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The Backyard Naturalists

The Backyard Naturalists

Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne · Downtown Podcasting

118 episodesEN

Show overview

The Backyard Naturalists has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 118 episodes. That works out to roughly 55 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 15th season.

Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 21 min and 31 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Science show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 32 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Downtown Podcasting.

Episodes
118
Running
2024–2026 · 2y
Median length
27 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world.

Latest Episodes

View all 118 episodes

Tick Talk: Protecting Yourself from Tick-Borne Illnesses

Aug 22, 202626 min

Amazing Animal Adaptations with Stan Tekiela

Aug 15, 202626 min

Summer in Your Habitat

Aug 8, 202639 min

iNaturalist – Connecting People, Nature, and Science

Aug 1, 202627 min

Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn't

Jul 25, 202630 min

The Matthews Community Farmer's market

Jul 18, 202654 min

ENCORE EPISODE: Benefits of Trees

Jul 11, 202620 min

ENCORE: Bird Feeding 2.0: Elevating Your Backyard Aviary

Jul 4, 202639 min

ENCORE: Frogs, Toads and Backyard Choruses

Jun 27, 202621 min

Names for Male and Female Animals

Jun 13, 202624 min

Wildlife Bridges and Crossings

Jun 6, 202622 min

What Bird Built That?

May 30, 202631 min

Encore Episode: Tiny Habitats — Big Nature in Small Spaces

May 23, 202621 min

Plant This, Not That

May 16, 202623 min

What's Happening in Your Habitat

May 9, 202636 min

Barred Owls — Silent Flight, Big Personalities, and Backyard Nesting

May 2, 202621 min

Tadpoles, Horse Troughs, and Backyard Habitats

Apr 25, 202623 min

Celebrating Earth Day the Backyard Naturalists Way

Apr 18, 202630 min

S15 Ep 26How Big Is It? Part 2: Nature's Biggest and Boldest Creatures

In this fun and fast-moving second installment of "How Big Is It?", Debbie and Laurie explore some of the biggest creatures in the natural world—from the world's largest vulture and giant hummingbird to the Komodo dragon, Goliath frog, capybara, and even a massive Australian sea snail. Along the way, they share surprising facts about size, habitat, diet, and behavior, with plenty of laughter and off-the-cuff conversation that makes this episode feel like you're sitting right at the kitchen table with them. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the incredible diversity of wildlife around the globe, including species from South America, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa. Whether you are fascinated by record-breaking animals, love quirky nature trivia, or just enjoy hearing nature explained in an entertaining and approachable way, this episode delivers. It is a lighthearted but informative look at some of the most astonishing animals on Earth—and a reminder that nature is always bigger, stranger, and more wonderful than we expect.

Apr 11, 202634 min

S5 Ep 25Encore Episode: Spring Weeds, Pests, and Planet-Friendly Solutions

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're bringing back a timely favorite from last spring as an encore presentation packed with practical, eco-friendly garden advice. Debbie and Laurie revisit smart, natural solutions for some of the season's most common backyard headaches, including weeds, garden pests, and unwanted plant invaders. From weed control methods like solarization and hand-pulling to chemical-free pest strategies using neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and even beer traps, this episode is full of easy, earth-friendly ideas for a healthier yard and garden. You'll also hear tips for attracting beneficial insects, protecting spring flowers, and managing problem plants without disrupting the environment or harming your local ecosystem. Whether you're a longtime gardener or just getting started with your backyard habitat, this encore episode offers plenty of helpful information, nature-based wisdom, and a few fun surprises along the way. Send us your ideas for future episode topics on our Facebook page or through our website — we'd love to hear from you.

Apr 4, 202631 min
Downtown Podcasting