Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley: Recent Episodes
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
Educating, using science-based resources, on how to best enjoy and steward our natural ecosystem while adapting to the current climate realities.
This episode covers the second part of our interview with the four authors of the field guide “From the Hudson to the Taconics”, which is an ecological and cultural field guide to the habitats of Columbia County. The authors of this in-depth study of thirty two habitats are Conrad Vispo, Claudia Knab-Vispo, Anna Duhon and Gretchen Stevens.
Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty both remark on the quality of the preface of the book, saying it reads like a novel because it incorporates the culture and ecology missions so clearly. Each author has deep personal connections to the county, developed over decades of studying its flora and fauna, and want to share their appreciation for the habitats. Conrad calls it “hallowed ground” made so by personal connections to a site. When pressed, each author described their own favorite among the habitats listed in the guide, with the caveat that favorite status may change from day to day.
They mentioned the “Ancient Forest”, a concept different from the more familiar phrase “Old Forest”. The ancient forest is an area that has somehow escaped being entirely decimated, retaining an uninterrupted native community. Swamp Forest. Bog Lakes and Exposed Rock Outcrops are also favorites among the writers. The description of Rock Outcrop habitat inspired a side trip to marvel at the behaviors of butterflies and the practice of some varieties to congregate in “hill topping.”
The conversation then returned to various habitats, especially the “bonus” habitat of the Hudson River. It is a counterpoint to the terrestrial habitats, and unique even among rivers in its freshwater/saltwater habitats. This section is a reminder that everything we do on land affects and is affected by the river that flanks one entire side of the county. Most of the county, in fact, is a watershed into the Hudson, which has had a huge impact on the county historically as a commercial highway.
There are other “bonus” habitats in the volume. “Ghost Habitats” take a keen eye. One is the remnant of the chestnut forest that once dominated the landscape, and another is traces of sand barrens, similar to the more familiar Pine Bush of Albany County. These ghost habitats can be thought provoking as we consider what we have now that might become ghost habitats and how we might need to react to threats.
The conversation swings back to the larger picture of the goal of the guide. The goal of reaching the maximum number of users is facilitated by having multiple “entry points” for various audiences, hopefully becoming a tool for those using and stewarding the land, with a deeper sense of connection. Availability is widespread. Most libraries through the Hudson Valley already carry copies, and it can be easily purchased through the publisher, Black Dome Press, as well as Barnes & Noble and any Independent booksellers. The episode concludes with our traditional “Hope” question, and the responses are all upbeat, culminating with the observation that there seems to be an increased interest among the younger generations.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean ThomasGuests: Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Master Gardeners Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas sit down with all four authors of the most comprehensive field guide available of a single county in New York State: From the Hudson to the Taconics”An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County by Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo for the HAWTHORNE VALLEY FARMSCAPE. This conversation is in two parts because of, not only the number of participants in the interview, but the size of the topic.
The interview begins with an introduction to the organizations responsible for making such an effort possible. The Hawthorne Valley Association is the overriding organization, and supports the Farmscape Ecology Program. Hudsonia is the other organization participating in the production of the guide. Hudsonia is a non-advocacy group focusing on data collection and guidance to local governments and advocates in land use decisions. The authors are:
- Conrad Vispo, wildlife ecologist with 21 years of experience at Hawthorne Valley with the goal of exploring and sharing research results;
- Claudia Knab-Vispo, Botanist studying plants/animals/people interactions for the last twenty years, especially wild plants and how they grow and interact;
- Anna Duhon, since 2009 specializing in cultural research and outreach, weaving ecology and culture; and
- Gretchen Stevens, Emerita from Hudsonia, thirty five years in the Hudson Valley, specializing in biodiversity assessment in the Hudson Valley.
The guide is informed by decades of original research and enables readers to get to know 36 distinct habitats including:
- Information on how to identify and distinguish each habitat in the landscape
- Maps of public areas where habitats can be experience
- What to look for, including lists of associated wild plants and animals
- Stewardship ideas and considerations
- Habitat history in the context of human history
- Perspective from people interacting with the habitats Interactive suggestions for engaging with different habitats
When asked why and how they were able to assemble such vast amounts of data, Conrad explained that it was the way they found to communicate informed compassion for the natural world. They devised the concept of habitat descriptions to best express the sense of place, describing the specific geography clearly while remaining aesthetically pleasing. Interestingly, the scope included agricultural habitats and suburban ecology as well as “wild” places.
The volume of historic data collection in Columbia County is staggering, dating back as far as the early 1800s, and continuing to the present. The researchers talked to hunters and farmers, foragers and conservationists, and even children in their quest to reference all types of people using the land. Their idea was that the more users were consulted, the wider the audience for the field guide. People with different perspectives who used the land differently could all use the guidebook successfully. The goal was to raise awareness of differing habitats and connect with each.
The layout of the book is divided into thirty two habitats, each describing the plant and animal life, interrelations between the organisms, then bringing in the history of its land uses and discussion of possible future use. There is often a perspective from the people who actually make use of the habitat, and each section closes with an interactive suggestion to invite reader participation.
Tim was curious about the value of the guide in other New York counties and whether it was transferable. The immediate answer is that while features of some habitats are universal, it's better to take the information as a suggestion in another region. While many things are the same, the type of habitat can often be blended in another site. The idea of the guide is to be able to study as deeply or casually as one chooses. It is meant to be a tool used as the user wishes.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo
Photo by: Teresa Golden. Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
This episode of “Nature Calls, Conversations from the Hudson Valley” is a retrospective look at one of the early radio interviews from our precursor show, “Digging in With Master Gardeners,” aired on WGXC, 90.7 FM. Teresa and Jean interviewed Master Gardener Volunteer Kathryn Schneider about birds. Kathryn was introduced to the joys of birding by her mother who was a birdwatcher. She took it about as far as you can, since she now has a PhD in Ornithology and has written a guidebook called “Birding the Hudson Valley.” The purpose of the book was to allow people to understand their area and go birding. She started by covering the basics on bird identification and the recording of observations, where to find particular birds, and the importance of knowing the bird's biology. Learning about how birds feed and what they do helps guide successful birders.
The second half of the book is a list of sites in the Hudson Valley where birdwatching is rewarding. Actually feeding birds is the second biggest hobby in the country. But we don't feed birds for ecology and the good of nature. We tend to feed them to amuse ourselves watching them. We can prevent getting bored by providing the correct food for the birds we want to watch, so a little research can improve the view.
Planting your garden to draw birds is another way to enhance your enjoyment. In a nutshell, native plants are best, and the careful choice of trees can be helpful. Birds don't just eat seeds. They eat bugs, worms, caterpillars, berries and even nectar. Bird feeders are best used when the flowers are not blooming because birds will ignore feeders if they have more interesting things to eat. Winter is prime time because they can use the extra nutrition to keep warm. Late November to early April are safer months to put out feeders, especially if you have bears for neighbors. But keep in mind that they're not always sleeping when you think they should be in these times of climate change so adjust based on the weather. Bears don't tend to hibernate until they can no longer find food. After the first significant snowfall might be the safer bet to put out your feeders.
Going down the list of pesky critters, we also have: squirrels. Baffles above and below the feeder can help to keep them away. Grackles, cowbirds and starlings usually travel around in flocks. Hawks and cats can also be problematic. Kathy says cats shouldn't be outside because they are killing millions of birds and have even made some of them extinct, while it should be remembered that hawks need to feed their babies, too. It's best to give blue jays their own feeder with peanuts in the shell to keep them distracted and away from your other feeders.
Kathy then reviews the best ways to observe birds and how to identify them. Sibley and Peterson Guides are her favorite, and the Merlin phone app is an excellent resource. She also suggests you research the type of binoculars to use. Many will work fine, but many are just wrong. Once you've outgrown watching your feeder visitors, it's time to go to them. She suggests that you look for a local bird club and ask to go along on a walk. Figure what birds to expect there and look for them specifically. Bird clubs are relatively easy to find, including the Audubon Society, so join groups in your area. Guided bird walks are everywhere, including Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) sponsored ones, often led by Kathy herself.
The conversation concludes with specific topics including the population biology for birds, the Christmas Bird Count, and specific discussions about robins, bluebirds, ravens and vultures.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kathryn Schneider, PhD.
Photo: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Jean and Teresa interview fellow Master Gardener Volunteer Tim Kennelty about pollinators. Tim is also a Master Naturalist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, and has served as a board member for the Columbia Land Conservancy.The conversation starts with the definition of a pollinator. Tim explains that a creature that goes from flower to flower to feed will get pollen stuck to itself. The creature then carries the pollen to the next flower and “delivers” it in exchange for the nectar. This is an arrangement that has developed over millennia to benefit both the flower and the creature. While most pollinators are insects, there are birds and bats that serve as pollinators, too. The insects are most commonly of the bees/wasp groups, butterflies/moths groups, and beetles. The Xerxes Society is a valuable resource to learn more about native pollinators and plants.
The discussion then moves to why we should care. It all boils down to the food chain. Insects are at the bottom of the food chain, and many rely on plants for life. Their symbiotic relationship helps both to thrive and serve as food for others further up the chain. This is so basic as a foundation for our existence that any disturbance in the connection will ripple upward, affecting the entire food chain. Risks included are mostly man made. Habitat disturbance leaves gaps between the links, and climate change disrupts the balance of timing between plant and insect (or animal) synchrony. Flowers blooming at the”wrong” time or migrators arriving too late for the usual diet can result in disaster for whole populations. Indeed, the statistics are alarming. Forty per cent of all insects are in steep decline, resulting in decreased populations all along the interconnected chain of life forms, ultimately in extinction for many. Specifically, Tim mentions bees which are mostly “designed” for pollination.
Honey bees must be considered separately because they are actually treated and considered as livestock. Interestingly they are not native but are handled by beekeepers, and are essential for much commercial fruit production. Sadly, they, too, are at risk from climate and pollution caused threats.
Native bees are a fascinating study. There are about four hundred species in North America, with several hundred living in New York State. Ninety percent are solitary, which may be contrary to popular expectations due to our familiarity with honey bees. Most are dedicated pollinators that have co-evolved with particular flowers. Also unlike honeybees, most can't sting. Those that can, will only do under great threat of their own death.
The “cousins” to bees, the wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, are more often communal. They build nests attached to structures or shrubs, or in the ground. These guys are far more aggressive, and will not hesitate to sting, so beware if you spot any of their habitats, like paper nests or overly active holes in the ground. They're so fierce they even have a meat eating stage. But, to circle back to the topic at hand, they are also very active pollinators.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Photo: Teresa Golden
Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Jean Thomas, Xandra Powers
Resources
Tracey Testo-Smith returns to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to share her knowledge and experience about foraging. In this episode, Tim and Jean sit down with Tracey Testo-Smith, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Columbia and Greene Counties, to discuss the practice of foraging. This interview was originally recorded as part of the Digging In With Master Gardeners radio show on WGXC 90.7FM and now repurposed for a podcast format.
Tracey reviews some of the misconceptions about what foraging actually is. Foraging doesn't need a vast array of information about everything in the forest. The main thing to know is whether a plant is useful, either for food or medicinal purposes. Tracey leads foraging walks in the spring at the Hudson CCE campus and in the fall at the Acra campus. Her classes before the walks teach folks how to identify individual plants before they even step into the woods. She often brings in co-presenters to expand their access to expertise. The public can enroll online and sign up for quarterly newsletters at http://ccecolumbiagreene.org.
There are always common sense caveats:
know the history of the site you're collecting from... for example, a former farm may have residual pesticide contamination.
don't forage along a roadside where contamination happens daily from passing cars.
Another factor to be aware of is the name of the plant. Often a common name will be misleading. Hemlock, for instance, can be a benign evergreen tree or a poisonous weed. Knowing the botanical name avoids any such confusion and danger. To start as a forager on your own, Tracey suggests that you really get to know a plant, even for as long as a year. Familiarity with the plant's different stages lets you know the most useful times to “harvest”, She cites the dandelion as an example, whose different parts are useful in different seasons. Then leaves can be harvested first in early spring, then the flower buds, then petals, and finally the roots. Their values range from food to dying tints to medicinal, all varying according to part and season.Some plants, like pokeberry and elderberry, have certain parts that are edible while the rest of the plant is poisonous.
Tracey finds salad greens in chickweed and blue violets, and bittercress. While these can be eaten raw, always stay aware of the possibility of pollutants when using plants near water. Ramps are famously a popular dish in restaurants, in season. These are wild leeks, and very specific as to their growing conditions. They are very slow growers, taking up to a decade to reach maturity. Tracey advises that you be exceptionally thoughtful if collecting in the wild. The leaves and bulbs are both edible. Don't try to take them home to grow because they will not survive the removal. There are now growers who can sell you bulbs to start at home without disrupting fragile populations.
Teas are another way to use foraged plants. Most mints are amenable to teas, as are clovers and yarrow. These are all amenable to drying as well, so can be stockpiled for winter use. Plants are not the only target of foragers. Tracey covers the practice of mushroom hunting. Different seasons produce wild crops of different varieties of mushrooms. Early spring is for Morels, midsummer for Chanterelles, and autumn for Chicken (or hen) of the woods. Tracey reviews what the warning signs are of poison mushrooms, and reviews the possibility of growing your own, with CCE classes available. Every mushroom, by the way, is safe to handle, even if toxic.Going deeper into the subject of what's poisonous, the environment can alter the nature of a plant. Stinging nettle can absorb heavy metals from a polluted site. Know your location's history if possible. There are plants that are a contact risk, like poison ivy or water hemlock. It's wise to know the plants that grow around your foraging target plants.
Tracey advises to harvest moderately, so as to insure the future of the plant. The exception to this practice is invasives. If a plant is invasive... eat it all. The example she uses is Japanese knotweed. Sprouts taste like asparagus blended with rhubarb, it's full of antioxidants. The leaves can even be utilized in a paper making process.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tracey Testo-Smith
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome to another Retrospective episode, this time about wildflowers. This was originally recorded in 2019 as part of the radio show, Digging in with Master Gardeners on 90.7 WGXC FM. The content is still very relevant today, so we've repurposed it for our podcast format.
In this episode, Tim and Jean sit down with Tracey Testo-Smith, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Columbia and Greene Counties. Tracey considers the Agroforestry Resource Center in the Siuslaw Teaching and Model Forest as her “specialty.” She leads frequent forest walks, and Part I of this interview is a chat about the wildflowers she observes. She explains the Siuslaw Forest's evolution from a logging resource to one of four model forests in the New York City/Catskill Watershed area. The forest is an education source and is frequently open to the public.
So, when you want to learn about wildflowers and attend one of Tracey's walks, what should you expect? Tracey says to keep in mind three main features of most : wildflowers are;
- petal number and symmetry (odd or even number);
- leaf arrangement, whether opposite, alternate or whorled;
- the edges of the leaf, whether the margins are entire, toothed or lobed.
With these three basic observations, you can begin to “key out” an iID for the plant you're looking at. Newcombe's Wildflower Guide is Tracey's favorite reference book. On her walks, Tracey likes to point out the more subtle flowers, while still admiring the showier “stars”, of course. There is also a grey area about non-native introduced flowers that have coexisted peacefully with the natives for, in some cases, centuries. These are acknowledged for their beauty and usefulness, too.
In the Spring wildflower walks, the Ephemerals show off. These are plants with a specific lifestyle habit of appearing early in the year, growing to full maturity and producing seeds before disappearing, plant and all, until the next year. Tracey points out that sometimes plants are misnamed as ephemeral but arent because the foliage perseveres into the summer. One example of this is the Hepatica.
A field trip, whether into the Siuslaw Forest or, often, the Hudson CCE campus, consists of the group gathering and reviewing how to use field guides before venturing outside to explore. Phone apps are discussed as well. Tracey admits a partiality to the Springtime. She points out that at that time of year, we're hungry for color and fresh plant life as the forest reawakens. When Tim asked about the rarest plant she'd observed, she described the green fringed orchid, a very subtle beauty that seems to “move around” from year to year. It's listed by the state as not “rare”, but “vulnerable.”Some plants are hunted, specifically ginseng. Once almost eradicated because of its value to herbalists and over-harvesting by landowners and poachers alike, wild stands of the plant are often kept secret by those who find them. Ginseng planbts typcally don't thrive when transplanted, so Tracey warns against thinking you can bring them home to grow them in “safety”. In fact, she advises against digging up any wild plant... it's usually a death sentence because its growing requirements are very specific. Other threats beside loving them to death (moving them) include climate change and invasive plants. Climate change interferes with the interrelations
between plants, birds and animals that had evolved over millennia, when outside temperatures are no longer predictable by seasons. With extremes occurring more often, it stresses plant life. Invasive plants outcompete native plants for resources by sprouting earlier and lasting later into the seasons.
The other major threat to wildflowers is deer browse. Tracey describes experimental “exclosures” build within the forest and observed over a number of years for
effect on the plant population. There is an opportunity for citizen scientist volunteers to participate in the AVID program (see website link in the resources). Another way to participate is via the iMap invasive app, reporting on discovery and reporting of invasive plants.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tracey Tesot-Smith
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers. Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
This episode, originally aired as a Digging In With Master Gardeners radio show interview on WGXC 90.7FM, is a discussion about the many virtues of growing your own vegetables. Tim Kennelty interviews Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas about the multiple facets of home vegetable gardening. The first and most obvious benefits to gardening for your own pantry are that you have arguably the freshest possible vegetables, a wider assortment of varieties to choose from, and definitely the most
economical access to good food. Teresa advocates “listening to the plant,” explaining that being aware of the plant's silent signals can lead to optimal quality. She says that the color or strawberries 'say' when to pick them, but that tomatoes are more forgiving when picking them early to ripen off the vine.
Jean reminds the listener that there are three main groups of veggie families, the cucurbits, the cole crops, and the tomato/eggplant/pepper clan. The most valuable preparation, once the bed is ready to plant, is this: read the seed package because it conveys a wealth of information. The squash family (cucurbits) includes cucumbers as well as zucchini, yellow squash and the winter squashes. Once the summer squash begin to produce, they are persistent and must be harvested consistently. Winter squash have a much longer season and can be harvested when just about everything else is cleared away. Their hard shells make it possible to store in a cool, dry place well into the winter season. Brassicas are the cabbage family, including cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Cabbage must be picked at just the right time, and requires good soil and plenty of water, Cauliflowers are ready when the heads are heavy with the florets not yet separating. Broccoli is prolific and easy, and Teresa offers tips on harvesting both broccoli and brussels sprouts. All the cabbages go well into the Fall, extending harvest season.
Jean, Teresa and Tim discuss the battle with cabbage worms. Tim wonders what about beans, and reminds Jean and Teresa about another large family full of great
nutritious food. They divide into two general types. The ones harvested in the “green” stage can be selected for “all at once” harvest of a plant or continuous daily harvest over several weeks. Planting new crops every two weeks insures a constant harvest season. Others, like limas, kidney and fava beans, are harvested when the seeds become mature on the vine. These are famously good for storage, whether dry or canned.Cucumbers get a separate discussion, They are a native of India, and love warm weather, You can grow bush or vine types. Frequent picking is best. If a cuke gets too big or starts to turn yellow, it's too late. Everybody has a favorite. Teresa likes Kirby, Jean likes Straight Eight, and Tim is a fan of Japanese long cucumbers.
Melons are the next logical crop that comes to mind. They can be tricky, with a need for adequate water at the right times, and soil temperature is critical. Smaller melons might be best as the region has a fairly short growing season. There are clues to ripeness, like skin color and texture and stem slippage. Storing them at 70 degrees F and chilling them prior to serving is best. Watermelons require 20 square foot per plant, and there are many tricks and challenges to growing them. Teresa says “heft” is important and Jean and Tim discuss checking the “bellybutton” for ripeness.
Root crops are discussed, as are the onion family, which includes garlic. The conversation circles back to tomatoes and their relatives, with tips galore about growing,
harvesting and storing. This episode is a cornucopia of information!
Host: Tim Kennelty
Guests: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
This episode of ”Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley” is a retrospective from one of the early radio interviews from our precursor show, “Digging in With Master Gardeners” which aired on WGXC, 90.7 FM. Teresa and Jean interviewed Master Beekeeper and Emeritus Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Aydlett. The original was aired as episode 14, and can be found on the Digging in with the Master Gardener page. Linda Aydlett has been a beekeeper for over a decade, tending from two to thirty hives in various years. She got started at a workshop by the Catskill Mountain Beekeeping Club, studied via books, internet and youtube videos, then became a Master Beekeeper through Cornell University.Our conversation continues with further descriptions of the castes of bees in the hive. Drones, the only males, are a small portion of the population, with a few hundred or up to a maximum of a thousand per hive. They are larger, and have huge eyes, so are easy to identify. They have no nest chores, and rely on the worker bees for everything.They are evicted from the hive in the Fall.
Moving on to disease risks, Linda itemizes the symptoms as well as disasters that can happen in a hive. CCD, or colony collapse disease, was a big issue for a while, whereby all the workers disappeared without a trace, leaving the queen, drones and larva unattended. They were helpless and would not survive on their own. Never diagnosed fully, it seems to have abated for now. Other threats include Varroa mites, which act in a similar way to ticks, being disease vectors. However, they are gigantic parasites compared to the size of their host bees, and can be debilitating.They tend to attack when the colony is at its weakest, usually the winter solstice. There are methods of dealing with these mites, but the beekeeper must always remain vigilant.
In light of all these risks to the bees and the need for honey bees as pollinators, is the whole food production system at risk? Linda says there are several documentaries about the commercial migratory route followed by beekeepers who truck hives around the country following the bloom time of various crops. These include the Hudson Valley, where there is a thriving fruit growing industry. The results would be disastrous if anything wiped out the honey bees. Besides commercial transport, there are threats to local bees in a “normal” year. Every summer is the “dearth”, when nectar can become scarce between flowering seasons, and the beekeeper must supplement food, so the bees don't use up the store that they will need for the winter. The average person can help by allowing stands of Asters and Goldenrod to grow. Both provide the needed nectar when other flowers are no longer in bloom. On a small scale, the gardener can increase the yield of their vegetable crops in the home garden by planting flowers nearby to attract honey bees.They have favorites just like we do. First annuals and perennials, then herbs and mints. In early spring, bees exist on dandelions, and then clover.
To become a beekeeper is not easy. The beginner must consider many things:
- legal status to even have hives at your home. Check you municipal code to make sure they are not prohibited;
- there must be proper space to coexist with and tend the hive;
- thoroughly understand basic care;
- be sure your research is with reliable sources like universities and beekeeping clubs;
- don't squish them... apparently this happens to experts sometimes, too.
- make the time commitment because there are no vacations when the hives need attention.
Once committed to the effort, how do you start? Woodware (the actual physical hive structure), equipment and bees must be acquired. Linda lists sources in the area and online for all three. Bees are shipped either as a “package”, the equivalent of a little bee apartment, or nukes, a much larger number of bees , almost a small hive. Once established, there is one other enemy to be faced, if you live in bear territory. In that case, the best, and probably only, way to go is with an electric fence, and it must be put up before the bear discovers the hive. Once he knows it's there, he'll persist regardless of the electrical charge. Solar power for the fence is also best, because few hives are placed near outlets.
The last big threat to bees is the universal one: climate change. The alliance of plants and insects that co-evolved over millennia is changing. It may no longer reliably signal to the bees when to start egg laying, or when specific plants are producing pollen. The beekeeper just goes on, monitoring the hives and adapting wherever she can.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Aydlett
Photo by: Annie Scibienski
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
This episode ofNature Calls, Conversations from the Hudson Valley is a retrospective look at one of the early radio interviews from our precursor show, “Digging in With Master Gardeners”, aired on WGXC, 90.7 FM. Teresa and Jean interviewed Master Beekeeper and Emeritus Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Aydlett. The original was aired as episode 14.
Linda Aydlett has been a beekeeper for over a decade, tending from two to thirty hives in various years. She got started at a workshop by the Catskill Mountain Beekeeping Club, studied via books, internet and Youtube videos, and then became a Master Beekeeper through Cornell University. Linda tells us there is a special relationship between bees and their keeper, quoting author Mark Winston : “The world slows down to focus on bees and their world.”
There are 20,000 bee species worldwide. Honeybees are the only insect providing food eaten by people. They are most commonly managed by people. There are twenty sub-species and they are now found in all habitable parts of the world, but are not native to North America. Some key details about honey bees include:
- they forage over an area of several miles
- they rarely sting because they will die if they do
- they use their knees to carry the pollen from flower to flower
- their role in the ecosystem is enormous.
One third of our food supply relies on the presence of pollinators. Honeybees can be directly connected to 75% of fruit crops and 53% of seed production. Direct production from honey bees includes honey. It is nectar brought back to the hive and stored at an 18% moisture content. It takes millions of miles of flight and visits to two million flowers to produce 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey. Propolis is a glue produced from the sap of evergreens for maintenance of the hive. It is also valuable to humans for certain antimicrobial properties, and is also used as a wood varnish. Beeswax is excess nectar, and is the infrastructure of a hive. Humans have multiple uses for the wax, including the popular beeswax candles. Even the venom has a use. Although its removal kills the bee, the venom is used to inject “heat” into arthritic joints.
Bees are often considered livestock and overseen by departments of agriculture in many states. Nectar is the reward to the bee for transporting pollen from flower to flower. Linda goes on to describe the fascinating details of a forager bee's life. They find the flowers (and are flower “constant” while a particular flower is in season), and collect the nectar. They return to the hive and transfer it to another bee. They also perform a “waggle dance” to transmit information about direction of the nectar source. Linda describes both the dance and how researchers decoded it in 1927.
There are three castes of bees, and Linda describes the duties of each in detail, from the queen to the drone to the worker. There is considerable drama to the choice and emergence of new queens. Learn about a substance called royal jelly which is exuded from the foreheads of nurse bees to feed the queen larvae. The larva of worker bees emerge to assume one or more of the duties of a worker bee. There are, in addition to nurse bees, mortuary bees, ventilator bees, guard bees and others. Eventually each of these can be promoted to a forager bee, usually for the last half of their life (eight weeks on average). There are even some bees known as winter bees. They are born in September or October and can survive the winter. They are of necessity less active and their main duty is to keep the hive warm... around 90 degrees F. They can unhinge their wings and then shiver to produce heat, all the while rotating from the inside to the outside of the bee cluster. New egg laying starts in February and March when activities revert to traditional good weather behavior. Ideally, there was enough honey stored in the hive for the population to survive the winter.
Bees are fascinating species. Learn more about them in the upcoming Part 2 of this conversation.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Aydlett
Photo: Linda Aydlett
Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski and Jean Thomas
This episode continues our conversation with Kristopher Williams of PRISM and a frequent guest on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Kris is our go-to expert about all things invasive. We have talked to him about invasive plants, insects and diseases. Today we asked Kris to tell us some of the success stories about his long career as an environmental advocate. We have spoken to Kris in previously aired episodes 23, 24, 31,and 189, in case you want to look a little deeper into his work. First a reminder of the definition: PRISM stands for Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. It is one of eight regional districts in the state devised by NYS DEC and funded by the EPA to try to control the onslaught of invasive species of all kinds into the state.
Part 2 features another success story. The Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville, NY is on the Washington/Saratoga County line. It's an island in the Battenkill near Lock 5 of the Champlain Canal. Over a period of several years, a volunteer group sought advice from the PRISM organization. It began with a speaking engagement on the actual site, combined with a “park walk” to assess the trail network, pavilion and gardens already in place. This is what Kris calls the outreach component, educating interested people. A year later, the group asked for advice on how to manage the woodland in the park. The next year they asked for maps to divide the area into plots. Another year later, the woman leading the efforts attended a regional partnership meeting and reported a successful grant application and heavy equipment acquisition. The progress continued. They designed a “tree promenade” of native trees and underplanted it with native shrubs. The funding magic continued as more local businesses participated.They ended up with fifty trees and thirty shrubs, planted by an army of volunteers and local businesses along with members of the PRISM team. This can be replicated, usually with a “driver”, a motivated volunteer. There is a link here to the park's website.
Tim then changed the subject to an invasive he's particularly irked by... Japanese stilt grass. Possible solutions were discussed, including some failures. It all ended with a positive note, though. Kris had cleared stiltgrass from an area and replanted with natives. The following season checkup revealed NO stiltgrass. The natives had prevailed. As an added note, there is some
study going on regarding the effects of tannins from Hemlocks being a deterrent to stilt grass. So hope remains in the control of invasive species. Stay tuned!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristopher Williams
Photo: Teresa Golden
Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadows, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Recording:
Resources
This episode brings back our frequent guest, Kristopher Williams, of PRISM (Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management). Eight PRISMs exist across New York State and work to prevent or minimize the harm caused by invasive species on our environment, economy, and health and welfare of residents. PRISMs are intended to coordinate invasive species management functions including coordinating partner efforts, recruiting and training citizen volunteers, identifying and delivering education and outreach, establishing early detection monitoring networks and implementing direct eradication and control efforts. Regional partnerships with nonprofits, municipalities, conservation groups and volunteers are devised to cast the widest net for control over an enemy that recognizes no artificial borders. The Capital Region Prism ranges from the Catskills to the Adirondacks, encompassing eleven Counties and three million acres.
Kris is our go-to expert about all things invasive. We previously have talked to him about invasive plants, insects and diseases. Today we asked Kris to tell us some of the success stories about his long career as an environmental advocate. Our earlier conversations with Kris have aired in episodes 23, 24 and 31, in case you want to look a little deeper into his work.
The team has five core members and sixteen seasonal members on staff. Their mission is to coordinate all available resources, public and private, along with volunteers, to combat the multitude of invasive problems and organize alternatives. Their mission includes massive public lands and advisory status for privately owned properties. They act as the glue, Kris says, to hold all entities together. PRISM delivers science and educational programs for maximum impact, and always keeps in mind the different objectives of local and statewide groups. Tim asked Kris for some success stories, since we have discussed so many problems in the past. Kris listed some of the lasting beneficial effects:
- people achieve self-actuation by becoming aware of and seeking resolutions to invasive incursions;
- celebrating local impacts to inspire further efforts;
- there is now an exposition on invasives every two years;
- college-level programs are now available educating about invasives and remedies.
The conversation drifted to the emotional part of treatment of invasives. Most of them got here because they were introduced for a particular feature, and then “escaped” because they were prolific and had no natural enemies. There are also “sleeper” invasives, a new designation. These are known invasives that are still being sold to the public. Unfortunately sixty-one per cent of all invasives are still being sold. There is a patchwork of states regulating and actively banning sale of certain plants.
One success story Kris talks about is the Grassland Bird Trust. Washington County had a 20,000 acre trust facing the issue of dealing with invasives. A management plan was devised and a board established. Kris detailed the progress over several years as a management system was put into place and assessed for success year by year. Tim asked about what happens with much smaller efforts, and Kris described available training in IPM (integrated pest management) and land management as well as other volunteer-led controls, with consultation with PRISM staff. Basic measurements to assess success include removal, restoration, and adapting responses to predetermined thresholds.
There's a lot of issues associated with invasive species management. Stay tuned for more in the next episode (Part 2).
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristopher Williams
Photo: Grassland Bird Trust
Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadows, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Tim and Jean sit down with Rosemary Mix, president of the Capital District chapter of Wild Ones. That's a national organization that was an outgrowth of Douglas Tallamy''s idea for a “Homegrown National Park” whereby individuals planted their gardens with native plants to make a network of pollinators and a healthier ecology nationwide. The idea became the “Wild Ones” organization in 1977 at a native landscape conference. There are now over 100 chapters in 36 states, with nineteen thousand members. The pandemic resulted in a huge boost in membership, and a lively website encouraged more growth.
The local group holds an annual plant sale at Thacher Park, a seed swap in November, and a series of educational programming via zoom all winter. Membership in the local group also offers “cozy chats”, informal gatherings to talk 'natives' during the winter, a speakers bureau, and meet and hike sessions. They are working on creating a demonstration garden at Guilderland Unity Lutheran Church. The planned design is posted on-line at the national website. There are many designs available on the website with guidance available, from lists of plant sources, designers, criteria for good design, and ideas beyond gardens. Planters, pots and other containers can serve to grow natives, and natives are not just annuals and perennials. There is advice on native trees and shrubs.
The website even discusses the differences of opinion between mere enthusiasts and “purists” who shun nativars, cultivars or even combining native and introduced plants. To visit an established native garden, Rosemary suggests contacting the Sobro Conservancy in Saratoga, which has rescued a vacant lot and made it a pleasant entry to the city.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rosemary Mix
Photo by: Wild Ones
Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connolly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
In this episode, Tim and Jean host Kyle Bradford from the Hawthorne Valley's Farmscape Ecology Program. Kyle gave a presentation to the Master Gardener Volunteers of Columbia and Greene Counties on the subject of ants. It was so well received that several MGVs urged the podcast team to invite Kyle to be a guest on the podcast. Kyle holds a MS in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England and a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. His career led him to an internship at Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program in Columbia County. From there he spent time on the west coast, and eventually returned to become a part of the staff at Hawthorne Valley. Along the way he developed an interest and expertise in ants, and is a contributor to the field guide to the Columbia County ecology and habitats on the subject of ants.
Kyle tells us that the field of ants is enormous, regardless of the small size of the individual members. Ants are on every continent except Antarctica, and thrive in every environment from desert to swamp.The biomass of all the ants on the planet exceeds the sum of the biomass of all the wild animals and birds. Some species are known to be endangered, even though we still don't know all the species of ants that exist. Kyle describes the endangered ants as specialized parasites, dependent on another species that may be at risk. They have an important place in biodiversity, being food for various woodpeckers and flickers, and bears. They serve as seed dispersal agents for many wildflowers, which have a special method of rewarding the ants for carrying the seeds away called elaiosomes. They forage and recycle nutrients from dead plants and animals, as well. They use many other tools for survival, including kidnapping other species of ants and enslaving them. Some species herd aphids and feed on the honeydew they produce. There are some populations appearing in Columbia County that were previously known only in Wisconsin and Michigan, with the means of traveling this far east still unknown. They appear in similar environmental habitats, but how they traveled is a mystery.
Kyle suggests that Columbia County has a large variety of climate, soil and terrain diversity, which makes it possible for an unusual diversity of flora and fauna to exist in good health. Kyle has considerable experience in New England studying ants, and recommends the Field Guide to the Ants of New England. He adds that since the guide was published, many “new” species have been discovered. Many may have been relocated by virtue of human activities, but many may have been by “hitchhiking” with other species, becoming “temporary parasites,” using “social perfumes.” The methods are many and varied. Apparently because ants are “eusocial,” it's easier for them to take advantage of one another. Kyle discussed the “Manhatt-ant” and the pavement ant, both imports and very adaptable. The Manhattants are getting lots of attention in New York and have interesting adaptive skills. And these are only some of the types of ants living among us. Kyle has several favorites and tells wonderful stories about them and their lifestyles.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kyle Bradford
Photo by: Kyle Bradford
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome back to the It's All Greek Retrospective series that contains previously aired short segments about gardening acronyms, jargon, and botanical nomenclature. In this third and last part of a series, Master Gardener Jean Thomas covers plants that have been named after people, a discussion about soil pH, and a range of acronyms.
The first short segment covers the popularity of naming plants for people. It's been going on since people began naming plants at all, dating back to at least four centuries BC. Two causes are usually to blame; either the ego of the “discoverer” or the desire to flatter someone powerful. There are often great stories to uncover. One of the most interesting is the name of the Christmas standard, the Poinsettia (not poinTsettia). Dr, Joel Poinsett was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and an avid plant collector. His life story is a colorful one, but the only reason anyone remembers his name is because of the seasonal flower. Actually, the history of the flower and its interaction with humans is equally interesting. Some other names every gardener is familiar with are: Forsyth because this gentleman (1737-1804) was a respected palace gardener in England and was honored with the name of the familiar Forsythia; Kasper Wister (died in 1818) was a famous botanist in Pennsylvania and honored with the name of the popular Wisteria. Wister and Forsyth were honored by the English botanist Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859), who spent over thirty years cataloging plants in the U.S., and had the power to assign formal names to plants. The familiar Magnolia x soulangeana was named by and for Pierre Magnol and m. Soulange-Boudin, and developed from two Chinese species. Many familiar shrubs bear the species names (like Sargentii( C.S. Sargent), Fortuneii (R. Fortune), Thunbergii ( Carl Peter Thunberg)), named for contemporaries and students of Linnaeus. Many plant and animal names honor the interesting Pere Armand David with the appelation “davidii.” The familiar Fuchsia (Dr. Fuchs) and Dahlia (Dr. Dahl) are good herbaceous examples. The large Lobelia group (415 species) was named by Linnaeus himself for Dr. Mathias De Lobile.
The conversation then moves on to one of the great topics discussed by gardeners without a real understanding of the mechanism. The pH of soil is crucially important and measured and adjusted fanatically by gardeners. The way the chemistry works is described, starting with the litmus papers we dealt with in school science classes. Cations and anions are the active ions that determine how soil makes nutrition available to plants. A scale is used, with one end called acid and the other end called
alkaline. The place on the scale tells the soil's description as to what kinds of nutrients are best assimilated. “Acid” soil is best for blueberries and Rhododendrons and “Alkaline” soil is better for Lilacs and Spirea. Gardeners assiduously “adjust” the soil with amendments like sulfur or wood ash, remembering that this takes several seasons to effect. Jean closes this segment with an aside about names where she wonders about Monkshood, Begonias and Darth Vader.
The final segment moves on to acronyms, which translates to “names from the extremities.” It refers to new names for things created from the initials of word describing the things. Like Scuba, Laser, and Yahoo. There is also another related usage of initials called initialism, where the actual letters are sounded out, not merged into a new word. For instance, AT&T or DEC. Both of these practices are twentieth century phenomena. Further discussion of acronyms leads us to AVID, CRISP and PRISM, all popular programs in New York, devised by Cornell and the NY Department of Conservation. In a nutshell, the ideal acronym is an invented word that should either help recognize its subject or be catchy enough to be memorable and relatable to its subject.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest:Jean Thomas
Photo By: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, part 2 of the “It's All Greek Retrospective” series, Master Gardener Jean Thomas talks about jargon and acronyms with the help of some examples from our own New York gardens. These previously aired short segments have been grouped together as they all focus on a common topic: helping to better understand gardening nomenclature.
From the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptrostroboides) to the vast Iris family, nicknames and descriptions abound. The Latin name of the Dawn Redwood is great and grand, but when translated, it turns out to be fancy words that repeat themselves. Iris fanciers discuss the German or the Russian or the Dutch or the Japanese types and rave about their standards and their falls. 'Standards' are the three upright and 'falls' are the three down-facing petals. Part of the fun is peeking into the mythology surrounding Iris. Did you know that the Harpies, famously terrible, were related to the famously beautiful goddess of the rainbow?
The next two segments focus specifically about other perennials we know and love. Echinacea is named for a hedgehog (which has no population in North America where the Echinacea was “found”). Hemerocallis is Latin for “Beauty for a Day,” although we commonly call it the “Daylily.” Hostas also have identity issues, being often called Funkias in Europe. Peonies have a long history in China as well as some wild mythological rumors in Greece about Zeus and his shenanigans. And while the Greeks are being discussed, there is a wonderful story about the famous doctor Asclepias and how the milkweed got its formal name.
The very last segment of this episode delves into the common Rudbeckia and Phlox, both of which have a habit of traveling because of their prolific seed production. Then the episode goes to the Dutch... language, that is. The Dutch nation has always been at the forefront of garden development and production. , And the Hudson Valley of New York State has a special connection going back four centuries. Food names, place names and historical characters call the Hudson Valley home, like the Roosevelts and Van Burens and even Sojourner Truth in her unique way.
Listen, learn, and enjoy!
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest:Jean Thomas
Photo By: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Are you bewildered by botanical names, typically in Latin, the jargon, or the acronyms surrounding gardening and most other outdoors activities? This series, It's All Greek Retrospective, consists of previously aired podcast segments that provide some insightful descriptions in an attempt to untangle such language puzzles so we can all use the terms as intended... to describe things more accurately.
In this first of three episodes, Master Gardener Jean Thomas discusses a variety of issues and questions about language. Some of the terminology we pretend to understand is reviewed in the first segment. Things like GMO and IPM are decoded, and what is it when scientists talk about a plant's habit? What does it mean if a tomato is described as determinate? And the whole idea of using Latin can be a puzzle.
Jean explains all of these, The second segment goes more deeply into the whole idea of Latin as the international scientific language. Why Latin? And the credit that goes to Carl Linnaeus for devising the system known as binomial nomenclature. Like any other system, it gets bogged down with “improvements.” Taxonomy is the name for the whole system described by binomial nomenclature, and the history of the science of taxonomy is fascinating. For instance, minerals don't get included because the final decision was that only living things can be included. Basically, the assigning of a formal Latin name means that the plant described is always the same plant, not just another with a similar popular name. The third segment delves into how particular use of names can describe color as part of the formal identity. Often the formal name can give a physical description, but also can describe a dominant color. The history buffs enjoy such items as the origin of the phrase “royal purple” and how it came from the ancient Phoenicians and the rare dye they developed from a particular type of sea snail.
This is a digression from plants, but a great example of the use and history of language. Another issue cropping up recently is the use of DNA. Scientists keep reallocating plants to different species and categories according to DNA interrelations that were previously unknown. Clarifications can be confusing.
We hope you find this episode both enlightening and informative.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Jean Thomas
Photo by; Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt of Hannacroix Hill Farm chats with Tim and Jean about her career as a flower farmer. Like so many stories in recent years, her interest in flower gardening came about as a result of the pandemic. Constrained in many ways, Nicole moved to a farm with a few acres and began to achieve many goals. In a previous episode, Tim and Jean talked with Nicole about her mini-farm, which incorporates the flower farm. The flower growing evolved from a hobby garden to a business when she introduced herself to her new neighbors at Hannacroix Hill Farm by going to their doors with home-grown bouquets.
The hobby became a dream and then a mission. Nicole pursued her career adamantly, studying online classes and joining professional organizations. She even went through the rigorous Master Gardener Volunteer training. Nicole undertook the project very seriously. As she says, “setting up is NOT cheap.” A phenomenal amount of preparation and equipment was mandatory. Preordering seed and plugs must be coordinated and planned to coincide with harvest times. Different crops must not only be chosen for color and hardiness, but timed for holidays and special occasions. Some species are very difficult to grow, or have extremely long growing seasons. The grower must know a great deal about individual floral crops, and plan their care accordingly. Cool weather flowers are treated differently than tulips or sunflowers. The grower must always give thought to coordinating multiple kinds of flowers simultaneously, since the goal is most often to produce mixed bouquets for the markets.
Given the need for extensive planning, much thought must be given to the growing areas. Nicole uses outdoor row planting to the maximum, but also extends the growing seasons with a hoop house and a high tunnel structure, and starts seeds under lights indoors, along with hydroponic systems and bulb forcing. Like any other type of gardening, the flower farmer must be alert for insect and disease pests.
Hannacroix Hill Farm practices organic methods as much as possible. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is the main system of keeping the crops healthy. Minimal chemicals are used, so constant watch is essential, along with as much sustainable soil regeneration as can be done to maintain the health of the soil. Fortunately, the “other” farm produces unlimited compost and reduces the need for additional fertilizer from outside sources. The work is constant and unrelenting, with the aim to be self-sustaining as much as possible. Nicole describes this as the “grit” work that produces the luxury. Constant research and study go into the effort. Things like introducing more native plants and more perennial plants for repeat harvests are worked into the repertoire, and local demand is always considered. Harvesting processes can vary widely among flower crops.
Flowers are sold mostly retail through CSAs, at farm stands and farmer's markets, with a growing call from restaurants for table vases, which florists are beginning to fill some of the gaps from imported flowers. Other flower farmers are popping up everywhere. Many join associations to learn from and support the community of growers. Greene County has about twenty association members, but there may be many more. To find a flower farmer in your own area, Nicole advises that you go
online to the association of cut flower growers website at localflowers.org and find an organization member in your zip code. Or, of course, go to a nearby farmer's market.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Nicole Schmitt
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow,
Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Shane Stevens, Natural Resource Program coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, is our featured guest in this episode.. Shane is also Regional Director of the Master Forest Owners Program of the Catskills and the Lower Hudson. The topic is the Master Forest Owner (MFO) program.
Begun in 1991, the program is a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension with the US Department of Agriculture, the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA), and others. The purpose is to create and train a network of volunteers to help private forest owners to be better stewards of their own properties. Fourteen million acres of New York State woodlands, approximately 75% of the total state's wooded acreage, are in private hands, Cornell and others want to enable individual landowners to tend their lands responsibly. Education and access to expert and experienced resources are the best means to this goal.
The benefits of knowledgeable management of privately owned woodlands include more reliable clean air and water, maintainable harvests and use of timber resources, and accessible recreational resources. The MFO program is set up to train property owners who are interested in the long term maintenance of their forest resources. Members are valued for their experience, enthusiasm, and willingness to share their expertise. There are no required minimal experience levels, and the “forest ownership” need not be large acreage. A few acres and a passion for the forest is enough, combined with a willingness to share their expertise with the public.
Training has gone hybrid, and is mostly Zoom sessions, with a final in-person field day at the conclusion of training. For most counties in the Hudson Valley, this takes place at the Siuslaw Model Forest, in Acra (Greene County). Students get the chance to meet in person and bond while exploring, among other things, the teaching forest's deer exclosure test area and the shiitake mushroom growing yard. There are no required volunteer hours, but each trainee is encouraged to conduct forest visits as requested by landowners.
The requests for a 'woods walk' are usually submitted online, with a questionnaire providing details about the landowners' interests and goals for their woodlands. Initial forest visits are done with an experienced MFO, but the volunteer can proceed on his or her own once he/she feels confident. The actual visit can cover a range of topics including questions about the overall health of the trees in the forest, management of invasive species, creating habitat for birds and wildlife, deer management, agroforestry, silviculture, and/or options for forest regeneration. On average, a MFO volunteer does 1-3 visits a year. Additional information or referrals are usually sent to the landowner after the visit depending on the landowner's interests. Direct referrals to individuals are not done, but lists of approved practitioners in the appropriate fields can be provided. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a cooperating foresters list, and mywoodlot.com and Forest Connect have rich websites. Forest Connect even has an excellent YouTube channel.
There is a wide array of resources available to learn how to steward a forest. A Woods Walk with a Master Forest Owner volunteer is a great place to start. Listen in to determine if this makes sense for you to explore further.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Shane Stevens, CCE
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Tracey Testo-Smith, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, is our guest. The topic is a timely one, Carbon and Forests. Climate change and its ramifications have made us aware of the importance of halting excessive release of carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere.
One of the main agents of sequestering and storing carbon on the planet is the planet's network of forests and woodlands. Tracey explains the importance of sequestering (gathering) and storage of carbon molecules in the tissue of plants. Trees are made up of fifty percent carbon, and as they grow and mature, they collect more molecules during their lifespan. Even after death, they hold the carbon until the stage at which they begin to decay. Even then, the carbon may be absorbed into the soil and continue to be stored there. Carbon exists in “pools” of standing live trees, the forest floor, and dead and decaying wood and leaf litter. In a healthy forest, the cycle continues for years. Forest owners, who are aware of these facts, strive to maintain healthy systems, and are encouraged to assess their property for value and balance.
There are many carbon “market” programs in place to try to encourage landowners to keep a healthy carbon control in place, some regulatory, like in California, and many voluntary, both private and in cooperation with state and local governments. One in particular is the Family Forest Carbon Program, for owners with thirty or more acres of woodland. In conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, it gives smaller forest owners financial incentive to keep acreage in woodlands, and can provide long term contracts with some payments and access to forestry advice, planning, inventory and data.As owners of woodlots, Tim and Jean had many questions about specifics. Acknowledging that the most efficient carbon sequestration and storage happen in a healthy forest, Tracey addresses nine management strategies available. Among them are deer management, with deer exclosures getting considerable attention. How to recognize success can consist of monitoring the impact of such stresses as insects, diseases, population of invasives, and tracking the inventory of plants and other data. The goals are regeneration, a healthy canopy, and a balance of young and older growth plants. Tracey also has information about scorecards for keeping your forest healthy, and her office as well as many partner agencies can provide help and information.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tracey Testo-Smith
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt joins Tim and Jean to talk about her mini farm where she raises goats, chickens and hogs amidst an active flower farming operation. Small-scale farming is experiencing a resurgence, and Nicole has hands-on experience to share. Nicole describes how she came into Hannacroix Hills Farm, her ten acre farm based from a nineteen thirties farmhouse, by chance. Since assuming the property, she has been able to fulfill her dream of escaping suburbia and knowing exactly where her food comes from. She is also striving to have the farm support itself in an ecologically responsible manner.
Her descriptions of the herd of Nubian goats, dozens of chickens, and a small group of pigs tell about the ultimate uses for each type of animal. The goats are dairy goats, and their product is for personal use, with surplus being fed to the pigs. Some of the kids are sold for livestock as 4-H projects. The pigs are a seasonal endeavor, being bought as piglets in the spring, then allowed to forage in a special fenced area until the fall, when they are sent to be butchered and sold as half and whole shares, custom butchered. All her animals are raised as near organic as possible, although regulations make it too cumbersome to qualify as officially organic with the state. Each type of animal serves as a factor in the cycle of life on the farm. Surplus dairy product from the goats feeds the chickens and pigs. The chicken waste becomes fertile compost, and the pigs roaming their fenced area are rooting up the soil and serve as disruptors to improve the ultimate quality of the soil for other farm uses.
Nicole admits to being fond of her animals, more than she probably should be, but counts her emotional well-being as part of the benefits. Her chicken flock is dear to her heart. There are no favorite breeds, as she finds them all beautiful, each in their own ways. One group of hens is dedicated to egg production and another to meat production, both essential to the financial survival of the farm. In answer to Tim's question about maintaining general healthy conditions among the animals, Nicole explains that twice daily flock inspection for egg gathering keeps an eye on conditions among the birds. Likewise, the goats and pigs are monitored daily at feeding and milking times. To date, this vigilance has headed off any surprise disasters.
As usual, the conversation went astray, with random questions flying. A brief discussion focused on Nicole's current stint as manager of the Coxsackie Farmer's Market. The episode closed with Nicole giving a thoughtful comment on what she would like to see in the near future with her experiment in farming and livestock rearing.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Nicole Schmitt
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Master Gardener Volunteer for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ulster County, Barbara Bravo, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to provide some guidance and ideas. This collection of four previously aired Made in the Shade short segments has been consolidated into a single episode that focuses entirely on shade gardening.
The first segment discusses the differences between light shade, partial share and deep shade, some of the advantages of shade gardening, and things to consider when selecting appropriate plants for your garden.
Next, learn about Barbara's recommendations for drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry shade. They are a game-changer for those struggling to cultivate their gardens. Epimedium, brunnera, liriope, hellebores and carex are all options that may work for you.
The third segment focuses on the wide range of options available to add some height to a New York shade garden which usually consist of low-growing plants. But structure and interest can be added with a number of shade tolerant plants such as flowering quince, giant fleece flower and goat’s beard. Ninebark is one of Barbara's favorites. Typically known as a medium shrub native to the eastern and central United States, there are ninebark cultivars that do well in shade. In addition to being a pollinator favorite, most varieties are drought tolerant too.
This episode concludes with a segment on how to add contrast and texture to a summer shade garden. By incorporating plants like Ligularia ‘Britt Marie Crawford’, Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’, Athyrium niponicum, Dryopteris Ferns and others, your shade garden doesn’t have to be ‘boring’. Keep it going into the fall with Colchicum autumnale ‘Pleniflorum’ a/k/a Autumn Crocus, or Asarum Europa a/k/a European wild ginger. Listen to the possibilities!
These tips can help you make a shade garden the focal point of your landscape.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Barbara Bravo
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteers Jean and Tim chat with Joe Behn of Behn's Best Perennials in Malden Bridge, NY. Joe has been our guest multiple times before, on episodes 9, 65 and 66. On these prior occasions, we delved into the world of perennials, as Joe is a respected wholesaler of perennials to the landscaping world. This time, we spoke to him during his winter hiatus and he described his life as being “me in my pajamas, accompanied by the dogs".
For a change of perspective, Joe was asked to provide a topic other than growing and/or selecting perennials. He suggested talking about a style of gardening that goes in and out of style... making garden rooms. This is an almost inevitable response to the ever-present challenge of deer. Joe explained that the core idea of garden rooms was making walls and fences around “rooms” where deer could not penetrate. This would make it possible to garden with plants the deer would usually wipe out in one visit. Hardscaping was one focus of a wide-ranging conversation, with ideas flying fast and furious. Joe has strong opinions about the idea that a fence should be beautiful on both sides as well as impermeable to deer and other freeloaders.The conversation then ranged from plant selection, to space demands of a smaller garden, to the value of hardscaping for simplifying maintenance. And, as usual, Jean and Tim had many questions for Joe about their own gardens and plant shopping. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joe Behn
Photo by: National Park Service
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, Jamie Purinton chats with Tim and Jean about some of the finer points of being a landscape architect. A landscape architect is more than a designer. To be a licensed RLA (registered landscape architect), there is an intense educational requirement followed by a lengthy internship, and culminating a three-day exam! This is because the landscape architect must be expert in engineering aspects of structures, grading, drainage and topology as well as all the design skills and plant expertise found in a landscape designer. In fact, she considers the plants to be “icing on the cake.”
As you might expect, the size of the projects she is involved in can be pretty big. And so can the size of the issues she must address. Public health and environment must be considered, as well as future consequences of climate change. She has worked on many public gardens and waterfront projects, and closer to home, the Mountain Top Arboretum.
The Mountain Top projects spanned several years and included work with partnerships with many of our former guests on the podcast (episode list below). Some of her favorite projects included building a bird-attracting garden and an amphitheater, with a prevailing emphasis on native plants. She states that of the many facets of her job, she has no particular favorite because it is the “pulling it together” that gives her the most satisfaction.
She advises her clients to step away from a rush to manipulate the landscape, and observe what is already there. She says the High Line in New York City is an influence on many people,. There is growing appreciation of habitat among her clients, even to the point where she is planning to shift her work emphasis from larger “public” projects to individuals.
Her two books express her philosophy well. “The Voices of the Land” is a collection of essays, and “Landscape Narratives: Design Practices for Telling Stories,” with M. Poettinger. The latter has become a respected textbook. So if you're curious about how large scale projects can be carried out with minimal intrusion to the environment and ecology, join Tim and Jean and listen in to this episode.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Jamie Purinton, RLA
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden,Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers,Jean Thomas
Resources
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark that includes the former home, also known as Cedar Grove, and the studio of painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of American painting. Located in the village of Catskill, NY, Thomas Cole lived and worked there between 1833 until his death in 1848. In 1965, the property was declared a National Historic Landmark and designated a National Historic Site in 1999. It is also considered an affiliated area of the National Park Service.
Cedar Grove, a Federal Era house, was restored and opened to the public in 2001. Aided by historical photographs, sketches, and a painting, Cole's 'New Studio', originally built in 1846 and demolished in 1973, was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2016. It currently is used for traveling exhibitions that change periodically. The house and the studio are open for tours, events and workshops throughout the year. Three years later, in partnership with the Olana State Historic Site and the New York State Bridge Authority, the Hudson River Skywalk was opened, creating a pedestrian walkway across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge connecting Olana with the Thomas Cole Historic Site. There is also the Mawignack Preserve, a park along the Catskill Creek that is operated by the Greene Land Trust, which contains signage about Thomas Cole as it was one of his favorite places to paint.
This was all possible through a dedicated team of volunteers led by Elizabeth Jacks, an Executive director of the site for over two decades. She joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about how the site’s history and how it has evolved thanks to the many partnerships that have been formed over time. During her tenure, Betsy expanded the campus from one building to six and grew the organization's operating budget tenfold. She emphasizes that historic sites are actually for the living, to help us all better understand the past and how history has helped to shape how we see the world today.
Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Hahn
Guest: Elizabeth Jacks
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas
Resources
In this episode, co-hosts Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria welcome back Troy Weldy, president of the Columbia Land Conservancy, to give an update on a few of the exciting projects the Conservancy has been up to lately.
First up, recently launched 'Let's Go CoCo' is a website with a wealth of information dedicated to helping people find places in Columbia County to connect with nature. It includes not only the recreational land tracts under the Conservancy's auspices but also an extensive list of all public lands available for recreation in Columbia County. A directory and print map lists every public site and lets you search and filter available places based on your criteria - where are good places to swim, fish or picnic, which have ADA-accessible trails, where you can bring your dog, and much more. There’s also a blog with seasonal tips for getting outside, how to enjoy nature safely and be respectful of the land, and offers ways to volunteer.
Another exciting project in the works is the Taghkanic Headwaters Conservation Plan, a major land project designed to protect over 500 acres in the Taghkanic Headwaters. The land that the Conservancy is working to protect is a beautiful, ecologically important piece of forest that supports wildlife, clean water, and even the City of Hudson’s drinking supply. But the Taghkanic Headwaters conservation project isn’t just about setting land aside, it's also about how communities can come together to shape how public land is used and cared for. One of the most exciting things about this project is the vision behind it: the creation of a community forest.The concept is pretty simple: instead of one organization making all the rules the people who actually walk the trails, fish the pond, or picnic with their kids, help make decisions about how the land is used and cared for. It’s a more collaborative, inclusive approach to conservation, and it’s something the Conservancy hopes to model for future projects.
Troy also shares news about other local efforts: building a trail from downtown Hudson to the Greenport Conservation Area, improving public access to green space, and working with towns across Columbia County to develop a Countywide Conservation Plan that identifies and protects the places that matter most. Whether you're a gardener, hiker, nature lover, or just curious about local conservation efforts, this episode gives a hopeful look at how we can all play a part in caring for the places we love.
Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria
Guest: Troy Weldy
Resources
In this episode, Kate Brittenham—an ecological landscape designer—chats with Tim and Jean about how native plant gardens can be both beautiful and practical. These kinds of landscapes do more than just look good—they support local biodiversity and give homeowners a sustainable alternative to the typical lawn. Kate grew up surrounded by native plants at Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve, a special place in the southern Catskills created by her mother, Carolyn Summers. She shares how her design approach has shifted over time: from having to educate clients about the benefits of native plants to now working with folks who are already excited about creating ecological gardens. Kate also talks about how to strike the right balance between habitat and curb appeal, especially in suburban neighborhoods or places with HOA rules.
Kate also talks about how things have really changed in recent years—more people are paying attention to pollinators, invasive plants, along with an increasing awareness of the downsides of keeping a traditional lawn. Since the pandemic, she’s seen a real shift in what clients are asking for, and it’s changed how she approaches her work. She shares practical advice for anyone looking to make their yard more habitat-friendly, from choosing the right native plants to dealing with invasives and designing with the local environment in mind. The conversation also dives into the updated edition of Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, the book she co-wrote with her mom, Carolyn Summers. Kate brings a great mix of honesty, plant knowledge, and optimism to the conversation—something gardeners of all experience levels will really enjoy.
So if you're thinking about ditching some of your lawn or just want to learn more about plants that support pollinators, listen in as Kate Brittenham shares smart, approachable advice to help you take that first step!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kate Brittenham
Image: The Cosmonaut CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
Resources
Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with Flower Power Retrospective (Part 3) . In this episode you'll hear two previously aired short segments about flowers that have been compiled together for easier listening.
In the first segment, Linda discusses how to grow popular fall flowers that include Mums, Asters and Montauk Daisies. Including these beautiful plants in your flower gardens will bring lots of fall color to your landscape. Chrysanthemums are a large genus in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The plants can grow 2-4 feet tall with blooms that are white, yellow, or pink in the wild species, but also come in multiple cultivars with many colors and shapes of flowers. Mums are divided into garden hardy and exhibition types. Garden hardy mums can be planted in gardens while exhibition mums are more florist types and need special growing care. Garden mums are often sold in the fall but can be planted in the garden for the following year. They need organic soils in full sun but can tolerate some shade in the south. Be sure to cut the plants back in summer to encourage bushiness and a later bloom time. Use in the border, in pots, or on the patio or porch for fall color. Asters are also members of the Asteraceae family. They have daisy-like flowers and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They typically bloom in late summer and fall, adding color as the seasons change. They have mounding as well as erect varieties and may be propagated by seeds, division, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals may nibble at the flower buds but they don't tend to eat the entire plant because of its pungent smell, bitter taste. The plant tolerates the nibbling, which serves as beneficial pruning. Asters are an important food and nesting source for wildlife. The Montauk Daisy (also known as the Nippon daisy) is native to Japan but cultivated as an ornamental elsewhere. This perennial tolerates light shade in hot climates. New growth may be cut back slightly in spring to maintain plant compactness and encourage bushy form. Removing spent flower heads may promote additional blooms. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. It produces wonderful, long-lasting fresh-cut flowers. They are also good for drought-tolerant gardens.
The second segment features Holiday plants including how to care for them. Amaryllis, Holiday Cactus and Poinsettias are all discussed. Amaryllis bulbs, native to Africa, come in various sizes. Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers (typically red, white, pink, salmon, apricot, rose, or burgundy) on leafless stalks that can be 1-2 feet long. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. Amaryllis flowers, which can be single or double) range from 4 to 10 inches in size. The holiday cactus is a genus of succulent plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that are native to Southeast Brazil. This genus includes the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus. It has fleshy stems, showy flowers and grows well as a houseplant, preferring moisture but adapting to a variety of home environments. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but doesn't like direct sun. Periods of lower light in the fall will encourage winter blooms. They may be propagated by stem or root cuttings.The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Guatemala. In the United States, it is typically grown as a potted plant and is popular as a decorative flower (available in shades of red, pink, and white) during the holidays. The plant grows best in part shade at temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry, but do not overwater. The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom in the winter through the spring and cluster above showy red leafy bracts or modified leaves.
We hope you've enjoyed this retrospective series. As Linda Levitt reminds us "don't forget to stop and smell the flowers'".
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome to Part 2 of the Flower Power Retrospective where the conversation on previously aired short segments is focused on how to select, plant and care for all kinds of flowers. Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, shares her knowledge and expertise focused on irises, peonies, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos.
The first segment concentrates on the iris family. These elegant flowers bring late spring or early summer color to your garden with some varieties that actually bloom again in the fall. These rugged, reliable flowers are easy to grow. The 250 to 300 species of irises grow well here in the Hudson Valley. While they tend to be deer resistant, they are great for pollinators and hummingbirds. Learn about the two major groups, those that grow from spreading rhizomes and those grown from bulbs. Irises in the rhizomatous family, which included the popular bearded iris, have multiple flowers on a stem. They are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, and a good selection for low maintenance mixed borders. The bulbous irises shed their leaves unlike the rhizome irises that maintain their sword like leaves if unattended. These irises you might find in a spring floral bouquet. This grouping does well in rock gardens and forcing them in pots. Most irises grow in full sun exposure for at least a half a day. Many grow in the shade but most likely will not bloom. They should be planted in late summer to early fall, early enough for the rhizomes to get established and survive over the winter. However, note that if you plant the rhizome and roots too deeply, they will not bloom. Irises do need good drainage. They look great when planted along with roses, peonies, salvias and alliums. Plant Iris is where you can watch the butterflies and hummingbirds.
The second segment features a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens, the peony. They are elegant, long-living perennials known for their large, fragrant flowers. Blooming in late spring, they are excellent for cut arrangements. Their flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. These plants thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and can be stunning, low-maintenance additions to any garden. Learn about the three main types:
- Tree Peonies: Woody shrubs, 4–7 feet tall, hardy in zones 4–9, blooming April–May, with very large flowers.
- Herbaceous Peonies: Die back yearly, hardy in zones 2–8, bloom May–June, long-living (up to 50 years), low maintenance, deer resistant.
- Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies: Hybrid of tree and herbaceous types, hardy in zones 4–9, bloom in June, with big, colorful flowers and strong stems that don’t require staking.
The final segment focuses on three easy to grow annual flowers that bloom all summer. They are marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Marigolds are a favorite, no fuss annual, that germinate quickly from seed and will bloom in about eight weeks. They tend not to be a favorite of deer or rabbits, although there's never a guarantee. Marigolds are beneficial in repelling several types of insects, and as such are a great companion in vegetable gardens. They are an excellent choice for live bouquets, growing in containers or planting as a border along sidewalks and driveways due to their high heat tolerance. Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow, offering an explosion of color and shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They grow quickly and reliably and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Long strong stems make them excellent for cut flower arrangements.Cosmos are freely flowering plants that are easy to grow from seed, maturing in about two months. They may be considered slow to germinate but it will bloom quickly. The flowers sit atop a long slender stem that comes in a variety of colors and look very much like daisies. All three of these annual plants require full sun exposure and will bloom from late spring until frost, although zinnias tend to be less prolific in the heat of the summer. All three plants attract various pollinators. The marigold plants will attract butterflies, bees, ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Zinnias will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Cosmos will attract bees, butterflies and birds. These are all easy to grow colorful additions that can be added to your garden each year.
We hope you enjoy this episode and remember, take the time to smell the flowers!
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo By: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome to another Retrospective series consisting of previously aired short segments on similar topics packaged together for easier listening. This retrospective is called Flower Power which is all about how to select, grow and care for a wide range of flowers. Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt provides lots of practical tips on how to best select, plant, and care for a wide range of flowers.
The first segment focuses on the difference between Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials. Annual plants complete their life cycle, from germination to seed production, in a single growing season and then they die. They tend to have numerous and continuous blooms from spring or early summer until frost and devote more energy to see production than roots when compared to perennials. Some well known annuals include: pansies, marigolds, lantana, super bells, garden mums, Zinnias, alyssum, and nasturtium. Annuals are a great way to experiment. maintain constant color, and refresh your garden year after year. By contrast, perennial plants regrow every spring, but have a shorter blooming period. By contrast, perennial plants will continue to grow each year. Only the top portion of the plant dies annually in the fall, maintaining their growing root system allowing reblooming in the spring. These plants tend not to bloom the first year of their life. Typically a perennial plant has a root system that spreads outwards and deep and will benefit from being divided after a couple of years. Perennials should last at least three years. They have a shorter bloom time than annuals so think about pairing different perennials that bloom at different times during the growing season. And pairing with some annuals for constant color. Perennials can be planted from bulb, seed or plant. Some commonly known perennials are coral bells, purple, coneflower, daffodils, bleeding, heart and daylilies. A biennial plant completes its growth cycle in two seasons but does not bloom until the second year. It drops its seeds after blooming and in two years, you should have new blooms. Some well known examples of biennial plants are poppies, sweet William and foxglove.
In the next segment, Linda talks about the beautiful and versatile Lantana plant. This is an easy care, versatile, and colorful plant that is known for its long bloom season, from late spring to first frost. There are about 150 species within the Verbena family. The plant is considered an annual plant in colder climates and a perennial plant in more tropical environments. Lantana can propagate from seed or stem cuttings and should be planted at least two weeks after the danger of frost. It thrives in hot dry spots, and in all soil types that are well drained, as long as it has enough water to get established. Lantana blooms best in full sun. As an annual it can grow three to four feet tall and one to three feet wide in just one season. Some species can grow upright and tall providing great color in your garden or then can trail, spilling over in a hanging basket or container. The tiny flowers appear in clusters called umbels that are one to two inches across in colors that range from vivid reds and oranges to muted shades of coral, pink and peach and they don't have to be deadheaded. This plant is continuously blooming with foliage that is dark green or variegated, rough, textured and oval in shape. The plants attract pollinators, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Some plants to consider using as companion plants include Angelonia, Pentas, sun-loving Coleus, Superbells, Petunias and Salvia. They all have similar growing conditions and will do so well with Lantana. In summary, theyare beautiful, colorful, ever-blooming plants that require little or no maintenance when planted in the right conditions.
This episode concludes with another short segment covering the hellebore, which is called the 'harbinger of spring'. It provides nectar for emerging pollinators when there are so few nectar sources available. Some of the plants are well-known by the names Winter Rose, Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, but they have no relation to the rose family. These plants are surprisingly frost resistant and some are even evergreen, keeping their color during the winter. Many species are toxic to animals and tend to be deer resistant. They thrive in partial shade, especially at the woodland edge. They will grow in dense shade but may not produce many flowers. However, they have been known to adapt to more light if necessary. Limda recommends that you plant hellebores in moist well-draining soil that has been supplemented with compost. They prefer soil rich in organic material and they will thrive if you plant them under trees, but note that Hellebores do not like hot summer sun. Plant in the spring or early fall as long as the ground is frost free. Once established, the plant will grow about 18 inches high with flowers that consist of five large petals, which are actually sepals, that form to protect the reproductive parts of the plant. For most species, the flowers are drooping and falling downward, so a woodland slope would be an ideal location. Some varieties however, have been bred with upright flowers and are used in spring bouquets. After a few years, a mature plant in the right conditions can produce 50 or more flowers. You should mulch every year in the fall and do allow fallen leaves to act as natural mulch and soil conditioner. Hellebores are hardy, long-loved perennials that if grown in ideal conditions will naturalize and spread. They are tough, cold hardy, deer or rabbit resistant and easy to grow, providing the possibility of evergreen foliage for year round interest.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Learn more about the behind-the-scenes running of a restaurant in Round Top, NY. It's more than just the garden, and the kitchen. Julia Joern, Henning Nordanger, and Dan Hartquis are back on Nature Calls; Conversations from the Hudson Valley to finish their journey to create Julia's Local. There are plenty of business decisions that need to be made to keep a restaurant viable. It started from renovating an old house, that had lots of nooks and crannies, into an inviting place to enjoy a meal. As a non-tipping establishment, they have opted to use this approach to attract and retain a great staff.
Julia's Local grows their own food in their culinary garden located on Blackhead Mountain Road on 1+ acres. Everything is started from seed. With the help of 'Tractor Dan', they have been cultivating the soil since the early summer of 2023. They grow root vegetables, peppers, garlic, kale, spinach, and berry bushes. They even have greenhouses where they grow both heirloom and sun gold tomatoes. Their raised bed gardens are used to grow herbs, nasturtiums, and other edible flowers, as well as the flowers they use on their dining room tables. But that's not all! Their garage houses multiple types of microgreens that thrive under grow lights. Learn where 'Tractor Dan' sources his seeds and how they keep the produce coming all year long.
In addition to the restaurant, they offer some frozen 'small batch' offerings such as soups, stews, pot pies, that can be ordered online. It's a great option when hosting surprise guests and being able to provide them with a delicious meal. Cooking classes are also occasionally offered. So regardless of the season, enjoy learning about what it takes to run a farm-to-table restaurant and take the time to check out this local gem!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Henning Nordanger, Julia Joern, Daniel Hartquist, and JD Eiseman
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kenelty, Amy Meadon, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith
Resources
Julia's Local is a garden--to-table restaurant serving rustic American cuisine withulia's Local is a garden--to-table restaurant serving rustic American cuisine with a Scandinavian twist. Located in Round Top (Greene County), NY. After a multi-year building renovation, the restaurant was opened about four years ago. Three of the key forces behind the restaurant joined Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the restaurant and how they bring fresh produce to their patrons every day.
Julia Joern has lived in Round Top since 1999. Her background includes architecture, design, and public relations. She purchased the building that houses the restaurant in 2019, initially for a boutique company that organized public and private programs, and was the host of 'Hudson Valley Work of Mouth', a radio show on WGXC/90.7 FM interviewing creative people throughout the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Capital Region. She loves working with creative people who know how to make 'something' from basic materials.
Chef Henning Nordanger is a native of Bergen, Norway. Escoffier-trained, he gained experience working in large hotel restaurants and mountain resorts throughout Norway. A quarter of a century after arriving in the United States, he worked in New York City in restaurants and as a private chef. He moved to Sullivan County in 2006 and after a stint as a carpenter, opened and ran his first restaurant. Henning's Local (Sullivan County) between 2012-2024. He has developed long-time relationships with many regional, sustainable agricultural businesses throughout the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.
'Tractor Dan' Hartquist, a fruit and vegetable farmer originally from Columbia County, moved to Round Top once he bought a house in Greene County. Purely by chance, he met with Julia and Henning, and the rest is history! There is a wonderful collaboration between Henning and Dan selecting what to grow to enhance the menu in the restaurant. Using organic practices, they continually try new produce yet need to balance the new with some of their standard fare. If there is extra, they package offerings that can be purchased retail. But their produce is always picked the same day so everything is at its peak of flavor..
Learn about the history of this restaurant, the backgrounds of the individuals involved, and how they create a menu from what the garden produces throughout the year
Your taste buds will waken hearing about their eggplant parmesan tomato soup, and tomato salads,
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Julia Joern, Henning Nordanger, and Dan Hartquist
Photo by: Julia's Local
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kenelty, Amy Meadon, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith
Resources
Viburnums are a genus of flowering evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous shrubs or (in a few cases) small trees in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae. There are more than 150 species and cultivars, many (but not all) of which are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere either in North America or Asia. With this many to choose from, it may be hard to pick which might be appropriate for your landscape.
Enter Eli Joseph-Hunter from Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd, located in Cornwallville (Greene County), NY. Greene Bee is a full service nursery that was started in 2007. Owned by passionate gardeners, it contains a wealth of herbs, perennial, and woody plants and is a delight to visit. Eli rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to provide us with a deep dive into this favorite landscape plant.
The good news is that viburnums are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, whether it be wet or dry soil, or anywhere between full shade to full sum. In addition to providing beautiful aesthetics, once established, viburnums tend to be drought resistant, require minimal maintenance, and have relatively few disease or insect problems. Some compact species max out under two feet tall, while others grow to be 20 feet high. Considered mostly moderate- to fast-growing plants, viburnums typically grow from 1- 2 feet per year. Some varieties (like arrowwood viburnum) may take seven to eight years to reach their mature size of 15 feet.
Viburnum leaves are opposite on the branches and can be rounded or lance-shaped, smooth, velvety, or rough, and are often deeply veined. They typically have attractive white or pink flowers that bloom between early spring and early summer. The individual florets that grow in clusters at the ends of branches attract many butterflies.. On the deciduous varieties, their fall color can be striking ranging from bright yellow, to glossy crimson, to a deep rusty maroon. Their fruit (drupes) contain a single seed, set in late summer, attract birds and other wildlife, and can be metallic blue, bright red, yellow, orange, or in some cases change from red to deep purple as autumn progresses. A heavy fruit set is more reliable when at least 2 different cultivars or seedlings of the same species are planted together.
Most viburnums are dense shrubs, great as hedges or border screenings, forming a mass of green foliage. They also tend to be relatively deer-resistant shrubs, although recently planted ones should be protected from deer browse, at least for the first year.
From a disease perspective, a variety of fungal leaf spots and a bacterial leaf spot may be fairly common in some areas. Viburnum leaf beetles, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and scale can also be problems, but they are relatively easy to care for.
So don't hesitate to experiment with and enjoy one or multiple viburnum varieties in your landscape.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Eli Joseph-Hunter
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith
Resources
Founded in 1982 by Joseph Gilbert, The Chatham Berry Farm has been providing Columbia County and the surrounding areas with local, healthy and wholesome food for over 4 decades. Starting as a fruit stand pulled by a tractor, the 25 acre farm now includes a specialty food store, a garden center, a farm kitchen, a full-service meat and seafood department, production greenhouses and even a Cidery.
Joe Gilbert, a vegetable and fruit farmer, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the history of the Chatham Berry Farm, lessons learned over time, and what the future may hold. Joe was born in New Jersey, and lived in Connecticut, before moving to Columbia County, NY. Working with a friend, they initially sold their produce in New York City, but eventually started the farm stand in1982. At that time, produce was only sold in bulk but they differentiated themselves by allowing customers to buy their produce by the 'piece'. They worked the land, focusing on creating rich soil and Improved it by composting leaves from neighboring towns on the property, tilling it into the soil every year. That approach paid off as, even today, they don't use any chemicals. They primarily grow blueberries, raspberries, herbs, and vegetables, partnering with other area farms to offer more options, and only selling retail (not wholesale). The Cidery, opened in 2016, is a relatively new addition which became very popular during the pandemic and beyond with its outdoor seating.
The Chatham Berry Farm is a family owned and operated farm that faces the same challenges of other farmers in the region. Joe describes how farmers need to be multi-talented, able to handle carpentry, electrical, and plumbing tasks to keep everything working properly in addition to knowing how to run a farm. The hours are long to keep the fields productive and weed free and to keep their prices competitive and affordable. Farmers must adhere to many regulations and face many challenges. The number of farms in Columbia County today is a small fraction of what existed in the past. Farmers learn through trial and error what works and what doesn't, and Joe shares some of the lessons he's learned over the years. While Joe and his family enjoy the farming lifestyle, he understands that the long hours are not for everyone, especially in light of the challenges associated with turning a profit. Unfortunately, most farms today do not provide the only income for farm families.
Joe's two sons, Jon and Mike, are integral in the day-to-day management of the farm business. Together, they've invested in their land, in the people they serve. as well as in the future of the entire community. Joe served on the board of Cornell Cooperative Extension for 20 years and continues to have great outreach to the local community with classes and seasonal events. The future of the farm lies in the hands of his children who will need to address the challenges of climate change, finding skilled labor and affordable housing for farm workers, among other things..
Listen to Joe to learn about the joys and challenges of farming in the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Taly Hahn
Guest: Joe Gilbert
Photo by: Taly Hahn
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Eileen Simpson
Resources
Cultivate Catskill is an all volunteer group dedicated to the beautification of their village. It all started over a dozen years ago when Shelly Pulver, who has lived in Catskill for 55 years and President of the organization, saw an email about hanging baskets. She thought that installing them along Main Street was something that could be done. Over a dozen years later, the village, with a population just under 4000, has over 90 hanging baskets along both Main Street and Bridge Street to the delight of the local residents..
Joining Shelly in this endeavor is her long-time friend, Robin Smith, who is a native Catskillian, Treasurer of the organization, and has been a Master Gardener Volunteer for over 20 years. The two of them along with another dozen volunteers get together every year to help plant pride in their community. In addition to the hanging baskets, they install brightly colored annuals in numerous urns and other containers, care for multiple pocket parks adding seasonal flowers, and make the downtown shopping district attractive and inviting for visitors and residents alike.
The local Tree Council, spearheaded by Hudson Talbott and now part of Cultivate Catskill, has planted over 76 trees in the village along Main Street and more recently in the cemetery. They even worked with the Village Board to create a Tree ordinance to protect and maintain the local trees. Their combined efforts have contributed to a kind of renaissance of the downtown area. To get started they worked with a national organization, America in Bloom, which helped to prioritize their efforts and provided a framework that helps revitalize other municipalities. With their guidance and a lot of hard work, the Bank of Greene County and the Department of Public Works have become great supportive partners in this initiative.
To fund their efforts, they have sold memorial bricks, held cookie sales, applied for grants, hosted a Holiday House tour, and still hold monthly Trunk Sales (on the 2nd Saturday of the month between May and October). They decorate for all seasons including funding Holiday snowflake lights (complete with swags that cross the street). Working with local merchants, they organized 'Caturday' and Winter Solstice Strolls events, became an official non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and have gradually expanded their focus beyond Main Street. Uncle Sam's Bridge becomes a feature during the summer months adorned with window-boxes overflowing with multi-colored flowers. The Howard Street and Mott Street slides (alleyways) get attention, as do the Blue Star Park, Policeman's Park, Leggio Park, and now Dutchman's Landing. Recently, working with the local Fortnightly Club, they built a Sprayground (a.k.a. a spray playground) at Elliott Park for children and adults to enjoy during the summer months.
Volunteers are always welcome especially to weed and water. Listen in to learn more and potentially apply this approach to your community.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests; Shelly Pulver and Robin Smith
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tally Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome to the third retrospective episode featuring previously aired short segments about Tools of the Trade with Tim Kennelty and The Grateful Shed with Annie Scibienski. They discuss Tools that most gardeners deem essential.
The episode starts off with Tim Kennelty discussing two resources that help you choose perennials for your garden. The Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware is a not-for-profit organization that has a great display garden and offers courses on native plants and ecological gardening. They also conduct three year native plant trials to determine which cultivars of a certain species might work best. Plants are rated on their habitats, floral display, disease resistance, among other factors. The web site includes lots of photos and basic information on each cultivar. Similarly, the Chicago Botanical Garden website focuses on herbaceous and woody plants. They also conduct trials to identify the best cultivars looking at factors that include the plants ability to respond to winter damage. Both are useful resources when looking to design a garden or add some additional plants to an existing one.
Next, Annie Scibienski discusses garden forks of which there are many varieties. The typical garden fork has a horizontal 'shoulder' with four tines that is used for loosening and lifting hard-packed soil. It can also be used to mix compost or other fertilizers into the soil. Look for a garden fork made out of forged steel and either a hickory or ash wooden handle. Pitch forks or hay forks are an option to break up and turn compost or aerating soil in addition to working with hay. A hand fork is useful to use for weeding or cultivating shallower areas. There's lots to learn about forks!
Annie comes back for the last segments when the discussion shifts to shovels, spades and trowels, A shovel has a bowl shaped blade with a pointed tip and typically a longer handle to break up the ground, dig holes, or move dirt and other materials from one place to another. A spade typically has a straight-edged blade flat made with pressed steel and a handle made of a hardwood. It's great for edging a garden bed or lawn, cutting through compacted soil, slicing roots, and typically offers greater precision in digging. A trowel is typically used with one hand to dig small holes, transplanting seedlings, or even scooping potting soil. The right tool for the right job makes any gardening task easier.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski
Photos by: Tim Kennelty and Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas
Resources
Welcome to the second part of our Tools Retrospective with Master Gardener Volunteer, Joan Satterlee, which consists of 3 previously aired segments known as Tools of the Trade. Learn about some great resources that many gardeners consider essential.
This episode starts off with a short segment about bird identification. The Merlin app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology was developed over 10 years ago with contributions of photos and recordings from over 5000 birders around the world. It's very easy to use as it asks you very easy questions such as where and when you saw the bird, its size, colors (up to 3), and what activity the bird was engaged in when you saw it. It then provides you with photos and a brief description to help you identify what you saw. It also has a sound ID feature that allows you to make a recording and the app tells you what birds you are hearing. A very useful tool to better understand the world around you.
Next, learn more about perennials with three great resources. "Essential Perennials" is organized by botanical name but has a handy common name index too. It provides information such as the plant's flower color, bloom time, foliage characteristics, and light requirements."Gardening with Perennials by Month" is another great book featuring 700 different species, with great descriptions, that is organized by bloom time, as well as providing information on growing conditions and potential plant diseases. So if you are looking to create a garden with something in bloom all season, or a garden with plants that are in bloom at the same time, this book is for you. Finally, for beginners, check out "Perennial All Stars" featuring 150 different options. Plants are selected for their long bloom times, ease of maintenance, ability to grow in a variety of conditions, and reliability to come back year after year.
The third segment in this episode features the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. You might wonder why we recommend this for Hudson Valley Gardeners, but it is such an easy, ready-to-use web tool. You can search by both botanical and common name with over 8,000 plant listings that are concise, informative and consistent. It includes 17 attributes for each plant including zone, bloom time, bloom description, suggested uses, noteworthy characteristics, etc. So it's a wonderful tool for New York gardeners.
Next time, we'll have even more tool resources that you may find helpful.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Joan Satterlee
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
This episode contains three previously aired segments about a common topic that have been put together for easier listening. Tools of the Trade is a series of descriptions of essential tools that Master Gardeners use to research and answer questions about our natural environment. Master Gardener Volunteer Joan Satterlee provides detailed explanations of each tool including how it is best used.
The topic of the first retrospective segment is iNaturalist, which is a website or app that can be used to identify plants, insects, and animals. Launched in 2008, it uses photographs and artificial intelligence to help you explore your surroundings. Available on iOS and Android operating systems, there is no fee to use it. There is even a version, called Seek, that is an alternative for beginners.
Are you looking to find native plants for your garden? Stay tuned for information about the Audubon Native Plant Database. Once you enter your zip code, you'll find a listing of all the native plants that are from your area. You can organize the search results in many different ways such as type of plant, features, or even the type of bird it may attract. There are lots of search options and filters to get even more information specific to your interests.
The last segment in this episode features a gardener's classic resource for woody plants: the Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants written by Michael Dirr. Organized by botanical name, this gardening 'bible' also has an index of common names that can be extremely helpful. It provides information about the plant's leaves, bids, flowers, fruit, size, hardiness, and diseases, among other things. It even describes its landscape value. While this manual contains line drawings, if you prefer photographs, consider investing in the Dirr's Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs as another potential resource.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Joan Satterlee
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith,
Resources
The Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team was honored to meet with Joel DuBois who is the Executive Director at Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District (GCSWCD), as well as chairman of the Greene County Planning Board. and a board member at the Greene Land Trust.
There are 58 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across New York State. Each is focused on an individual county's specific needs. They are all dedicated to the best management of natural resources.
Greene County is located in southeastern NY and is home to the northernmost Catskill high peaks and is bordered on the east by the Hudson River. The GCSWCD has been in existence since 1961. Since its inception, they have developed a diverse conservation program to address local needs, and assist landowners, local municipalities, as well as state and federal agencies in their conservation efforts. One of their focus areas is watershed management, including both policy and programs.
A watershed can be defined as the area or land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins or seas. As Greene County (along with Schoharie County) is home to New York City's drinking water supply that serves 9 million people, managing water quality is of prime importance. The watershed is the largest unfiltered water system in the country so maintaining the health of the system saves the expense of building an expensive water filtration system. The only treatment NYC's water receives is some ultraviolet light exposure.
So the Soil and Water Conservation district spends a lot of time reducing any turbidity (cloudiness) of the water typically due to glacial lake clay. Other causes of turbidity include flooding or long term channel migration. The network of roots from the forest trees along the watershed areas helps to stabilize the soil and becomes a natural filter for the water.
But stream water quality is also a focus where they install buffer initiatives. For example, with the landowner's permission, GCSWCD will plant native trees and shrubs in fallow fields up to 300 feet away from a stream.
GCSWCD typically plants over 3,000 trees each year, but they sell another 4,000 annually at their bare root plant sale as a public service. Trees can be ordered in late winter and picked up around Earth Day in April. They come in bundles of 10. Compost, fertilizer, and tree tubes (to protect the seedlings from deer browse) can also be ordered for pickup during the annual sale.
The GCSWCD can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and offers volunteer opportunities to interested residents. Listen in to the good work that is being done to help the entire community today and into the future.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joel Dubois
Photo By: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas
Resources
A houseplant can be defined as a plant that is grown indoors, typically in some kind of a container. Many houseplants are those that are adaptable to the lower light levels usually found indoors. But all plants, including houseplants, require water, light and food. The trick to success with houseplants is to find the right plant for the conditions within your home and practice moderation in taking care of it.
Water is a key to success, but overwatering is often the cause of houseplants that fail to thrive. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch to water them, as most don't like 'wet feet' if the soil is too moist.
Light is another key ingredient. Many plants do best in a window with a southern exposure that maximizes the available light. But others don't like direct sunlight and may prefer a well lit room with filtered light (e.g. through a curtain) or a light from a bulb. Plants that don't get the light they need may not flourish.
Soil is the third key ingredient. The best soil depends on the plant species, so read the labels carefully or do some research to determine the best growing medium.
If you successfully nurture houseplants through the winter, you might be able to move them outdoors for the summer. This helps to build roots and foliage, but be careful when and how you do this. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants.
Listen to Master Gardener Volunteer Kristin Swanson in a general discussion about houseplants on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. In addition to talking about basic year-round care, she'll cover considerations when bringing houseplants outdoors in the spring and back indoors in the fall. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants. Just remember they’re living things, so take care of them the best you can.
Unfortunately Kristin left this world at the end of December 2024, so we pulled this interview from our radio archives from the fall of 2019 when Digging In with Master Gardeners was a radio show on WGXC 90.7 FM. With the permission of the radio station, we've edited the interview to fit our podcast format and are presenting it again for your listening pleasure.
In addition to being a Master Gardener Volunteer, Kristin was a nurse, an educator, a musician (playing the bagpipes and the flute), a volunteer at the New York State Museum and at the Clermont Historic As a dedicated nurse, she was compassionate and always saw the patient as a person first, and strove to recognize their true needs. Drawn to nature, she loved to hike and became a Master Forest Owner volunteer helping others appreciate the natural landscape.She was proud of her military service and passionate about her cats, her ferns, and learning new things. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, intelligence, enthusiasm, sage-like wisdom, strong convictions, and insight. As a Master Gardener, she touched our lives and for that we are forever grateful.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Kristin Swanson
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith,
Resources
Health challenges, unfortunately, tend to come with age. Gardening is a popular retirement hobby but may require a new approach as we age. Adaptive Gardening means making small changes to accommodate a gardener's physical needs. This approach may help us continue to enjoy this hobby. However, realistically, adaptive gardening applies to gardeners at any age. Think about gardening smarter, not harder.
Examples of some adaptations might include gardening in raised beds, containers, or soft-sided bags. Different gardening tools might also help in the care of plants and even reduce the chance of injury. For example, a balanced watering jug with a wide handle might lessen the tightness of the grip needed to carry it. Once you understand some adaptive considerations, you can get creative implementing gardening techniques.
Three areas typically require some form of adaptation:
- Muscles and Joints,
- Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary issues,,
- Visual and Memory problems.
Special tools can make a big difference to help with some of these issues. But the selection of plants can also help. For example, woody plants are easier to care for and don't require the same amount of work as annuals and perennials. Air Plants are a great option indoors.
Life long marketer and gardener, Duane Pancoast, has helped tree, landscape, and lawn care businesses market their services. His passion for gardening started when he studied Landscape Architecture at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, As mobility restrictions began taking their toll on his own gardening abilities, he decided to share his experience with other senior gardeners, including how he 'adapted'. His blog and book "The Geriatric Gardener 2.0" provide a wealth of information that might be helpful to you too. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team to share his insights.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Duane Pancoast
Photo by: Duane Pancoast
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
David MacDougall joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about snakes, turtles, and other inhabitants of wetlands. Dave is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and a Consulting Biologist who also does site assessments and wetland delineations. Dave also wrote the Field Guide book about the Karner Blue butterfly that can typically be found in a pine barren.
Amphibians are semi aquatic beings, having adapted to inhabit a wide variety of habitats. Their life cycle typically starts as aquatic larvae and they later undergo metamorphosis to become an air-breathing adult with lungs. They are similar to reptiles but do require access to water bodies to breed. Amphibians and reptiles are both ecological indicators to habitat conditions which is why some of them are protected and/or endangered. Reptiles, unlike amphibians, have scales and their skin is dry. They include snakes, alligators, lizards, turtles and tortoises.
Snakes play a critical role in managing the environment including control of rodent, insect, and other invertebrate populations. A single rat snake can consume over 100 rodents a year. Snakes, in turn, are part of the diet of hawks and foxes. New York State is home to 17 different types of snakes, the most being the garter snake and the water snake. Non-venomous snakes also exist in the environment like garter, rat, milk, brown, and green snakes. Others like water snakes, black rat snakes, or black racers can be found in the area. There are only three types of venomous snakes in New York: eastern copperheads, timber rattlesnakes and the massaguas. They don't really want to bite you because if they do, they won't be able to eat for a week. Fundamentally, you're too big to waste their venom!
There are 18 species of turtles in New York State. The snapping turtle and the painted turtle are the most common. Others that can be found include bog turtles, eastern box turtles, wood turtles, and others that are on the list of threatened, endangered, or species of concern.
In this episode, you'll also learn about the Karner Blue butterfly and how climate change and development may be affecting the habitats of some of these species.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: David MacDougall
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
The walled garden at Bellefield was originally created by one of America's most celebrated landscape architects, Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959), Renowned for the gardens she designed for some prestigious private universities and colleges, Bellefield represents a prime example of American garden design and one of Farrand's few surviving private commissions.
In 1911, Beatrix was asked to design a garden adjacent to a newly renovated house at Bellefield in Hyde Park, NY. She was influenced by several well-known landscape architects and garden designers early in her career and applied what she learned to this residential design commission located at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site.
The garden stretches from a terrace attached to the house and is enclosed by a stone wall and a hemlock hedge. The garden is divided into three 'rooms' defined by gravel walks, long planting beds, and areas of open lawn. The garden is laid out in forced perspective so that the sequentially smaller garden rooms further away from the house create the impression of a much larger space.
The planting beds along the gravelled walks and lawn are filled with layers of color with plants spilling over the vertical stone edging and taller plants stand next to the garden walls. The original plans also depicted an outline of a natural or wild garden beyond the walled area that incorporated several existing trees. The vegetation in this area was to serve as a transition to the surrounding lawns and trees.
Bellefield was donated to the National Park Service in 1976 to provide a protective buffer for the adjacent Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The garden was carefully put to bed until 1993 when it was restored by the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in partnership with the National Park Service. The restoration contains a stunning display of composed borders washed in pink, white, blush, cream, grey, mauve and purple. surrounded by vine covered walls and well maintained hemlock hedges.
Karen Waltuch talked with the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team to discuss more of the history of the Garden, what can be found there, how to visit it, and how to volunteer there. Karen joined the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in 2018 after working at other public parks and gardens over many years. She is also a professional violist who has a diverse performance career.
After listening to this episode, you'll definitely want to visit this hidden gem in New York's Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Karen Waltuch
Photo by: National Park Service
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Amy Meadow, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas
Resources
Madeline Hooper rejoins the podcast Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the second season of GardenFit that is available on PBS. GardenFit is a delightful combination of stunning garden tours and practical tips helping viewers learn how to take care of their bodies while taking care of their gardens. Its fundamental premise is that gardening should be joyful, not painful.
The 13 episodes in Season 2 feature passionate gardeners who are also well-known artists, ranging from painters, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, musicians, designers and culinary pioneers. Learn how creative artistry is often inspired by nature. Take a journey into how art can also spark a vision for an imaginative garden. The show also provides simple, easy-to-learn practical tips and tune-ups to prevent strain and stress , and like a garden tool, use the body correctly.
Madeline is from upstate New York (Columbia County) who has been a gardener for over 30 years. After an exciting career in public relations, a trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and then of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, she honed her gardening skills at Rockland Farm, a ten-acre property that she and her husband have developed from scratch over the past 25 years. The Rockland Farm is open a few times a year to benefit the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program and the Berkshire Botanical Garden’s educational programs. She is very familiar with many aches and pains due to her daily gardening. Her personal trainer has taught her common-sense body movements and self-care to relieve the pains, enabling her to share these tips with us and truly enjoy being in the garden.
Host: Jean Thomas and Taly Hahn
Guest: Madeline Hooper
Photo by: Madeline Hooper
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson
Resources
One thing the pandemic taught us is the importance of our National Parks. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is no exception. With over 300 acres of trails, gardens, Springwood (the FDR Homestead), and the FDR Presidential Library, this is a wonderful place that is worth a visit. Admission is free, but there is a fee if you'd like to tour the house. A home, a farm, and an experimental forestry plantation, Springwood is an enduring memorial to the 32nd and longest serving President of the United States. 33 acres were deeded to the National Park Service with instructions to maintain the house, flower gardens, orchard, and vegetable garden as they were during FDR’s time. The National Park Service opened the land to the public in 1946.
The nearly two acre FDR Home Garden was a central part of life for the Roosevelt family. FDR grew up working and playing in the garden as did his children and grandchildren. It remained important to him long after his childhood. The Home Garden, nearly two acres in size, was a central part of life for the Roosevelt family. Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up working and laying in the garden. It shaped his ideals of sustainability, land stewardship, support of the grow-your-own movement in the 1940s, and the legacy of his presidency.
This garden and the rest of the Springwood estate were managed by FDR’s mother, Sara Roosevelt, and maintained by gardener William Plog. The high quality produce fed the Roosevelt family and their staff. The farm was a prime example of gentleman farming in the Hudson Valley. The current vegetable garden was designed to replicate the Roosevelt’s garden with as much historical accuracy as possible. The heirloom vegetable varieties grown today are cultivated using modern organic practices including composted manure from the horses on the property to fertilize the garden. The garden is maintained with the support of volunteers who help plant, maintain, and harvest the crops. The garden is used for a variety of educational programs and remains free and open for the public to enjoy.
Anna de Cordova joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about the historic site and the home gardens. Anna is a horticulturist with the National Park Service focused on the home gardens in Hyde Park. Prior to her current role, she worked at numerous other historic sites including Locust Park in Poughkeepsie. She loves the public outreach and volunteer aspect of working at a historic garden site. She thrives at the intersection of science, art, and history, and has lots to share about the FDR Home Garden.
Listen and learn about FDR’s love of the land, and value for the findings of science, both of which helped to shape the conservation policies and focus on clean water for the country.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Anna De Cordova
Photo by: National Park Service
Resources
Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas join us once again for the third and final episode of The Cover Up Retrospective, where we’ve grouped some previously aired short segments together for easier access.
In the first segment, Morning Glories are a featured annual vine, but this category also extends to gourd and mini-pumpkin vines, scarlet running beans, and more. Sedums, including Hens and Chicks, are the featured ground covers (and succulents) in this episode. These herbaceous perennials, commonly known as stonecrops, are great options for rock gardens and other areas that are drought prone. Both of these vines and ground covers are low maintenance and relatively easy to grow.
The second segment discusses the benefits of sedges, bearberry, and trailing arbutus as ground covers and vines that support pollinators and provide shelter for insects and birds. Sedges are a good alternative for a ‘native’ lawn. With over 2000 species, mostly low-growing, and many ever green, they can also be used as a living mulch. Bearberry is a great option to plant under oak or pine trees as it thrives in partial to full shade environments. The name, Trailing Arbutus (a.k.a. Mayflower and Plymouth Mayflower), is derives from the fact that the flowers of this plant were the first to greet the pilgrims after their first winter. It is a native perennial subshrub that forms a creeping mat, usually four to size inches high.
The third segment focuses on flowering vines. Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with white and purple or blue flowers. There are now hardier varieties that can survive in zone 5. While it blooms from midsummer to early fall, each flower only lasts about one day. The Kiwi vine is another interesting option that can grow up to 33 feet long and has some varieties that are hardy to zone 4. A native of China, it has green heart shaped leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem and a flower that has a slight resemblance to the kiwi bird. Both passionflower and kiwi vine can be fragrant additions to your garden if you can provide the appropriate support for them to climb.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Welcome to The Cover Up Retrospective Part 2. This conversation features potential ground covers and ornamental vine choices to consider for your own garden. Master Gardener Volunteers Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas share some of their favorites in these three previously aired segments.
The first segment starts with a discussion of Green and Gold (a.k.a. golden star) which is a low-growing, clump-forming herb. It thrives in full sun or part shade with long-blooming yellow flowers. This ground cover is climate resilient, slow-growing, and does not have to be ‘pampered’. Dutchman’s pipe, a relative of wild ginger, is a vine that can grow 15-30 feet in length and width. It’s a great option if you want to create a privacy screen as long as it’s given a strong support to grow on.Its tiny flower even attract hummingbirds.
Purple and white flowers are the theme of the second segment. Wild Geraniums (cranesbill) and native Wisteria are the focus. A cousin of the annual geranium, the native wild geranium is a hardy perennial that comes in a range of cultivars forming mats of foliage that look great planted under shrubs or with spring bulbs. Don’t confuse the native American Wisteria with the invasive variety that can pull down structures and spreads easily. The native version can grow 15-40 feet so it does need a sturdy support. Planted in full sun, it will reward you with fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The final segment features golden ragwort and climbing hydrangeas. Tim likes golden ragwort for its bright yellow flowers as well as its ability to compete with invasive plants like garlic mustard and Japanese stilt grass. It thrives in moist shady locations, naturalizes rapidly and has a long spring blooming period. Spreading via underground rhizomes, it forms clumping colonies and attracts multiple bees, butterflies and moths. Climbing hydrangeas, like other vines, need a sturdy support, like plenty of water, but are not very aggressive. Known for their attractive reddish-brown bark, they are happy in partial shade and produce fluffy white clusters of lace-cap flowers.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Photos by: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
This Cover Up Retrospective (Part 1) is a series of previously aired short segments focused on ground covers and vines. We’ve packaged them together for your easier access. Featuring Master Gardener Volunteers, Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas, it focuses on some of their favorite plants that do well to ‘cover up’ rock walls, trellises, as well as the ground. As with all plants, their beauty and functionality vary based on the eye of the individual gardener. This episode includes three of these segments.
The first focuses on Ajuga and Trumpet Vine. Jean starts off with a discussion on ajuga, also commonly known as bugle weed. A relative of the mint family, the speed of its lateral spread is based on light conditions, but its foliage provides its ‘star’ quality. Tim then talks about trumpet vine which can be aggressive, even though it is not ‘invasive’. Just make sure to plant it to enjoy its showy blooms on a strong structure or rock wall. It needs sun but is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Hummingbirds love it as well as bees and the sphinx moth.
The second segment features two wild strawberry plants and scarlet runner beans. Tim loves the ever green and versatile wild strawberry which spreads with runners and feeds multiple birds and other wildlife. But he also likes the barren strawberry which has yellow flowers inedible fruit, and spreads via rhizomes. One of Jean’s favorite vines in the scarlet runner bean, an annual that arrived in the US with the pilgrims. If deer visit your garden, make sure the fence this plant so that you get a chance to enjoy it.
The third segment is all about the color ‘coral’. Heuchera (a.k.a. coral bells) is a hummingbird favorite ground cover with its graceful flowers, but it is really loved for its foliage that is available in multiple colors. There are 35 species of heuchera in the USA, so there is bound to be one just right for your garden. Coral honeysuckle is native to the southern US, but hardy in our NY zones A sun lover, it can grow up to 20 feet long producing red/orange flowers. It is even deer and rabbit resistant with lots of birds enjoying its red fruit. Just make sure not to confuse it with the invasive bush honeysuckle variety.
Until next time!
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas
Resources
Green burials, also referred to as natural burials, are structured to care for the dead with minimal impact to the environment.
In many ways, green burials are a return to the past with simple methods. We once disposed of our dead in earth-friendly, regenerative ways with no chemicals and biodegradable containers. Dust to dust. But over the last 150 years, death care has become toxic and polluting in the United States. Over the last two decades, however, green burials are increasingly considered a sustainable death care choice that contributes to a healthier and less wasteful planet.
In today’s world, most death rites are linked to a $15 billion market of goods and services including cultural traditions, use of chemical embalming, sealed hardwood and metal caskets, reinforced concrete vaults and liners, and restrictive cemetery rules. Rituals can vary widely along ethnic, geographical, and religious lines.
In contrast, natural burials help to curb unsustainable conventional care of a deceased body that pollute, dishonor natural decomposition processes, and provide grieving families to experiences of loss, through a connection to each other as well as the natural world.
Suzanne Kelly, an author, scholar, farmer, cemetery administrator, and resident of the Hudson Valley, explores the myths that drive many of our standard environmentally damaging burial practices. In her book, Greening Death – Reclaiming Burial Practices and Restoring Our Tie to the Earth, she explores the myths that drive many of our standard environmentally damaging burial practices and the movement to ‘green’ death while integrating death and life.
In this episode of Nature Calls; Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn how people are reclaiming old practices of death care in new ways and thus changing the American way of death. Suzanne sheds light on the ways in which individuals can make a positive impact on the planet even in death. As the movement lays claim to greener, simpler, and more cost-efficient practices, it also offers tangible way of restoring our relationship to nature.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Suzanne Kelly
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
Rob Handel is a chef, forager, caterer and educator. He joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a discussion about his farm-to-table business both in-home and as a corporate caterer. A native of the Hudson Valley, he grew up with a love of nature. He tends to be a trend-setter. Lilac lemonade anyone?
Rob likes to educate folks about how to bring wonderful ingredients, that are farmed and foraged in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, to plates across Upstate New York. With experience catering locally sourced meals for groups ranging in size from 2-200, he provides unique and thoughtful fare that cannot be found elsewhere. He pairs locally farmed and foraged produce with the grass-fed and pastured meats and poultry.
If you are interested in restaurant quality meals, cooking and foraging presentations, hand on classes, or foraging walks throughout the Northeast, give Rob a call! With years of experience working in unfamiliar home kitchens, bringing all the tools necessary to prepare a multi-course meal, he prepares, cooks, serves AND cleans up, leaving the kitchen clean and ready for the next day. He sounds perfect for bachelorette/bachelor parties, birthday weekends, family vacations, and holiday parties.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Rob Handel
Photo by: Rob Handel
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Robin Smith, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Master Gardener Volunteer, Shelley Haefner, from Old Chatham (Columbia County) is passionate about gardening, nature photography and the great outdoors. She re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast for an informative discussion about Kid-Friendly Gardening.
As a mother of two, and the organizer of a summer gardening program for children in Chatham (NY), Shelley has lots of ideas and practical experience to get kids engaged in gardening and keep them interested throughout the season.
Perhaps the easiest way to get children engaged with nature and gardening is to make it fun and treat it as a game or play. Consider making a bug bingo game or treating the garden as a place for a scavenger hunt. A pole bean race is one way for kids to have fun. Have you thought about using hornworms with parasitic wasps to introduce a child to pest control? Using edible flowers (pansies, nasturtiums, herbs, etc.) in an arts and crafts project is another possibility.
Obviously, gardening tasks should be tailored or customized to the age, attention span, and the interests of the individual child. Some are interested in getting their hands dirty. Others prefer to look at the garden from a more scientific perspective. Others can be encouraged to get engaged in learning about nature from an artistic or culinary perspective. Pizza gardens anyone? How about a sensory garden? Kids can also create a photo journal of their experiences in the garden. Shelley offers lots of ideas and suggestions based on the age of the child and their interest areas.
Listen in to learn more about how to engage children in gardening activities and make some memories with your family.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Shelley Haefner
Photo By: Shelley Haefner
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Dr. Charles Canham and Dr. Clive Jones rejoin Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a discussion about Forest Ecology. Charles Canham is senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. He specializes in forest ecology and management. He is also the author of Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees. Dr. Clive Jones is a terrestrial ecologist with expertise in biodiversity and environmental management, also working with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
The northeast is one of the country’s most thoroughly forested regions, with forests covering two-thirds of the nine northeastern states. But that statistic belies the extraordinary wave of logging and clearing of land for agriculture that followed European settlement 400 years ago. In the Mid-Hudson, forest cover declined to a low of 15% at the turn of the twentieth century. Today, that has rebounded to over 60%.
Trees were the first native plants to recolonize. Today, decades later, these reclaimed forests have understories of shrubs and herbaceous species. It’s interesting to note that a large, well-established tree holds its position for many years, even as the climate changes. Northeastern forests today are a critical source of carbon sequestration to combat climate change and can potentially provide a renewable energy source.
That said, our forests are under threat from development, climate change, deer browse, and perhaps most worrisome, the introduction of invasive pests and pathogens. In addition to spongy moths, Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer have done significant damage to the elm and ash tree populations. Dogwoods are under threat with anthracnose. Pine and oak trees have their own issues.Despite these threats, there are still lots of reasons for optimism.
In this discussion, you’ll gain an appreciation of the flexibility and resiliency demonstrated by our forests.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guests: Charles Canham and Clive Jones
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
The spongy moth (lymantria dispar) is a non-native, foliage eating insect that threatens deciduous trees and impacts humans. It is considered one of the 100 most destructive invasive species worldwide. Originally from Europe and Asia, spongy moths made their debut in the Massachusetts in 1869 in an unsuccessful attempt to introduce silk production to the US. They complete one generation in a full year with a life cycle that consists of four stages:
- Egg: Females lay eggs in masses of 500-1000 in August. The egg masses are beige with velvety texture and spongy consistency.
- Larva (caterpillar): The larval stage typically lasts about 7 weeks. Larvae are most active during May and June. The caterpillars partially or entirely strip trees of their leaves. They prefer oaks, especially white and chestnut. But they’ll also eat alder, aspen, basswood, birch, hawthorn and willow trees.
- Pupa (Cocoon): After feeding and accumulating far, the larvae pupate.
- Adult (moth): The adult emerges from the pupa and reproduces
If you have damaged, compromised, or beloved trees in your landscape, be prepared to treat those trees early if spongy moth injury is expected. Talk to an arborist about applying a well-timed insecticide treatment. Also, consider adding a tree band in late May. These trap spongy moth caterpillars as they hike up and down a tree. Don’t forget to fertilize the tree to improve its ability to recover from spongy moth damage. And make sure to water your tree on dry days to prevent any added stress from drought.
Dr. Clive Jones is a terrestrial ecologist with expertise in biodiversity and environmental management. Working with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, he joined the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the recent outbreaks of spongy moths in the area. Clive has spent much of his career studying how organisms physically modify the non-living environment and the consequences for those species, other species and ecological processes. He has also contributed to understanding complex interaction webs in oak forests that connect oaks and acorns with insect outbreaks like spongy moth. He joins Dr. Charles Canham, another senior scientist at the Cary Institute who specializes in forest ecology and management.
We hope you find this conversation and interesting as we did.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guests: Clive Jones and Charles Canham
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
In New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has regulatory and enforcement authority for Environmental Conservation Law, including two law enforcement divisions, as well as administrative and civil actions. To be effective, state enforcement personnel and policies work in concert with their local and federal counterparts, and citizens must be kept informed and involved.
The DEC includes two law enforcement divisions, as well as administrative and civil actions. The DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement employs Environmental Conservation Police Officers to enforce the law and protect the state’s natural resources including fish and wildlife.
Retired Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Captain and current columnist, Larry DiDonato, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a wide-ranging discussion about a wide range of outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting and trapping.
Learn about how his career evolved from working in New York City versus in upper New York State. The environmental conservation issues downstate vary considerably from those in the Hudson Valley region and northwards. Larry talks about the roles of various environmental enforcement agencies and the challenges they face on a daily basis.
Larry discusses the regulatory changes with deer hunting permits and the data the DEC looks at when setting regulations is each deer management unit. He also discusses the variety of things, besides hunting, that impact deer populations including diseases, car collisions, starvation, and wildlife predation.
Fishing is another one of Larry’s passions as he avails himself of fishing opportunities throughout the seasons. Access to the Hudson River, via boat ramps, is a wonderful asset to this region allowing fishermen to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the area.
And don’t forget about trapping as another outdoor opportunity that helps support the environmental conservation efforts in New York State.
Host: Tim Kennelty and Taly Hahn
Guest: Larry DiDonato
Photo by: CCE Suffolk County
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Robin Smith, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
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 LawnsHave 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
Chris Bowser is a professional educator and environmental scientist with experience in citizen science, estuary and river monitoring, conservation biology, and fisheries science. Part of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he coordinates a team with NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson River Estuarine Research Reserve. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team with a passionate discussion about the Hudson River Estuary.
An estuary is defined as the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream. If you think of New York’s Hudson River, this covers a lot of territory.
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, estuaries are among the most productive of Earth's ecosystems. Native Americans discovered the Hudson's bounty thousands of years ago; evidence of their existence remains in heaps of oyster shells on its shores. Hudson and Dutch traders wrote of a river teeming with striped bass, herring, and giant sturgeon. More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson and its tributaries. The estuary's productivity is ecologically and economically valuable to much of the Atlantic Coast; key commercial and recreational species like striped bass, bluefish, and blue crab depend on nursery habitat here. Bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other birds feed from the river's bounty. Tidal marshes, mudflats, and other significant habitats in and along the estuary support a great diversity of life.
The Hudson River Estuary has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater wetlands in the northeastern part of the United States. It has also been found that due to climate change, the rising sea levels have led to an increase in the area of the wetlands.
Chris brings the Hudson River to ‘life’ not only talking about what can be found within it, but also about the wide range of programs to adults and children to help everyone become more acquainted with its value to our broader ecosystem.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Chris Bowser
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
The state bird of New York is the eastern bluebird, one of the first birds to return north each spring. Bluebirds are insectivores and part of the thrush family. Three types of bluebirds inhabit the United States: the mountain bluebird (found in western North America); the western bluebird (in California, the southern Rocky Mountains, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States) and the eastern bluebird (in the east, central and southern US states all the way to southeastern Arizona).
In New York, you can spot eastern bluebirds sitting on telephone wires or perched on top of a nest box, calling out in short chirps, or flying around in pursuit of insects. The male Eastern Bluebirds have bright blue feathers on their backs and heads with warm red-brown ones on their breasts. Female birds are less brightly colored than males, although color patterns are similar and there is no noticeable difference in size.
If you’d like to attract a breeding pair, consider putting up a nest box, well before breeding season. They typically have more than one brood per year between March and August. Young produced in early nests usually leave their parents in summer, but young from later nests frequently stay with their parents over the winter.
Eastern Bluebirds are territorial and prefer open grassland with patchy vegetation and large trees or nest boxes. Meadows, old fields, and golf courses tend to be places they can be found. When they are not nesting, the birds roam the countryside in small flocks.
Kathryn Schneider, an author, avid birder, and a Master Gardener Volunteer, re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk all about Bluebirds. Her book, Birding in the Hudson Valley, explores Hudson Valley history, ecology, bird biology It describes sites in every county in the region, including farms, grasslands, old fields, wetlands, orchards, city parks, rocky summits, forests, rivers, lakes, and salt marshes.
In this episode, Kathryn provides lots of information about our state bird including its habits, where it lives, what it likes to eat, as well as its competitors (swallows, house sparrows and wrens) and predators (snakes, cats, raccoons and even bears). After listening to this episode, you’ll appreciate these delightful birds even more the next time you see them!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Dr. Kathryn Schneider
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Olana, located in Hudson, New York, is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the most famous American landscape artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces beautiful panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains.
Frederic Church is well-known as a painter, but he was also a world traveler, a family man, and a self-taught architect, farmer and landscape designer.
Born in Hartford, CT, Frederic Church was the son of a silversmith with interests in milling, insurance, real estate and railroads. Showing early artistic talent, Church’s parents arranged for him to study with Thomas Cole in Catskill, New York. Cole had already established himself as an important landscape painter, and Church studied with him between 1844 and 1846. The following year, Church moved to New York to begin his independent career. He was very well-traveled in New England, including Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. He went to South America, in 1853 and 1857, along the cordilleras of the Andes, to see equatorial volcanoes.
Church achieved success in his twenties and attracted important patrons. Even after Olana became his primary residence, he maintained an active presence in New York City, where he was a part of the art community. In 1860, he married Isabel Mortimer Carnes.
Church purchased 126 acres of hardscrabble farmland on a south facing hillside a few miles south of the town of Hudson, a sketching spot he had visited twenty years earlier in the company of Thomas Cole, his teacher. Although Cole had died in 1848, his family still lived just across the river, in Catskill. Frederic and Isabel boarded with the Cole family while working with architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a small house. They called it “Cosy Cottage” and the couple moved in by the early summer of 1861. Acting as both a farmer and a landscape artist, Frederic improved the land. He planted crops, established a dairy herd, transformed a swampy area into a lake, and planted thousands of trees. He built a studio on the highest point of land he then owned, and there he made sketches of the views and worked on larger compositions.
After spending 18 months visiting Europe and the Middle East, the Churches returned to New York in 1866 and purchased an additional 18 acres at the top of their hill, where the house, eventually named ‘Olana’ is sited. They eventually moved into their new home in 1872 and raised four children there. Although they were frequent visitors to New York City, Olana was their primary home.
The Olana State Historic Site, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is a designated National Historic Landmark. It is one of the most visited landmarks in New York State, consisting of breath-taking views, informative tours and educational programs.
On this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, Carolyn Keough joins us to talk all that Olana offers including some of the programs that are available. Carolyn is the Director of Education and Public Programs at The Olana Partnership and an experienced museum educator and administrator working with school, youth and family audiences. A graduate of New York University, she also has a Masters degree in Art History at City College. She came to Olana from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where she was the Manager of School, Youth, and Teen Programs, overseeing gallery and studio programs, coordinating professional development for educators and assisting with teaching and curriculum development.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Carolyn Keough
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Timothy Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Resources
Weeds are a constant fact of a gardener’s life. As our guest, Toni DiTommaso, says we can count on three things in life: death, taxes, and weeds.
But if it weren’t for weeds, the world would have less topsoil than it has now, and humanity might have suffered mass starvation by now. Why? Because the plants we call weeds do a vital job in ecosystems: they quickly establish in, protect, and restore soil that has been left exposed by natural and human-caused disturbances. That said, weeds, in addition to being a nuisance, cause more yield loss worldwide and add more to farms’ production costs than insect pests, crop pathogens, root-feeding nematodes, or warm-blooded pests (rodents, birds, deer, etc.).
So perhaps, we should start this discussion with a definition. What exactly is a ‘weed’? The Oxford Dictionary defines a weed as a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. Similarly, the Miriam-Webster dictionary describes it as a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth. Penn State Extension tells us that weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, water, and light, as well as potentially harbor diseases and pests. Simply put, a weed is a plant ‘out of place’.
Plants that are characterized as weeds can reproduce via seeds, rhizomes, cuttings or runners. Their seeds are typically plentiful and tiny which can disperse easily and/or remain dormant for many years. They also can grow in less-than-ideal environments, soils, and conditions. As any gardener knows, they tend to grow fast and can outcompete other plants. Weed management can also be frustrating as some of these plants can break off and re-sprout or self-pollinate if pulled out. The best place to begin is to learn how to identify weeds.
In this episode, we are fortunate to hear from Antonio (Toni) DiTommaso, Professor and Section Head, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The focus of his research is to gain a more in depth understanding of the basic biological and ecological principles governing weeds to find safe, effective, sustainable and economically viable weed management strategies.
In addition to his teaching and research duties, he is also a co-author of the book, Weeds of the Northeast.The fully updated second edition provides detailed illustrations for easy identification of more than 500 common and economically important weeds in the Northeast including New York.A practical guide, it includes a dichotomous key as well as descriptions and photos of floral and vegetative characteristics, giving anyone who works with plants the ability to identify weeds before they flower. Comparison tables make it easy to differentiate between many closely related and similar species.
Listen to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, to learn more about Toni DiTommaso and weeds.This will be of interest to home gardeners, landscape managers, as well as pest management specialists.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Antonio DiTommaso
Photo by: Cornell University CALS
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe are back with part 3 of our retrospective series about Pests and Pathogens. In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, you’ll hear about some common issues New York gardeners face such as rust fungus, squash vine borer, fruit flies and the emerald ash borer (EAB).
We’ll start with a category of blisters, galls, and spots on leaves and trees that are caused by a rust fungus. Humid, warm weather creates an excellent environment for many plant pathogens grow. Rust fungi are among the most common pathogens.While most rust fungi will not kill their host plants, they can weaken them to the point of not being functional in the landscape anymore. Learn more as Master Gardeners, Dede and Jackie, delve into this category of pathogen.
If you care about preserving the environment, stay tuned as Jackie and Dede discuss the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that has caused significant damage to the ash tree population in North America, including New York State. They cover everything from the beetle's life cycle to the measures being taken to prevent further spread.
Next is a segment on a popular pest of zucchini and other members of the cucurbit family: the dreaded Squash Vine Borer. As one of the earliest insects to show up in the garden as a moth, it can wreak havoc if not caught early. Learn some tips and tricks to help avoid and manage problems.
Lastly, how can you tell if you have fruit flies or fungus gnats flying around your home? No, they are not the same things.Both are tiny but fruit flies are larger than gnats. If they are flying around your house plants, they are probably fungus gnats. Dede and Jacki help you tell the difference between them and also provide suggestions on how to get rid of them.
So this episode has a little bit of something about both pests and pathogens. By listening in, you will be armed with lots of information about how to deal with them.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
In Part 2 of this Pests and Pathogens Retrospective episode, common issues such as houseplant problems, anthracnose and powdery mildew are discussed. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we’ve repackage them to easier listening.
Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, are back on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to let you know what to look for and what you can do about it.
We start with Anthracnose diseases which are caused by fungi that infect stems, branches, leaves and fruits of a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs as well as garden vegetables. Sycamore, ash, maple, oak and privet are especially susceptible in New York. The symptoms of these diseases are more severe in years of extended cool, wet spring weather.
If you notice bugs around your houseplants, first isolate the plant and then identify the pest. Early infestations might be removed by hand picking, scraping with a fingernail or addressed using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spraying a sturdy plant with water or an insecticidal soap will often remove many pests. In this segment, learn about common houseplant pests (e.g. aphids, mites, scales, mealy bugs, thrips, leaf miners, etc.) and the best ways to control them.
Several different genera of fungi cause powdery mildew which looks like white powdery spores growing on the upper leaf surface of the lower leaves of a plant. Hear Dede and Jackie talk about this common summer pathogen by answering questions such as “What is powdery mildew?” “How do I manage a powdery mildew infestation?” or “What are best practices to minimize the odds of a reoccurrence of powdery mildew?” There’s lots to learn about managing this common pathogen.
Hosts: Jean Thomas
Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Welcome to another of our retrospective series which are compilations of shorter segments on related topics that were previously aired and that we’ve now packaged into an episode for easier access. This is the first of a three episodes focused on Pests and Pathogens. This one contains segments on diagnosing plant problems, beetles and spongy moths. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we've repackaged them for easier listening.
Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden are Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. They join the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to provide insights on common issues that can be found in home gardens and landscapes.
Diagnosing plant problems is key to coming up with the correct control mechanism. Many plant issues are caused by environmental issues, but there are times when insects, or fungal, viral, or bacterial factors are the problem. The location and the type of the damage are an important clue in determining any insect cause damage diseases. Learn how to monitor your plants and isolate the potential issue.
Do you know that forty percent of all insect species are beetles? They include plant feeders, predators, scavengers as well as parasites. Typically beetles pass through four stages of development, the egg, the larva, the pupa, or the cocoon, and the adult. The larvae are commonly called grubs and the pupa is something called a chrysalis. Learn about Colorado beetles, Japanese beetles, and Lady bugs on this segment of the episode.
Then stay tuned for a segment on the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar, also formerly called the European gypsy moth) which is native to Europe and first arrived in the US in 1869. This moth is a major pest because the caterpillars have huge appetites for >300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to New York’s forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests, and can eventually kill the tree. Egg masses, which have a spongy or hair-like covering, survive through the winter months and can be moved inadvertently on household items and agricultural products. Early detection is critical to limiting the spongy moth's spread. This segment may help you to understand what can be done to manage any reoccurrence.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden
Photo by: Cornell University
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
An herb is defined as a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Many can be used fresh from the garden during the growing season or dried for use during cooler months. Popular herbs include basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, dill, sage, thyme, mint, chives and cilantro. But there are so many others.
Briana Davis, co-owner of Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd. located in Cornwallville, NY, joins podcast hosts, Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden, in a lively discussion that covers the basics on how to grow culinary herbs. That’s why we call this a ‘101’ episode.
Briana is an avid gardener, horticulturalist, plant collector, and responsible land steward. She describes how some herbs are best grown from seed while others, that take longer to establish, are best grown from a plant. While kitchen herb gardens are very popular, many herbs can be planted among vegetables or flowers to add color, texture or scent.
Herbs are very versatile and come in many cultivars. Briana describes how she uses ones that she grows in her own garden and sells in her greenhouse. She also discusses various ways to preserve them so that they can be used beyond the growing season.
This will make your mouth water and taste buds explode! Enjoy this new episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Briana Davis
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, and Robin Smith
Resources
Master Gardener Volunteer, Shelley Haefner, from Old Chatham (Columbia County) is passionate about gardening, nature photography and the great outdoors. She joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast for an informative discussion about Microgreens.
We all know that vegetables are a rich source of many healthy nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, K, E, and B6), folate, thiamin, and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny vegetable and herb greens that can be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time. Given their high nutritional value and the wide variety of species you can grow, microgreens provide nutrient-dense greens that you can grow in your home. While there are about 60 different microgreens, popular ones include broccoli, beets, Swiss chard, and peas. They add a nutritional boost to soups, salads and sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own.
The basic items needed to grow them include seeds, drinking water, growing medium or mat, growing containers or trays, a small kitchen scale or measuring cups, a spray bottle, a pitcher, and a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. The simple steps to follow to grow microgreens include:
- Calculate and measure the optimal amount of seeds needed for your trays
- Prepare your trays and growing media
- Seed your trays
- Provide adequate water and sunlight
- Harvest the microgreens using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors
Microgreens have become more popular in recent years with ongoing research looking to understand their health benefits. Insights from this research reveal that microgreens contain up to 40 percent more beneficial nutrients (vitamins and minerals) than their full-grown counterparts. They are high in fiber and vitamin K which can be helpful in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Some (like red cabbage) may have the potential to lower cholesterol and inflammation to reduce heart disease risk. As they are high in fiber, they can support gut health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Shelley's enthusiasm for microgreens in contagious. Her favorite quote, Happiness is right where you plant it", is very appropriate when growing your own microgreens. And don't forget to check out her YouTube channel which provides helpful how-to videos, experiences, and tips on flower gardening, vegetable gardening and gardening tools. It's a fun way to dive into Zone 5 organic perennial and edible kitchen gardening.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Shelley Haefner
Photo by: Shelley Haefner
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Do you know that New York State is among the top five wine producing regions in the USA? The Hudson Valley is actually one of four main wine growing regions, or American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in New York, along with Lake Erie, the Finger Lakes, and the east end of Long Island.
The Hudson River region has a strong agricultural heritage and provides good soils and climate for grape production. Wine has some serious history in this area and this region which hosts three wine trails. Countless grape varieties were forged in the Hudson Valley throughout mid- to late-1800s. Breeders from the area crossed European varieties with North American species with the intent to create more sustainable grape cultivars. These breeders of the 19th century worked with horticulturists, writers and nurserymen to propagate and disseminate their varieties throughout the United States. These Hudson Valley heritage varieties went on to create wines of outstanding quality, garnering national and international accolades.
Once an important table grape area, the Hudson region now has more cold hardy wine grapes planted each year. Grape growing has become increasingly popular due to New York’s moderating temperatures and the higher precipitation levels associated with climate change.
Grapes can be eaten fresh as table grapes or enjoyed in a variety of products such as juice, jelly, raisins, and the ultimate processed grape product, wine. Many species are native to North America, whereas others (primarily wine grapes) are natives of Europe. Because grapes are vines, they can be grown on arbors, fences, or trellis systems, and can be trained to conform to many shapes and sizes.
An ideal site for the cold-tender cultivars should have 160 or more frost-free days. A slight degree of slope will assist in air drainage, and east-to-south exposures are desirable. Well-drained soils like a clay loam are most preferred, as they assist in removing excess moisture from the root zone.
Cultivar selection should be made based on the purpose of the grape. For example, Concord grapes make a wonderful juice and jelly, but its wine has limited appeal and folks tend to dislike seeds in their fresh- eating grapes. On the other hand, Concord is well adapted to our climate, having good pest resistance and cold hardiness. European grapes (Vitis vinifera) such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc have excellent wine-making characteristics but are susceptible to disease and are more cold-tender than native grapes. In many cases, French American hybrid grapes offer a good compromise for wine production because they have good winemaking characteristics as well as better horticultural traits than their European cousins.
Grapes are sold as rooted cuttings or grafted plants that should be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Only the European grapes require grafting. To the extent possible, plant rows in a north-south orientation to capture the most sunlight. Be sure to keep the new vines watered and weeded and remove all flower clusters in their first year. A small amount of fertilizer may benefit the young vine.
Pruning occurs in winter months when vines are dormant, usually between December and March. Pruning sets the bud number and crop for the upcoming season and is a very important viticulture practice. Grapes bear their fruit on one-year-old wood.
J. Stephen Casscles 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. Listen to Steve on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley as he talks about Grapes in the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Robin Smith
Guests: Steve Casscles
Photo by: Steve Casscles
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers and Annie Scibienski
Weed management is the bane of existence for many gardeners and one of the most critical aspects of farming and land management. Finding safe, effective, and culturally appropriate weed management solutions is a challenge but can be addressed by betting understand the life cycle of the specific weed that is causing a problem.
Dr. Bryan Brown is a Senior Extension Associate, NYS Integrated Pest Management and Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture Section at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to discuss Weeds and IPM (Integrated Pest Management). Bryan’s focus is on improving the management of weeds while minimizing the environmental, economic and human health risks.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision-making process that uses science-based information on the life cycles of pests (including weeds) and their interaction with the environment to manage damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard, to people, property, and the environment. In the case of weed management, it may involve hand pulling, tilling the soil, covering the soil with cardboard, solarization, other mechanical removal means, or chemical controls. IPM weed management steps typically include:
- Identifying the plant(s)that are the source of the problem.
- Understanding the biology and economics of the weed, where it is found, and any potential ‘Achilles heel’.
- Monitoring plants including any natural controls (insects, competing plants, etc.).
- Establishing any injury thresholds to understand the potential damage from infestations, its natural enemies, the sensitivity of the site, and the weather. Actions should be taken only when the potential damage is justified.
- Selecting an appropriate control strategy.
- Cultural practices include modification of habitat or operating procedures to minimize damage and enhance natural control. Choosing plant varieties that are resistant to pests, or adjusting planting time, fertilization, tillage, and harvest operations to have the most beneficial effect on the weed management situation.
- Biological controls including predators, parasites, and diseases.
- Chemical control involves selecting an herbicide with the lowest toxicity to humans and non-target organisms and using it in such a way as to prevent or minimize undesirable environmental effects. After carefully reading the label, the lowest effective dosage of chemical is applied at the appropriate time of year.
- Evaluating the weed management program and improving it when possible.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the importance of understanding the weed’s life cycle, whether it’s an annual, biennial, or perennial to assess potential control techniques. For annuals, it’s critical to stop the plant from going to seed. For perennials, interrupting the plants' ability to send energy to its spreading roots is key to success. So using cover crops or mowing at the right time of year and the right height can make a difference. Hoes can help with mechanical removal. There are many types available, but the best one is a personal preference.
Research efforts are underway to determine potential biological controls for some problematic weeds like Japanese knotweed. As Bryan says, there are lots of new developments coming to help with weed management in the future.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Dr. Bryan Brown
Photo by: Cornell University
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
John Bartram (1699–1777) was an American-born botanist, horticulturalist, naturalist, and explorer. He has been lauded as the “father of American botany” and the "greatest natural botanist in the world." He made significant contributions to the collection, study, and international introduction of North American flowering trees and shrubs and was a pioneer in the importation and cultivation of non-native plants.
John only had a common country schooling, but at a young age developed an interest in botany and ‘natural history’.He later inherited a farm on which he established himself and his young family. Married twice, he was the father of 11 children. His third son, Willian (1739–1823), became a noted botanist, natural history artist, and ornithologist in his own right.
John Bartram started his botanical career by devoting a small area of his farm to growing plants he found interesting. Later, he made contact with European botanists and gardeners interested in North American plants and developed his hobby into a thriving business.
Bartram was particularly instrumental in sending seeds from the New World to European clients. The Boxes", as they became known, were shipped for distribution in England to a wide list of clients. The boxes generally contained 100 or more varieties of seeds, and sometimes included dried plant specimens.
Bartram traveled up and down the East Coast virtually every year from 1735 through 1766, gathering unusual plants and touring gardens from New England to Florida. Bartram visited New Jersey and New York, and while exploring the Catskill mountains in 1742, he made the first of several visits to physician and botanist Cadwallader Colden and his daughter Jane, with whom he carried on a lengthy correspondence. In 1743, he was commissioned by the British crown to visit the Indian tribes and explore the wilderness north to Lake Ontario in Canada. His attention to the natural habitats of plants shaped Bartram’s understanding of botany and his approach to his own garden.
Bartram’s Garden, established in 1728, is considered the first botanic garden in the United States. Still operating in a partnership between the city of Philadelphia and a non-profit foundation, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Bartram was a friend of Benjamin Franklin and an original member of the American Philosophical Society. He was one of the first practicing Linnaean botanists in North America and named the botanist for the American colonies to King George III.
Kirk Brown, a graduate of Cornell University, is an expert in garden history, garden design, and garden photography. He brings John Bartram to life on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. His meticulously researched portrayal of America’s first ‘plantsman’ describes the horticultural history of America at the very beginning of the international world of plant discovery and identification. Kirk travels the country wearing the mantle of two of America's foremost practitioners of the Art of Gardening: John Bartram and Frederick Law Olmsted. Additionally, he delivers design and garden history lectures as himself.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kirk Brown
Photo by: Kirk Brown
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Jean Thomas, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Paul Curtis re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast in Part 2 of an informative discussion about living with wildlife in New York State. He is a Professor and Department Extension Leader focused on Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Paul’s focus is on reducing negative impacts associated with wildlife, as he seeks to integrate his extension programming with applied research. He has published more than 80 papers dealing with the management of human-wildlife interactions.
In this episode, in addition to a discussion on black bears, Paul’s extensive wildlife background provides insights into coyotes, fishers, foxes, bobcats, martins, weasels, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, raccoons and more. This episode will enlighten you on the wide range of wildlife that can be found in New York State and how to successfully and peacefully co-exist with them.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Paul Curtis
Photo by: Cornell University
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Reducing negative impacts associated with wildlife is a common concern of many residents of New York’s Hudson Valley. In this first part of an informative discussion, we explore how to peacefully coexist with black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.
White tail deer are becoming a more common issue in rural and suburban communities with deer/vehicle collisions and their over-abundance is often associated with damage to forests and gardens. Black bears frequently have been regarded by humans as nuisances, but the reality is that they tend to steer clear of humans, unless food (often garbage) is left around for their perusal. Coyotes also have a reputation for targeting pets in the Hudson Valley. In reality, they view dogs as competitors within their territory and thus small dogs should be kept on a leash to minimize contact with coyotes.
Learning about these animals and their behaviors can help us understand how to peacefully co-exist with them and learn how to control any damage created by their presence. When residents need help with their non-human neighbors, licensed wildlife control operators can help. Learn about the on-line training that is available to become a wildlife control operator and some of the issues they encounter.
Paul Curtis is a Professor and Department Extension Leader focused on Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team in an enlightening discussion about living with wildlife in New York State.
Paul obtained his Ph.D. in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 1990. He is a co-author of the National Wildlife Control Training Program, and a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with The Wildlife Society. During the past 30+ years, Paul has provided leadership for the Wildlife Damage Management Program at Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He has published more than 80 papers dealing with the management of human-wildlife interactions. His research interests have included resolving wildlife conflicts in suburban, forested, and agricultural landscapes, wildlife fertility control, and managing community-based wildlife issues. He is currently working on methods to better monitor deer impacts to forest regeneration and enhance biodiversity.
Listen to the first of a two-part discussion about living with other wildlife on the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Paul Curtis
Photo by: Cornell University
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Robert Layton Beyfuss (1950-2023) was known as the ‘poet of gardening’ but he wore many hats. A longtime educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties (retiring in 2009), Bob was also a well-known columnist, widely sharing his knowledge and love of gardening. In addition to being an Internationally Certified Arborist, he is perhaps best remembered as having been a passionate expert on the cultivation of ginseng.
His ginseng journey began at Cornell University where he pursued a Masters degree in agriculture, after earning a Bachelors degree in botany from Rutgers University. The title of his Master’s Project was “The History, Use and Cultivation of American Ginseng.” American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is perhaps the most valuable non-timber forest crop in Eastern North America.
During the course of his career, Bob authored several booklets and fact sheets about the growing of ginseng and mushrooms, including “American Ginseng Production in NY State,” “The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng,” “Ginseng Production in Woodlots,” and “Companion Planting,” among others. He was also an advocate for forest farming as both a conservation solution and an economic opportunity.
Outgoing, opiniated, thoughtful, inspirational, and listener, are some of the adjectives that described Bob. He was also an avid outdoorsman and equally loved the time he spent turkey hunting, fishing, foraging, and gardening in New York, as well as the time he spent fishing, and playing softball. In more recent years, Bob split his time between his homes in Schoharie County, NY and Florida (near his children and grandchildren).
Bob Beyfuss’ influence and impact on the ginseng industry are immeasurable. His own ginseng activities in New York State and his extensive cooperative extension activities outside the world of ginseng earned him, in 2021, declared a ‘State Treasure of New York”.
Anna Plattner, ginseng grower and educator from Wild Hudson Valley, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a tribute to Bob with this episode being aired on the anniversary of his birth. Anna and her husband, Justin Wexler, manage the field operations of American Ginseng Pharm (AGP), a large-scale agroforestry farm in upstate New York that uses innovative methods to cultivate American ginseng in a way that benefits both humans and the Earth.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Anna Plattner
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Part 3 of the Veggie Patch Retrospective wraps up with 4 more short segments about gardening for edible food crops. Master Gardener Volunteer, Teresa Golden, continues to provide advice to the beginner and experienced gardener about how to tend a successful vegetable garden.
The first segment focuses on root crops including beets, carrots, radishes, onions, turnips, parsnips, potatoes, among others. The category gets its name because their edible roots grow under the soil. Knowing the growing season of the specific crop you are growing i s one key to success. They tend to be directly sown into the soil but proper spacing is also very important. Consistent watering is also key as is storing them properly once harvested.
Next is all about garden maintenance and tools. Maintenance revolves around weeding, watering, and fertilizing. Make sure to water the soil, not the plants. One way to control weeds is to mulch, but whatever you do, don’t let the weeds got to seed to prevent an even bigger challenge in the future. Adding organic matter (like compost) is the preferable way to fertilize but if you do use supplemental chemical fertilizers, make sure to read the labels and apply them correctly. The right tools can make garden maintenance easier so listen in to learn the best tools for the job.
The segment on extending the gardening season focuses on various ways to keep the soil warm. Cloches, cold frames, row covers, low tunnels and high tunnels are all discussed. Hopefully, this discussion can help you decide which approach might work best for you.
Finally, the Veggie Patch series ends with a segment about putting your garden to ‘bed’ for the winter. Once your crops are harvested, this involves pulling all dead or unproductive plants and either composting them (if they don’t have seeds) or discarding them. Remove all cages and supports, making sure to clean them before storing them for the winter. Testing your soil pH in the fall will inform you of any needed amendments (like compost). This is a great time to sanitize, oil, and sharpen your garden tools for the next season.
We hope this series gives you the confidence to start and nurture your home vegetable garden.
Host: Teresa Golden
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support : Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Welcome back to part 2 of the Veggie Patch Retrospective where we compiled together three previously aired short segments on various aspects of vegetable gardening. Instead of searching for the content in previous episodes, we’ve put these shorter segments together in a single episode for your listening convenience. Especially as winter drags on, it’s helpful to be able to dream of warmer weather when you get back into enjoying your garden.
This specific episode is about three popular vegetables found in home gardens: Tomatoes, Beans, and Cucurbits (cucumbers and squashes).
Tomatoes are one of the most beloved garden plants, but they can also be frustrating to grow. Learn about the best time to plant them (soil temperature is key so don’t be in a hurry), space them, and water them. Unfortunately, you will learn that tomatoes are as popular with pests and pathogens, as they are with humans. Learn how to spot them and manage them so that you can have a productive and delicious crop to harvest.
Legumes are another category of popular crops. They include the popular pea (garden, snap, snow and other types) and beans. Legume seeds can typically be planted directly in the ground so there is no need for seed starting or buying transplants. There are also many types of beans to experiment with. There are the traditional bush beans (perhaps one of the easiest to start with), pole beans (that require supports but produce a larger yield) and runner beans (whose plants are sized between bush and pole). Beans can be enjoyed raw, or cooked and can also be dried for future use. Legumes are very versatile crops, as well as being delicious and healthy too!
Cucumbers and squashes (members of the cucurbit family) are also home garden favorites. One of the secrets to a productive crop is to harvest the fruits regularly before they get too big. There are so many options available to grow so experiment with them to determine your favorites.
Listen to Teresa Golden, Master Gardener Volunteer, as she talks you through the various aspects of growing these vegetable crops and enjoy!
Host: Teresa Golden
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
It’s that time of year to start dreaming about and planning for your vegetable garden. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced one, there is always something new to learn.
So we’ve pulled together a treat for you! Listen to this compilation of five already aired short segments specific to vegetable gardening. In this Veggie Patch Retrospective (part 1), you’ll learn from Master Gardener Volunteer, Teresa Golden, how to:
- determine the best place to site your garden,
- choose what veggies to plant to best serve the needs of your family,
- prepare the soil for a productive crop yield,
- start seeds at home,
- grow a family of vegetables called brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower
Also, check out the rich set of resource links below that can help you with your garden. There’s more to come, so make sure to check back for the next two parts of this sequence. We aim to demystify how to grow your own vegetable garden and/or help your garden be more productive.
Host: Teresa Golden
Photo By: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Forest rangers are the wilderness’ police department. Think of them as ‘guardians of nature’ who protect and conserve natural resources in forests and parks. Their jurisdiction usually encompasses terrain filled with wildlife and treacherous landscapes. Forest rangers are often unsung heroes who work long hours in extreme conditions.
Many people associate forest rangers with "Smokey Bear', the lovable bear who warned us not to start forest fires. But rangers do more than prevent and fight fires. They are involved in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, as well as public education and outreach.
Unfortunately, forest fires continue to be a threat to New York State’s forests and forest rangers are at the front lines in the fight against forest fires. They help educate and train fire departments in the best course of action to fight fires. They also engage in preventive measures, which may include setting controlled burns or clearing brush that may be a potential hazard in the event of fire. When a fire occurs, forest rangers work in conjunction with local fire fighters in controlling and putting out the fire. After a fire is contained, the rangers conduct investigations to determine the cause and source of the fire.
Every year hikers, campers and casual visitors get lost in the wilderness of state forests in the Hudson Valley. When they do, it is the forest rangers who play a critical role in search and rescue operations. Rangers travel over rough terrain in search of lost people. They help coordinate and lead search teams through the forest. Rangers are skilled in emergency training so they can administer first aid if needed. Forest rangers also keep track of campers and hikers by the use of checkpoints at the entries to parks and forests. This helps them monitor the number of visitors in the forest as well as alerts them to when someone could potentially have gotten lost, if they do not check out at the expected time.
Keeping the forests safe for visitors and wildlife is the most important part of a ranger’s job. Learn more from Anastasia Alwine, a New York State Forest Ranger, who joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in an informative discussion of the role of forest rangers in the Hudson Valley. Anastasia is from Syracuse, NY, and graduated from Cornell University as an art major. Prior to taking the civil service exam, she wasn’t aware that the Forest Ranger job existed, but you will hear how she loves working at this role now.
Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Jean Thomas
Guest: Anastasia Alwine
Photo by: Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Are you a nature lover? Are you interested in conservation or habitat restoration? Do you have a passion for our natural environment or want to learn more about the ecosystems, habitats, plants, and animals of New York State? Then this program might be for you!
The Master Naturalist Program is a science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation and monitoring projects.
The Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team had the opportunity to meet with Kristi Sullivan, Director, NY Master Naturalist Program and Extension Associate, at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With a focus on natural resources and the environment, Kristi was a ‘natural’ to create the Master Naturalist Program in New York State.
Over 500 people have completed this adult education program, with ~100+ active volunteers (who have reported their hours) in any given year. Only 30 people are admitted into the program each year, so there is an application process to be followed to ensure broader coverage across the state. You can become a Master Naturalist by taking the 16-hour mandatory “Naturalist Trainee” course, supplemented by 14 hours of additional coursework and 30 hours of volunteer work tailored to your personal interests. The mandatory “Naturalist Trainee” course is held at Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest located in Ithaca, NY. It covers topics such as reptiles and amphibians, invasive species identification and control, insects, bats, ferns, wildlife and more.
Volunteer opportunities may include “hands-on” management, conservation or monitoring activities, or educational outreach. Examples of appropriate volunteer activities include working with a local land trust or nearby park to remove or monitor invasive species, collecting citizen science data for an ongoing program, inventorying wildflowers at a local park or preserve, participating in riparian buffer plantings or restoration, conducting wildlife surveys, contributing to water quality monitoring or research. Potential outreach activities may include leading a “woods walk”, writing articles, giving presentations, or developing educational brochures. Each Master Naturalist can pursue volunteer activities tailored to her/his own interests and strengths.
Always remember that YOU can make a difference in the natural environment.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristi Sullivan
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
If you like birds, you will love this episode! Birds spark a deep wonder and help us to understand the living world. When birds disappear, they’re signaling that we’ve stressed our landscapes and oceans. When we make changes and they rebound, it signals hope that we can find ways to flourish and protect the natural world.
Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader from Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology, joins us in a wonderful conversation about our feathered friends, the Lab, and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Becca's focus in environmental education includes native habitats, sustainability, and conservation. Beyond the Lab, she is an avid gardener creating beautiful gardens to feed her family as well as the wildlife in her area.
The “GBBC” is a February event that has united birdwatchers around the world for over 25 years. For one weekend each year, citizen scientists submit their bird observations from their home or in their community. The GBBC engages backyard bird watchers and helps guide people in creating bird-friendly homes and yards. This is something that everyone can engage in as a citizen scientist.
And it’s just one project supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology whose mission is to interpret and conserve the Earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds and nature. The Lab brings together the agility and impact of an on-the-ground nonprofit organization with world-class science and teaching as part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Together, they transform data into knowledge by pioneering new techniques that combine citizen science, machine learning, and data visualizations. Their studies explore the earth’s biodiversity, the processes that have generated it, and ways to conserve this abundance of life. Key partners in much of this research are the many thousands of people who volunteer for citizen-science projects.
The Lab created Merlin, a very popular application that helps identify birds by answering some simple questions, or via their photos, songs and calls. The Lab also developed and manages eBird, a database that engages a global audience in sharing observations to empower research and conservation of birds and ecosystems. Through the exploration, analysis, and visualization of massive data sets, insights are revealed on the distribution, movements, status, and trends of birds through time and across hemispheres.
Learn how you can participate in this process with the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Becca Rodomsky-Bish
Photo by: Cornell University Lab of Ornithology
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connolly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
The podcast team recently took a road trip to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY to meet with Ashley Helmholdt, Extension Associate, Cornell Garden-Based Learning, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture. With a passionate interest in garden-based learning, Ashley manages the New York State Master Gardener Volunteer and Seed to Supper programs as well as professional development for Cornell Cooperative Extension educators.
She shares a bit of the history of the MGV program which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. She’s heavily involved in the continual enhancements to the program and shares her enthusiasm for what’s to come. She also talks extensively about the Seed to Supper program, a six-session series, which helps new vegetable gardeners get started. Vegetable Varieties for New York State is also under her purview which is an excellent resource to help gardeners select varieties that will grow well in New York soils and climate.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer network is also working to strengthen understanding and inspire us to take action in our gardens and communities that will help address the global crisis of climate change. Supporting this effort, a curriculum is available for gardeners, homeowners, educators, volunteers, teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring how we might examine our gardening practice through the lens of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
If you are interested in the Master Gardener Program in Columbia and Greene Counties or have a gardening question, please call or email the Master Gardeners at (518) 826-3345 ext 212 or ColumbiaGreeneMGV@cornell.edu. If you live outside these counties, please contact your local county extension office.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Ashley Helmholdt
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program, and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening. Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers from the community who enjoy gardening and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about their gardening and the environment. Master Gardener Volunteer activities might include offering lectures and workshops at libraries, schools and in the community, answering horticultural inquiries, creating and staffing horticultural booths at shows and fairs, providing advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venues, and Increasing awareness of integrated pest management, water quality and conservation and other environmental issues. Being a Master Gardener Volunteer is both a rewarding and gratifying experience. Master Gardeners add beauty and knowledge to the many lives they touch.
In this episode, Rosemary Armao joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with a perspective on the Master Gardener Volunteer program. As a recent graduate of the training process in Albany County, she provides a candid discussion about the training process as well as what she’s learned being a Master Gardener.
Rosemary Armao, a native of Albany, is an adjunct professor of journalism at UAlbany. She has worked as a reporter and editor at various wire services and newspapers. She has trained journalists and worked on media development projects throughout Eastern Europe and Africa. She is also a former executive director of Investigative Reporters and Editors and former president of the Journalism and Women Symposium. She also has her own podcast, Armao on the Brink, which is focused on a discussion of the biggest stories across the globe that are bring society and culture to the brink of an abyss.
As a relatively new Master Gardener, her MGV perspective might be of interest to anyone considering becoming one. She talks about the rigors and rewards of the program during the training as well as ‘post-graduation’. Because she took the classes during the pandemic, the process was modified due to the inability to meet in person during that time period.
She discusses some of the key things she learned as a result of the training which includes leveraging the experience of other gardeners, learning from web sites of land grant universities, reading seed catalogues, and the value of hands-on experience. Rosemary helps to demystify the process of becoming an MGV and as well as what’s involved with volunteering with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension to ask about the schedule for training classes in your county.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guest: Rosemary Armao
In Part 2 of the Hum of the Hive retrospective, we’ve once again combined multiple (4) short segments together. So, make sure to listen to the end to hear them all! Hum of the Hive, featuring Linda Aydlett, follows the honeybee through the four seasons.
In the first segment, field bees are the focus of attention. Linda describes the various resources required by a hive to survive. To gather these resources, experienced foraging bees, also called scout bees, use a ‘waggle dance’ to communicate where the nectar or other resources can be found. Listening to this, you’ll appreciate why the field bees are the hardest working members of the hive.
Next, we shift to what happens to a honeybee colony in the spring. Many hives, that are running out of room, swarm to divide the colony. But this is not an impulsive decision. Many preparations are required to successfully accomplish this. The queen needs conditioning to be able to fly to a new location. Scout bees have to find potential places to relocate, and then use the waggle dance to communicate options. Once a favored location is selected, the colony flies off to its new home.
In the third segment, learn about propolis. Some resin honeybees collect resin from trees and shrubs and carry it back to the hive. Then, cementing bees remove the resin from the resin collecting bees and apply it to various uses within the hive. It can be used to seal cracks and crevices in preparation for the winter months, but resin also protects the colony from diseases, due to its multiple beneficial properties.
Finally, in the fourth segment, we shift to the summer months when water may be in short supply. This is called a dearth. Measures are taken to survive in difficult times. For example, they may limit the size of the colony by not allowing drones to return to the hive. Fewer bees mean fewer mouths to feed. They might also resort to cannibalism, or robbery to ensure the continuation of the colony. It can be tough to be a bee!
We welcome your feedback on the first or our retrospective series to help you find content on a specific topic in one place. E-mail us at colgremg@cornell.edu.
Resources
With this episode, we are introducing the first of our retrospective series. These periodic episodes compile previously aired short segments on a specific topic. This one, features Master Beekeeper and podcast co-founder, Linda Aydlett and is all about honeybees.
This episode starts with some fascinating insights into how honeybees survive in winter. Their secret? They form winter clusters and shiver to keep each other nice and warm. Then stay tuned for the next segment to learn about the roles honeybees must fulfill within the hive. Linda describes the life of a Queen Bee, which turns out not to be as glamorous as the name might imply. As the only fertile egg layer, the queen bee is focused solely on perpetuating the colony. Learn about the importance of nutrient-rich royal jelly that helps the queen successfully perform her role.
But there’s even more! This episode concludes with a description of the worker caste of honeybees. They represent the largest number of bees in the hive. The role of the worker bees is to perform all the other functions required for the hive to thrive. Unlike the queen bee, the worker bee’s role evolves over her relatively short lifespan from a nurse bee to a house bee, and finally to a field bee. This segment focuses mostly on the house bee as it transitions to a field bee. Fascinating indeed!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Aydlett
Photo by: Damien TUPINIER on Unsplash
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
William Bryant Logan re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast in a fascinating discussion about pollarding, a pruning practice. Bill is the author of Sprout Lands, Oak, Air, and Dirt, the last of which was made into an award-winning documentary. In addition to being the executive director of Landis Arboretum, he is on the faculty of the New York Botanical Garden. He has spent the last three decades working in trees. He is a certified arborist, and founder and president of Urban Arborists, Inc.
In earlier times, regions could not prosper without its inhabitants knowing how to cut their trees so they would sprout again. Pruning the trees didn’t destroy them. Rather it created healthier, more sustainable and diverse woodlands.
Pollarding is a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, which promotes the growth of a dense head of foliage and branches. The practice was a common practice in Europe since medieval times, and takes place today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a determined height or to place new shoots out of the reach of grazing animals.
Traditionally, people pollarded trees for fodder (to feed livestock) or for wood. Fodder pollards produced "pollard hay" for livestock feed; they were pruned at intervals of two to six years so their leafy material would be most abundant. Wood pollards were pruned at longer intervals of eight to fifteen years, a pruning cycle tending to produce upright poles favored for fencing and boat construction. Nowadays, the practice is typically used for ornamental trees.
Pollarding tends to help trees live longer by maintaining them in a partially juvenile state and by reducing the weight and windage of the top part of the tree. Older pollards often become hollow, so it can be difficult to determine age accurately. Pollards tend to grow slowly, with denser growth-rings in the years immediately after cutting.
Learn more about this practice in New York State on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Bill Logan
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski
Recording
William Bryant Logan joins the Nature Calls: Conversations for the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about Oak Trees in New York State. Having spent the last three decades working in trees as a certified arborist, Bill is the author of Sprout Lands, Oak, Air and Dirt, the last of which was made into an award-winning documentary. He is on the faculty of the New York Botanical Garden. He joins us for a two part discussion. The first is on oak trees. The second (up next) will be about pollarding.
Oaks are one of the oldest and most widely spread trees on earth. They existed well before humans, most likely between 40 million and 60 million years ago.
Did you know that there are nearly 600 species of oak trees. They all fall into two categories: white oaks (with rounded lobe leaves) or red oaks (pointed lobe leaves).
The highest population of oak trees can be found in North America, especially in Mexico, where about 160 species grow, and 109 of those are endemic. Ninety species live in the US. The national tree of America is the oak tree.
Oak trees are so resilient because their seeds are cased in hard shells (acorns). Acorns and leaves are coated with tannic acid, which also prevents fungi and insects from harming them.
All oaks produce acorns, but because they only ripen on adult trees, they symbolize patience and endurance.
An oak can produce ~10 million acorns during its lifetime, but only 1 in 10,000 acorns grows up to be another oak tree. The rest become a key food source for birds (e.g. woodpeckers, ducks, pigeons), small mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, mice), as well as larger mammals (deer, bears).
Acorns are nutritious and contain large amounts of protein, carbs, fats, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and niacin.
Oaks played a crucial role in human history as well. Early humans built their homes, created tools, and constructed strong ships from oak wood. Furniture, flooring, and wine barrels are among many products that still use oak today.
Oak trees can either be deciduous or evergreen. They are more often evergreens in warmer climates with mild winters. Their canopy provides shade for plants and soil, a source of food to certain animals, and of course, oxygen to living organisms. As a keystone species, supporting many pollinators, an oak tree makes an excellent addition to any landscape.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Bill Logan
Photo by: Jean Thomas
Production Team: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Fred Breglia, executive director of the Landis Arboretum, located in Esperance, NY. He rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with a continuation of a discussion on Old Growth Forests. In addition to being known as the “Tree Man”, he has also been called the “Lord of the Rings”.
In this episode, we learn about the characteristics of old growth forests. They tend to have trees that are large including standing ones, snags, as well as large fallen/dead ones. ‘Ugly’ trees with scars show their ability to survive despite damage from wind, lightning, insects and other injuries incurred over long periods of time. There may be openings in the canopy that are created when older trees die. This results in sunlight hitting the forest floor encourage new growth that creates diversity in tree species and size of trees. When a tree blows over, the roots that are torn from the ground create pits and the fallen trunk/branches form mounds nearby, encouraging nutrients to return to the soil.
Nature is constantly changing the forest. Disturbances force a shift in the in the dominant species found within a forest. The life span of an oak can reach 500 years but there are some white cedar trees that are over 1000 years old. The age of a tree can be ascertained by coring which entails twisting a borer (which is a cross between a drill and a screw) into a tree. As the tip of the borer is hollow, it screws in around a pencil-sized section of tree. By counting the rings, the trees age can be determined as well as its growth rate over time. Comparing the ring lengths to weather records, scientists can learn how changes in climate affect how trees grown. Counting rings of fallen tree limbs can also support or confirm the age of the main trunk. Thus, we can think of trees in a forest as a growing library of information where there are many things to learn!
Like trees in a forest, take the time to stand tall, be proud, and enjoy the view as you listen to this episode.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Fred Breglia
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Do you “talk tree”?Have you ever wondered how old the beautiful trees in your woodlands or in New York State forests are? Then this episode is for you.
Fred Breglia joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a multi-faceted discussion about Old Growth Forests. Fred is the executive director of Landis Arboretum located in Esperance, N.Y. Landis is an arboretum and public garden incorporating 300 acres and 10 miles of hiking trails in Schoharie and Montgomery counties in New York State. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk every day. Fred is also an award-winning certified arborist with decades of experience in the green industry. He is also a frequent speaker and educator. Capital District residents may know him as the “Tree Man,” a regular guest on WAMC’s Vox Pop Radio Show.
An old-growth forest (also known as a primary forest, virgin forest, or mature forest) is one that has attained great age without significant disturbance, and thus exhibits unique ecological features, and might be classified as a climax community. There are a small number of old-growth forests in New York state, whose assemblage of trees have co-evolved to a majestic state of maturity with a biological complexity of soils, habitat,s and species. Old-growth forests have a great capacity to improve air and water quality, sequester carbon, and help mitigate climate change. However, fewer than one percent of our original forests remain in the eastern United States.
The oldest trees are not necessarily the largest ones. They are ones that have successfully used their available resources efficiently. Did you know that the oldest white pine in New York State is 470 years old? There’s a lot more to learn in this episode. Enjoy!
Hosts:Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest:Fred Breglia
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski
GardenFit is the hit national public television series with co-hosts and executive producers Madeline Hooper and Jeff Hughes. A first-of-its-kind series, GardenFit is a fusion of destination, gardening, and self-care, teaching viewers how to take care of their body while taking care of their garden. On the television show, you can tour gardens across America and learn gardening tips and techniques to avoid stress and injury.
Madeline Hooper, who lives in Columbia County in New York State, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with tips on how to garden safely by using your body correctly. Before devoting herself wholeheartedly to gardening, she forged an extensive career in public relations, specializing in marketing. But her talents extend to many forms of physical activity including tennis, ballroom dancing and gardening. In her spare time, she also volunteers at the Berkshire Botanical Garden where she is also a Vice-Chair.
As we all know, gardening is a great activity for both the mind and the body. Madeline offers many suggestions to garden safely. She suggests dividing garden tasks into 30-minute chunks to avoid exhausting any one muscle group. She also advises that we all learn to be ambidextrous so that we work both sides of our bodies equally- not just our dominant side. Putting one foot in the direction you are bending will help with balance and protect your knees. Squatting when bending down also protects the knees as long as you don’t let your knees go beyond your toes. To protect your back, make sure to use your hips to lift items. Posture is also very important in and out of the garden. She encourages everyone to move your shoulder blades downward towards the pockets of your jeans. This raises the chest and puts you into a more aligned posture.
There is a lot to absorb in this episode while you also get a sneak preview of what’s coming in Season Two of the television series, Garden Fit. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Madeline Hooper
Photo from: Madeline Hooper
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Have you wondered about the state of agriculture in the Hudson Valley? Or what New York farmers are focused on now? Or how they manage for regenerative and/or climate smart farming? If so, we have a great episode for you!
Join Christian Malsatski, CCE Agricultural Program Leader for Columbia, Greene and Ulster Counties on a wide-ranging discussion on Farming Trends in the Hudson Valley. Christian has over 15 years of experience in agricultural research and education roles in Texas, Florida and Wisconsin with a focus on field crops, soil science, beef cattle/livestock and urban agriculture. He designs, organizes and delivers programs serving agricultural producers/practioners and State/County officials and workers in many facets or agricultural endeavors.
Christian talks about the growing interest in agri-tourism and the diversification of many farm operations to include both crops and livestock. He explores the local grain economy as a community of farmers, millers & processors, distributors, bakers, maltsters, chefs, livestock owners, and others who eat and use grains. They communicate and interact together to provide and consume local grains, facilitating each other’s success and good health. This includes relationship of many farmers to New York craft breweries.
Farmers today face ongoing threats from deer damage as well as from invasive pests like the spotted lantern fly. Learn why soil health is so important to the future of productive farms and how rotational schedules help.
This episode provides insight into the challenges faced by today’s farmers and how they are adapting to thrive in today’s economy.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Christian Malsatski
Photo By: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Did you know that half of the world’s agricultural land is degraded? According to the World Economic Forum, this leads to farm productivity losses and is a risk to food security in the future. They define Regenerative Agriculture as a focus on improving the health of the soil that has been degraded by the use of heavy machinery, fertilizers, and can restore agricultural land and pesticides used in intensive farming. When soil is healthy, it produces more food and nutrition, stores more carbon and increases biodiversity – the variety of species. Healthy soil supports water, land and air environments and ecosystems through natural processes including the fertilization of plants.
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, located in Tarrytown (Westchester County), NY is a nonprofit farm, education and research center with a mission to catalyze an ecological food culture in the Northeast. Since 2004, they have been working to innovate ecological farming practices and mindful food choices that benefit human health, strengthen communities, and protect the environment. Their Hudson Valley campus, shared with restaurant partner Blue Hill at Stone Barns, is a living laboratory for interdisciplinary research experiments where farmers, chefs, diners, educators, and artisans come together to push the boundaries of sustainable farming and eating.
Laura Perkins is horticulturalist at Stone Barns Center where she tends the formal gardens and develops and maintains the surrounding landscape while supplying Blue Hill with foraged edible foods, giving visitors opportunities for sensory immersion in the landscape, and enhancing wildlife habitat and the ecological resilience of the land. She joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, with fascinating insights into the work performed at the Stone Barns Center and how it is helping farmers and residents better understand successful ways to regenerate soils and farming practices.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Laura Perkins
Photo by:
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Dig into this podcast episode that includes comfort food cooking with brassica vegetables, insights into both native and non-native viburnums, and helpful information on various types of garden shovels,
Annie Scibienski, a Master Gardener Volunteer, starts us off with a new From Patch to Plate segment about cooking with cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Awaken your taste buds with her descriptions of recipes involving these popular vegetable varieties.
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 from Master Gardener Tim Kennelty on Good Plant/Bad Plant.
Have you ever stopped to think about what a groundbreaking invention the shovel is? Annie Scibienski returns with a discussion about different types of shovels on The Grateful Shed. The shovel, spade, and trowel are featured with descriptions of the benefits of each type and their uses in the garden.
We hope you find some interesting bits of new knowledge on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Many people have thought about raising chickens and most of them have been successful doing so. But have you given any thought to raising ducks?
All ducks belong to the Anseriformes order, a biological group that contains ducks, geese and swans. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than either swans or geese. They have many economic uses, being farmed for their meat, eggs, and feathers (particularly their down).
The head and wing feathers of drakes (males) are more colorful than in females, with male ducks typically having larger heads. Ducks generally only have one partner at a time, although the partnership may only last one year. Ducks don't use nesting boxes or roosting bars. They are perfectly content to bed down in straw on the floor of a chicken coop or shed or other secure structure and then will make their own nest in a corner to lay their eggs in.
Ducks do have predators. Nests and ducklings can be raided by land-based predators such as foxes, or large birds, such as hawks or owls. While people may allow them to free range during the day, they really need to be locked into a coop or other strong structure at night.
Backyard Ducks don’t need a pond and can be perfectly happy with a kiddie pool. They do need a water source deep enough to submerge their heads into to help them swallow their food. Ducks eat grasses, aquatic plants, fish, insects, small amphibians, and worms. Ducklings should only be fed un-medicated feed. But bear in mind that ducks can be messy. They tend to make a water mess around their tub, as they go back and forth from the feed to the water, wetting the feed in their mouth with the water to help them swallow it.
Ducks can be wonderful backyard birds to raise as you enjoy their eggs as well as their personalities. Join Cathy Bruce on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to learn more!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Cathy Bruce
Photo by: Cathy Bruce
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Join us in this fascinating chat with Bonnie Warwick, a lifelong resident of Red Hook, NY and a key member of the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association and the Elmendorph Hand Spinners Guild. Known for her magical touch in natural dyeing, Bonnie takes us through her lifelong journey from learning to knit at five years old, her stint in Panama, and her endless experiments with natural dyes in New York’s Hudson Valley. Bonnie’s family had a farm stand and introduced her to plants. Since then, her diverse experiences included her early exposure to knitting, working with indigenous people in Panama, becoming a nurse, delving into the world of sheep breeds, and transitioning from synthetic dyes to natural ones. This all fueled her passion for fiber arts and natural dyes, driven by sustainability and uniqueness. Get a peek into her dye kitchen at the Dutchess County Fair and learn about her unique techniques in working with different types of metals, waters and plants to achieve the desired colors.
Bonnie also touches on her experiments with natural dyes, highlighting the challenges of achieving consistent colors due to factors like water quality and mordants. Bonnie also mentions her cotton cultivation project and the various cotton varieties she grows, which come in brown, green, and white (who knew!) and her extensive dyeing garden, which features around 80 different plants used for natural dyeing. She discusses the challenges of growing certain plants and the need to rotate beds due to soil nutrient depletion. Bonnie shares tips for those interested in natural dyeing, including online resources, books, and the use of simple jars to start experimenting.
Bonnie doesn't hold back in sharing her wealth of knowledge about natural dyeing and crafting techniques. Listen as she guides us on how to duplicate a fabric color, manage a dyeing garden and the intricacies of dyeing natural fibers. She touches on her experiments with natural dyes, highlighting the challenges of achieving consistent colors due to factors like water quality and mordants. Bonnie also mentions her cotton cultivation project and the various cotton varieties she grows, which come in brown, green, and white (who knew!). She talks about spinning wool, the different tools used, and the importance of this skill in our everyday life. Bonnie also discusses the challenges of growing certain plants and the need to rotate beds due to soil nutrient depletion. She shares tips for those interested in natural dyeing, including online resources, books, and the use of simple jars to start experimenting.
You’ll be inspired by her stories and pick up some great advice if you're looking to get started in natural dyeing or spinning. So tune in to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, get comfy, and let Bonnie take you on a journey through the wonderful world of natural dyes and handcrafts.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski
Guest: Bonnie Warwick
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
In this episode of Nature Calls, we're delighted to sit down with Lisa Gallina, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), Columbia and Greene Counties. Lisa's journey to CCE started with her early involvement in Cornell's Extension programs through 4-H in Dutchess County, New York. Her career path is a unique blend of environmental management, high-tech recruiting, and a return to her true passion for environmental education. Throughout our conversation, Lisa's unwavering commitment to youth programs and educational initiatives shines through, reflecting her experiences across colleges, nonprofits, and CCE programs.
As the Executive Director, Lisa's role encompasses a multitude of responsibilities. She describes herself as a catalyst for positive change, emphasizing her focus on nurturing a vibrant organizational culture within CCE, ensuring financial stability, and fostering professional growth among the staff. Lisa also delves into the historical significance of Cooperative Extension programs, rooted in the Morrill Act of 1862, highlighting their pivotal role in bridging the gap between research-based knowledge and local communities.
Our discussion with Lisa offers a glimpse into the diverse array of programs provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension. From youth-oriented endeavors like 4-H to comprehensive master programs for adults, including Master Gardeners and Master Forest Owners, these initiatives have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike. Lisa's passion for community engagement and her vision for a future where people unite to learn and collaborate shine through, making this episode a source of inspiration and hope for a more interconnected and informed society. Tune in to this insightful conversation for a compelling exploration of education, community building, and positive change.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Lisa Gallina, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Columbia and Greene Counties
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Join us in this exciting podcast triple-feature!
In Patch to Plate: Peppers and Tomatoes, Master Gardener Volunteer Annie Scibienski shares her expertise on growing and savoring these flavorful Hudson Valley garden favorites. Discover the joys of growing and enjoying tomatoes and peppers and how these garden favorites can be the stars of your menu planning as 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.
Then, in Good Plant, Bad Plant: Asters and Tree of Heaven, Tim Kennelty explores the ecological impact of these distinct plants, from native asters to the invasive Tree of Heaven. 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 he 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.
Lastly, on the inaugural episode of The Grateful Shed: Garden Forks, Annie comes back to introduce you to the essential garden fork and its versatile uses, along with other fork types. Dive into the world of garden tools and elevate your gardening skills. As a new addition to the Nature Calls line-up, this segment of The Grateful Shed, introduces you to the world of garden tools. The garden fork, also known as a spading or digging fork, has many versatile uses, from loosening soil to mixing compost. Learn why choosing a fork with an ash or hickory handle is essential for long-lasting performance. She also dives into other types of forks, including the pitchfork, broad fork (or u-fork), and hand fork, explaining their specific purposes and benefits. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding these tools will help you maintain a successful garden.
Don't miss out on this informative episode to help you elevate your gardening knowledge and skills!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Annie Scibienski and Tim Kennelty
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Prepare to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of native perennials in this engaging episode of "Nature Calls Conversations from the Hudson Valley." Co-host Tim Kennelty, our resident expert, is your guide as we explore these remarkable, sustainable garden wonders. Whether you're a gardening novice or a seasoned pro, this episode promises valuable insights into the world of native perennials, their resilience, and their magnetic allure to pollinators.
Our exploration spans the seasons, from the early whispers of spring to the full bloom of summer and beyond. Tim generously shares his wealth of knowledge, highlighting how these hardy plants are not only easy to cultivate but also require less water and fertilizer. The ecological significance of native perennials in supporting vital pollinators like butterflies and bees becomes abundantly clear.
Join us for an enlightening discussion on how to cultivate native perennials in your own green space. Tim's passion and expertise shines through as he provides guidance on choosing the right plants and understanding their unique characteristics. By tuning in, you'll gain the know-how to create a thriving garden that not only enhances your surroundings but also contributes positively to the local ecosystem.
Don't miss this opportunity to nurture your gardening skills and connect with the natural world. Hit that play button, and let's embark on this exciting journey together, discovering the magic of native perennials and their role in sustaining our environment.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
ResourcesPhoto by Jay Williams
In this episode of "Nature Calls Conversations from the Hudson Valley", Annie and Jean sit down with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, the Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), to embark on an inspiring journey through the Library of Local, a remarkable initiative born from a partnership between Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley and the Mid-Hudson Library System. This innovative project is changing the way local communities interact with climate change and ecological repair by providing library patrons with a diverse collection of resources. From books and films to seeds and shovels, the Library of Local (LOL) equips individuals with the tools they need to take meaningful action in addressing the climate crisis and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
At the heart of the LOL project are the 15 hand-built architectural displays created by local artist Johnny Poux. Each of these installations houses nearly 200 locally sourced books, forming a vital knowledge repository for those eager to learn about sustainable living and environmental stewardship. The seed library, essential gardening tools, and AV equipment make it even more accessible for community members to embark on their ecological journeys.
What sets the Library of Local apart is its commitment to community education and engagement. The LOL team organizes a dynamic monthly schedule of in-person and virtual events, along with community meetings. These gatherings provide a platform for individuals to learn from experts, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Don't miss out! Join us on this eco-adventure and discover how libraries are becoming hubs for sustainability and environmental action. Whether you're a seasoned environmentalist or just starting on your journey, the Library of Local has something to offer everyone!
Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
Photo: Used with permission from Laura Crisci, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator
Production Support: Linda Aydett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Annuals, a term dating back to the 14th century, are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season or single year. That means, they germinate, flower, set seed and die in one season. Annuals are loved because they bloom throughout the spring and summer. Typically, smaller than perennials, they don’t have time to focus on gaining height but rather expend their energy on flowering since they only last a single season. They come in a wide variety of beautiful colors and shapes. After the first frost, they’ll die off and typically won’t regrow the following year, although you might find that some of their seeds may germinate.
Master Gardener Volunteer, Maureen Mooney, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in an informative discussion about popular annual flowers that grow in New York State. As part of the 101 series, this episode is geared towards new gardeners as well as those who have lots of experience under their belts.
Whether used in containers or garden beds, most annuals thrive in full sun. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants to add lots of color in your garden. Less expensive than perennials, they are great plants to experiment with, as you can replace them the next season in different spot or replant them in a different color to change things up. Maureen talks about many of her favorites including zinnias, celosia, larkspur, and others that also make great flowers for a cutting garden.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski
Guest: Maureen Mooney
Photo by:
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, and Annie Scibienski
Resources
While you may have heard about ‘gleaning’, do you actually know what it is? In a gardening and nature context, gleaning is about the gathering of leftover grain or other product after a harvest.
Long Table Harvest, which serves Columbia, Dutchess and Greene Counties, is a non-profit organization that enables sustainable food surplus redistribution by connecting local farm surpluses with emergency food sites and community based organizations.
Unfortunately, the current state of food insecurity is such that food pantries and other sites continue to report record high usage, upwards of 50% increases since 2020, which has been attributed both to the pandemic and the current imbalance in the cost of living relative to wages. When Long Table Harvest was established in 2016, they stepped into an emergency food system that was lacking in quality fresh food options. Since then, they have provided a unique food distribution service to a variety of sites -- providing fresh produce, meat and dairy from predominantly organic growers to improve options and accessibility.
Their gleaning program, launched in 2016, is based on strong partnerships with area farms which provide reliable weekly distributions of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins to food pantries, youth programs, senior living centers, subsidized housing, and community organizations. They work with over 64 farms from June through November, to pick-up already harvested produce, and then distributing tens of thousands of pounds of food to over 30 recipient sites on the same day to maintain peak freshness. Gleaning in the winter months is more sporadic, with the occasional distribution of storage vegetables. A seedling program helps residents grow their own food and a meat and cheese program rounds out the types of food that is distributed.
Learn from co-founder, Aravah Berman-Mirkin, and gleaning coordinator, Sarah Grinberg about their work and its impact on local food pantries and the community.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski
Guests: Aravah Berman-Mirkin and Sarah Grinberg
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Oaks (trees or shrubs in the genus Quercus of the beech family Fagaceae) are a favorite tree in New York. The mighty oak has earned this reputation due to its towering size, its historical, timber and ecological value, as well as its role in American (and human) culture. A symbol of strength and endurance, the oak is a key hardwood forest tree that can live for several hundred years. It is also a critical host tree for many types of pollinators. Its acorns and leaves contain tannic acid which helps to guard against fungi and insects. But did you know that it can take up to 17 years before an oak tree bears its first crop of acorns?
While the Quercus family is native to the Northern Hemisphere, there are about 500 existing species of oaks but only 16 are native to New York State. Locally, they can be typically categorized into white oaks (quercus alba), whose acorns form in a single season, and black oaks (which include red oaks), which take two seasons to form their acorns. Other parts of the country and the world host other varieties including the evergreen live oak which can be found in the southern United States.
Because of their longevity (outliving humans), oaks are known as witness trees. Learn from the Nature Calls: Conversations of the Hudson Valley podcast team as they share stories about oak trees and provide examples of what some of these trees have witnessed throughout history.
But then, there’s more. Melons are the topic of discussion on the Patch to Plate segment with Annie Scibienski. 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.
There’s a lot to take in on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Enjoy!
Hosts:Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Annie Scibienski, and Jean Thomas
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Learn about the basics of Making a New Garden Bed with Master Gardener Tim Kennelty, based in Columbia County is an avid gardener, naturalist forest owner, and co-founder of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Tim delivers numerous presentations on multiple gardening topics and is known for his love of native plants.
Tim suggests that you start with assessing what you want to plant (vegetables, annuals or perennials) and the amount of time, energy, and money you’re willing to invest with a new garden bed.
Checking out your neighbors’ gardens, or visiting public gardens, at different times of the year, can give you lots of ideas as to what you want to plant and the look you’re trying to achieve. If you are starting with a perennial garden, just realize that it may take up to 3 years for it to look ‘mature’. Remember the adage that in the first season the plants ‘sleep’, the second they start to ‘creep’ and the third year they ‘leap’. The garden will look good during this time period but make not look like a garden that has been established for several years.
Keeping it simple is the best bet for a new gardener to avoid becoming overwhelmed. The key is to ensure that you pick a spot that has the appropriate sunlight, soil, and access to water to ensure success. Start small until you better understand the basics of the plants you want to use and the growing conditions on your property.
Tim suggests that you test the soil to understand what kind of plants would thrive best in your soil. He also discusses different ways to prepare the soil, with methods that require a varying degree of time, energy and materials. Once the bed is prepared, Tim also talks about the merits of buying plants, or growing them from seed, as well as the need to think about the protecting your garden from any pets and/or wild critters that visit your yard.
Planting either host or nectar plants for pollinators is clearly an option, as is planting ones that are deer or woodchuck resistant (unless you are willing to invest in a fence). Design elements like color, size and texture are also important considerations when selecting plants.
Plant calculators might be helpful to figure out how many plants to buy to fill the area you’ve prepared. Tim offers tips on watching the weather to determine when to plant your garden bed. Wait until the soil warms up (trees/shrubs in late April, perennials in early May, and annuals in late May) before putting new plants into the ground. And, importantly, don’t forget about maintenance of the garden beds which includes watering, weeding, and potentially mulching staking, and deadheading spent flowers.
The off season is a great time to assess what worked, get new ideas, and plan for the following season. Until then, learn all about the basics of starting a new garden bed on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Everyone loves flowering bulbs (e.g., tulips, daffodils, gladiolas, etc.) but many may not know how to go about ordering and planting them. Timing is critical for spring flowering bulbs that need to have a cold period before they bloom. Thus, they need to be planted in the fall. Summer flowering bulbs (including tubers and rhizomes), that are typically not cold hardy, are planted in the spring. They need to be lifted and stored indoors as they won’t survive our New York winters. Some (like cannas and begonias) may benefit from being started indoors in the spring.
Planning is important for both types in order to determine how many bulbs to plant. Bulbs selection or fencing is key if you have a lot of wildlife. They should be planted at a depth that is triple their height. And don’t plant them in a row if you want them to look ‘natural’. Deadheading their stems (not their leaves) is key after flowering so that the bulbs focus on storing energy to rebloom the following year. Careful planning by placing them with other plants can help to screen the bulbs once they finish flowering.
Join Master Gardener Jean Thomas on this Nature Calls 101 podcast episode to gain confidence to successfully include bulbs in your garden landscape.
Host: Tim Kennelty
Guest: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Resources
Did you know that Jewel Weed is a wonderful first aid plant to treat skin irritations (including poison ivy) or that Aloe Vera can be applied to minor burns? Yarrow is a meadow plant that the native peoples used to treat arthritis and to staunch bleeding, among other things. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) can be used to reduce swelling and can be applied to bee stings. Plantain is a favorite plant, even though it is not native, as it can used to extract the stinger from a bee sting. Elderberries can be used to strengthen the immune system, but they have to be cooked.
This week, Barbara Huey joins the podcast, Nature Calls:Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Barbara is from Land Stewardship Design and her topic is native Medicinal Plants.Her parents influenced her love of nature and her time at Sage Mountain cultivated her interest in medicinal plants. She focuses mostly on plants that can be applied externally, typically for first aid, but cautions that they don’t replace the need to see health care workers.
It is important to note that while medicinal plants aren’t cure-alls and they aren’t perfect, many herbs and teas offer harmless subtle ways to improve your health. However, many carry the same risks and side effects as manufactured medicines. Many of them are sold with unfounded promises. Pay attention to what the evidence says about each herb’s effectiveness as well as potential interactions or safety issues. Avoid using herbs for infants and children and for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Note that most herbs haven’t been tested for safety for those who are vulnerable, and trying herbs isn’t worth the risk.
The USDA Plant ID database is the ‘go to’ resource Barbara Huey uses to identify native plants in New York and the northeast. Medicinal properties are considered secondary properties of these plants that can be bred out with newer cultivars, so the native species are always preferred. But bear in mind that more is not necessarily better when using plants for first aid.
Medicinal plants provide considerable value to pollinators within the landscape. Learning about these plants can also help to increase awareness of the importance of native plants.
Listen in to learn how these plants can be used and what to watch out for when considering their use for medicinal purposes.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Barbara Huey
Photo By: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Are you interested in ensuring the beauty and safety of your landscape, and improving your property, while promoting the wellbeing of the environment? Planting trees might be a great place to start. But where should you begin?
Careful tree selection, planting and maintenance is the answer. Caleb White from New Leaf Tree Services joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with an informative discussion on when to engage a tree service and what to expect.
Ideally, a new property owner can request a visit to better understand what is currently on the landscape, learn about the health of the existing trees, and understand what could be done to achieve a homeowner’s goals. Unfortunately, a storm event might result in uprooted trees or fallen tree limbs that require more immediate attention from a tree service to help with tree removal and/or pruning. Both situations are quite common in the Hudson Valley.
Tree services often have a certified arborist on staff who is specially trained to deal with the art and science of planting, caring, maintaining, and diagnosing trees, shrubberies, and other woody plant life. These professionals have spent time and effort mastering their craft to properly and effectively manage the growth and development of trees.
Caleb, who is an arborist, talks about what to look for in selecting new trees for your landscape, especially in light of climate change. He has a clear preference for native species that better suit New York’s ecology and support the insects, birds, and other wildlife. Ornamental options are okay when planted for specific reasons. Did you know that evergreens don’t like to be planted closely together? Something to consider when looking for screening on your property. Learn about the benefits of some of Caleb’s favorite trees including Red Maples, Oaks, American Linden and Eastern Redbud.
Once the tree has been selected and sourced from a reputable nursery, having it properly planted is key to surviving its first year. Consider using biochar and having the soil inoculated at planting time to provide trees with the nutrients that will enable them to thrive. Proper watering is absolutely fundamental. Have you heard about a tree diaper?
Existing trees also need maintenance. A tree service can evaluate the trunk structure, branch structure, cavities, bird activity, etc. to assess the health of the tree and evaluate any existing or potential risks to the home or landscape. Using a service with the proper equipment can help ensure that and canopy pruning, ornamental pruning or tree removal is done safely while also being gentle with the landscape.
Listen to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to become better informed should you want/need to consider using a tree service in the future.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest:Caleb White (New Leaf Tree Services)
Photo By: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Tomatoes are often the reward for growing a summer garden. Native to South America, Mexico and Central America, the first evidence of its use for domestic cooking is from the Aztecs and other peoples in Mesoamerica.
Tomatoes can be consumed either raw or cooked, and in many dishes, sauces, salads and drinks. While tomatoes are actually fruits (botanically classified as berries), they are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient.
Miriam Rubin, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about this popular garden staple. Miriam is a food writer, columnist, recipe developer, chef, and cookbook author. In her book Tomatoes, she explores the tomato’s rich history in southern culture.
Listen in to learn about why tomatoes grow better in the South, or what makes a tomato an heirloom. In addition to describing the history of hybrid tomatoes including why they were developed; she also dishes about the best tomatoes to grow in the Hudson Valley. This is a podcast episode not to be missed!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Miriam Rubin
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
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. Master Gardener Annie Scibienski is back with another From Patch to Plate segment. This time 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?
Do you know the difference between an acronym versus an initialism? Both are formed by using the first letter of each word in a phrase. The difference is that acronyms are pronounced as a word, while initialisms are spoken as a list of letters. Master Gardener Jean Thomas provides various examples of each type on It’s All Greek To Me. She also demystifies ecological acronyms like AVID, CRISP and PRISM.
Talking about differences, how can you tell if you have fruit flies or fungus gnats flying around your home? Master Gardeners, Jackie Hayden ad Dede Terns-Thorpe, provide the answers on this Pests and Pathogens segment. (Hint: If they are flying around your house plants, they are probably fungus gnats.)They also provide suggestions on how to get rid of them.
So enjoy your New York summer with this latest episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas, Jackie Hayden, Dede Terns-Thorpe
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Do you consider yourself a bird watcher? Or are you actually a birder? If you want to know the difference, listen to Author and Master Gardener Volunteer Kathryn Schneider on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. This episode is all about birds. She provides an overview on essential tools for anyone interested in learning more about our feathered friends that you can find throughout New York State.
Binoculars are extremely helpful in bird identification. However, many people don’t know what they should look for in a pair of binoculars that are best suited for bird watching. Kathryn provides some tips, including where to get the best prices for a pair of binoculars. She also provides clues to help with bird identification including their size, shape, location and even their feet!
Are there advantages of a field guide versus a phone app? As is typical, it all depends on where you are and what you want to discover. Kathryn recommends an app that was developed by Cornell University, and helps to identify birds by their color, shape and even their songs. This one is popular with many Master Gardeners.
She closes out this discussion talking about the critical importance of food for birds’ survival and how you can help. Expand your bird watching horizons with this latest podcast episode.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kathryn Schneider
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Recording:
Resources: Cornell: All About Birds (Cornell); Merlin Bird ID App
Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve is located in the southern Catskill Mountains in Sullivan County, NY. The gardens are an ongoing work by author, teacher, and landscape designer, Carolyn Summers. In addition to managed gardens, large areas of the property are preserved to protect native flora in their natural habitats, along with the wildlife that depend on them.
The nature preserve is over 385 acres with natural hemlock forest, meadow and aquatic plant communities, including a rare kettle hole bog. Almost a third of the trees native to New York occur here naturally. The preserve showcases indigenous plants, including painted and red trilliums, in their native environment.
Listen to Carolyn Summers as she describes the path that sparked and nurtured her interest in native plants, resulting in this delightful preserve that is open to the public right here in the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Carolyn Summers
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
This podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is perfect for summer!
Master Gardener Annie Scibienski starts us off with a yummy segment on 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!
This is followed by a segment from Master Gardener Barbara Bravo on how to add contrast and texture to your summer shade garden. Leveraging plants like Ligularia ‘Britt Marie Crawford’, Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’, Athyrium niponicum, Dryopteris Ferns and others, your shade garden doesn’t have to be ‘boring’.Keep it going into the fall with Colchicum autumnale ‘Pleniflorum’ a/k/a Autumn Crocus, or Asarum Europa a/k/a European wild ginger.Listen to the possibilities!
Master Gardener Devon Russ closes out this episode by dispelling 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.
Here’s hoping that you get to enjoy a wonderful New York summer in sun and shade!
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo, and Devon Russ
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
A meadow can be defined as a piece of land covered with mostly grass and often wildflowers in it. Meadows provide cover, food, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They can be thought of a way to provide food security for pollinators. These grasslands also help to absorb stormwater runoff, helping prevent flooding and soil erosion.
So how can you start a meadow? How do maintain one? Are there specific native species and/or sedges that should be planted to create a meadow? What are realistic expectations when starting a meadow or trying to increase biodiversity within one? How can you best manage the appearance of a meadow?
Join Caleb White and Debra Wren to get answers to these questions and more on this week’s edition of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Their focus at New Leaf Ecological Landscapes is on converting lawns and otherwise barren spaces into native meadows and wooded areas utilizing native trees, shrubs, plants, and grasses.
Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Caleb White and Debra Wren
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Resources
It’s been said that people who spend time in nature are generally healthier and happier. In addition, people who have positive experiences in nature are more likely to volunteer and vote with the environment in mind. The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) is a non-profit organization that brings people together to conserve, appreciate, and enjoy land.
Columbia County, in New York State, is home to one of only two forested wildlife corridors that cross the Hudson Valley and are essential for plants and animals moving in response to climate change. If this corridor is fragmented by development, it will fail. These landscapes are essential for recreation, the economy, sequestering carbon, reducing air and water pollution, preventing fires and floods, and filtering drinking water. They’re also threatened by poorly planned development, climate change, and invasive species. For nearly 40 years, CLC has collaborated with individuals, communities, and partners to ensure Columbia County is a beautiful, livable, resilient place.
CLC is the only conservation organization focused exclusively on protecting land in Columbia County. In addition to permanently protecting land with legal tools like conservation easements (which limit future development), CLC provides educational resources for land management for landowners, municipalities, and conservation-minded partners. CLC is recognized across the country for its innovation when it comes to protecting farmland and recognized by local farmers as an essential partner in land protection. CLC and its partners use a variety of tools to protect farmland, keep it affordable, support the next generation of farmers, and facilitate relationships with farmers and community members. Last year, the CLC and its partners held over 50 free and low-cost educational programs that provided opportunities for people to fall in love with the world around them. With the help of volunteers, donors, and supporters, they maintain ten Public Conservation Areas, with nearly 30 miles of trails, for recreation, reflection, and restoration.
On this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, join Troy Weldy and Sara Cashen as they talk about the history of this impactful organization and how they continue to collaborate with landowners to ensure about 30,000 acres of land is conserved and protected in perpetuity. And learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities to get involved and to get to know nature better. Listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Troy Weldy and Sara Cashen
Photo by:
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
There’s a lot of food for thought in this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Annie Scibienski is back with another episode of Patch to Plate.This time the focus 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 episode is for you.
Next Jean Thomas takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of pH in It’s All Greek to Me. This scientific concept is crucial in gardening, as it determines how accessible nutrients are to help plants thrive. Jean explains how pH is defined as "hydrogen potential" and discusses how soil acid or alkaline soil pH affects plant growth. She also shares some interesting botanical trivia, such as the origin of monkshood and a new species of begonia linked with Darth Vader! So, if you're a curious gardener or just love to learn about the natural world, you won't want to miss this segment.
Finally, Devon Russ demystifies the topic of lawn thatch in Hits or Myths.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.
So, save time on your lawn and garden, make sure the pH of your soil is supporting your plants, and enjoy your summer greens!
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski
Guests:Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas and Devon Thomas
Photo by:Tim Kennelty
Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
In the second of a two-part conversation, Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge are back to talk more about Pollinate Now!, their plans for the future of this initiative and how others can get involved.
A recent DEC study confirmed that between 38 and 60 percent of the New York State pollinator species studied are at risk. Pollinator populations can be helped by, among other things, conserving habitat, controlling invasive plants, changing mowing regimes, converting lawns into meadows, and controlling deer browsing of the understory of woodlands.
Restoring pollinator habitat for at-risk pollinators is the focus of Pollinate Now!, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving biodiversity and resilience for native bees and butterflies in the Hudson Valley. They are in the process of creating design toolkits to help landowners, landscape professionals and farmers implement restoration plantings across a diverse range of site types and scales. Starting with four unique designs for urban, riparian, working farms and old fields, they are striving to create a community of practice to improve biodiversity and resilience. Learn more by listening to this podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunges
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
A recent DEC study confirmed concerns about the health of some pollinator populations in New York State. The survey found that between 38 and 60 percent of the species studied are potentially imperiled or critically imperiled. Although the survey documented 16 bee and fly species for the first time in New York, recent sightings or records could not be confirmed for 79 pollinator species previously recorded in the state. The study found that more than one-third of the native pollinators surveyed are at risk of becoming extinct in New York. Pollinator populations can be helped by conserving habitat, controlling invasive plants, changing mowing regimes, converting lawns into meadows, paying attention to the siting and density of honey bee hives to reduce competition and spread of disease to native species, controlling deer browsing of the understory, retaining logs and snags in forests, and reducing unnecessary outdoor lights for nocturnal species.
To help address some of these issues, Pollinate Now! is focused on improving biodiversity and resilience through habitat restoration in support of at-risk pollinators. They are working to provide design toolkits to help landowners, landscape professionals and farmers implement restoration plantings across a diverse range of site types and scales. Starting with four unique designs for urban, riparian, working farms and old fields, they are striving to create a community of practice to improve biodiversity and resilience.
In the first of a two part conversation, listen to Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge talk about how they got started with Polinate Now! and their plans for the future.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge
Photo by:Tim Kennelty
Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Welcome to another episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, with something for everyone.
Annie Scibienski starts us off discussing the 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! Gain some tips and techniques on Patch to Plate.
Then listen to Barbara Bravo talk about a wide range of options to add height to a New York shade garden which usually consist of low-growing plants. But structure and interest can be added with a number of shade tolerant plants such as flowering quince, giant fleece flower and goat’s beard. Ninebark is one of her favorites. Typically known as a medium shrub native to the eastern and central United States, there are ninebark cultivars that do well in shade. In addition to being a pollinator favorite, most varieties are drought tolerant too. Learn more on Made In the Shade.
Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden on Pests and Pathogens finish up this episode with a discussion about a popular pest of zucchini and other members of the cucurbit family: the dreaded Squash Vine Borer. As one of the earliest insects to show up in the garden as a moth, it can wreak havoc on a garden if not caught early. Learn some tips and tricks to help avoid and manage problems.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo, Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Episode 69: Straw Bale GardeningDo you have rocky soil? Or problems with soil borne diseases? Straw bale gardening might be your answer. It’s a gardening approach that uses a bale of straw as the medium in which you plant. It creates relatively inexpensive raised beds. At the end of the season, you can compost the bales, so it’s the ultimate in sustainable gardening. Ideal for vegetable gardens in New York State and elsewhere, but they can also be used to grow ornamental flowers.
Straw bale gardening is an investment in time and money. But there are some things you need to consider. Join Master Gardener, Tim Kennelty, as he provides tips and tricks learned from years of experience using straw bales in his garden. He walks through the steps needed to ‘condition’ the bales so that they can successfully be used for growing. Watering and fertilizing the bales are fundamental. The location of the straw bales can be moved year to year and since it is basically soil-less gardening, the bales can even be placed on a driveway.
This gardening approach is ideal if you are limited for space or have soil issues. To learn how to get started, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations of the Hudson Valley might be just what you are looking for!
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
You’ve probably heard about native plants … ones that have evolved in an ecosystem in a specific area. They can be defined as plants that have been growing in a particular habitat and region for hundreds or years, or longer. Also called indigenous, they are well adapted to the climate, light, and soil conditions that characterize their ecosystem. A native range can vary from a narrow definition (e.g., a specific county) to a broader definition for a region (e.g., a particular hardiness zone, the Northeast, or the United States).
Non-native plants, also referred to as exotic or alien, are plants that have been introduced to an area from their native range, either purposefully or accidentally. The term non-native usually refers to plants from other countries, regions, or continents. A non-native plant is not necessarily ‘bad’. Many have nicely been incorporated into the landscape, while others are considered invasive (e.g., burning bush, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, etc.). due to their damaging impacts on the natural environment.
Native cultivars or nativars are cultivars (a cultivated variety) of native plants. Most nativars are intentional crosses between wild, native plant species or between other nativars. These nativars are selected for a specific characteristic including flower colors or forms, size, insect or disease resistance, tolerance of certain environmental conditions, and more.
Eli Joseph-Hunter and Brianna Davis (Greene Bee Greenhouse in Cornwallville, NY) join Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the differences between native plants, non-natives, and nativars and how these plants can be used and grown responsibly in a landscape. Echinecea, hydrangea, hellebore, and redbud are among the plants that are discussed.
Learn more about the value of native plants in your Hudson Valley landscapes while understanding the wide range of varieties that are now available.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Brianna Davis and Eli Joseph-Hunter
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is back with another informative episode that's sure to captivate all nature lovers! Hear from experts with tips on how to cook asparagus, a popular springtime perennial. Then learn about some different fragrant vines that may work in your garden. Finally, explore the validity of popular myths about strong smelling soaps as deer repellents.
Up first is Patch to Plate, with Annie Scibienski, who shares her wealth of knowledge on all things asparagus. From growing to cooking and preserving, Annie 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, Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty are back with The Cover Up, with a focus on flowering vines. Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with white and purple or blue flowers. There are now hardier varieties that can survive in zone 5. While it blooms from midsummer to early fall, each flower only lasts about one day. The Kiwi vine is another interesting option that can grow up to 33 feet long and has some varieties that are hardy to zone 4. A native of China, it has green heart shaped leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem and a flower that has a slight resemblance to the kiwi bird. Both passionflower and kiwi vine can be fragrant additions to your garden if you can provide the appropriate support for them to climb.
Finally, Devon Russ debunks some myths about deer repellents in Hits and Myths. 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. She also suggests that 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!
So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just love nature, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is packed with useful information and fascinating stories that are sure to entertain and educate. Tune in now and join the conversation!
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Devon Russ
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Just as perennials are long-lasting and recurring plants, Joe Behn, wholesale perennial grower of Behn’s Best Perennials, is back again! He re-joins a lively conversation with Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas about flowering perennials. This time, they cover some of the newer perennial plant choices for the second half of the flowering season – late summer into fall. Joe shares his knowledge of the unique features of these plants, including their hardiness, and discusses his personal favorites. Don't miss this chance to hear from a local Hudson Valley expert in the industry and discover the latest trends in the world of perennials in New York State.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joe Behn
Production Support: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Annie Scibienski
Resources
The word perennial can have two meanings. As an adjective, it can mean long lasting or continually recurring. As a noun, it refers to plants that have a life cycle lasting more than two years. They may die back seasonally, but even in their dormant phases, their root systems are living and will continue growing when conditions are right. While perennials can last many years, that doesn’t mean it’s a stagnant topic. New cultivars are developed, tested and released every year.
In the first of a two-part episode, wholesale perennial grower, Joe Behn of Behn’s Best Perennials, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in a lively discussion about the newest flowering plants that have captured the attention of gardeners in New York State. He shares valuable insights on the hottest new cultivars, their ability to resist deer, rabbits and drought conditions, and even some plants that are incredibly robust. In this episode, the discussion focuses on perennials that will bloom in spring and summer.
Tune in and take some notes as you learn about these exciting new flowering plants.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joe Behn
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Are you looking for inspiration to connect with nature and improve your gardening skills? In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension share their expertise on potatoes, dry shade gardening, and ground covers and vines.
Looking for something different to make with potatoes? In Patch to Plate, Annie Scibienski's tips for preparing potatoes will have your mouth watering for a healthy and delicious meal. She recommends avoiding foil and microwaves when cooking and suggests adding herbs or other ingredients for added flavor.
Next up, in Made in the Shade, Barbara Bravo's recommendations for drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry shade are a game-changer for those struggling to cultivate their gardens. Epimedium, brunnera, liriope, hellebores and carex are all options that may work for you.
And finally, in The Cover Up, Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty discuss the benefits of sedges, bearberry and trailing arbutus as ground covers and vines that support pollinators and provide shelter for insects and birds.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from these experts and take your gardening skills to the next level. Tune in to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley and discover new ways to connect with the natural world around us.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Anxious? The combination of the recent pandemic, world events, plus the looming impacts or climate change have all resulted in many mental health challenges in many individuals. Mindfulness is a technique that helps to improve mental health. Mindfulness can be described as the awareness that emerges through paying attention, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally to an unfolding experience, moment by moment. A broader focus on nature-based mindfulness has been proven to be very beneficial to reducing anxiety.
Join Luke Vitagliano, a native of Westchester County in New York’s Hudson Valley, in a great conversation about Nature and Mental Health. As a doctoral candidate, Luke has research focused on creating and implementing a group nature-based mindfulness intervention aiming to reduce anxiety among college students. This approach can be expanded to others, children and adults alike. Learn about multiple nature-based health interventions, and how listeners can practice mindfulness on a daily basis.
Share Luke’s passion for enhancing mental health benefits and integrating mental health and wellness services with the great outdoors on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Resources
Interest in raising chickens has grown in recent years. This interest can be grounded in harvesting their eggs or their meat or simply for home-grown entertainment. If you're wanting to learn more about starting to raise your own backyard chickens, this is an episode that you don't want to miss!
With over 20 years of experience in owning, operating, and consulting for small farms, livestock, and poultry, Nicole Childrose, ,Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of History at Columbia-Greene Community College. She is deeply inspired by home, family, friends, tenderness, and love for animals, excitement about nature, and passion for everything with a history that has a story to be told. She shares her passion for raising chickens and offers valuable advice on how to care for them, from establishing a routine to proper feeding and watering to keeping the coop clean and secure and good neighbor relations. Nikki also emphasizes the importance of research so that you're informed and well-prepared before starting your flock.
Nikki's passion for chickens is sure to inspire and motivate you to start your own backyard flock, so if you're ready to take the plunge and start raising chickens at home, tune in to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley and get started today!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Nikki Childrose
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
One more time, we’re providing a potpourri of interesting topics in an episode. If you're interested in cooking with fresh, locally sourced produce and are looking for creative ways to use winter vegetables, you'll love Patch to Plate, hosted by Annie Scibienski. In this episode, Annie shares an easy recipe for sweet potato and black bean salsa that can be used in everything from salads to pasta dishes.
And for those who want to expand their knowledge of gardening and botany, It's All Greek to Me is a must-listen. While plants are rooted in soil, their names are more often as not rooted in Latin. Host Jean Thomas takes a deep dive into the world of Latin plant names and the fascinating stories behind them. You'll learn how plants like the poinsettia and magnolia got their names and the individuals they were named after, including botanists and doctors.
Lastly, if you care about preserving the environment, don't miss Pests and Pathogens. Hosts Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe discuss the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that has caused significant damage to the ash tree population in North America. Jackie and Dede cover everything from the beetle's life cycle to the measures being taken to prevent further spread.
With topics ranging from creative recipes for winter vegetables to the fascinating stories behind plant names, and the impact of invasive species on our ecosystem, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley has something for everyone.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Annie Scibienski, Dede Terns-Thorpe, Jackie Hayden
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Did you know that there are 800 species of eels? They are an important element of the natural food web as well as a source of food and bait. Eels are born in the ocean but live most of their lives in fresh water, before returning to the ocean to spawn. The American eels are born in the seas around Bermuda, before they start a year-long migration to the Hudson River. They can be found along the Atlantic coast including the Chesapeake Bay up to the Saint Lawrence River region.
Join Kelsey Jean West from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County in a fascinating discussion about eels, including a research project that counts the eels that migrate up to the Hudson River. There is still a lot of mystery around the eel, so the citizen science research project that has been going on for over 13 years helps the Department of Environmental Conservation make regulatory decisions to help protect this endangered species.
The Hannacroix Creek is one of twelve locations along the Hudson River where local volunteers count the glass eels (the one year old American eels in the third of six stages of maturity) as they reach their freshwater homes where they stay through adulthood. They eventually grow to be up to 4 feet long and as heavy as 17 pounds and can live anywhere between 10 to twenty years in fresh water. Then they eventually return to their birthplace in the Atlantic Ocean where they spawn at the end of their lives, and the cycle starts again.
Learn more about eels including how you can engage with this citizen science project on the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kelsey Jean West
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Joellen Lapman from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley for a fascinating (and scary) discussion, All About Ticks. Learn about the latest news and research on ticks and tick-borne diseases
Ticks are related to spiders but can be much more dangerous to humans. How many diseases are connected with ticks? Unfortunately, it’s much more than Lyme’s Disease.
Climate change and our warmer winters are enabling different kinds of ticks (other than the black-legged deer tick) to move into the Hudson Valley. (The only place you can avoid ticks is in Antarctica!) Do you know the relationship between mast years for nut trees (e.g., oaks, hickory, etc.) and ticks? Do pesticides help? Is addition to deer, controlling the mice and chipmunk population is also important.
Personal prevention is key, but having flu-like symptoms in the springtime may be a signal to check for a tick-borne disease. Anytime you are off pavement, you are in tick territory. Permethrin on clothing helps. But did you know that putting clothing in the dryer (not the washer) will kill ticks? Checking pets for ticks is just as important as checking yourself. There is lots of information that can be found on-line (not all of it ‘sound’) about the removal of ticks, but the key is to avoid ‘upsetting’ the tick.
Joellen provides a wealth of valuable information. Get caught up on the latest science related to ticks!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joellen Lapman
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Productions Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
This episode is a mosaic of multiple gardening topics.
It starts Tim Kennelty (The Cover Up) discussing the merits of the family of sedge plants as a great pollinator-friendly ground cover, which can also be used as a living green mulch or a ‘lawn’ substitute. Jean Thomas then espouses the wonders of hops. This aromatic and robust vine can grow to 15-20 feet tall and has white cone-like flowers. Its hexagonal stem, which grows clockwise is a distinguishing feature.
Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe return with another segment of Pests and Pathogens. Do you know how to tell if the insects flying around your house are fruit flies or fungus gnats? While they are distant cousins, they are actually very different. Learn how to tell them apart, and how to manage them if you spot them visiting your houseplants this time of year.
Finally, we have a new recurring segment called Made in the Shade. Master Gardener Barbara Bravo joins us from Ulster County to talk about shade gardening. This first one starts by helping us understand some of the rewards of shade gardening as well as how light, partial and deep shade is defined to help you with the selection of appropriate plants for your garden.
Listen and enjoy the imagery that will come to mind with this episode.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden, Barbara Bravo
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Everyone knows that the monarchs love milkweed plants as a critical food source for their caterpillars. Monarchs tend to show up in the northeast just as the milkweed plants start to bloom. But herbicides and development are impacting the population of these colorful pollinators. We also know that the adult butterflies migrate south for the winter months. But do you know where they go?
Master Gardener volunteer, Devon Russ, and Jenni Cawein join the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with a fascinating discussion about Monarchs. They took a very interesting World Wildlife Fund tour to the Sierra Madre mountains in central Mexico. There they watched the monarchs in their winter habitat located above 10,000 feet in elevation.
Have you ever seen hundreds of thousands of monarchs in one place? Did you know that you can actually hear their wings flap as you watch monarch butterflies hanging from the branches of special trees that create a micro-climate that is critical for their survival?
It takes four generations of monarchs to migrate from the northeast to Mexico and back. The single generation that lives in Mexico in the winter do not reproduce, but rather preserve their energy to make the return trip to the US (usually Texas).
Learn all about these fascinating butterflies in this podcast episode.
Hosts: Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty
Guests: Devon Russ and Jenni Cawein
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
On this week's podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn from Rochelle Ashley from Story’s Nursery in Freehold, NY … a gardener’s destination. She discusses some favorite houseplants including suggestions about how to grow them. She focuses on plants that are relatively easy to grow as well as some that are quite dramatic or a bit fussier to handle. Whether it be “Lucky Bamboo”, Air Plants, Pathos, Ferns, Rubber plants, snake plants, spider plants, cactus, jade plants, peace lilies, or African violets, there is a houseplant for you.
Rochelle discusses the wide range of varieties that are available today, as well as how to identify, avoid or address any potential plant diseases. There are plenty of options for rooms with sunny windows as well as rooms that have more indirect sunlight. There are also plants to be careful with if you have pets in your home. She provides tips on the best way to size a pot for a plant and ways to successfully re-plant a houseplant that has outgrown its current home. Watering and fertilizing hints might help you gain a green thumb when dealing with houseplants.
Listen and learn how to successfully grow beautiful plants in your home year-round.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rochelle Ashleigh
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Tim Kennelty returns with another Good Plant/Bad Plant segment. This time he talks about Ironweed, a great native, pollinator plant known for its purple flowers and impressive height that will add ‘presence’ to any garden. Then, he explains why the invasive Japanese Barberry is not such a good choice for your garden as it creates a great habitat for the white-footed mouse which is known to be a carrier for tick-borne diseases.
Then Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe are back with another segment of Pests and Pathogens. Thís time they discuss a category of blisters, galls, and spots on leaves and trees that are caused by a rust fungus. Learn all about them here!
Finally, we have a new recurring segment called Patch to Plate. Annie Scibienski, a new Master Gardener volunteer, highlights ingredients from the home garden and how they can be used in the home kitchen. In this segment, she features root vegetables and uses them to create Maple-Glazed Carrots and a Hidden Beet pound cake. Yum!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty, and Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty, Dede Terns-Thorpe, Jackie Hayden and Annie Scibienski
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibiencki
Resources
New York State residents tend to have a love/hate relationship with deer. Many people enjoy watching deer in nature, and others look forward to deer hunting season. But when a driver has a collision with a deer, a gardener finds that a garden has been harvested by one, or a patient is diagnosed with a tick-borne disease, the admiration of this wildlife quickly shifts to frustration.
Teresa Golden, a Master Gardener volunteer, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversation from the Hudson Valley, to help us understand the habits of deer to make it easier co-exist with them. Learning about what deer like (e.g., deer ‘candy’) and what they prefer to avoid makes the selection of landscape plants easier to keep them away from your garden. She also talks about the plusses and minuses of repellants and fencing to make it possible to have a more peaceful coexistence with deer.
Learning about deer will help you continue to enjoy them in the wild while keeping your landscape safe from their presence.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Teresa Golden
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Keri-Sue Lewis from Common Hands Farm, located in Philmont, NY, joins the podcast to talk about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Their mission is to provide healthy, affordable food access by way of bringing small farming into the future. Using Certified Naturally Grown methods, they provide their CSA members with weekly boxes (between June and November) of their bountiful harvests of 100+ varieties of vegetable, herbs and micro-greens grown on their 25-acre farm. Having grown up in the Hudson Valley, Keri is passionate about changing the food systems in this area, providing seasonal crops, and bringing access to healthy food to the community while helping others connect with nature. The farm also offers delicious value-added products with their crops, inspired by preserving the bounty of the season. These can be found at local farmer’s markets as well as at local stores and wholesale buyers.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Keri-Sue Lewis
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Learn about the rich history of New York’s Hudson Valley in a unique new way. Join Anna Plattner and Justin Wexler from Wild Hudson Valley, located in Cairo, NY. They own a 95-acre farm and sanctuary consisting of forest, meadow and wetlands. There they offer walks, workshops, forest farmed products and camping to help inspire others to become better stewards of our planet. Listen as Anna and Justin talk about their eco-camp which offers an immersive experience with furnished tents, engaging activities and nature trails enabling you to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Hey also offer monthly wild harvest boxes which consist of native foods such as veggies, nuts, berries, and mushrooms, that are wild-gathered, wild-stewarded, and grown on their farm.
Then Robin Stapley joins the podcast to talk about permaculture and winter sowing. Permaculture is all about applying a set of design principles to gardening taking into consideration the overall ecosystem of the site. Robin specifically talks about how she used permaculture to address some water issues on her property. She also then talks about the advantages of winter sowing to get a head start on seed starting.
Another episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley that has something for everyone!
Hosts: Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, and Jean Thomas
Guests: Anna Plattner and Justin Wexler
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
Climate change is all over the news but what exactly are the implications of higher carbon dioxide levels for the Hudson Valley? While New York State is at the forefront of climate leadership and environmental stewardship, what should we expect relative to extreme temperature and rainfall events?
Join Jenna and Zach, two CCE climate resiliency experts, to learn about potential climate hazards in New York State including an increase in insect, disease, invasive plant pressure as well as potential changes to USDA plant hardiness zones.
While gardeners can look forward to the potential of longer growing seasons, learn what you can do to minimize and adapt to these future climate changes.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Zach Spangler and Jenna Walzack
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Do you know the difference between a red-tailed hawk and a Cooper’s Hawk. What’s the difference between a bird of prey and a scavenger? Which birds prey on fish versus rodents versus carrion?
Our favorite birder and author of Birding the Hudson Valley is back once again, this time to talk about Birds of Prey. Among other things, Kathryn Schneider explains about the importance of ‘feet’ for the survival of these feathered friends. Eagles, hawks, falcons, harriers, owls, ospreys and vultures are all topics of discussion. Knowing which birds of prey are nocturnal versus diurnal can help with their identification. Find out where in the Hudson Valley you can participate in a hawk watch, where to find bald eagles or owls and the difference between a black vulture and a turkey vulture. This podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley has something for everyone.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kathryn Schneider
Photo by: Stock Photo
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski
Resources
David Newman from Arthur’s Point Farm in Ghent, NY, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about ecological restoration and soil health using agroforestry and biochar.
Agroforestry is a land management approach that combines with agriculture and trees. Planting trees, shrubs and hedges on farms can give Hudson Valley farmers healthier soil and higher yields – not to mention creating vital homes for wildlife. As well as having a massive positive impact on the soil, the environment and wildlife, agroforestry also boosts productivity as diverse systems are more productive than monocultures. Integrating trees into the landscape also helps to enhance biodiversity and foster climate resilience.
Applying biochar may also increase the fertility and health of acidic soils and also increase agricultural productivity. Biochar is a lightweight black residue, made of carbon and ashes, remaining after the pyrolysis of biomass. Biochar carbon remains in the ground for centuries, slowing the growth in atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. Simultaneously, its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity, and reduce pressure on old-growth forests. Its porous nature is effective at retaining both water and water-soluble nutrients.
Learn how you these techniques can be applied to improve the health of your land.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: David Newman
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski
Goats are amazing animals. They are tough, versatile and have many uses. Related to sheep, goats are lighter in build and have horns that arch backward, shorter tails, and straighter hair. Goats can survive and thrive just about anywhere. They are browsers and valued for eating inexpensive nutrient sources, such as woody plant and weeds that other livestock typically won’t consume. Goats have been used for milk, meat, fur, and skins across much of the world. Milk from goats is often turned into goat cheese.
On this fascinating episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn from Peter and Charlene Padin as they talk about their goat farm located in Columbia County. They explain their journey to becoming goat farmers and the joys and challenges of raising an Alpine goat herd. Did you know that goats dance? Charlene also describes the many kinds of cheese that can be made from goat’s milk.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Peter and Charlene Padin
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Annie Scibienski, and Teresa Golden
Resources
This episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, contains a potpourri of interesting topics.
Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek to Me) returns with a discussion of the Dutch influence on the Hudson Valley, including the wide variety of terms we use today that find their origins to the Netherlands. We all know that bulbs come from Holland, but are you aware of other common vocabulary terms like gherkin, coleslaw and cookie are derived from the Dutch? The Dutch influence on the Hudson Valley continues today.
Plant trials are the focus on Tools of the Trade with Tim Kennelty. Have you wondered how botanists evaluate which plant varieties perform best under certain conditions? Which cultivars are pollinator favorites? What one are the most disease resistant? Which native plant species will work best in your garden? On-line resources from the Mount Cuba Center in Delaware and the Chicago Botanic Garden are discussed which provides the answers.
Garden maintenance is the focus of this latest episode of the Veggie Patch with Teresa Golden. Watering, weeding and fertilizing are discussed as key elements to keep a vegetable garden thriving. Get answers to: How much water is needed? Does mulch really help to suppress weeds? What’s the value of fertilizer? In addition, she’ll cover some common garden tools that will make caring for your veggie patch easier.
Thanks for listening to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Jean Thomas, Time Kennelty and Teresa Golden
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Annie Scibienski, and Teresa Golden
Resources
Hydrangeas are a very popular landscape shrub and the topic of this podcast episode on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.
What’s the difference between a lace cap and a mophead hydrangea? Why isn’t my hydrangea flowering? Where should a hydrangea be planted? How do I figure out what kind of hydrangea I have in my yard? When should hydrangeas be pruned? How do I get my white hydrangea flowers to turn blue? Or pink? What are other landscape plants to consider that offer similar ‘showy’ flower displays? Why don’t the hydrangea plants I receive as gifts overwinter? Join podcast founders and Master Gardener Volunteers (Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas) in a round table discussion about hydrangeas and get your questions answered.
Then, Linda Levitt joins us with a new Flower Power segment to talk about Holiday plants including how to care for them. Amaryllis, Holiday Cactus and Poinsettias are all discussed.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Teresa Golden and Linda Aydlett
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Barbara Bravo, Master Gardener Volunteer from CCE of Ulster County, joins this Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast episode to enlighten us about a variety of things to consider with shady landscapes. Understanding different levels of shade, setting appropriate plant expectations, and focusing on foliage, are just a few topics covered. Once established, shade gardens require less watering and maintenance, making them a favorite for many New Yorkers.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Barbara Bravo
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
This podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is perfect for the autumnal season. Extending the growing season, mums, asters, sedums and annual vines are all topics of conversation during the fall in New York.
The Veggie Patch with Teresa Golden covers a wide range of options to help extend the gardening season, including cloches, row covers and hoop houses. These tips and tools may allow your garden to keep producing for a few weeks longer than if left to Mother Nature’s own devices.
The Cover Up with Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty is also quite timely. Morning Glories are the featured annual vines, but this category extends to gourd and mini-pumpkin vines, scarlet running beans, and more. Sedums and Hens and Chicks are featured ground covers (and succulents) in this episode. These herbaceous perennials, commonly known as stonecrops, are great options for rock gardens and other areas that are drought prone. Both of these vines and ground covers are low maintenance and relatively easy to grow.
Linda Levitt returns with Flower Power. She discusses how to grow popular fall flowers that include Mums, Asters and Montauk Daisies. Including these beautiful plants in your flower gardens will bring lots of fall color to your landscape.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Teresa Golden and Linda Levitt
Photo By: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Learn about the Hortus Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Located in Stone Ridge (Ulster County, NY), the gardens are run as a non-profit organization whose mission is to sustain the native, unusual and historic plant life of our area and serve as a vital educational resource for the public.
Join Scott Serrano and Allyson Levy, co-founders and executive directors, in a podcast that provides insights into the history, current offerings and future plans for this wonderful living textbook of plants that can be grown in the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Allyson Levy and Scott Serrano
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Ginseng plants are perennial herbs that are harvested for their taproot which is used for cooking and medicinal purposes. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) grows in cooler climates in North America, including New York State. Ginseng has been associated with some of the world’s most ancient healing traditions. Wild ginseng grows naturally in mountains where a plant can take years to reach maturity. Cultivated ginseng is grown under shaded coverings to keep the plants cool and mimic the wooded environment of its wild counterpart.
Join Bob Beyfuss, a retired CCE employee, in an informative discussion about this plant that can be found or cultivated in the Hudson Valley.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Bob Beyfuss
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
This week’s podcast episode contains a little bit of everything for residents of the Hudson Valley. Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) starts it off with a segment about how to put a vegetable garden ‘to bed’ for the winter. Sanitation and composting are covered as key elements to successfully preparing a garden to survive the winter and be ready to get off to a fast start in the spring.
Then Tim Kennelty (Good Plant/ Bad Plant) is back with another segment featuring the purple cornflower (echinacea purpurea) , a favorite New York garden perennial and a very colorful native flower, beloved by birds and pollinators.He also discusses the challenges of dealing with mugwort, a common weed in the garden which is also a prolific invasive.
The episode concludes with another virtual tour with Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails).The Overmountain Conservation area, located in Ancram, NY, consists of 10 miles of trails with awesome scenic overlooks of both the Catskill and Taconic Mountains.It’s also a great place to see grassland birds.
We hope these segments inform, educate, and inspire you to enjoy the natural beauty that exists in New York’s Hudson Valley.Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty and Heidi Bock
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Resources
Hunger remains a persistent reality for many New Yorkers. The USDA defines hunger as a physiological condition that many result from food insecurity. Food insecurity is an economic and social condition reflecting a household's inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy live.
Rebecca Polmateer, Program Director from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, and goes into detail about the causes, prevalence, and realities of food insecurity. She also describes the numerous programs that are available to help those who are food insecure.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rebecca Polmateer
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Dr. Rebecca Pinder, a science professor at Columbia-Greene Community College, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in an informative discussion about salamanders, earth worms and other creatures that can be found in the soil.
There are nineteen species of salamanders found in New York State. Did you know that salamanders rarely have more than four toes on their front legs and five on their rear legs? They are typically found in habitats in or near water or other cool, damp places. Some species are fully aquatic while others are entirely terrestrial as adults.
New York is also home to 30 different species of earthworms, although only five are native to North America. The invasion of jumping worms from Asia has increasingly become an environmental and conservation issue in forest ecosystems as well as urban-suburban landscapes.
Listen to Dr. Pinder discuss these fascinating creatures as well as the research being done to better understand them.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Dr. Rebecca Pinder
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
This episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley covers a lot o territory. It starts with Jean Thomas, Master Gardener Volunteer, discussing two popular perennials, phlox and rudbeckia. The phlox name is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘flame’. The genus includes 67 species including phlox paniculata, subulata, and divaricate. Rudbeckia, more commonly known as black-eyed-susans, are native plants known for their bright yellow flowers. Jean provides more detail on both perennial types.
Then Heidi Bock from the Columbia Land Conservancy is back taking us on a virtual tour of Siegel Kline Kill . This 55 acre parcel, with about 1 mile of trails, is located in Ghent, New York and features a native plant restoration project and a floodplain forest.
Finally, Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) talks about root crops which include a wide range of vegetables that grow beneath the soil. The many options are relatively easy to grow and offer many tasty treats throughout the gardening season.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Jean Thomas, Heidi Bock, and Teresa Golden
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Join Marc Wolf, Executive Director, from the Mountaintop Arboretum as he describes this uniquely beautiful and memorable place. Featuring trees, trails, rocks, meadows and marshes, it exemplifies the diverse beauty of New York’s Hudson Valley. The Arboretum encompasses 178 acres of forest and meadow at an elevation of nearly 2,400 feet with temperatures that drop as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. As the only public garden/arboretum in the Catskill Park, it strives to inform visitors about the landscape they visit. Listen to Marc describe the relationship between theater and the arboretum and describes the many joys that await a visitor to this wonderful site.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Marc Wolf
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Website
What do ragwort, climbing hydrangea, cucurbits and myths about ticks have in common? Another episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, of course!
On this week's podcast episode, Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas have another segment about groundcovers and vines (The Cover Up) with Tim talking about ragwort, a native groundcover, and Jean describing a beautiful vine, climbing hydrangea. Then listen to Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) describes how to grow cucurbits, a broad family of vegetables that are very popular on dinner tables across the Hudson Valley and the world. Finally, Devon Russ (Hits and Myths) updates us on ticks, including their relationships with guinea hens and opossums, and clarifying some myths along the way.
So this diverse episode has a little bit of everything. We hope you learn something new while you listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Teresa Golden, Devon Russ
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Tim Kennelty, a Master Gardener, Master Forester and Master Naturalist Volunteer, shares his passion for native trees and shrubs on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. He covers a wide range of topics regarding native trees and shrubs in the New York landscape including a definition, their role in supporting birds and pollinators, considerations when selecting a native tree for your yard, and many of his favorite native trees including oaks, birches, cherries, dogwoods, spice bushes, button bushes, and more. Tim also talks about the best places to see native plants as well as where to find them to purchase. If you're interested in bringing your yard back to its ‘native’ environment, listen in!
Host: Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Tomatoes seem to be the favorite crop for home gardeners to grow. Get some useful tips from Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) on how to start them from seed, what to look for when buying plants for transplanting, when to plant, and tips to manage the various pests and diseases that may attack one of our favorite summer fruits.
Then hear from Linda Aydlett on Hum of the Hive. This episode, Linda talks about how honey bees cope when their food sources (typically nectar producing flowers) dry up. They have a systematic way to ensure the survival of the colony. This is a wonderful glimpse into the fascinating lives of honey bees.
Finally, join Heidi Bock on another wonderful hike up to High Falls Conservation Area on Trekking the Trails. Located in Philmont, NY, High Falls offers one mile of trails that wind through hemlock ravines, alongside the Agawamuck Creek to an overlook of Columbia County’s highest waterfall.
There’s something here for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. Listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Heidi Bock
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources
Are you a new homeowner in the Hudson Valley? Do you have questions about where to start when making an existing garden your own? This podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley might just be a great place to start. Realtor and Master Gardener Volunteer Candidate, Eileen Goble, provides lots of good suggestions.
Assessing what is already planted, meeting your wildlife neighbors, watching how much sun or shade your property gets during different times of the year, testing your soil, determining how much effort you are willing to put into maintenance, and understanding what will grow in this New York climate, are all things to think about before you dig in and start planting. Whether you are thinking about annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, making an investment in time to plan your new landscape will pay off in years to come.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Eileen Goble
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
This weekly podcast episode for Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley answers some of the most frequently asked questions we, as Master Gardener Volunteers, receive from gardeners in New York State.
“Why should I mulch my garden?” “What kind of mulch should I use?” and “How deep should the mulch be spread?” Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, separates mulch facts from fiction in a segment about mulch on her segment, Hits and Myths.
Then hear from Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden, also Master Gardeners, talk about a common summer pathogen by answering questions such as “What is powdery mildew?” “How do I manage a powdery mildew infestation?” or “What are best practices to minimize the odds of a reoccurrence of powdery mildew?” Listen to the segment on Pests and Pathogens.
Finally, on Tools of the Trade, Master Gardener Joan Satterlee is back talking about the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. It answers questions we often get like “What’s a good plant resource?” “How do I find plants that will work in my particular micro-climate?” and “What’s a native flowering plant that thrives in hardiness zones 4 to 6 that can tolerate coexisting with rabbits?”
Gardeners, new and experienced, will find something of interest in this episode. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Devon Russ, Dede Terns-Thorpe, Jackie Hayden, and Joan Satterlee
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Resources
Kristopher Williams from the Center for Invasive Species Management rejoins the podcast with an informative discussion of the many invasive pests that can be found in the Hudson Valley including the emerald ash borer, hemlock wooly adelgid, spongy moth, spotted lantern fly, feral pigs, as well as what individuals can do to minimize the spread of invasives.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristopher Williams
Resources
This episode is filled with all types of flowering plants including annuals (marigolds, zinnias and cosmos), Perennials (cranesbill geranium, wisteria, milkweed) and Invasives (multiflora rose).There is something of interest for all types of gardeners and gardens. Listen and learn!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Larry Federman, a musician, birder, and former education coordinator for Audubon NY, is our guest today taking us on a virtual tour of the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary in Catskill, NY. He also spends time describing the lifecycle, diet and habitat of dragonflies and damselflies that can be found there. Take a listen!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Larry Federman
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Mary Ann Iaccino
Resources
Learn all about Grassland Birds from ornithologist and Master Gardener Volunteer, Kathryn Schneider. In this episode, she cover what types of birds to look for in grasslands, the habitat they like, and how to protect them. Then Master Gardener Jean Thomas returns with another edition of “It’s All Greek” where she opines on garden perennial favorites (Phlox and Rudbeckia). Enjoy!
Guest: Dr. Kathryn Schneider
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Transcript and Resources
In this episode, Master Gardener Jean Thomas helps to decode the information found in catalogs when attempting to order shrubs, trees and bulbs. Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) describes the wide range of legume vegetables that can be grown in your garden. The Hum of the Hive (with Linda Aydlett) returns with a discussion of the role of propolis within a honey bee hive. Listen and learn!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Jean Thomas
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Transcript and Resources
Enjoy this delightful conversation with Anna Harrod to learn how to get children interested in gardening. Then listen to a discussion about Pests and Pathogens about Houseplants with Dede Terns-Thorpe. The episode wraps us with Joan Satterlee with some useful books about perennials (Tools of the Trade).There is something here for all ages!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Anna Harrod
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcripts
In this episode, Kelsey Jean West from CCE joins us to talk about Leave No Trace, an ethical approach to visiting public parks and conservation areas. Then Tim Kennelty features the Dogwood and Garlic Mustard (Good Plant/Bad Plant). This podcast episode concludes with a focus on the value of scarecrows (Hits and Myths with Devon Russ).
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kelsey Jean West
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Transcript and Resources
Re-join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 2), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Linda Levitt (Flower Power) lets us know all about Peonies, a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens. Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas (The Cover Up) close out this episode with a description of Green and Gold and the Dutchman’s pipevine. There’s something for everyone. We hope you listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristopher Williams
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region PRISM to learn about invasive plants (Part 1), how they are managed, and what you can do to control their spread. Then Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails)is back talking about the bees and butterflies you can find at the Greenport Public Conservation Area in Hudson, NY. Finally, Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek to Me) enlightens us on the history and meaning of the botanical names for popular plants like coneflower, hosta, daylily, peony and milkweed.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kristopher Williams
Photo by: Teresa Golden
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Container Gardening is more than just using thrillers, fillers and spillers. Learn all about it from Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt, to create beautiful containers for your home garden. Then, join Teresa Golden as she talks about brassicas (The Veggie Patch).And they hear about honey bee swarms with Linda Aydlett (The Hum of the Hive). There’s something for everyone in this episode.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. Join Heidi Bock from the Columbia Land Conservancy in a delightful discussion of the Phenology Trail at Borden’s Pond. Then learn all about Anthracnose from Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden (Pests and Pathogens) which affects gardens and trees. This episode concludes with a discussion of Merlin (Tools of the Trade with Joan Satterlee), a bird identification app developed by Cornell University. This episode has something for everyone. Listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Heidi Bock, Columbia Land Conservancy
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden
Transcript and Resources
Flowering bulbs can add a burst of color to any landscape. Learn all about what makes bulbs special in spring and summer with Master Gardener Volunteer Jean Thomas. Then join Tim Kennelty (Good Plant/Bad Plant) talk about Native Willows and Bush Honeysuckle. This episode concludes with Devon Russ explaining why there are so many garden myths (Hits and Myths).There is something for everyone. Listen in!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Jean Thomas
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden,
Transcript and Resources
Community Gardens are a timely topic for this episode where you’ll hear from Kim Bender and Eliza Spear on the how the Community Garden in Coxsackie, NY was founded and maintained. They also touch upon the very popular Coxsackie Farmer’s Market. Then learn all about irises with Linda Levitt (Flower Power).This episode concludes with coral being the color of the day in a conversation about Heuchera and Native Honeysuckle on the latest Cover Up segment with Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guests: Kim Bender and Eliza Spear
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden,
Transcript and Resources
Jumping worms (also know as crazy worms) are invading gardens, lawns and forests throughout the Hudson Valley. Get the latest information about these pests from Josef Gorres (University of Vermont) and how to identify and manage them on your lot. Then, Jean Thomas explains the meaning behind many botanical plant names. A worthwhile listen!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest:: Joseph Gorez
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Transcript and Resources
Spring weather refocuses us on our lawns. Join David Chinery from Cornell Cooperative Extension as he talks about turf issues and the best way to care for or improve our lawns. Then join Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) as she explores Borden’s Bond, near Chatham, New York. This 1.6 mile trail features a great forest setting that can be used for hiking, walking, trail running and nature trips. We hope you get inspired and get outdoors!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: David Chinery
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Pollinators are the subject of this passionate conversation with Master Gardener Volunteer and podcast co-founder, Tim Kennelty. Learn about their role in the ecosystem and some of his favorite bees, butterflies and moths. Then join Teresa Golden in a segment about how to start seeds at home for your Veggie Patch. This is followed by another fascinating description of the role of field bees with Linda Aydlett (Hum of the Hive). Lots of great content in this episode!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas
Photo by Tim Kennelty
Listen to a wonderful virtual tour of Berkshire Botanical Garden, located in Stockbridge, MA, with Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Levitt. She provides a vivid description of the history of these gardens as well as an overview of what you’ll see if you stop by. Then stay tuned for a segment on the Spongy Moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) with Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden (Pests and Pathogens).This forest pest defoliated many trees last summer and this episode may help you to understand what can be done to manage any reoccurrence. Finally, Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants is the topic of Tools of the Trade with Joan Satterlee. This ‘go-to’ guide helps you learn to identify and help these plants thrive.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Linda Levitt
Photo by Tim Kennelty
Production Support:: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources and Transcript
Join the podcast co-founders with a lively discussion about the dreaded poison ivy. Learn how to identify it, control it, and treat your symptoms should you be allergic to its oils. Then the focus of Good Plant/Bad Plant with Tim Kennelty is Serviceberry and Invasive Bittersweet. Are your plants looking for a friend? Deven Russ (Hits and Myths) discusses the realities of companion planting.
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support from: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Dorian Hyland, Mary Ann Iaccino, Deven Connely, and Sandra Linnell
Transcript and Resources
Kathryn Schneider rejoins the podcast with a discussion about the upcoming New York Breeding Bird Atlas. Discover how it is created and how you can help! This is followed by a Linda Levitt (Flower Power) covering an early spring flowering plant, the hellebore. This episode concludes with a description of two wild strawberry plants and the Scarlet Runner Bean (The Cover Up with Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty).
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Kathryn Schneider
Resources and Transcript
Holiday Plants are the topic of conversation with Rachael Ashley from Story’s Nursery in Freehold, NY. She discusses the wide range of gift plants that are available throughout the year, from Valentine’s Day through the year-end holiday season. Then tune in for a great description of the Harris Conservation Area by Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails), as she talks about amphibians including wood frogs and spotted salamanders. This episode concludes with a great insight from Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek) about the use of color in botanical names. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rachael Ashley
Seed Starting is a very timely topic for this podcast episode. Briana Davis, from Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd. located in Cornwallville, NY, joins hosts Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty, for a wonderful overview of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ process used to grow a wide variety of vegetable and perennials, including ~40 tomato cultivars. Then stay tuned for the Veggie Patch, with Teresa Golden, where she discusses how to determine and improve the quality of your soil to grow a healthy garden. Finally, stay tuned for The Hum of the Hive with Linda Aydlett where the focus shifts to the role of the House Bee. Fascinating indeed!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Briana Davis
Resources and Transcript
In this episode, join Master Gardener Volunteers in a fascinating conversation with Tracey Testo of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. She discusses the many wildflowers and woodland foraging opportunities that can be found in the forest. Tracey brings her passion and an amazing wealth of information that inspires us to take a fresh look at the world around us. Then stay tuned for Pests and Pathogens featuring Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden who discuss beetles, both good and bad. Finally, Joan Satterlee (Tools of the Trade) tells us how the Audubon Native Plant database can help you choose just the right native for your landscape.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tracey Testo Smith
Get ready for planting season with a informative and wide-ranging discussion about perennial plants with Joe Behn from Behn's Best Perennials. Learn about the wide range of options available to add color and interest to your landscape. Monarda and Japanese Stiltgrass are the focus of the Good Plant/Bad Plant segment with Tim Kennelty. And Wooly Bears are the star of Hits and Myths with Devon Russ.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Joseph Behn
Resources and Transcript
Join us in an informative conversation with Tracey Testo from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia of Greene Counties. She discusses the history of maple syrup in New York as well as how you can tap trees to make your own. Then Linda Levitt (Flower Power) will talk about the beautiful and versatile Lantana plant. The episode concludes with a new segment (Cover Up) with Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas discussing their favorite ground covers and vines. Today they focus on Ajuga and Trumpet Vine.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Tracey Testo
Resources and Transcript
Listen to Pammi Price, from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties, in a fascinating discussion about Getting to Know Your Woodlands. Learn how to explore your property to discover its history and how to steward it towards a healthy future. Then join us with Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) to discover the wonderful variety of birds that you can find at the Ooms Conservation Area In Chatham, NY. Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek) concludes this episode with insights into the origins and naming conventions associated with botanical names.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Pammi Price
Resources and Transcript
Intro In this episode, Rebecca Polmateer, from CCE, sets us straight on the ins and outs of Food Preservation. Learn about freezing, canning, dehydrating, pickling and fermentation. Then listen to Teresa Golden talk about how to decide what to plant in your vegetable garden. This episode concludes with a fascinating conversation about the role of the queen bee in The Hum Of The Hive. Tune in and enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Guest: Rebecca Polmateer
Resources and Transcript
In this episode, join Master Gardener Volunteer and this podcast co-creator, Jean Thomas, in an informative conversation about seed catalogs. Learn about their history, their changing content and how to read them. This will be followed by a new segment, Pests and Pathogens, featuring Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden who discuss how to diagnose plant problems. The episode concludes with Joan Satterlee, who provides insights into Tools of the Trade, focused on a plant identification tool, iNaturalist. Listen in!
Resources and Transcript
Eli Joseph-Hunter is the featured guest on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. As proprietor of the Greene Bee Greenhouse, Ltd, listen to his discussion with CCE Master Gardeners as we learn about Plants for Winter Interest. Then stay tuned for the first segment of Good Plant/Bad Plant where Tim Kennelty will talk about oak trees and Japanese Knotweed. This episode concludes with a discussion by Devon Russ (Hits and Myths) about the science associated with planting by the phases of the moon. Enjoy!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Interview Guests: Eli Joseph-Hunter
Photos: see attached (pick your favorite!)
Resources and Transcript
Join Master Gardeners in an informative conversation with Kathryn Schneider, an author and educator about all things birds. Learn what to feed birds in winter, the best feeders, and how to keep squirrels and bears away from them. Then, dream about your summer garden as Linda Levitt (Flower Power) will explain the difference between annuals, perennials, and biennials. Tune in for a winter treat!
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Interview Guests: Kathryn Schneider
Resources and Transcript
Celebrate National Groundhog Day by joining Master Gardeners with a table discussion about these and other Hudson Valley furry wildlife including moles, voles, chipmunks, bears and raccoons. Join Heidi Bock (Trekking the Trails) on a virtual winter hike to Drowned Lands Swamp, one of the Columbia Land Conservancy’s nature trails. Then be entertained and informed by Jean Thomas (It’s All Greek) as she clarifies acronyms such as IPM, GMO, and jargon such as plant ‘habits’.
Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas
Interview Guests: Jean Thomas, Tim Kennelty, Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden
Resources:
Groundhogs and Other Furry Wildlife: Woodchucks (psu.edu); Moles (psu.edu); Voles (psu.edu); Chipmunks (psu.edu); Raccoon factsheet (wildlifecontrol.info); Black Bears (psu.edu); Remove or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation; Legend & Lore | Punxsutawney Groundhog club; Mayor defends keeping Wiarton Willie's death a secret | CTV News; How to control moles and reduce turfgrass damage // Missouri Environment and Garden News Article // Integrated Pest Management, University of Missouri
Trekking The Trails: Drowned Lands Swamp – Columbia Land Conservancy (clctrust.org); Farmscape Wonder Wander: 18 April 2020 | Progress of the Seasons Journal (wordpress.com)
It’s All Greek:: Welcome | New York State Integrated Pest Management (cornell.edu); Etymonline - Online Etymology Dictionary; Plant Information | Chicago Botanic Garden; Plant Finder (missouribotanicalgarden.org)
Transcript
Join Master Gardeners, Jean Thomas, and Tim Kennelty, in a conversation with Evon Antonio and Connor Young about CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties and their programming. Then listen to some practical tips about how to site a vegetable garden with Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) and learn how honey bees survive in the winter with Linda Aydlett (The Hum of the Hives).Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Interview Guests: Evon Antonio and Connor Young
Resources
CCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension (ccecolumbiagreene.org)
Veggie Patch: Cornell Cooperative Extension | Food Gardening (ccecolumbiagreene.org) ; Untitled-2 (unh.edu); How to Start a Vegetable Garden | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu) ; Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Vegetable Growing Guides
Hum of the Hive: Beekeeping calendar for the Northeast; Honeybee Democracy; Honeybee Colony Thermoregulation – Regulatory Mechanisms and Contribution of Individuals in Dependence on Age, Location and Thermal Stress
Transcript