Conversing with Nature – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In November 2023, the Nature-Based Exchange held a celebration to commemorate one year of successful workshops in South Carolina. At this event, we collected recordings from guests on a range of questions related to nature-based solutions. As we start Season 2, we wanted to reflect on some of those answers to understand why we should support nature-based solutions in South Carolina and beyond. This unique episode features multiple guests to provide different experiences and perspectives, but they all agree that nature and people can benefit from more nature-based solutions.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl and Dr. Liz Fly, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this special summer episode, we are joined by Tony and Belinda Jones, the owners of Morning Glory Homestead Farm on St. Helena Island, SC. Tony and Belinda describe how their combined love of nature and family histories led them to become farmers and why they are so supportive of regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices (as well as what that means to them). Tony and Belinda share how they use their farm and their passion for education and their Gullah history to serve the community through their homeschool program, campfire dinners, and farm tours. As an added bonus, this episode features students from their spring homeschool program who reveal their love and curiosity for nature and what we can all do to protect it.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Dr. Liz Fly and Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we welcome Kim Morganello, a senior project manager at Weston & Sampson⁠. Kim shares her findings from a study on Folly Beach that show how nature truly is resilient, and that we can draw inspiration from the resilience of nature and people during difficult times. Kim brings her past experiences as a biologist, educator, and urban designer to the conversation as she and Liz discuss the changing views towards green infrastructure, Clemson Extension's master rain gardener program, and Kim's desire to never stop exploring. 

Explore Clemson Extension’s Carolina Rain Garden Initiative.

Learn about Weston & Sampson’s Resilient Design work.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we are joined by Michael Hodges, an oyster restoration biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). Michael talks all things oysters: their benefits, their history in South Carolina, and how SC DNR is managing them today. Michael also describes the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE), how important community-based restoration is, and how YOU can recycle your oyster shells!

To learn more about saltwater fishing and oyster permits, visit http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/.

Visit SCORE's website to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in volunteering with the SCORE program, email them at score@dnr.sc.gov to sign up. ---

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Editing for this episode was done by Dr. Liz Fly with original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we are joined by Alex Butler, the resilience planning director for the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). Liz and Alex dive into the history and purpose of SCOR as well as the contents and recommendations included in their recently released Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan. Alex also shares how SCOR is using nature-based solutions to address flooding and other hazards and describes specific projects and next steps to enhance community resilience across the state.

For more information on the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, visit SCOR's Resilience Planning page.

Decoding acronyms:

SCOR - South Carolina Office of Resilience

HUD - United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

CDBG-DR - Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery

CDBG-MIT - Community Development Block Grant Mitigation

ARPA - American Rescue Plan

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

In the second half of our two-part episode with Cheryl Cail, southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People, Liz and Cheryl explore the history of the Waccamaw Indian People and the challenges of meaningful and intentional community engagement. Cheryl also explains the history and impact of PFAS and finding ways to improve existing social and political systems while enhancing our connection to nature.

For more information on tribal communities in South Carolina, visit the SC Commission of Minority Affairs Native American Affairs Division.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

In the first of this two-part episode, we are joined by Cheryl Cail, the southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People. Cheryl talks about her life-long curiosity for nature, the impact our past experiences and ancestors can have on us in the present, the meaning of resilience, and how to address inequities.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode of Conversing with Nature, Liz is joined by Jen Howard, a principal at Steward Terra Communications. Jen explains the importance and impact of nature stories, including what makes a good conservation success story, what words are valuable to use, and why it is beneficial to get outside and experience nature for yourself.

Resources: South Carolina Land Trust Network

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we are joined by Howard Schnabolk, a habitat restoration specialist for the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center. Liz and Howard talk about federal funding priorities and opportunities for nature-based solutions, including suggestions for strong applications, connections to DEIJ, and some nature-based projects that NOAA has funded in South Carolina.

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On our third episode, we welcome Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina. Liz and Dale talk about soil conservation and agriculture in South Carolina and the many benefits of prescribed fire. Dale shares her thoughts on conservation leadership, diversity within the field of conservation, and her passion for fishing!

--

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.