Ep. 115 - On Old Growth Forests and Disturbance

Today we are talking about one of my favorite subjects - old growth forests. Joining us is Dr. Beverly Collins, an associate professor at Western Carolina University. Her work looks at the dynamics of old growth forests, especially as it relates to disturbances. She is especially curious about the role disturbance plays in the survival of understory herbs. This episode was produced in part by  Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, Mary Jane, Amy, and Caitlin. 

Click here to learn more about Dr. Collins' work

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Ep. 113 - Restoring Ecosystems Across the Globe

Restoration ecology is a topic near and dear to my heart. The idea of nursing the land back to health is something we all must rally behind. Plants are at the center of this practice and our guest today has devoted his career to understanding both plant diversity and how to restore their populations following human disturbance. Joining us from western Australia is Dr. Kingsley Dixon. Restoration is quite challenging in this harsh landscape but the lessons Dr. Dixon has learned over the years is being used to improve restoration projects around the globe. This is one episode you do not want to miss! This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, Mary Jane, and Caitlin. 

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Ep. 111 - Leaf Miners

You have all probably seen them, however, many probably don't realize what they are. Leaf miners are any sort of arthropod that lives part or all of its life nestled in the tissues of a leaf. This is an amazing world that desperately need more attention. That's where people like Charley Eiseman come in. Charley has devoted much of his free time to trying to better understand the leaf miners of North America. Along the way he has made some exciting discoveries, describing new species in his own back yard! Join us for a riveting about the micro world. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, and Mary Jane.  

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Ep. 110 - Resolving Ice Age Ecosysems: Using the Past to Understand the Future

Trying to piece together an accurate picture of past ecosystems requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. That is why I am so amazed by the work of today's guest. Joining us is paleoecologist Dr. Jacquelyn Gill to talk about her work on ice age ecology. The clues she uses to tell the story of these systems are surprisingly small but incredibly useful. What's more, her work can help us better understand how ecosystems are going to change as man-made climate change rages on. This is one episode you don't want to miss! This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, and Mary Jane. 

Click here to learn more about Dr. Gill's Work

Check out The Contemplative Mammoth

Listen to Warm Regards

Follow Dr. Gill on Twitter - @JacquelynGill

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Ep. 107 - Chestnut Blight: Causes and Solutions

This week we take a deep dive into the world of chestnut blight. This fungal pathogen was introduced to North America in the early 1900's and has all but eliminated one of the dominant tree species of eastern US forests. Our guest today is Kristin Wickert, a PhD student at West Virginia University specializing in plant fungal pathogens. Join us as we discuss the in's and out's of this conservation issue. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Bryan, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, and Mary Jane.

Shoot Kristen an email at klw5421@gmail.com

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Ep. 105 - Talking Soil With Author Paul Bogard

The soils beneath our feet comprise a complex ecosystem in and of themselves. Soils support literally every major ecosystem on this planet. Despite all of this, they are largely ignored. Even worse, we continually degrade them without a care in the world. Their degradation is what inspired author Paul Bogard (The End of Night) to write his latest contribution to the world of science communication. Join us for a fascinating discussion about his new book The Ground Beneath Us. Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Bryan, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, Manuel, Daniel, John, Rosanna, and Mary Jane.

Learn more about Paul

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Ep. 96 - Guam's Changing Forests

Guam is a sort of poster child for invasive species. Following the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake, this tiny Pacific Island lost nearly all of its bird populations. With them went all of the ecosystem services they performed. Joining us today is Dr. Haldre Rogers of Iowa State University to talk about some of the ramifications of this ecological upheaval. As you will soon find out, the loss of birds is felt throughout the entire forest ecosystem. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Maz, Beccah, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Bryan, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, and Manuel.

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Ep. 95 - Epiphyte Restoration

Protecting and restoring biodiversity to tropical forests is paramount to maintaining the ecological integrity of these areas. My guest today is Estefania Fernandez and she is working in a brand new field of restoration ecology that focuses on epiphyte communities. Join us for a fascinating discussion on restoring health to tropical forests. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Maz, Beccah, Desiree, Sienna & Garth, Laura, Margie, Troy, Bryan, Sara, Jennifer, Christopher, and Manuel.

Contact Estefania - epi.stef@gmail.com

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Ep. 89 - Conversations on Forest Health

Forest health is a complicated topic. It means something different to nearly everyone you ask. However, the ecological component of this concept is vital to the success of any patch of forest. That is where people like Dr. David Coyle come in. David left a career in academia to focus on helping land owners make sound ecological decisions. Join us for a discussion on forest health. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Maz, Beccah, Desiree, Sienna, Laura, Margie, Troy, and Bryan.

Click here to learn more about Southern Forest Health

Click here to learn more about David's work 

Follow David on Twitter

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Ep. 87 - Fire in the Forest

I have been thinking about fire a lot these days. In the wake of recent forest fires in the southeast, I wanted to take a closer look at what fires mean for ecosystems other than prairies. To do this, I sat down with my good friend and lab mate, Tyler Refsland, to discuss the implications of fire in forest ecosystems. Tyler's work is based in the oak-hickory forests of southern Illinois and takes a unique perspective that spans many scales, from mycorrhizal fungi, to individual trees, and up to forest composition as a whole. Although this isn't an all encompassing look at the role of fire in ecosystems, it nonetheless offers a lot of food for thought. This episode was produced in part by Mark, Allen, Maz, Beccah, Desiree, Sienna, Laura, Margie, Troy, and Bryan.

You can reach Tyler via email: refslan2@illinois.edu

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Ep. 85 - Plant Conservation in the Modern Era

When it comes to conservation, plants have largely been overlooked. We tend to spend a lot more time with "charismatic" species of animals. For instance, 100% of the world's known threatened and endangered animals have been assessed by the IUCN whereas we have only assessed about 5% of plants. This is quite scary considering that so-called biodiversity hot spots are defined by their vascular flora. This is why the New York Botanical Garden is working to improve our literacy of the botanical world. My guest today is Dr. Brian Boom who, among other titles, is the VP for Conservation Strategy for the New York Botanical Garden. Join us for an inspiring conversation about plant conservation in the modern world. This episode was produced in part by  Gregory, Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna, Laura, Margie, Troy, and Bryan.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Boom

Click here to learn more about plant conservation at the New York Botanical Garden

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Ep. 84 - Project Pine Cone and Other Botanical Adventures

Pine cones are fascinating structures. These scaly organs are the female reproductive structures of conifers. As children we collect them, throw them, decorate them, and even smother them in peanut butter and seeds to attract birds. My guest today takes pine cone collecting to a new level. Renee Popp is retired botanist from the US Forest Service and is the creator of Project Pine Cone. Renee's goal is to amass a collection of cones from every species of pine on the planet. She uses her collection to teach children and adults about not only pines, but also bigger ideas in botany and ecology. Her stories are inspiring in a big way and I know you are going to enjoy this conversation. The episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Allen, Desiree, Sienna, Laura, Margie, Troy, and Bryan.

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Ep. 81 - Contemplations on Biocontrol

No matter where you stand on the topic of invasive species, they are a force we must reckon with. My guest on this episode is working intimately with the ecology of an invasive tree known commonly as Tree of Heaven. Kristen Wickert is a PhD student at West Virginia University and she is investigating the use of a native species of fungus that is proving to be quit effective at ridding the landscape of this aggressive tree. Join us for a fascinating dive into the world of a plant pathologist. This episode was produced in part by  Allan, Gregory, Mark, Laura, and Margie.

Shoot Kristen an email at klw5421@gmail.com

Follow Kristen on Instagram

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Ep. 80 - Lichens and Their Conservation

Lichens are everywhere and we hardly ever notice them. Aside from their beauty and interesting symbiotic relationships, lichens are also crucial components of their environment. Today we are joined by Jessica Allen, a PhD student who is devoting her career to understanding and preserving these wonderful organisms. Please join us for a fascinating discussion about the world of lichens. This episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Bryan, Laura, Margie, and Allan.

Click here to learn more about Jessica's work

Click here to read more about lichens

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Ep. 78 - A Focus On Native Bees

North America is home to a plethora of native bees. Sadly, they are a bit of a mystery. Overshadowed by non-native honey bees, many of our native species are in serious trouble. That is where scientists like Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt come in. An assistant professor of entomology at the University of Illinois, her lab is focused on the interactions between native bees and the surrounding plant communities. This is a fascinating discussion that will hopefully inspire more people to dive into the shadows surrounding these important players in our local ecology. This episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Bryan, Laura, Margie, and Allan. 

Click here to learn more about Dr. Harmon-Threatt's work

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Ep. 77 - Native Plants and the Human Environment - A Landscape Architect's Perspective

Landscape architects have a unique position. They get to decide the way in which we utilize different plant species in the human environment. The push for using native plants has never been greater and rightly so. Native plants are the cornerstone of a healthy ecosystem. That is where people like Bridgette Moen come in. Bridgette is a landscape architect who has realized the importance of creating more sustainable landscapes that rely on native plants to tie everything together. In a sea of concrete, such landscapes are often the only viable habitat around. Join us for a fascinating dive into the world of a landscape architect who is pushing for more native plants. This episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Bryan, Margie, and Laura. 

If you would like to contact Bridgette, send her an email: bmoen2@gmail.com

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Ep. 76 - Broomrapes: A Celebration of an Interesting Family of Parasitic Plants

Parasites have earned themselves a bad reputation in our society. We often see them as nauseating freeloaders. This could not be farther from the truth. More and more we are starting to realize just how important parasites are in any given ecosystem. Not only do they promote and maintain biodiversity, they also serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health. My guest today is Brandi Cannon, a masters student at Columbia University. Brandi is busy focusing her education on understanding and conserving an endangered parasitic plant known scientifically as Schwalbea americana. Along the way we get a nice introduction to the broomrape family as well as gain a greater appreciation for the importance of parasitic plants. This episode is produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Bryan, Wonja, Margie, and Laura. 

You can reach out to Brandi via email: bcc2145@columbia.edu

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Ep. 73- On Milkweeds and Monarchs: The Search for a Smoking Gun

Monarchs have become the poster child for protecting, conserving, and restoring native flora. Over the last decade monarchs have witnessed massive declines in their numbers. This has led to a lot of speculation as to what might be causing such declines. It seems like a simple black and white issue, monarchs need milkweed and we have plowed over most of the milkweed on this continent. As straight forward as this may seem, students of ecology will note that nothing in nature is that simple. Monarch and milkweed conservation is a complex issue with a lot of causes and that is where people like Dr. Greg Spyreas come in. Using large scale datasets, Greg and his colleagues are painting a more nuanced picture of milkweed and monarch decline. It is an interesting story that you don't want to miss. This episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, and Bryan.

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Ep. 63 - In Search of an Appalachian Bog

Bogs are not a common occurrence in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. That's why when we heard rumors of a re spruce bog not far from where we are staying we had to check it out. Join my friends and I on a journey to find this bog. Along the way we met many different species of plants, fungi, and birds. What better way to spend the holiday weekend than geeking out in the woods with friends?

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Ep. 60 - Orchid Bees and Deciduous Trees

People like Dr. Mark Whitten are why I started this podcast. In the context of botany, Mark is the real deal. He started his academic career studying the interaction between orchids from genera such as Stanhopea, Catasetum, and Gongora and the orchid bees (Euglossini) that utilize them for the complex perfumes they produce. Today Mark is working on the USA-China Biodiversity Project which has him scouring the Appalachian Mountains for disjunct flora shared by these two continents. I have had the honor of being able to interact and learn from Mark over the last few weeks and I would be remiss if I didn't get him on the podcast. This was a fascinating conversation that you are certainly going to enjoy!

Click here to learn more about Mark's work.

Click here to learn more about the USA-China Biodiversity Project

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