch.  “This or That” comes to a home near you. We are giving listener shoutouts!  We have a brand new Mt. Rushmore.  Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ Comer, Ou...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Travis Bayer of Pathos Wildlife to discuss the discovery of the Cozumel Fox. Topics include learning what we know about the Cozumel Fox, how long it was thought to be extinct and how it was rediscovered, what technology is needed to learn more about this animal, how we can help protect and preserve this species, and what obstacles are in the way of accomplishing this miss...

Oh Baby!  Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Native Plants were the hot topic at the Perennial Plant Association's National Symposium in East Lansing, Michigan.  “That’s Hot” is influenced by tall grass prairies.  “This or That” biodiversity on both land and sea. We are giving listener shoutouts!  Are you listening to the end for ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Luke and Linda Black Elk to discuss Ethnobotany and Food Sovereignty. Topics include choosing zombie apocalypse teams, reconnecting with indigenous foods, personal paths into environmentalism, heroes in ecology, favorite indigenous plants and food, and milkweed soup!  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

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Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Native Plants are in the news again, let's discuss what it means.  “That’s Hot” has us eating crow and expanding our horizons.  “This or That” meets up in some unexpected places. “Listener Shoutouts” questions emoji choices. Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ C...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Samantha Nestory (Engagement Manager at Natural Lands) to discuss the importance of not only pollinators, but all insects. Topics include the history and Natural Land's aspirations for Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, what threatens our insect populations and what you can do to help, empowering yourself with the knowledge of your ecosystems and asking "and ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Can  you pronounce "Surprise"?  “That’s Hot” Has deep roots and pretty flowers.  “This or That” widens the expanse of native plants. “Listener Shoutouts” speak many kind words. We go back to the Question and Comment Line. Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives.  In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with Owen Wormser (Author of Lawns into Meadows) of Abound Design. They discuss Owen's unique upbringing, the importance of meadows and their benefits, ecological facts about maintaining turf grass, and native plants to help turn your meadows into a reality.  Music by ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” spills the tea and even adds honey.  “This or That” speaks to preservation and understanding. “Listener Shoutouts” gets hype and “This or That” takes an unexpected turn.  Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Ben...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kyle Wendtland (Wyoming Energy Authority Director of Fossil Fuel Development) to discuss reclamation work in the state of Wyoming. Topics include the biggest threats to Wyoming's ecosystems, the challenges of recreating sagebrush ecosystems and the presence of large animals, how the reclamation industry has changed over the decades, the role reclamation ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” highlights some backyard favorites.  “This or That” speaks to Darwin and Gauwane. “Listener Shoutouts” gives gratitude and respect and "This or That" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Andrew More (Author Pawpaw: In Search of America’s Forgotten Fruit) to discuss his new book The Beasts of the East: The Fall and Rise of America’s Eastern Wilderness. Topics include doing justice to ecological events through research, collaboration in the field of restoration ecology, the importance of large animals to our ecological web, and signs of hope in ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” highlights a memorial and a tribute.  “This or That” questions how we look at restoration. “Listener Shoutouts” spark some great questions and “Grow Read A Book” makes a triumphant return!  Are you listening to the end for our secret?  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outr...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Sarah McAnulty (Biologist and Executive Director of Skype a Scientist) to discuss Squid and Native Plants in urban setting.  Topics include making science accessible to schools, getting the idea of native plants to an unsuspecting patron, marketing in unconventional ways, and the connection between education and art. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Da...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives by remembering Captain Al Modjeski of the American Littoral Society.  In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with Captain Al about coastal resiliency. Topics include the history of the American Littoral Society, how oysters and Christmas Trees both help in coastal resiliency, the importance of collaboration and co...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Charlotte Lorick (Head of Biodiversity Conservation at Oak Spring Garden Foundation) to discuss collaboration in Land Stewardship Planning.  Topics include finding your inner Plant Whisperer, misconceptions about land stewarship planning, plant blindness, and tips on starting your own land stewardship plan. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett...