Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

Have you heard the adage that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Is there any truth to this? Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, returns to explore the cultural origins and meanings of the famous proverb that associates lions and lamb with the crazy swings of March weather. What about deer repellents? Do they work? As many gardeners know, deer damage can be a significant problem, and there are many so-called remedies out there. Devon explores the effectiveness of strong-smelling soap and concludes that it's not a magic bullet. Instead, she recommends using deer repellents that contain eggs or creating a simple homemade egg and water spray. Gardeners might want to consider using a protective cage or fence. So, if you want to protect your garden from deer damage and learn the truth about deer repellents, you won't want to miss this segment! Lawn thatch is a bane of many homeowners. Dethatching the grass every spring is a chore that no one looks forward to doing. Learn how thatch is created and what you can do to reduce the amount of thatch that can cause problems in your lawn. This segment provides some useful information that might reduce the amount of work you need to put in to enjoy a nice lawn. There are lots of approaches to watering a garden. Do it in the morning. Don’t water in the middle of the day. Is there any science to the best way to keep your plants hydrated? Devon is back to dispel the common myth that watering your garden on a hot summer day will result in leaf scorch. In reality, this condition is caused by either drought, root damage, or acidic damage. Learn about the science behind leaf scorch to keep your garden thriving. In Part 3 of this Hits and Myths Retrospective, get answers to these questions. In this episode, we’ve compiled four short segments of previously aired content for easier listening. We hope you enjoy and learn from this information. Thanks for listening! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Devon Russ Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Part 2 of the Hits and Myths Retrospective focuses on some additional popular nature and gardening myths. In this episode, listen to three short segments of previously aired information on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, that have been collated together for easier listening. Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, provides insight into the science behind some common myths that have been handed down through the generations. Do scarecrows work? Will a scarecrow help keep destructive birds away from your crops? The answer is yes, but not for long. So this is a myth that is partially true. Learn how to get the most value from a scarecrow by listening to this first segment. In the second one, get answers to questions like: “Why should I mulch my garden?” “What kind of mulch should I use?” and “How deep should the mulch be spread?” Devon Russ is back separating the facts from fiction in a segment about mulch. Have you heard that guinea hens and opossums eat ticks? In the third segment, Devon provides an update on ticks, including their relationships with guinea hens and opossums, and clarifying some myths along the way. This diverse episode provides lots of interesting and useful information to help clarify the facts associated with commonly understood approaches. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Devon Russ Photo by: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim, Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a myth is a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. There are lots of myths associated with nature and gardening. A popular one is that the woolly bear caterpillar can predict the winter weather. Another is that plants like companions. And if you are a fan of the Farmer’s Almanac, I suspect you’ve heard about planting by the phases of the moon. Are these myths based on science or hearsay? While there is a lot of science behind the natural world, not everything has been studied to determine if something is true. There are lots of reasons for this as science can be expensive as only ‘high priority’ items tend to get funded. Thus, many ‘myths’ continue to get handed down across the generations. This episode is the first part of a 3-part ‘retrospective’ on Hits and Myths. It is a compilation of previously aired short segments on this subject. We’ve compiled them here for easier listening. The first segment will explore whether your garden would be more productive if you planted by the phases of the moon. You may have heard that crops grown for their flowers or fruit are best planted during the waxing half of the moon cycle, when the moon gets brighter each night (from new moon to full moon). On the other hand, crops grown for their roots and tubers should be planted during the waning half of the moon cycle, when there is less moonlight each night (from the full moon to the next new moon). Does this really matter? Next, learn about the wooly bear caterpillar, which is considered a natural indicator for predicting winter weather. (A narrow orange band is said to signal a snowy winter, which a wide band suggests a mild one.) Is there any science behind this? The third segment focuses on companion planting, the idea that crops will grow better next to other specific plants. I suspect you’ve heard of the three sisters (corn, planted with squash, and beans), or that basil should be planted with tomatoes, or the marigolds will fend off insects in a vegetable garden. There actually is some science behind some of these common ‘companions’, but not necessarily all of them. The last segment in this episode goes into why these myths persist. Learn about what goes into confirming or dispelling a myth and why so many of them persist. We hope this episode is a ‘hit’ with you as you learn more about the science associated with these ‘myths’. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Deven Russ and Jean Thomas Photo by: University of Maine Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

We, at Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, appreciate all of our listeners. Thank you for your support, feedback, and encouragement! That said, everyone once in a while, we recognize that you might like to check out another special podcast that focuses on the Catskill Region. Kaatscast is an award-winning podcast that focuses on Catskill regional arts and culture, history, sustainability, local business interviews and more. In this episode, the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team interviewed Brett Barry, the host of Kaatscast, his biweekly podcast series about the heart of the Catskills. You can subscribe to Kaatscast for free wherever you get your podcasts, to experience what reviewers have called “delightfully informative” storytelling with “great production quality.” There’s a reason it was voted “Best Regional Podcast” 3 years in a row. Brett hosts and produces Kaatscast from Silver Hollow Audio. He teaches podcasting and audio production in the Digital Media and Journalism department at SUNY New Patlz.  Brett graduated from Syracuse University's television, radio and film program and worked as an associate documentary producer for several years before launching a career in voice-overs in 2002. He returned to Syracuse 10 years later for a graduate degree in television-radio-film.  In addition to doing television and radio commercials, audiobooks, promos, and narration, he is also the host of public radio's 'Sound Beat', was the longtime voice of India's English-language network 'Zee Cafe', and the last announcer for the soap opera Guiding Light.  He has narrated more than 125 audiobooks and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. In this episode, you'll learn about the different approaches taken by Kaatscast and Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley relative to content selection and production methods.  Enjoy! Hosts:  Jean Thomas and Robin Smith Guest: Brett Barry Photo By: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Justin Wexler returns to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to share his vast wealth of knowledge about the Indigenous People who used to inhabit the Catskill Mountains and the surrounding area. Understanding the past practices employed by the native inhabitants, we can better steward our natural environment today. When first encountered by European settlers, the Lenape were a loose association of closely related peoples who spoke similar languages and shared familial bonds in an area which spanned what is now eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley to the lower Catskills, and eastern Delaware. Many area locations are still referred to by names from these indigenous peoples. Hereditary leadership passed through the maternal line. They lived in several small towns along the rivers and streams that fed the waterways. Agricultural land was managed by women and allotted according to the subsistence needs of their extended families. As Justin researched the history of the Hudson Valley and its occupants, he made connections with descendants of the Lenape, now dispersed to communities in Ontario, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. After befriending residents of those communities, he hosted Lenape people who came to visit their homeland. He continues to make links with organizations that would help represent their culture and history. Each weekend throughout the summer, Justin and his partner, Anna Plattner, invite visitors to the property, Wild Hudson Valley, to learn about edible plants, medicine, folklore, history, and both ancient and modern forest farming practices. They offer guided nature walks and workshops geared toward all ages. Their programs help both children and adults connect with nature. Listen to this episode to reconnect with the culture of the Hudson Valley's native inhabitants and get inspired to learn more about nature, history, and wild foods. Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas Guest: Justin Wexler Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Ayd Resources

John Michelotti rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to continue his mission to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. John is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair, and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He describes the various parts of a mushroom (e.g. gills, pores, teeth, etc.) that produce spores which are the way that fungi reproduce. He recommends that mushrooms be cooked for us to get the nutritional benefits. In addition to food uses, mushrooms can be used medicinally. Certifications are required to sell mushrooms commercially. People can become quite ill if they consume mushrooms that are not safe to eat. Some mushrooms can also be deadly. Traceability is key to understand the source of the mushrooms, especially when sold to restaurants.Foragers are encouraged to have liability insurance if they plan to sell mushrooms. Knowledge about how to identify mushrooms is key if you want to find mushrooms for personal use. Mushroom walks and conferences are great sources of information. Fungi break down plants. Anything that is plant-based can potentially be decomposed by mushrooms and make good soil in the process. Conserving soil and habitat is key to protecting fungi in the future, especially with the risks of climate change. Understanding fungi brings us closer to better understanding the interconnection being all members of the universe. Learn about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. Get inspired to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, heal yourself by using the health properties of fungi, and explore the historic uses and present-day innovations of the fungal kingdom. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: John Michelotti Photo By: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

A fungus is any member of the group of organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as mushrooms. Fungi, like animals, acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, typically by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment. Fungi do not photosynthesize. Growth is their means of mobility, with spores that may travel through the air or water. Fungi are known as the principal decomposers in ecological systems. When a tree falls in the forest, whether someone hears it or not, the fungi get in there and excrete enzymes to break down the building blocks of wood. As they do this, they are extending out through the wood, breaking down certain things that bacteria can’t. Because of them we don’t have big stands of dead wood in the forest. They excrete enzymes and break down wood and other things too. They can take our human waste products, like coffee grounds, and break them down. We can grow healthy food from things we throw away, like cardboard, coffee grounds, paper – any kind of wood-based material. What’s left behind after the mushroom digests it is growable soil. There are more fungi than there are animals and plants combined. Ninety percent of plant roots have mycorrhizal fungi attached in a symbiotic relationship, where the fungi is mining nutrients that the plant roots can’t reach and transferring those nutrients to the plant’s roots in order to keep that plant alive. Not only are they doing that to one plant, but they’re also interconnected between multiple plants. Understanding this is changing the way scientists look at evolution. We used to look at the trees and say they’re fighting for sunlight, that they’re individualistic. In reality, there is a lot more cooperation under the soil. The species that cooperate with the most with other species are the ones that are thriving. This changes the way we look at our forests as well as how we treat other species. A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. The name “mushroom” has been given to over 38,000 varieties of fungus that possess the same threadlike roots and cap. And, while mushrooms and toadstools (poisonous mushrooms) are not the most numerous or economically significant fungi, they are the most easily recognized. Self-described “mushroom guy,” John Michelotti’s mission is to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. He is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces the highest quality triple-extracted health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. Their aim is to empower people to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, to heal themselves through utilizing health properties of fungi, and to explore the historical uses and present-day innovations of this exceptional fungi kingdom. As former President of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association (MHMA), John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project as well as the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association. He is an instructor for the Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification courses in NY. He was chosen by the Catskill Center as a "Steward of the Catskills" for his contribution to the environment. He served on the Mushroom Advisory Panel for Certified Naturally Grown to develop ecological standards in mushroom production. John has presented at the New York Botanical Gardens, Telluride Mushroom Festival, and North American Mycological Association Annual Foray, as well as several colleges and universities. Listen to John on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn about mushrooms and get inspired to work with fungi to improve your health, community, and the environment. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: John Michelotti Photo by: Catskill Fungi Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit. Yeast consumes the sugar in the fruit and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Wine is most often made from grapes, and the term "wine" generally refers to grape wine when used without any qualification. But note that, wine can be made from a variety of fruit crops, including plum, cherry, pomegranate, blueberry, currant, and elderberry. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are major factors in different styles of wine. These differences result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the grape's growing environment, and the wine production process. Like most of New York, the Hudson Valley is home to many grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Syrah, and Albariño. Hybrid varieties like Noiret, Chelois, Seyval, and Baco Noir are also popularly grown throughout the area. The unique climate and soil are particularly beneficial for Native American, French American, and European grape varieties. J. Stephen Casscles rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast as he talks about Wines of the Hudson Valley. He is a grape grower, winemaker and author, from Athens, NY, (Greene County) after an illustrious career as an attorney. In addition, he lectures on wine, grape cultivation, 19th century American horticulture and landscape architecture at botanical gardens and historical societies throughout New York and New England. In today’s episode, Steve talks about his book Grapes of the Hudson Valley which includes a description of some of the basics of wine production. This can be challenging as the grape variety and the current year’s weather (both winter and summer) can influence the sustainability and sweetness of the grapes. He touches upon the wide range of dessert wines on the market and where they are made. He also focuses on the people beyond the hybridizers. Due to the wide variety of grapes grown in New York, wine producers can produce a wide variety of hybrid wines. Listen to this episode and learn about the science and ‘art’ behind wine production. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Robin Smith Guest: Steve Casscles Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Annie Scibienski is back with another Patch to Plate Retrospective episode. Once again, she talks about a variety of ways to prepare ingredients from your home garden or your local farmer’s market in your own kitchen. Today’s previously aired short segments feature corn, melons, peppers, tomatoes and a range of brassica vegetables. Corn on the cob, fresh-picked from the garden, farm stand or farmer’s market, is a delightful summertime treat. Many Americans think of it as an American barbecue staple, but corn is actually a global food. Annie, she talks about corn and everything that goes well with it. The long list of options will make your taste buds clamor for it. Fire roasted corn salad anyone? Melons are the topic of discussion on the second segment. This category includes watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes. A great resource, Vegetable Varieties of New York State, published by Cornell University, provides a list of vegetables and fruits (including melons) that are rated highly to grow well in New York State. Get your taste buds watering with descriptions of recipes for watermelon salad, watermelon pickles, and grilled cantaloupe. The next segment features Peppers and Tomatoes. Annie shares her cooking and gardening expertise with these flavorful Hudson Valley Garden favorites. Discover the joys of growing and enjoying both tomatoes and peppers and how these garden favorites can be the stars of your menu planning. She discusses their unique qualities and offers valuable insights into incorporating them into your meals. If you're looking for inspiration or are looking for a simple, under-30-minute dinner ideas, Annie has you covered with delicious recipes you won't want to miss. This episode ends with a segment about brassicas. Annie talks about a variety of ways to cook cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Awaken your taste buds with her descriptions of recipes involving these popular vegetable varieties. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

In Part 2 of our Patch to Plate Retrospective series, Annie Scibienski is back with four previously aired short segments all about using ingredients from your home garden in your home kitchen. This time, however, they are all in one place. Up first, Annie Scibienski shares her wealth of knowledge on all things asparagus. From growing to cooking and preserving, she provides some great tips to help you make the most out of this delicious perennial vegetable. She suggests different cooking methods, including blanching, grilling, and stir-frying, and shares some mouth-watering recipes like Pan Roasted Asparagus and Asparagus Quiche without crust. So, if you're a fan of asparagus or want to learn more about this nutritious and flavorful vegetable, don't miss this segment! Next hear all about a wide variety of tender greens that can be grown in spring gardens in the Hudson Valley. You probably know all about lettuce, but arugula and spinach are also great spring greens that are fun to grow, cook and eat! Listen and gain some new tips and techniques. The focus of the third segments is on hardy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli rabe. Get out the olive oil and garlic to enjoy these veggies. Do you know how to massage kale for a delicious salad? Interested in learning about what ingredients go well with Swiss chard or broccoli rabe? If so, this segment is for you. Finally, learn about a wide range of ways to prepare zucchini and summer squash, some simply using your pantry staples, while others are more creative. If you’d like to know how to cook squash blossoms, make frittatas, or serve it with eggs or rice, this segment is for you. Your mouth will be watering! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

It’s harvest time and also time for some more retrospective episodes. These are a series of previously aired short segments on a common subject that have been packaged together for easier listening. In this case, it’s all about Patch to Plate, which provides lots of ideas on how to prepare all the fresh produce from your garden and/or local farmer’s market and make delicious meals in your home kitchen. Annie Scibienski, discusses how to prepare multiple seasonal vegetables to awaken your taste buds. The first segment features root vegetables such as radishes, beets, carrots, etc. Carrots love butter, sugar, lemon, maple sugar, etc. Maple- glazed carrots anyone? Similarly, have you ever heard of a hidden beet pound cake that uses pureed beets to add nutrition to a basic cake recipe? Annie provides lots of tips on how to do this and what to check for to ensure that the batter is just right. The next segment focuses on winter squash (e.g. butternut, acorn, honeynut, etc.), and cabbage. These squashes are delicious served roasted, or in soups. Sage, onion, garlic, and salt, butter, nutmeg, lemon, lime, can complement and enhance the squash flavor. Cabbage wedges can be roasted.  There are easy ways to prepare cabbage which can then be served with walnuts and/or toasted seeds. The third segment features winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions and dried beans. Annie describes a recipe that combines all three of these ingredients that goes great with pasta. Garlic, onion, chili peppers, and dairy (cheese, butter, etc.) complement these main ingredients. But they can also be used to create delicious scones. One of the keys to success is to ensure that each scone is of a consistent size so that they bake at the same rate. The fourth segment in this episode focuses on potatoes. Annie talks about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, as well as the need to focus on serving size. There are lots of different types of potato, including starchy potatoes for baking, or others for general purpose uses. She provides lots of great tips on how to successfully bake potatoes so that they have a crispy skin and a nice, fluffy interior. Tips including not wrapping them in foil or microwaving them to avoid steaming them. Listen to her suggestions on ingredients to combine potatoes with and let your imagination savor the flavors. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Annie Scibienski Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. For optimal health, science supports following a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet or MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. Plant-based diets have been shown to have various health benefits and are linked with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. As a general rule, these diets tend to recommend: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains Choosing fat-free or low fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils Limiting saturated and trans fat intake, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products Limiting drinks and foods that contain added sugars Restricting sodium intake while increasing consumption of potassium, magnesium and calcium Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including building strong bones, protecting your heart, preventing disease, and boosting your mood. A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense goods from all of the major food groups including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors. Healthy eating habits also include replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and sugar with more nutritious options. Rebecca Polmateer, Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about good nutrition and the programs and resources that are available to help residents eat healthy. Listen as she describes how to find the most nutritious foods starting with fresh local produce, frozen vegetables, fresh produce from more distant locations, followed by canned foods. Whole foods are always better than packaged/processed ones. ‘Superfoods’ (e.g. blueberries, quinoa, etc.) tend to be packed with more vitamins. Lean meats are also preferable. She also talks about the importance of food labels on packaged foods. There are multiple governmental programs that can help ensure your family gets good nutrition. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. New York State also offers a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) which offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support referrals, nutritious foods. We’re wishing you more thoughtful and healthy diets in the future! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Rebecca Polmateer Photo by: MyPlate Graphics | MyPlate Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Ravensbeard Wildlife Center is located in Saugerties, New York. The center is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization that provides wildlife rehabilitation for injured, ill and orphaned animals in order to return them to the wild. For over two decades, Ravensbeard has been supporting the wildlife from the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston. In caring for animals, they promote community awareness, education, appreciation, compassion and acceptance of the circle of life. They also offer volunteer opportunities to work with many different species in order to experience their true nature. Ellen J. Kalish is the Founder and Executive Director of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on rescue and release for wild birds and other wildlife. In 2017, Ellen was given the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award from the Woodstock Land Conservancy, for her service of rehabilitating and releasing wild birds back into nature, and for her educational programs with wild, non-releasable birds of prey. She’s also served as a board member for the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC). Through NYSWRC licensed wildlife rehabbers work to inform, educate, support in field work and promote conservation. At Ravensbeard, Ellen currently cares for some unreleasable birds that she utilizes to educate the community about the environment, the interconnectedness of all life, and the reliance on each other for long-term survival. The birds used for educational programs cannot be released due to injuries that would be fatal if left in the wild. So, they have become ambassadors in wildlife education. In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation center as well as Rocky the Owl, a Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest owls in the northeast, who was rescued from the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, Rocky was given fluids and all the mice she would eat, was checked by a vet, and ultimately was released back to nature. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Ellen Kalish Photo by: Ellen Kalish Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

An ecological garden is a thoughtfully designed space that is harmoniously integrated with the surrounding environment. Ecological gardening is a sustainable approach focused on understanding and enhancing the interactions between plants, insects, soil, water, and other garden elements. Achieving a successful ecological garden requires a mindset shift to actually work with nature to foster a vibrant plant ecology and rich biodiversity. A key element of ecological gardening is ensuring the soil is nutrient-rich, alive, and chemical-free. The use of organic (versus chemical) fertilizers will release nutrients slowly, ensuring that the plants have a steady food supply while nurturing the soil's health. Understanding the unique light, moisture, and temperature conditions within your garden is also important in plant selection. Choosing native plants supports local wildlife, requires less water and also minimizes the need for pesticides. Native perennials are the steadfast friends of the garden. Once they've settled in, they return yearly, offering both beauty and function. Investing in these perennials lays the groundwork for a sustainable, vibrant garden for years to come. Companion plants and herbs also play an important role in the health of a garden. They both help to repel harmful pests and, at the same time, lure beneficial insects that can aid in pollination, and help to create an ‘immune system’ with integrative pest management principles. Committing to an ecological garden approach is also a commitment to aligning our green spaces with nature's rhythms, fostering a sustainable balance between plants, insects, and other organisms. Learn from Jennie Cramer how you can the transform your home landscape into a habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Jennie is an educator with Cornell Garden-Based Learning. She is an ecologist turned enthusiastic horticulture educator with a quarter of a century’s experience in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education. She is especially fond of teaching students how to create a resilient, abundant, and beautiful garden ecosystem by applying ecological principles. She joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to help all of us turn our landscapes into ecological gardens. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Jennie Cramer Photo by: Cornell Garden Based Learning Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Rocks are any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals. There are three major types of rock: igneous which are formed through the cooling of lava sedimentary which are formed by the accumulation or deposition or mineral or organic particles metamorphic which result from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock as a result of extreme temperatures or pressure Studying rocks provides us with a primary record of much of the geological history of the Earth. Geology describes the structure of the earth and the processes that have shaped that structure. By studying the earth’s structure, geologists determine the relative ages of rocks found at a given location. They use a wide variety of methods to understand this, including fieldwork, rock description, geophysical techniques, chemical analysis, and more. The Hudson River School was a mid-19th-century American art movement embodied by a group of landscape painters who created a realistic, detailed, and sometimes idealized portrayal of nature, often juxtaposing peaceful agriculture and wilderness, which was fast disappearing from the Hudson Valley just as it was coming to be appreciated The study of art along with geology can provide insights into the past culture, especially when you combine the Hudson River School paintings with our local geologists, Robert and Johanna Titus. By studying the paintings of Thomas Cole, Frederic Church and others, the Tituses help to provide additional insights into some popular tourist and cultural locations in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. Robert Titus, PhD, is a paleontologist by training, and a retired professor at Hartwick College in the Geology Department, who has don considerable professional research on the fossils of New York. Johanna Titus, MS, has a degree in molecular biology, also a retired professor from SUNY Dutchess. Together, they have authored multiple books (The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age; The Catskills in the Ice Age; The Catskills: A Geological Guide; and The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins). They are also regular columnists for The Mountain Eagle newspaper. They joined the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team in a delightful conversation about the Art of Rocks. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Robert and Johanna Titus Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Dr. Abbey Cash is in her 20th year as a Master Gardener Volunteer and has a passion for growing Roses in Columbia County. Trained as an educator, having taught in elementary, and at the college level, Abbey is also an avid hand-fan collector as well as a grower of annuals, perennials and bulbs. She joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in a discussion about demystifying the challenges of growing roses in Zone 5 in New York State. Understanding hardiness zones is key to the selection of a rose that will grow well in the Hudson Valley. Abbey takes us through the many things to look for when picking a good, healthy rose to purchase. There are many different types of roses to choose including hybrid teas, floribundas, climbing roses, miniature roses and tree roses. While not discussed in this episode, make sure to avoid the multiflora rose, an invasive species in our area (see more information in the resource section). Once you bring a rosebush home, the fun is only beginning. There are many things to consider in selecting a site where the rose will thrive.6 hours of morning sun with one side protected is ideal. Creating a soil ‘formula’ (with cow manure, compost, peat and slightly acidic soil) is also a key to success. The planting process is also multi-faceted but will improve your odds have having a beautiful rose to grace your landscape for years to come. Once the rose if planted, however, you are not ‘done’. Keeping your new roses healthy and free of insects and/or diseases may involve the use of fertilizers, sprays or powders that need to be applied periodically. Roses also require some TLC (tender, loving care) and grooming. Understanding the basics of pruning will help to keep your roses producing either individual stems, climbers, or a beautiful hedge throughout the season. But water only when really needed, keeping the water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, to avoid the dreaded ‘black spot’. There is also work to be done to prepare roses for the winter, cutting them back (except for climbers), burying the knob at the base of the plant with soil, and spreading the area with pine needles and pine branches and/or straw. These actions are reversed in the spring to prepare the plants for another growing season. Listen to this episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, to improve your odds of successful rose growing! Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Abbey Cash Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith Resources

Tim Kennelty returns with Part 3 of his Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective. In this episode he continues with a wealth of information about native plants that are beneficial to the environment, as well as others that tend to be invasive or noxious. Today, Ironweed, Japanese Barberry, Asters, Tree of Heaven and Viburnums are featured. Ironweed, is a great native, pollinator plant known for its purple flowers and impressive height that will add ‘presence’ to any garden. Ironweed prefers rich moist acidic soils but will grow in average moist to wet soils in full sun. Use in a rain garden, cottage garden, meadow, along streams or ponds or the back of the border. By contrast, invasive Japanese Barberry is not such a good choice for a garden as it creates a great habitat for the white-footed mouse which is known to be a carrier for tick-borne diseases Asters, once known as New World asters, are now classified under a different genera, particularly Symphyotrichum. These native plants offer vibrant colors in purple, pink and white while also supporting late-season pollinators, making them an excellent addition to your garden. On the flip side, the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), is a non-native plant that has wreaked havoc in many ecosystems, including New York’s. As Tim describes, it’s critical to manage this troublesome plant, which also serves as the primary host for the destructive spotted lanternfly. Listen and learn how to identify, control, and support your local ecosystem. Viburnums are a very admired and fast-growing flowering landscape shrubs or small trees with a large number of cultivars available. Bloom times span from early spring through June, followed by attractive fruit and great fall foliage. However, not all viburnums are created equal. Learn about the differences between the native and non-native species Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Good Plant/Bad Plant retrospective that includes previously aired short segments on beneficial plants as well as invasive ones. In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, talks about the benefits of dogwoods, milkweed, and coneflowers, as well as the challenges associated with garlic mustard, multi-flora rose, and mugwort. The first segment features a family of about 50 species of trees/shrubs/sub-shrubs that grace the landscape with multi-season interest with spring flowers, berries in mid/late summer and fall color. Dogwoods are fairly easy to grow and have great spring flowers for pollinators, nutritious fruit for birds and many are host plants for butterflies and moths. In contrast, the non-native garlic mustard is an invasive herb. It is a biennial, maturing over two years. In its second year, it produces thousands of seeds (that can be viable for 10 years), which when they germinate, they push out beneficial native plants, inhibit growth of other plants, and quickly become dominant in the landscape. The second segment features milkweed, a butterfly magnet, which offers both ornamental and wildlife value. As you probably know, milkweeds are the only host plant for monarch butterflies. Milkweed flowers are rich in pollen and nectar and are extremely attractive to native bees, wasps and beetles, as well as more than 400 different species of insects. With more than 70 species of milkweeds in North America, there's a milkweed for you. On the other hand, the multiflora rose is a perennial shrub from Asia that was once planted for erosion control, wildlife enhancement and to deter roaming animals. But today, multiflora rose is considered an invasive plant as it quickly forms thickets, pushing out native plants and inhibiting nesting birds. A single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds per year, viable for up to 10 years, and dispersed by birds and other fruit eating animals. This episode ends with a segment about featuring the purple cornflower (echinacea purpurea), a favorite New York native garden perennial, beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Seed heads, if not removed, become a great food source for birds in the winter. Tolerant of heat, drought and poor soils, the flowers look great in a mass planting or in flower arrangements. But Tim also discusses the challenges of dealing with mugwort (artemisia vulgaris). Mugwort is a perennial weed in the daisy family. It grows in loamy or sandy soils in forested areas, and along roadsides. It spreads by rhizomes and can form dense mats. This plant has been listed as invasive in several states. But remember, if you want to support wildlife in your yard, make sure to plant natives. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

This retrospective episode consists of previously aired short segments that have been compiled here as they all relate to a common topic. It’s called Good Plant/Bad Plant because each segment focuses on two plants: one that support pollinators, birds and other animals and one plant, or plant group, that is an invasive or noxious weed. In this episode (Part 1 of 3), Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, covers native species like oaks, monarda, serviceberry, and willows. But he also advises against invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, Asian bittersweet, and Asian bush honeysuckle. In the first segment, oaks (genus quercus) and Japanese knotweed are put under the microscope. The mighty oak refers to the many oak trees that are native to New York. Oaks can grow to about 100 feet and can live from 200 to 400 years. Oaks are generally relatively easy to grow and thrive in well drained acidic soil in full sun. They're really beautiful, majestic trees, often with attractive fall foliage in shades of red, gold, and orange. Oaks support more than 500 different caterpillar species, which of course turn into butterflies and moths, but are critical food for young birds as well. And they produce acorns that are eaten by squirrels, deer, turkey and other birds. If the oak is the king of beneficial plants, the queen of invasive plants is Japanese knotweed. It can grow from three to 15 feet and has bamboo like stems. Knotweed thrives in disturbed areas like drainage ditches, wetlands, streams, woodland edges, and along roadsides. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes. Knotweed forms dense thickets that crowd out and shade native vegetation, reducing species diversity while also adversely impacting ecosystems and wildlife. Management includes repeated cutting, and most likely will require herbicide application. The second segment in this episode focuses on monarda and Japanese stiltgrass. Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee bam, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America. It is a great addition to butterfly gardens and bird gardens. By contrast, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a widespread invader of woodlands, roadsides and trails. It is an annual grass, but a prolific seeder, that germinates in the spring and dies back each fall. Once introduced, it is extremely difficult to remove from a site. Serviceberry and Asian bittersweet are featured in the next segment. Amelanchier spp. is a native North American shrub that is sometimes grown as a small tree. There are many species of this native that grow in full sun to part shade, have small five-petalled white flowers that emerge before or at the same time as the leaves, and have small edible berries that darken to a deep reddish-purple to black when ripe. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a woody, deciduous, perennial vine has since naturalized and become an extremely aggressive, capable of damaging natural areas. It chokes out desirable native plants by smothering them with its dense foliage and strangling stems and trunks. Willows and Asian bush honeysuckle are the conversation topics for the last segment in this episode. Most, shrubs and trees of the Salix genus, are mostly native to north temperate areas and are valued as ornamentals, as well as for their shade, moisture control, and wildlife attributes. By contrast, invasive bush honeysuckles originated in Eurasia and Eastern Asia, and were introduced in the U.S. for ornamental landscaping, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, bush honeysuckles self-seed aggressively and rapidly escape into natural areas. Although the fruits have poor nutritional value for wildlife, birds disperse them widely. Native vegetation is displaced as bush honeysuckle blocks sunlight and exudes chemicals into the soil that are toxic to other plants. Learn more about these plants on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3 of this Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective series. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Episode 127: Native Lawns Have you ever given serious consideration of the limited value of traditional suburban lawns? Sure, they add a certain beauty to the landscape, but is there a better way to incorporate more native plantings to our lawns? Are their native lawns that could become alternatives to the typical field of turf grass that creates a monoculture that is not supporting of pollinators? Todd Bittner, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to share his perspective on more environmentally sustainable Native Lawns. As the Director of Natural Areas for the Cornell Botanic Gardens and a Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University as well as today’s guest, Todd Bittner furthers our understanding of natural systems, environmental sustainability, and natural resource conservation, management, and use. The Cornell Botanic Garden’s natural areas program is responsible for the protection and management of a system of preserves spanning nearly 3,600 acres across 40 natural areas. As part of Cornell’s educational mission, the natural areas include examples of the natural community plants and the rarest plant habitats in the New York’s central Finger Lakes Region. The holdings include one-third of Cornell’s iconic campus landscape, including two massive gorges, scenic Beebe Lake, and a renowned wildflower garden. Todd leads the organization’s native biodiversity conservation efforts, while facilitating compatible educational, research, and recreational uses across these outdoor classrooms.  Native Lawns, or lawn alternatives, are a designed plant community that, when compared to traditional turf grass lawns, require minimal mowing and watering, no pesticides and fertilizers, yet more biodiversity to support pollinators and other invertebrates. In the research being conducted by Todd Bittner, the goal of the native lawn was to be aesthetic, able to handle a moderate amount of trampling, and require minimal hand weeding as well as to address the environmental objectives (minimal watering, mowing, chemical supplements, etc.). There was also a desire for native plants to comprise at least 85 percent of the land area. Plant species were selected that are suitable for both full sun and shady as well as wet and dry conditions Danthonia spicata and Danthonia compressa (poverty oat grass) are dominant in the planting. Penstemon hirsutus is also widely planted. Twenty nine native species have established spontaneously from the adjoining natural area or seedbank, including a number of violet species, several woodland asters including calico, heart-leaved, and frost asters, and Lobelia siphilitica, or great blue lobelia, which is a very attractive valuable pollinator species. Tune into this episode to hear what has been learned over the last 15 years in moving towards a more environmentally sustainable native lawn.  Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas  Guest: Todd Bittner  Photo by: Cornell University CALS  Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski