Queen City Green

Host John Searby interviews Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about the 1,600‑mile regional trail plan and how it’s built through partnerships, grants, and technical support. They highlight trail benefits, including transportation, health, and economic returns. The focus is Gaston County’s Matthews Belk South Fork River Corridor: a 23‑mile segment toward a 60‑mile route from Lake Wylie to Hickory, with paddling access, towns, and parks. They review progress, gaps, Spencer Mountain, connections through McAdenville and Cramerton, and the Daniel Stowe Conservancy connector, plus ways to support, visit, donate, and celebrate National Trails Day.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel are joined by Janet Manuel and Cassy Hallman from Daniel Stowe Conservancy to discuss Trailhead’s tastings and then spotlight milkweed (Asclepias): its latex, toxins, specialized pollination, flowers, and silky seed pods, plus historical uses like WWII life-jacket stuffing. They explain milkweed’s role as a keystone host plant for monarchs and highlight Carolina-native species and conservation through Stowe’s new regional seed bank and nursery. They warn against tropical milkweed because it spreads OE parasite and disrupts monarch migration.

In this episode of 'Shovel and Spade,' Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel discuss the mountain mint plant's benefits and its ecological impact. Joined by Katherine Baxter and Emma McGee, they explore garden scents, both pleasant and off-putting, and share personal stories.

Host John Searby talks with Aaron and Annie Crites of Your Lawn Stewards. They discuss their journey from corporate life to starting an eco-friendly lawn care business focused on biodiversity and sustainability. They also talk about their partnership with the Daniel Stowe Conservancy and share practical advice for transforming traditional lawns into environmentally friendly spaces.

Hosts Ryan Cater talk with Piedmont Promise's newest team member, Alexis Thompson, to talk about the overlap between conservation and public health.

John Searby hosts Josh Jacobson, CEO of Next Stage. They discuss shared environmental initiatives, the importance of collaboration among nonprofits, nonprofit challenges, strategies, and Josh's unique method of supporting nonprofits.

The 'Shovel and Spade' podcast, sponsored by Petty Thieves Brewing Company, discusses tasting a hazy IPA, the science of hops, and horticultural challenges faced by the hosts at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

Data-driven decisions are still important, especially when it comes to conservation. In this episode, Ryan Carter talks with UNCC’s Urban Institute and Data Trust about Piedmont Promise, the power and impact of shared data, and what we can do to make our region a better place with it all. The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute + Regional Data Trust is a nonpartisan research and data unit of UNC Charlotte. Data partnerships are held with each agency independent of Piedmont Promise. Neither the Institute nor the Data Trust are affiliated with the advocacy agenda of Piedmont Promise, and the views expressed by staff on this program are theirs independently. They should not be considered the official beliefs of UNC Charlotte, the Institute, or the Data Trust.

John Searby, CEO of The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, discusses the unique partnership with guests from WithersRavenel, an engineering firm known for its sustainable and innovative projects. Guests Will Cauthen and Emily Buehrer-Douglas share their professional backgrounds and roles at WithersRavenel, emphasizing their passion for sustainable development and landscape architecture. They discuss how their work will involve redesigning stormwater management systems, enhancing biodiversity, and creating educational opportunities for visitors to the Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

In this first episode of Shovel and Spade, from The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, hosted by Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble, we explore the world of horticulture. Joined by team members Lindsay Bargar and Michaela Karutz, this episode delves into their personal journeys into horticulture, sparked by inspirational moments from childhood and diverse career paths.

John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba River Keeper, discusses initiatives to promote environmental change and outdoor activities in the Charlotte region with guests Eric Smallwood, Parks and Rec Director of Mount Holly, and Rachel Andrea, Recreation Manager at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, who share their experiences and contributions to outdoor recreation.

In this episode of the Advocacy Hour podcast, hosted by Ryan Carter and Ellie Riggs of Piedmont Promise, the focus is on recent conservation efforts and legislative updates in North Carolina, and the hectic legislative session, emphasizing the progress and challenges faced with several bills.

The ladies in charge of the Butterfly Bungalow talk with host John Searby about how the butterflies get to the bungalow, how they are cared for, and just what to expect when you visit.

"Conservation" and "affordable housing" have a lot in common but are, unfortunately, too often used as cannon fodder against one another. From accusations of NIMBYism to greedy development to being out of touch with reality, both sides take shots at the other. Join us for a conversation between a conservation turned housing advocate and a housing turned conservation advocate as we dive into this divide and how we can bridge it better. NC Housing Table: https://www.nchousingtable.org/ Denzell Burnside's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denzelburnside/ Stay up to date on the Parking Lot Bill: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/petition-to-protect-our-waterways-businesses-and-communities-from-runoff-and-flooding?source=direct_link&

John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy, talks with Jason Bonham, Director of Horticulture, and Dylan Wruble, Operations Manager. They discuss the intricacies of maintaining the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, from horticulture tasks to irrigation and fountain maintenance. Jason and Dylan share their backgrounds, detailing their roles and unexpected challenges they face.

John Searby, CEO at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, talks with Sarah Degnan and Sarah Taylor from Albemarle Corporation, about their personal backgrounds and their roles at Albemarle, focusing particularly on the company’s sustainability efforts. They detail Albemarle's Kings Mountain Project and the company's overall commitment to environmental stewardship.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba River Keeper, talks with Allison Rhodes, the Executive Director at Trees Charlotte. They discuss Rhodes' journey to Trees Charlotte, the organization's mission to grow, steward, and diversify Charlotte's tree canopy, and the various programs and initiatives they run, including tree plantings, tree adoption events, and educational tree walks.

Host John Searby discusses the rebranding journey of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy with guests from Boone Oakley, including Dave and Claire Oakley, and Jake Vowell. The conversation covers the origin and background of Boone Oakley, the strategic process for rebranding, and the collaborative effort to develop a new identity.

A roundtable discussion with other friends in NC Policy work. · NC Audobon Advocacy website: https://nc.audubon.org/conservation/advocacy o NC Audobon Day at the Legislature: https://act.audubon.org/a/2025-advocacy-day?aud_path=/&_gl=1*1fbx468*_gcl_au*MTQwMjYyNjk0MS4xNzM5OTg3NDQw*_ga*MTI3MDAzOTA5My4xNzM5OTg3NDQw*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTc0MzUxMzY3NC40LjAuMTc0MzUxMzY3Ni41OC4wLjA. · Toxic Free NC website: https://toxicfreenc.org/ · Catawba Riverkeeper advocacy page: https://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/advocacy

In this episode, host John Searby welcomes guest Angie Stegall, who shares her journey from military life to becoming a forest therapy guide and consultant. Angie discusses the physical and mental health benefits of 'forest bathing,' a practice involving mindful interaction with nature inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, welcomes horticulture staff members Lindsey Bargar and Allyssa Boerngen, who discuss their backgrounds and roles in managing the formal gardens at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

On this week's episode, Ryan sits down with Grady O'Brien to discuss the latest happenings at the NC Legislature and a deeper dive into what state boards and commissions are. · Important legislative dates: https://www.ednc.org/as-a-new-session-begins-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-north-carolina-government/#:~:text=27%3A%20Senate%20Bill%20Drafting%20Deadline,3%3A%20House%20Bill%20Filing%20Deadline · Cool parking map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=6ad4c6b1c9b746fab2128e75f47ee82f · NC Conservation Network website: https://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/

In this episode of the Queen City Green Podcast, host John Searby, CEO of a partnership between Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, speaks with Lisa Phocas, a prominent sustainability advocate in Charlotte, to talk about Lisa's unexpected journey into sustainability, highlighting her work at Crescent Communities and her focus on intertwining environmental stewardship with real estate development.

This episode of the Queen City Green Podcast, hosted by John Searby, features Kaity D'Angelo, Volunteer and Community Science Manager at Catawba Riverkeeper, and Ceci Kammire, Volunteer Coordinator at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. They discuss various volunteer opportunities at their respective locations, including trash cleanups, garden maintenance, community science programs, special events, and corporate volunteerism.

In this inaugural Advocacy Hour, host Ryan Carter, policy director for Catawba Riverkeeper Botanical Garden and director of Piedmont Promise, introduces a new monthly series focused on conservation lobbying at state and local levels. Joined by colleague Ellie Riggs, Ryan discusses the intricacies of conservation policy work, the processes behind drafting legislation, and the challenges of communicating complex issues to the public. They delve into their efforts to create a regional identity for North Carolina's Piedmont and their ongoing projects with UNC Chapel Hill’s public policy students. Here's the link to our legislative agenda Got any ideas you'd like to hear about or people you'd like to hear from? Email Ryan Carter at [email protected]

In this episode of the Queen City Green Podcast, host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, welcomes Amy Aussieker, Executive Director of Envision Charlotte. They discuss her professional journey, Envision Charlotte’s mission, and the groundbreaking work at the Innovation Barn.

Host John Searby, CEO of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, interviews Chloe Linton, the manager of the Williamson Conservatory. Chloe shares her journey from Brantford, Florida to Charlotte, her love for plants, and her experiences and challenges working at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Host John Searby, CEO of the shared services partnership between Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, welcomes Ryan Carter, Policy Director at both organizations. They discuss Carter's background, his role in environmental advocacy, and legislative initiatives aimed at preserving natural resources in the Charlotte region and beyond.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, speaks with Diana Knudson, VP of Advancement and Communications for both organizations. They discuss the joys of the fall season, Diana's background and career path, and the mission and impact of the Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, speaks with Cassy Hallman, a conservation ecologist at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and her role at the garden, focusing on prairie restoration.

Host John Searby talks with Elizabeth Bowers from Ann Springs Close Greenway, a 2100 acre nature park in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden/Catawba Riverkeeper CEO John Searby on how you can help with Western North Carolina's recovery from Helene.

This episode features Morgan Long, the education director for both Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. She and host John Searby discuss various educational programs, including the floating classroom on Lake Norman and field trips to the gardens. They explore environmental education, stormwater management through rain barrel workshops, and unique offerings like the butterfly bungalow.

Host John Searby talks with Erin Katzner, Executive Director and CEO of the Carolina Raptor Center about the ways the Raptor Center and the community work together to rescue and rehabilitate birds, the impact of rapid urban growth on local wildlife, and the interconnectivity of ecosystems.

In this episode of the Queen City Green Podcast, John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, welcomes Katherine Baxter, a horticulturist at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Katherine shares her journey into horticulture, her role at the garden, and her passion for gardening and nature education.

Guest Michael Applegate from Gaston County Travel and Tourism discusses his background in destination promotion and highlights the outdoor recreation opportunities in Gaston County.

Host John Searby talks with Philip Dodds, the Private Events Manager at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Sustain Charlotte's Shannon Binns talks with host John Searby about Sustain Charlotte's role in keeping the city focused on sustainability.

Host John Searby, CEO of a partnership between Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper, and guest Jeff Robbins, Executive Director of Clean Air NC, discusses his transition from corporate America to environmental advocacy.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens horticulturist Piper Pruitt talks with John Searby about how one becomes a horticulturist, her favorite places in the gardens, and the best times to visit the gardens.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens CAO Tracy Smith talks with Executive Director John Searby about the gardens and her favorite spots on the grounds.

SHARE Charlotte Managing Director Melissa Hovey joins us to discuss the role SHARE Charlotte takes on within Charlotte's non-profit community, and particularly with The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Host John Searby talks with Bart Landess from Catawba Lands Conservancy/ Carolina Thread Trail about the challenges of land preservation versus development, the significance of valuing natural resources, and the collective responsibility towards conservation.

Just what does a curator at a botanical garden do? DSBG Curator Karen Kottkamp joins host John Searby to answer that question, and talk about what's so special about the garden, and what time of year is her favorite?

Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones joins host John Searby to discuss the origin and importance of the Riverkeeper program, the work of the Riverkeeper, and how the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the Catawba Riverkeeper are connected.

Host John Searby talks with the Director of Horticulture at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Jason Bonham, about the garden's vision, the return of environmental education, and the importance of environmental nonprofits and upcoming plans for the garden's 380 acres.