Native Plants, Healthy Planet

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.

The Buzz - Short and Sweet

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Have you listened to see if you have won our Native Spice Contest?  You still have time to enter to win a book by Heather Holm. “That’s Hot” is very yellow this episode.  “This or That” deals with Hell Strips and Weeds.  We got a phone call!!!  Can you spot our “Take it of Leaf it”.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

09-06
01:19:44

From Wasteland to Wonder with Basil Camu

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Basil Camu, (Chief Vision Officer & Wizard of Things at Leaf and Limb, Author of 'From Wasteland to Wonder') to discuss everything tree related. Topics include what inspired Basil to change his business from cutting down trees to saving them, common myths associated with trees and soil, the benefits of arborist chips, inspiration for writing a book and giving it away, and his non-profit Project Pando and the incredible work they do.  Find out how you can help!  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Leaf and Limb here. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

08-30
01:46:35

The Buzz - Bee Nice

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  It's been a while.  How is everyone doing?  Tom and Fran follow up on an old contest, pick the winner of a current contest, and announce their next contest. “That’s Hot” deals with recent finds for Tom and Fran.  “This or That” shines the light on the native plant community.  Tom shares his experience at the most recent Perennial Plant Association conference.  “Take it of Leaf it” is a non-contributor.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

08-23
01:57:53

Meet Joe Gardener

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joe Lamp'l, (TV Host, Author, Podcast Host and more) to discuss who is Joe Gardener. Topics include Joe's beginnings, how ecology has changed his personal beliefs and his projects over time, the rising awareness of native plants, influences that have helped shape the landscape, negatives in the native plant movement, and view on 'Nativars'.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Joe Lamp'l here. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

08-16
01:49:09

Ohio Pocket Prairies with Austin Miller of Birdsong Landscapes

Tom and Fran travel to Ohio to attend the green industry event Cultivate but take a detour on the way to visit three Ohio pocket along the way with former guest Austin Miller of Birdsong Landscapes. Learn of their history and listen in on our conversations with this special Secret Tapes edition of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.  Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Birdsong Landscapes - TikTok / Instagram / Facebook Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

08-09
01:47:44

Replaying The Hits with Dr. Stanley Temple of the Aldo Leopold Foundation

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to help bring you into the Summer Season. Tom and Fran spoke with Dr. Stanley Temple (Senior Fellow and Science Advisor) of The Aldo Leopold Foundation back in episode 100 to discuss the topic of Land Ethics. Topics include understanding the fundamentals of Land Ethic as proposed by Aldo Leopold, what has changed in the last seventy years, the creation of The Aldo Leopold Foundation and its mission, as well as Dr. Temple's unique path and influences in his life.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.  Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow The Aldo Leopold Foundation - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

08-02
01:34:16

The Buzz - Spicy Winnings

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have two winners!!! Tom and Fran announce their next contest. "Tom's Petty" makes its triumphant return.  “That’s Hot” explores the Ohio prairies.  “This or That” will shine a light on a few issues.  Tom and Fran discuss the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium and also Cultivate.  "Take it of Leaf it" is brought to you by a listener question.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

07-26
01:26:39

Meet Homegrown National Park with Brandon Hough

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Brandon Hough, Executive Director of Homegrown National Park, to discuss what's new at HNP. Topics include Brandon's journey to HNP, how HNP has changed over the years, what the future of HNP looks like and how you can help get them there.  Brandon also shares some of his favorite success stories and heroes. Did someone say New Contest!?!  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Homegrown National Park here. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

07-19
01:40:32

The Buzz - Habitat for All

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Let's talk about future contests!  What does nursery need to do to get their Nursery Certificate?  Listen in to find out.  “That’s Hot” explores a plant that neither Tom or Fran picked.  “This or That” will cool your jets on and get you thinking about habitat.  “Listener Shout Outs” fixes a problem while “Grow Read a Book” highlights a problem.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. That's Hot - Fran's Plant / Tom's Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

07-12
01:41:07

Into the Weeds with Tama Matsuoka Wong

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Tama Matsuoka Wong to discuss how to garden like a forager. Topics include what foraging looks like in different countries and cultures, discovering your middle ground, finding value in what many consider weeds, understanding uses for native plants and not just edibility, and toasting with a native plant mocktail.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Tama Matsuoka Wong here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

07-05
01:55:20

The Buzz - Faster than a Burning Bush

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Who wound Fran up?  Have you entered our contest!  We have Prickly Pear updates!  “That’s Hot” explores some new mentions on the podcast.  “This or That” will leave you speeding through the tall grass.  There are a ton of “Listener Shout Outs"!  "Grow Read a Book" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium here. Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

06-28
01:29:15

Pollinator Week with Heather Holm

Happy Pollinator Week!  Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Heather Holm to celebrate our native bees and wasps. Topics include debunking popular myths about native bees and wasps, diving deep into specialist bees and parasitoid wasps, exploring soft landings and native plants, and how you can do your part helping native bees.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Heather Holm here. Learn more about American Beauties Native Plants here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

06-21
01:47:21

The Buzz - The Drunken Dentist

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Let's toast Tom's Birthday!  Tom has other news as well!  Have you entered our new contest!  “That’s Hot” involves one plant that will keep mosquitos away and one plant that will keep you away.  “This or That” exposes some of the risks from native plant awareness and green growth.  There are a ton of “Listener Shout Outs!” Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

06-14
01:36:29

Meet Garden For Wildlife

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Shubber Ali (CEO - Garden for Wildlife) to discuss helping homeowners create wildlife habitats. Topics include the history of Garden for Wildlife and how their mission has changed over the years, making it easier for homeowners to find native plants, programs for non-profit organizations, ways that Garden for Wildlife give back, and Shubber's unique journey into ecology.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Garden for Wildlife here. Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Learn more about American Beauties Native Plants here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

06-07
01:43:31

The Buzz - Our Ears Were Burning

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Were you talking about us?  Tom and Fran discuss the current state of the podcast.  There's also a new contest!  “That’s Hot” involves two plants you may not have in your yard.  “This or That” cuts to the waste.  There are a ton of "Listener Shout Outs!"  What are the most controversial episodes of Native Plants Healthy Planet? Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

05-31
01:41:44

Meet Joey Santore and Al Scorch from Kill Your Lawn

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joey Santore (Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't and Kill Your Lawn) and Al Scorch (Kill Your Lawn) to talk about killing your lawn. Rants include vacuum cleaners, common names, college students, turf, and you will learn a lot about native plants and ecology.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Kill Your Lawn / Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't Here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

05-24
01:35:22

The Buzz - Saving the Buzz

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have great news!  Listen up for our disclaimer.  Tom spoils Fran with more gifts.  "That's Hot" involves cordial and foam.  "This or That" gives you the short and the long of it.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

05-17
01:40:04

Meet TrueBlew Natives

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Bob Blew (Vice President - Centerton Nurseries) to discuss TrueBlew Natives. Topics include the history of Centerton Nurseries, the inspiration for TrueBlew Natives, the role of native plants in ornamental nurseries, how nurseries factor into to agriculture in the state of NJ, and the future of native plants in the retail market place.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube  Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

05-10
01:54:07

The Buzz - Buzzed on the Buzz

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We love when listeners send us native plant based alcoholic drinks!  "That's Hot" involves some follow up this episode.  "This or That" involves government and things across the pond.  Fran comes prepared with a "Grow Read A Book".  How do Tom and Fran feel about No Mow May?  Wait until the end to find out. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube  Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

05-03
01:12:03

The Return of Dr. Michael Curran

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick reconnect with Dr. Michael Curran (Owner - Abnova Ecological Solutions) to talk about what has happened in his life since his last visit to the podcast a year ago. Topics include work in the NJ Meadowlands, being an expert witness, pipeline work in PA, Exciting work by Dr. Douglas Tallamy, as well as cool new studies coming our of Wyoming.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Abnova Ecological Solutions. - Website Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube  Follow Fran Chismar Here. Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.  Visit Here.

04-26
01:31:24

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