In this week's episode I am joined by senior horticulturist Dave Janas of the Wilson Botanical Gardens in Las Cruces, Costa Rica. Dave is what I like to call a "plant guru." Join us for a discussion about all the wonder and beauty that is life at the Wilson Botanical Gardens.
Like the Wilson Botanical Garden on Facebook
Click here for more info on the Organization for Tropical Studies
Urban ecology is a growing field of study. In this episode I sit down for a talk with ecologist Dave Spiering from Tifft Nature Center in the City of Buffalo. Dave studies succession in these man-made environments and his experience as a restoration practitioner provides unique insights into how we can manage our urban environments in better way.
Music by Moneycat
This week I take some time to catch up with an old friend. Melissa and I met while training for a seed collection job out west and since then she has been quite busy working on an advanced degree in ecology. We talk about her work in the so-called "Miracle Mile," which is a hotspot for conifer diversity and just how lucky we are to be pursuing a career investigating the natural world. It's always nice to see people who are passionate about the natural world.
Read more about the Miracle Mile here.
Music by Moneycat
Plants interact with fungi in incredible ways. From pathogens to important symbionts, it would seem that plants cannot escape the mycological community. There are plants out there that have reversed their role with fungi. These are the parasitic mycoheterotrophs. Join me for a discussion with Dr. Tom Horton from the SUNY college of Environmental Science and Forestry about these incredible marvels of evolution. This is certainly one you don't want to miss!
Music by Moneycat
Do you think your state's flower is boring and uninspiring? American poet Robbie Q. Telfer does and he is calling for a change. He would like to see the state flower of Illinois represent something truly Illinoian. Robbie stops by the podcast for a conversation regarding his call to action and so much more. It is people like Robbie that remind us of the Ed Abbey quote - "The idea of wilderness needs no defense. It only needs more defenders."
Click here for Habitat 2030's website
Click here to check out the Jackass Gardener blog
Music by Moneycat
Steve stops by for a fun discussion about some of our favorite nature-themed books.
Ecosystems around the world have been getting progressively drier. With changes in annual precipitation and desertification on the rise, understanding how plants and ecosystems in general respond to drought is of growing importance in ecology. Join me for a conversation with Dr. Dan Potts of SUNY Buffalo State about his research into plant responses to changing precipitation.
Dr. Potts' Website
Music by Moneycat
Chara represent the earliest stages of true plant evolution. They are also model organisms for a wide variety of research questions. Join me for an intriguing discussion with Dr. Mary Bisson from the University at Buffalo.
Music by Moneycat
Steve Fleck returns for a fun and interesting discussion on yerba mate. This tea-like beverage is made from the leaves of a holly and is consumed as a coffee substitute all around the world. As such, it has some interesting ecological implications.
Music by Moneycat
Join Matt for a discussion about Castilleja. Known commonly as the Indian paintbrush, these lovely parasites are a joy to encounter.
Sara Johnson from Sylvatica Shop stops by to talk to us about terrariums. With sudden resurgence in popularity, it seems like everyone and their brother wants to make and sell terrariums. Sadly, many of these attempts end in disaster. Sara teaches us a bit about what terrariums are and some of the ways in which you can make and maintain a successful terrarium.
Music by MoneyCat
Community ecologist Dr. Robert Warren joins us from SUNY Buffalo State for an interesting discussion on invasive plant species. Learn about the challenges of this type of research, rapid evolution, and Eltonian noise. This is a refreshing departure from the normal when it comes to invasive species discussions.
Music by Moneycat
Whereas plant communities define much of what we think of as "habitat," individuals themselves can be habitat too. Join Steve and I for a fun discussion about a very interesting way in which plants support a whole community of life.
Music by: Moneycat
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are up for a potential listing on the Endangered Species List. Fellow botanical enthusiast Steve Fleck stops by for a discussion on the implications of such a listing followed by an introduction to life under the snow in the subnivean zone.
Music by: Moneycat
A brief introduction to the story behind In Defense of Plants and a discussion of the plant that inspired it all, Ludisia discolor. This podcast was recorded on a very windy night in Buffalo and the sound of windows rattling in the background can be heard.
Music by MoneyCat.