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The Backyard NaturalistsAuthor: Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne
Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world. Language: en Genres: Hobbies, Leisure, Nature, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Quiet Invasives — Why Invasive Plants Spread, and What You Can Do About It
Episode 11
Saturday, 13 December, 2025
In this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Benjy Strope, Private Lands Management Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to explore the sneaky, persistent, and surprisingly complex world of invasive plants. Inspired by Benjy's article "Quiet Invasives," this conversation gets right to the root of how invasive species spread, why they're so hard to control, and what homeowners, land managers, and nature lovers can realistically do to fight back. Benjy explains why invasive plants don't follow the "rules" we imagine for our landscapes, how seeds hitchhike on everything from shoes to dogs to truckloads of dirt, and why even well-intentioned gardeners may unknowingly contribute to the problem. From statewide offenders like mimosa, Japanese stiltgrass, kudzu, Bradford pear, and Bermuda grass, to emerging threats like Japanese knotweed and fig buttercup, he breaks down what makes each plant so troublesome—and why identification and planning are essential first steps. The discussion covers effective control methods (including when herbicides are the responsible choice), the myth of "one-and-done" removal, the importance of seed banks and site-specific conditions, and the value of choosing hardy native alternatives like blanketflower and coreopsis. Whether you've battled invasives in your backyard, spotted them in local parks, or want to protect native habitat in your community, this episode offers an honest, practical look at the ongoing fight to restore and preserve natural ecosystems. It's informative, candid, and full of the kind of grounded, real-world expertise that helps listeners take meaningful action—one plant at a time.
