Best Birdfeeder Podcasts (2026)

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The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 — What's Really on Your Produce? 12:51

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5d ago12:51

12:51

In this quick but eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a closer look at the Environmental Working Group's annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists—two rankings that help consumers understand which fruits and vegetables carry the highest (and lowest) pesticide residues. Whether you shop for your family, your backyard …

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Quiet Invasives — Why Invasive Plants Spread, and What You Can Do About It 28:44

16d ago28:44

28:44

In this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Benjy Strope, Private Lands Management Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to explore the sneaky, persistent, and surprisingly complex world of invasive plants. Inspired by Benjy's article "Quiet Invasives," this conversation gets ri…

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Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees — Which Is Better for You and the Environment? 11:06

19d ago11:06

11:06

In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into a holiday-season debate that comes up year after year: Should you buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? The answer may surprise you and it definitely has more to do with nature, sustainability, and even family traditions than you might expect. Debbie and Lauri…

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Encore Episode: Animal Adaptations with Wildlife Expert Stan Tekiela 26:27

1M ago26:27

26:27

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're revisiting a fan-favorite conversation with wildlife expert, naturalist, and author Stan Tekiela, a flock-level guest whose knowledge always leaves us wide-eyed and amazed. In this encore episode, Stan takes us on a deep dive into the remarkable world of animal adaptations, exploring how species survive,…

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What Do I Do If I Find…? Wildlife Rehab Q&A with Ruby Davis 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome back "Flocker" and trusted friend of the show, Ruby Davis of NC Wildlife Rehab, for a rapid-fire myth-busting session about what to do when you encounter wildlife in your own backyard. From possums playing dead to raccoons out in the daytime, baby bunnies hidden in plain sight, …

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Encore: The Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kelly Oten 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

In this encore presentation of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne revisit one of the most important conversations of Season 2 — their discussion with Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, about the invasive and destructive Spotted Lanternfly. This brightly colored but harmfu…

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Troubleshooting Bird Feeding — Solving Common Backyard Challenges 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

Even the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and s…

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🎃 Encore Episode: We're Talkin' About Pumpkins 12:06

2M ago12:06

12:06

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're revisiting one of our most popular and seasonally fitting episodes, "We're Talkin' About Pumpkins!" Originally aired in October 2021, this encore favorite is the perfect listen for fall. Join Debbie and Laurie as they explore the fascinating world of pumpkins, from surprising agricultural facts and recor…

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🐺🦌🐞🕷️ Updates on Various: Revisiting Red Wolves, Chronic Wasting Disease, Spotted Lanternflies, and Joro Spiders 17:40

3M ago17:40

17:40

In this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take listeners on a fascinating update tour of several topics previously featured on the show, all of which continue to evolve in the natural world. From hopeful signs of recovery to growing ecological concerns, this episode is packed with new developments and ways for citizen sc…

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Fall in Your Habitat: Simple Seasonal Swaps That Make a Big Difference 18:03

3M ago18:03

18:03

As the seasons turn and the air gets crisp, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris are diving into everything fall for your wildlife habitat! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the team explores how to make the most of autumn's natural bounty, especially those fallen leaves. Should you rake them up, blow them away, or just "leave the leaves"? The answ…

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Wings in the Backyard: Butterfly Gardening with Pamela Grundy 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

If you've ever dreamed of turning your backyard (or even your balcony!) into a haven for butterflies, this episode is for you. Debbie and Laurie welcome Pamela Grundy — historian, writer, and passionate butterfly gardener from Charlotte, North Carolina — to share her journey into creating thriving butterfly gardens and inspiring others to do the sa…

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Season 5 Kickoff: Celebrating 4 Years of Nature, Curiosity & Community 42:14

3M ago42:14

42:14

The Backyard Naturalists are back for Season 5! In this special anniversary episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take a fun walk down memory lane to celebrate over four years, 200+ episodes, and more than 106,000 listens across all 50 U.S. states and 137 countries. From their very first kitchen table recording during COVID to becoming a Saturday morn…

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Joro Spiders: Beautiful, Bizarre, and in Your Backyard" 18:20

3M ago18:20

18:20

🕷️ What's big, colorful, and showing up in backyards across the Southeast? Debbie and Laurie are diving into the world of Joro spiders, and trust us, this is one episode you won't want to miss! From their eye-popping golden webs to their wild habit of "ballooning" through the air as babies, these spiders are making quite an entrance in the Carolina…

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North Carolina Conservation Network with Kristen Rhodes 18:00

3M ago18:00

18:00

In this episode, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Kristen Rhodes, an organizer with the North Carolina Conservation Network (NCCN), to explore the power of grassroots action in protecting our state's environment. Kristen introduces NCCN as a statewide network of more than 60 environmental and justice organizations, all working collaboratively to saf…

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Lighting Up the Night with Fireflies 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

This week, Debbie and Laurie welcome Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation and Research, for a glowing conversation all about one of nature's most magical creatures — the firefly! ✨🐞 Or, depending on where you grew up, the lightning bug. Ben shares his passion and deep knowledge of these enchanting insects, explaining why firefly population…

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Bizarre Animal Behaviors – Nature Gets Weird! 14:37

4M ago14:37

14:37

Ever heard of a shrew with venomous saliva, a vulture that cools off by pooping on its own legs, or a bird that impales its prey on barbed wire? 🦨🦅🐦 This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take you on a wild ride through some of the strangest, funniest, and downright bizarre behaviors in the animal kingdom. You'll hear jaw-…

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🌿 Summer in Your Habitat 39:23

4M ago39:23

39:23

Summer is STILL here, and if you've stepped outside lately, you've probably felt it too—sweltering heat, sticky air, and maybe even a few critters making themselves a little too comfortable in your backyard. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie (with Chris chiming in, of course!) share a lighthearted but practical guide to…

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iNaturalist – Connecting People, Nature, and Science 27:55

4M ago27:55

27:55

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Allison Young, Director of Outreach Programs for iNaturalist, the global platform that's changing the way people experience nature. Whether you're snapping a photo of a butterfly in your backyard, spotting a rare bird on a hike, or identifying tracks in the mud, iNaturalist turns thos…

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More Random Wanderings and Wonderings 27:46

5M ago27:46

27:46

Welcome back, nature lovers! After a few weeks of summer break, The Backyard Naturalists are back with another brand-new episode, and this one's all about embracing the spontaneity that summer inspires. In this week's episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris settle in for another unscripted (and unplanned) conversation that meanders through the joys and …

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The Plant That Ate the World: All About Japanese Knotweed 22:21

5M ago22:21

22:21

What do you get when you cross a fast-growing, hard-to-kill, concrete-cracking plant with curious naturalists and a microphone? You get this week's brand-new episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Debbie and Laurie are back and diving into the wild, weird world of Japanese knotweed—also known as "the plant that ate the world." It's not every day a pl…

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Fantastic Foxes: Rehab and Real Talk with Elizabeth Negron 25:40

5M ago25:40

25:40

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're diving nose-first into the world of foxes with Elizabeth Negron, Director of Foxtales Wildlife Rehab in Midland, Virginia. Elizabeth shares her journey from Washington State to the East Coast, driven by her lifelong fascination with foxes. She offers incredible insights into their behavior, biology, diet…

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Encore Episode: Bye-Bye, Seed Bandits! Meet the Squirrel Buster 19:29

5M ago19:29

19:29

We're reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week's encore—and trust us, it's a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one's for you. Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broad…

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Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis 35:25

6M ago35:25

35:25

Have you ever wondered what's really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature's most misunderstood creatures. Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to…

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Encore: Host Plants, Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies 17:57

6M ago17:57

17:57

It's pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants. From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillarie…

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Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn't 30:35

6M ago30:35

30:35

Summer is heating up across the Carolinas, and that means snakes are on the move — and stirring up plenty of conversation. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie bust myths and tackle misinformation about snake deterrents, exploring what truly works (and what absolutely doesn't) to keep these fascinating reptiles out of spaces where they aren't welcome…

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Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My! 27:32

6M ago27:32

27:32

It's time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka "Zom…

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🎧 Frogs, Toads & Backyard Choruses 21:08

7M ago21:08

21:08

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a fun and fascinating leap into the world of frogs and toads—those small but mighty voices you hear rising from ponds, ditches, and backyards as spring turns into summer. You'll learn how to spot (and hear!) some of North Carolina's most common amphibians, including the American Bu…

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🐍 Snakes, Safety, and a Python Named Norm 1:01:52

7M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible. Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm, a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and oft…

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Saturday Mornings at the Market: A Visit to Matthews Farmers Market 41:26

7M ago41:26

41:26

In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina's most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market. With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen. You'll hear fro…

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Tiny Habitats for your Backyard 21:55

7M ago21:55

21:55

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram. Please visit and …

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🐦 Backyard Dreams, Blunders & Big Ideas 24:44

8M ago24:44

24:44

This week, things get personal (and a little playful!) as Debbie, Laurie, and Chris go round-robin style in a fun backyard-themed Q&A game! 🎙️🌿 They dish on their dream features (hello, pond and bat house!), favorite parts of their yards (shade gardens, native plants, and more), and even the gardening goofs they've made along the way. 🙈 From invasi…

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🦋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

Want to welcome butterflies to your yard and help them thrive? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into the magical role of host plants—the essential "nurseries" for butterflies and other pollinators. 🌿🦋🐛 While nectar plants might get all the glory, host plants are where the real action happens: eggs are laid, caterpillars …

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Build It and They Will Come: Certify Your Wildlife Habitat! 20:27

8M ago20:27

20:27

We're going back to our roots—literally! In one of our most popular topics to date, The Backyard Naturalists are revisiting how YOU can turn your outdoor space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation's newly streamlined program. 🐝🌼🐸 Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small garden, or even a balcony, this epi…

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Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste 29:04

8M ago29:04

29:04

What really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we sit down with Jeff Smithberger, Director of Mecklenburg County's Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling. Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Meck…

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Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet 22:15

9M ago22:15

22:15

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're honoring Earth Day 2025 with a powerful and inspiring episode centered around this year's global theme: "Our Power, Our Planet." 🌍💚 Join us as we explore how small, everyday choices can make a big impact. From rethinking your grocery list to planting native species and reducing plastic use, this episode …

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Native Plants vs. Cultivars—What's the Buzz? 37:27

9M ago37:27

37:27

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco—botanist, native plant advocate, and all-around plant powerhouse! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, The Backyard Naturalists is proudly hosted by c…

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Eco-Friendly Fixes for Springtime Yard Woes 31:10

9M ago31:10

31:10

Spring has sprung, and so have weeds, pests, and garden invaders! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie dig into eco-friendly solutions for common yard and garden challenges. From natural weed control methods like solarization and manual removal to chemical-free pest management with neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and e…

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Battling Aquatic Invaders – How You Can Help 31:06

9M ago31:06

31:06

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. Aquatic invasive species are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious threats to ecosystems, economies, and even public safety! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our award-winning hosts welcome Khristopher Stahr and Jenna Paugels from th…

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Saving the Monarchs – What You Can Do to Help 14:55

9M ago14:55

14:55

Monarch butterflies are in serious trouble, and this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists dives into why. Our award-winning hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, break down the alarming 96% decline in western monarch populations and what's causing it—from habitat loss to pesticide use and climate change. But it's not a…

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Spring Cleaning for a Wildlife-Friendly Yard 36:10

10M ago36:10

36:10

Spring is here, and it's time to give your backyard a refresh—nature-friendly style! In this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our expert hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, share essential tips for making your outdoor space a haven for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. From scrubbing bird feeders an…

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After the Storm: Hurricane Helene's Impact on NC's Waters 33:17

10M ago33:17

33:17

In this episode of the award winning Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina's aquatic ecosystems. Our special guest, Corey Oakley from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shares firsthand insights into the devastation caused by historic flooding and landslides in th…

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Nature Fact or Fiction? Test Your Wild Knowledge! 28:16

10M ago28:16

28:16

Get ready for a wild ride through the world of nature myths! In this fun and engaging episode of The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast loved in over 115 countries, hosts Debbie and Laurie put their knowledge to the test with a true/false quiz led by Chris. From the surprising way squirrels help reforest the planet to whether earthworms…

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From Alpacas to Agritourism: The Magic of Apple Hill Farm 28:56

10M ago28:56

28:56

Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, our award-winning podcast welcomes Lee Rankin, owner of Apple Hill Farm in North Carolina, to share her incredible journey from alpaca admirer to agritourism entrepreneur. Located near Boone, Apple Hill Farm is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, …

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Healing Wildlife: The Mission of NC Wildlife Rehab with Ruby Davis 27:33

10M ago27:33

27:33

Step into the wild with this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Ruby Davis, a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist, to discuss the inspiring work of NC Wildlife Rehab. After going dormant for five years, this nonprofit is back in action thanks to Ruby and veterinarian Dr. Laura La…

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Growing a Greener Future: How Trees Charlotte is Shaping the Urban Canopy 30:24

11M ago30:24

30:24

Charlotte is on a mission to stay green, and this week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're digging into how Trees Charlotte is making it happen! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature lovers—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we're thrilled to welcome Heather Brent, an urban forest educator, to talk all things tree…

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The Dirty Truth About Toilet Paper: Sustainability, Forests, and Your Choices 20:30

11M ago20:30

20:30

Flush out the facts on toilet paper sustainability in this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature enthusiasts—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we're diving into the environmental impact of one of life's everyday essentials. Join us as we break down the latest find…

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Birds, Binoculars, and Big Data: Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count! 16:39

11M ago16:39

16:39

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. Hosted by Debbie and Laurie, passionate nature advocates with credentials like Master Naturalist and Wildlife Ambassador, this multi-award winning show dives into everything connected with the natural world! In this epi…

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Forest Bathing: Nature's Prescription for Mind, Body, and Soul 28:57

11M ago28:57

28:57

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, author, and naturalist, to explore the art and science of forest bathing. Originating in Japan as "shinrin-yoku," forest bathing is the practice of immersing oneself in nature to reap significant physical and …

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A Different Buzz on Honeybees 31:26

12M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco, an ecological consultant and native plant expert, to explore the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—role of honeybees in pollination. Dr. DeJaco shares that honeybees, while vital for commercial agriculture, are not native to the Americas and are class…

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Moon Gardens 27:02

12M ago27:02

27:02

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram. Please visit and …