Have you heard the adage that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Is there any truth to this? Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, returns to explore the cultural origins and meanings of the famous proverb that associates lions and lamb with the crazy swings of March weather.

What about deer repellents? Do they work? As many gardeners know, deer damage can be a significant problem, and there are many so-called remedies out there. Devon explores the effectiveness of strong-smelling soap and concludes that it's not a magic bullet. Instead, she recommends using deer repellents that contain eggs or creating a simple homemade egg and water spray. Gardeners might want to consider using a protective cage or fence. So, if you want to protect your garden from deer damage and learn the truth about deer repellents, you won't want to miss this segment!

Lawn thatch is a bane of many homeowners. Dethatching the grass every spring is a chore that no one looks forward to doing. Learn how thatch is created and what you can do to reduce the amount of thatch that can cause problems in your lawn. This segment provides some useful information that might reduce the amount of work you need to put in to enjoy a nice lawn.

There are lots of approaches to watering a garden. Do it in the morning. Don’t water in the middle of the day. Is there any science to the best way to keep your plants hydrated? Devon is back to dispel the common myth that watering your garden on a hot summer day will result in leaf scorch. In reality, this condition is caused by either drought, root damage, or acidic damage. Learn about the science behind leaf scorch to keep your garden thriving.

In Part 3 of this Hits and Myths Retrospective, get answers to these questions. In this episode, we’ve compiled four short segments of previously aired content for easier listening. We hope you enjoy and learn from this information. Thanks for listening!

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Devon Russ

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Part 2 of the Hits and Myths Retrospective focuses on some additional popular nature and gardening myths. In this episode, listen to three short segments of previously aired information on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, that have been collated together for easier listening. Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, provides insight into the science behind some common myths that have been handed down through the generations.

Do scarecrows work? Will a scarecrow help keep destructive birds away from your crops? The answer is yes, but not for long. So this is a myth that is partially true. Learn how to get the most value from a scarecrow by listening to this first segment.

In the second one, get answers to questions like: “Why should I mulch my garden?” “What kind of mulch should I use?” and “How deep should the mulch be spread?” Devon Russ is back separating the facts from fiction in a segment about mulch.

Have you heard that guinea hens and opossums eat ticks? In the third segment, Devon provides an update on ticks, including their relationships with guinea hens and opossums, and clarifying some myths along the way.

This diverse episode provides lots of interesting and useful information to help clarify the facts associated with commonly understood approaches.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Devon Russ

Photo by:

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim, Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

It’s harvest time and also time for some more retrospective episodes. These are a series of previously aired short segments on a common subject that have been packaged together for easier listening. In this case, it’s all about Patch to Plate, which provides lots of ideas on how to prepare all the fresh produce from your garden and/or local farmer’s market and make delicious meals in your home kitchen. Annie Scibienski, discusses how to prepare multiple seasonal vegetables to awaken your taste buds.

The first segment features root vegetables such as radishes, beets, carrots, etc. Carrots love butter, sugar, lemon, maple sugar, etc. Maple- glazed carrots anyone? Similarly, have you ever heard of a hidden beet pound cake that uses pureed beets to add nutrition to a basic cake recipe? Annie provides lots of tips on how to do this and what to check for to ensure that the batter is just right.

The next segment focuses on winter squash (e.g. butternut, acorn, honeynut, etc.), and cabbage. These squashes are delicious served roasted, or in soups. Sage, onion, garlic, and salt, butter, nutmeg, lemon, lime, can complement and enhance the squash flavor. Cabbage wedges can be roasted.  There are easy ways to prepare cabbage which can then be served with walnuts and/or toasted seeds.

The third segment features winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions and dried beans. Annie describes a recipe that combines all three of these ingredients that goes great with pasta. Garlic, onion, chili peppers, and dairy (cheese, butter, etc.) complement these main ingredients. But they can also be used to create delicious scones. One of the keys to success is to ensure that each scone is of a consistent size so that they bake at the same rate.

The fourth segment in this episode focuses on potatoes. Annie talks about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, as well as the need to focus on serving size. There are lots of different types of potato, including starchy potatoes for baking, or others for general purpose uses. She provides lots of great tips on how to successfully bake potatoes so that they have a crispy skin and a nice, fluffy interior. Tips including not wrapping them in foil or microwaving them to avoid steaming them. Listen to her suggestions on ingredients to combine potatoes with and let your imagination savor the flavors.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Annie Scibienski

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

For optimal health, science supports following a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet or MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. Plant-based diets have been shown to have various health benefits and are linked with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. As a general rule, these diets tend to recommend:

• Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Choosing fat-free or low fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils
• Limiting saturated and trans fat intake, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products
• Limiting drinks and foods that contain added sugars
• Restricting sodium intake while increasing consumption of potassium, magnesium and calcium

Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including building strong bones, protecting your heart, preventing disease, and boosting your mood. A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense goods from all of the major food groups including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors. Healthy eating habits also include replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and sugar with more nutritious options.

Rebecca Polmateer, Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about good nutrition and the programs and resources that are available to help residents eat healthy. Listen as she describes how to find the most nutritious foods starting with fresh local produce, frozen vegetables, fresh produce from more distant locations, followed by canned foods. Whole foods are always better than packaged/processed ones. ‘Superfoods’ (e.g. blueberries, quinoa, etc.) tend to be packed with more vitamins. Lean meats are also preferable. She also talks about the importance of food labels on packaged foods.

There are multiple governmental programs that can help ensure your family gets good nutrition. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. New York State also offers a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) which offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support referrals, nutritious foods.

We’re wishing you more thoughtful and healthy diets in the future!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Rebecca Polmateer

Photo by: MyPlate Graphics | MyPlate

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Ravensbeard Wildlife Center is located in Saugerties, New York. The center is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization that provides wildlife rehabilitation for injured, ill and orphaned animals in order to return them to the wild. For over two decades, Ravensbeard has been supporting the wildlife from the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston. In caring for animals, they promote community awareness, education, appreciation, compassion and acceptance of the circle of life. They also offer volunteer opportunities to work with many different species in order to experience their true nature.

Ellen J. Kalish is the Founder and Executive Director of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on rescue and release for wild birds and other wildlife. In 2017, Ellen was given the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award from the Woodstock Land Conservancy, for her service of rehabilitating and releasing wild birds back into nature, and for her educational programs with wild, non-releasable birds of prey. She’s also served as a board member for the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC). Through NYSWRC licensed wildlife rehabbers work to inform, educate, support in field work and promote conservation.

At Ravensbeard, Ellen currently cares for some unreleasable birds that she utilizes to educate the community about the environment, the interconnectedness of all life, and the reliance on each other for long-term survival. The birds used for educational programs cannot be released due to injuries that would be fatal if left in the wild. So, they have become ambassadors in wildlife education.

In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation center as well as Rocky the Owl, a Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest owls in the northeast, who was rescued from the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, Rocky was given fluids and all the mice she would eat, was checked by a vet, and ultimately was released back to nature.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Ellen Kalish

Photo by: Ellen Kalish

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Resources

An ecological garden is a thoughtfully designed space that is harmoniously integrated with the surrounding environment. Ecological gardening is a sustainable approach focused on understanding and enhancing the interactions between plants, insects, soil, water, and other garden elements. Achieving a successful ecological garden requires a mindset shift to actually work with nature to foster a vibrant plant ecology and rich biodiversity.

A key element of ecological gardening is ensuring the soil is nutrient-rich, alive, and chemical-free. The use of organic (versus chemical) fertilizers will release nutrients slowly, ensuring that the plants have a steady food supply while nurturing the soil's health. Understanding the unique light, moisture, and temperature conditions within your garden is also important in plant selection.

Choosing native plants supports local wildlife, requires less water and also minimizes the need for pesticides. Native perennials are the steadfast friends of the garden. Once they've settled in, they return yearly, offering both beauty and function. Investing in these perennials lays the groundwork for a sustainable, vibrant garden for years to come. Companion plants and herbs also play an important role in the health of a garden. They both help to repel harmful pests and, at the same time, lure beneficial insects that can aid in pollination, and help to create an ‘immune system’ with integrative pest management principles.

Committing to an ecological garden approach is also a commitment to aligning our green spaces with nature's rhythms, fostering a sustainable balance between plants, insects, and other organisms.

Learn from Jennie Cramer how you can the transform your home landscape into a habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Jennie is an educator with Cornell Garden-Based Learning. She is an ecologist turned enthusiastic horticulture educator with a quarter of a century’s experience in organic gardening, regenerative agriculture, natural history and botanical education. She is especially fond of teaching students how to create a resilient, abundant, and beautiful garden ecosystem by applying ecological principles. She joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to help all of us turn our landscapes into ecological gardens.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Jennie Cramer

Photo by: Cornell Garden Based Learning

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Rocks are any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals. There are three major types of rock:

• igneous which are formed through the cooling of lava
• sedimentary which are formed by the accumulation or deposition or mineral or organic particles
• metamorphic which result from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock as a result of extreme temperatures or pressure

Studying rocks provides us with a primary record of much of the geological history of the Earth. Geology describes the structure of the earth and the processes that have shaped that structure. By studying the earth’s structure, geologists determine the relative ages of rocks found at a given location. They use a wide variety of methods to understand this, including fieldwork, rock description, geophysical techniques, chemical analysis, and more.

The Hudson River School was a mid-19th-century American art movement embodied by a group of landscape painters who created a realistic, detailed, and sometimes idealized portrayal of nature, often juxtaposing peaceful agriculture and wilderness, which was fast disappearing from the Hudson Valley just as it was coming to be appreciated

The study of art along with geology can provide insights into the past culture, especially when you combine the Hudson River School paintings with our local geologists, Robert and Johanna Titus. By studying the paintings of Thomas Cole, Frederic Church and others, the Tituses help to provide additional insights into some popular tourist and cultural locations in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.

Robert Titus, PhD, is a paleontologist by training, and a retired professor at Hartwick College in the Geology Department, who has don considerable professional research on the fossils of New York. Johanna Titus, MS, has a degree in molecular biology, also a retired professor from SUNY Dutchess. Together, they have authored multiple books (The Hudson Valley in the Ice Age; The Catskills in the Ice Age; The Catskills: A Geological Guide; and The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins). They are also regular columnists for The Mountain Eagle newspaper.

They joined the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team in a delightful conversation about the Art of Rocks.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guests: Robert and Johanna Titus

Photo by: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Resources

Dr. Abbey Cash is in her 20th year as a Master Gardener Volunteer and has a passion for growing Roses in Columbia County. Trained as an educator, having taught in elementary, and at the college level, Abbey is also an avid hand-fan collector as well as a grower of annuals, perennials and bulbs. She joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in a discussion about demystifying the challenges of growing roses in Zone 5 in New York State.

Understanding hardiness zones is key to the selection of a rose that will grow well in the Hudson Valley. Abbey takes us through the many things to look for when picking a good, healthy rose to purchase. There are many different types of roses to choose including hybrid teas, floribundas, climbing roses, miniature roses and tree roses. While not discussed in this episode, make sure to avoid the multiflora rose, an invasive species in our area (see more information in the resource section).

Once you bring a rosebush home, the fun is only beginning. There are many things to consider in selecting a site where the rose will thrive.6 hours of morning sun with one side protected is ideal. Creating a soil ‘formula’ (with cow manure, compost, peat and slightly acidic soil) is also a key to success. The planting process is also multi-faceted but will improve your odds have having a beautiful rose to grace your landscape for years to come.

Once the rose if planted, however, you are not ‘done’. Keeping your new roses healthy and free of insects and/or diseases may involve the use of fertilizers, sprays or powders that need to be applied periodically. Roses also require some TLC (tender, loving care) and grooming. Understanding the basics of pruning will help to keep your roses producing either individual stems, climbers, or a beautiful hedge throughout the season. But water only when really needed, keeping the water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, to avoid the dreaded ‘black spot’.

There is also work to be done to prepare roses for the winter, cutting them back (except for climbers), burying the knob at the base of the plant with soil, and spreading the area with pine needles and pine branches and/or straw. These actions are reversed in the spring to prepare the plants for another growing season.

Listen to this episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, to improve your odds of successful rose growing!

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Abbey Cash

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Tim Kennelty returns with Part 3 of his Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective. In this episode he continues with a wealth of information about native plants that are beneficial to the environment, as well as others that tend to be invasive or noxious. Today, Ironweed, Japanese Barberry, Asters, Tree of Heaven and Viburnums are featured.

Ironweed, is a great native, pollinator plant known for its purple flowers and impressive height that will add ‘presence’ to any garden. Ironweed prefers rich moist acidic soils but will grow in average moist to wet soils in full sun. Use in a rain garden, cottage garden, meadow, along streams or ponds or the back of the border.

By contrast, invasive Japanese Barberry is not such a good choice for a garden as it creates a great habitat for the white-footed mouse which is known to be a carrier for tick-borne diseases

Asters, once known as New World asters, are now classified under a different genera, particularly Symphyotrichum. These native plants offer vibrant colors in purple, pink and white while also supporting late-season pollinators, making them an excellent addition to your garden.

On the flip side, the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), is a non-native plant that has wreaked havoc in many ecosystems, including New York’s. As Tim describes, it’s critical to manage this troublesome plant, which also serves as the primary host for the destructive spotted lanternfly. Listen and learn how to identify, control, and support your local ecosystem.

Viburnums are a very admired and fast-growing flowering landscape shrubs or small trees with a large number of cultivars available. Bloom times span from early spring through June, followed by attractive fruit and great fall foliage. However, not all viburnums are created equal. Learn about the differences between the native and non-native species

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Tim Kennelty

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Good Plant/Bad Plant retrospective that includes previously aired short segments on beneficial plants as well as invasive ones. In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, talks about the benefits of dogwoods, milkweed, and coneflowers, as well as the challenges associated with garlic mustard, multi-flora rose, and mugwort.

The first segment features a family of about 50 species of trees/shrubs/sub-shrubs that grace the landscape with multi-season interest with spring flowers, berries in mid/late summer and fall color. Dogwoods are fairly easy to grow and have great spring flowers for pollinators, nutritious fruit for birds and many are host plants for butterflies and moths. In contrast, the non-native garlic mustard is an invasive herb. It is a biennial, maturing over two years. In its second year, it produces thousands of seeds (that can be viable for 10 years), which when they germinate, they push out beneficial native plants, inhibit growth of other plants, and quickly become dominant in the landscape.

The second segment features milkweed, a butterfly magnet, which offers both ornamental and wildlife value. As you probably know, milkweeds are the only host plant for monarch butterflies. Milkweed flowers are rich in pollen and nectar and are extremely attractive to native bees, wasps and beetles, as well as more than 400 different species of insects. With more than 70 species of milkweeds in North America, there's a milkweed for you. On the other hand, the multiflora rose is a perennial shrub from Asia that was once planted for erosion control, wildlife enhancement and to deter roaming animals. But today, multiflora rose is considered an invasive plant as it quickly forms thickets, pushing out native plants and inhibiting nesting birds. A single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds per year, viable for up to 10 years, and dispersed by birds and other fruit eating animals.

This episode ends with a segment about featuring the purple cornflower (echinacea purpurea), a favorite New York native garden perennial, beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Seed heads, if not removed, become a great food source for birds in the winter. Tolerant of heat, drought and poor soils, the flowers look great in a mass planting or in flower arrangements. But Tim also discusses the challenges of dealing with mugwort (artemisia vulgaris). Mugwort is a perennial weed in the daisy family. It grows in loamy or sandy soils in forested areas, and along roadsides. It spreads by rhizomes and can form dense mats. This plant has been listed as invasive in several states.

But remember, if you want to support wildlife in your yard, make sure to plant natives.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Tim Kennelty

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

This retrospective episode consists of previously aired short segments that have been compiled here as they all relate to a common topic. It’s called Good Plant/Bad Plant because each segment focuses on two plants: one that support pollinators, birds and other animals and one plant, or plant group, that is an invasive or noxious weed.

In this episode (Part 1 of 3), Master Gardener Volunteer, Tim Kennelty, covers native species like oaks, monarda, serviceberry, and willows. But he also advises against invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, Asian bittersweet, and Asian bush honeysuckle.

In the first segment, oaks (genus quercus) and Japanese knotweed are put under the microscope. The mighty oak refers to the many oak trees that are native to New York. Oaks can grow to about 100 feet and can live from 200 to 400 years. Oaks are generally relatively easy to grow and thrive in well drained acidic soil in full sun. They're really beautiful, majestic trees, often with attractive fall foliage in shades of red, gold, and orange. Oaks support more than 500 different caterpillar species, which of course turn into butterflies and moths, but are critical food for young birds as well. And they produce acorns that are eaten by squirrels, deer, turkey and other birds.

If the oak is the king of beneficial plants, the queen of invasive plants is Japanese knotweed. It can grow from three to 15 feet and has bamboo like stems. Knotweed thrives in disturbed areas like drainage ditches, wetlands, streams, woodland edges, and along roadsides. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes. Knotweed forms dense thickets that crowd out and shade native vegetation, reducing species diversity while also adversely impacting ecosystems and wildlife. Management includes repeated cutting, and most likely will require herbicide application.

The second segment in this episode focuses on monarda and Japanese stiltgrass. Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee bam, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America. It is a great addition to butterfly gardens and bird gardens. By contrast, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a widespread invader of woodlands, roadsides and trails. It is an annual grass, but a prolific seeder, that germinates in the spring and dies back each fall. Once introduced, it is extremely difficult to remove from a site.

Serviceberry and Asian bittersweet are featured in the next segment. Amelanchier spp. is a native North American shrub that is sometimes grown as a small tree. There are many species of this native that grow in full sun to part shade, have small five-petalled white flowers that emerge before or at the same time as the leaves, and have small edible berries that darken to a deep reddish-purple to black when ripe. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a woody, deciduous, perennial vine has since naturalized and become an extremely aggressive, capable of damaging natural areas. It chokes out desirable native plants by smothering them with its dense foliage and strangling stems and trunks.

Willows and Asian bush honeysuckle are the conversation topics for the last segment in this episode. Most, shrubs and trees of the Salix genus, are mostly native to north temperate areas and are valued as ornamentals, as well as for their shade, moisture control, and wildlife attributes. By contrast, invasive bush honeysuckles originated in Eurasia and Eastern Asia, and were introduced in the U.S. for ornamental landscaping, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, bush honeysuckles self-seed aggressively and rapidly escape into natural areas. Although the fruits have poor nutritional value for wildlife, birds disperse them widely. Native vegetation is displaced as bush honeysuckle blocks sunlight and exudes chemicals into the soil that are toxic to other plants.

Learn more about these plants on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3 of this Good Plant/Bad Plant Retrospective series.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Tim Kennelty

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Have you ever given serious consideration of the limited value of traditional suburban lawns? Sure, they add a certain beauty to the landscape, but is there a better way to incorporate more native plantings to our lawns? Are their native lawns that could become alternatives to the typical field of turf grass that creates a monoculture that is not supporting of pollinators?

Todd Bittner, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to share his perspective on more environmentally sustainable Native Lawns.

As the Director of Natural Areas for the Cornell Botanic Gardens and a Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University as well as today’s guest, Todd Bittner furthers our understanding of natural systems, environmental sustainability, and natural resource conservation, management, and use. The Cornell Botanic Garden’s natural areas program is responsible for the protection and management of a system of preserves spanning nearly 3,600 acres across 40 natural areas. As part of Cornell’s educational mission, the natural areas include examples of the natural community plants and the rarest plant habitats in the New York’s central Finger Lakes Region. The holdings include one-third of Cornell’s iconic campus landscape, including two massive gorges, scenic Beebe Lake, and a renowned wildflower garden. Todd leads the organization’s native biodiversity conservation efforts, while facilitating compatible educational, research, and recreational uses across these outdoor classrooms. 

Native Lawns, or lawn alternatives, are a designed plant community that, when compared to traditional turf grass lawns, require minimal mowing and watering, no pesticides and fertilizers, yet more biodiversity to support pollinators and other invertebrates. In the research being conducted by Todd Bittner, the goal of the native lawn was to be aesthetic, able to handle a moderate amount of trampling, and require minimal hand weeding as well as to address the environmental objectives (minimal watering, mowing, chemical supplements, etc.). There was also a desire for native plants to comprise at least 85 percent of the land area. Plant species were selected that are suitable for both full sun and shady as well as wet and dry conditions Danthonia spicata and Danthonia compressa (poverty oat grass) are dominant in the planting. Penstemon hirsutus is also widely planted. Twenty nine native species have established spontaneously from the adjoining natural area or seedbank, including a number of violet species, several woodland asters including calico, heart-leaved, and frost asters, and Lobelia siphilitica, or great blue lobelia, which is a very attractive valuable pollinator species. Tune into this episode to hear what has been learned over the last 15 years in moving towards a more environmentally sustainable native lawn. 

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas 

Guest: Todd Bittner 

Photo by: Cornell University CALS 

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a myth is a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. There are lots of myths associated with nature and gardening. A popular one is that the woolly bear caterpillar can predict the winter weather. Another is that plants like companions. And if you are a fan of the Farmer’s Almanac, I suspect you’ve heard about planting by the phases of the moon.

Are these myths based on science or hearsay? While there is a lot of science behind the natural world, not everything has been studied to determine if something is true. There are lots of reasons for this as science can be expensive as only ‘high priority’ items tend to get funded. Thus, many ‘myths’ continue to get handed down across the generations.

This episode is the first part of a 3-part ‘retrospective’ on Hits and Myths. It is a compilation of previously aired short segments on this subject. We’ve compiled them here for easier listening.

The first segment will explore whether your garden would be more productive if you planted by the phases of the moon. You may have heard that crops grown for their flowers or fruit are best planted during the waxing half of the moon cycle, when the moon gets brighter each night (from new moon to full moon). On the other hand, crops grown for their roots and tubers should be planted during the waning half of the moon cycle, when there is less moonlight each night (from the full moon to the next new moon). Does this really matter?

Next, learn about the wooly bear caterpillar, which is considered a natural indicator for predicting winter weather. (A narrow orange band is said to signal a snowy winter, which a wide band suggests a mild one.) Is there any science behind this?

The third segment focuses on companion planting, the idea that crops will grow better next to other specific plants. I suspect you’ve heard of the three sisters (corn, planted with squash, and beans), or that basil should be planted with tomatoes, or the marigolds will fend off insects in a vegetable garden. There actually is some science behind some of these common ‘companions’, but not necessarily all of them.

The last segment in this episode goes into why these myths persist. Learn about what goes into confirming or dispelling a myth and why so many of them persist.

We hope this episode is a ‘hit’ with you as you learn more about the science associated with these ‘myths’.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guests: Deven Russ and Jean Thomas

Photo by: University of Maine

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Chris Bowser is a professional educator and environmental scientist with experience in citizen science, estuary and river monitoring, conservation biology, and fisheries science. Part of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he coordinates a team with NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson River Estuarine Research Reserve. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team with a passionate discussion about the Hudson River Estuary.

An estuary is defined as the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream. If you think of New York’s Hudson River, this covers a lot of territory.

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, estuaries are among the most productive of Earth's ecosystems. Native Americans discovered the Hudson's bounty thousands of years ago; evidence of their existence remains in heaps of oyster shells on its shores. Hudson and Dutch traders wrote of a river teeming with striped bass, herring, and giant sturgeon. More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson and its tributaries. The estuary's productivity is ecologically and economically valuable to much of the Atlantic Coast; key commercial and recreational species like striped bass, bluefish, and blue crab depend on nursery habitat here. Bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other birds feed from the river's bounty. Tidal marshes, mudflats, and other significant habitats in and along the estuary support a great diversity of life.

The Hudson River Estuary has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater wetlands in the northeastern part of the United States. It has also been found that due to climate change, the rising sea levels have led to an increase in the area of the wetlands.

Chris brings the Hudson River to ‘life’ not only talking about what can be found within it, but also about the wide range of programs to adults and children to help everyone become more acquainted with its value to our broader ecosystem.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Chris Bowser

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

The state bird of New York is the eastern bluebird, one of the first birds to return north each spring. Bluebirds are insectivores and part of the thrush family. Three types of bluebirds inhabit the United States: the mountain bluebird (found in western North America); the western bluebird (in California, the southern Rocky Mountains, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States) and the eastern bluebird (in the east, central and southern US states all the way to southeastern Arizona).

In New York, you can spot eastern bluebirds sitting on telephone wires or perched on top of a nest box, calling out in short chirps, or flying around in pursuit of insects. The male Eastern Bluebirds have bright blue feathers on their backs and heads with warm red-brown ones on their breasts. Female birds are less brightly colored than males, although color patterns are similar and there is no noticeable difference in size.

If you’d like to attract a breeding pair, consider putting up a nest box, well before breeding season. They typically have more than one brood per year between March and August. Young produced in early nests usually leave their parents in summer, but young from later nests frequently stay with their parents over the winter.

Eastern Bluebirds are territorial and prefer open grassland with patchy vegetation and large trees or nest boxes. Meadows, old fields, and golf courses tend to be places they can be found. When they are not nesting, the birds roam the countryside in small flocks.

Kathryn Schneider, an author, avid birder, and a Master Gardener Volunteer, re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk all about Bluebirds. Her book, Birding in the Hudson Valley, explores Hudson Valley history, ecology, bird biology It describes sites in every county in the region, including farms, grasslands, old fields, wetlands, orchards, city parks, rocky summits, forests, rivers, lakes, and salt marshes.

In this episode, Kathryn provides lots of information about our state bird including its habits, where it lives, what it likes to eat, as well as its competitors (swallows, house sparrows and wrens) and predators (snakes, cats, raccoons and even bears). After listening to this episode, you’ll appreciate these delightful birds even more the next time you see them!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Dr. Kathryn Schneider

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers,  Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Olana, located in Hudson, New York, is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the most famous American landscape artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces beautiful panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains.

Frederic Church is well-known as a painter, but he was also a world traveler, a family man, and a self-taught architect, farmer and landscape designer.

Born in Hartford, CT, Frederic Church was the son of a silversmith with interests in milling, insurance, real estate and railroads. Showing early artistic talent, Church’s parents arranged for him to study with Thomas Cole in Catskill, New York. Cole had already established himself as an important landscape painter, and Church studied with him between 1844 and 1846. The following year, Church moved to New York to begin his independent career. He was very well-traveled in New England, including Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. He went to South America, in 1853 and 1857, along the cordilleras of the Andes, to see equatorial volcanoes.

Church achieved success in his twenties and attracted important patrons. Even after Olana became his primary residence, he maintained an active presence in New York City, where he was a part of the art community. In 1860, he married Isabel Mortimer Carnes.

Church purchased 126 acres of hardscrabble farmland on a south facing hillside a few miles south of the town of Hudson, a sketching spot he had visited twenty years earlier in the company of Thomas Cole, his teacher. Although Cole had died in 1848, his family still lived just across the river, in Catskill. Frederic and Isabel boarded with the Cole family while working with architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a small house. They called it “Cosy Cottage” and the couple moved in by the early summer of 1861. Acting as both a farmer and a landscape artist, Frederic improved the land. He planted crops, established a dairy herd, transformed a swampy area into a lake, and planted thousands of trees. He built a studio on the highest point of land he then owned, and there he made sketches of the views and worked on larger compositions.

After spending 18 months visiting Europe and the Middle East, the Churches returned to New York in 1866 and purchased an additional 18 acres at the top of their hill, where the house, eventually named ‘Olana’ is sited. They eventually moved into their new home in 1872 and raised four children there. Although they were frequent visitors to New York City, Olana was their primary home.

The Olana State Historic Site, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is a designated National Historic Landmark. It is one of the most visited landmarks in New York State, consisting of breath-taking views, informative tours and educational programs.

On this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, Carolyn Keough joins us to talk all that Olana offers including some of the programs that are available. Carolyn is the Director of Education and Public Programs at The Olana Partnership and an experienced museum educator and administrator working with school, youth and family audiences. A graduate of New York University, she also has a Masters degree in Art History at City College. She came to Olana from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where she was the Manager of School, Youth, and Teen Programs, overseeing gallery and studio programs, coordinating professional development for educators and assisting with teaching and curriculum development.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Carolyn Keough

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Timothy Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Weeds are a constant fact of a gardener’s life. As our guest, Toni DiTommaso, says we can count on three things in life: death, taxes, and weeds.

But if it weren’t for weeds, the world would have less topsoil than it has now, and humanity might have suffered mass starvation by now. Why? Because the plants we call weeds do a vital job in ecosystems: they quickly establish in, protect, and restore soil that has been left exposed by natural and human-caused disturbances. That said, weeds, in addition to being a nuisance, cause more yield loss worldwide and add more to farms’ production costs than insect pests, crop pathogens, root-feeding nematodes, or warm-blooded pests (rodents, birds, deer, etc.).

So perhaps, we should start this discussion with a definition. What exactly is a ‘weed’? The Oxford Dictionary defines a weed as a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. Similarly, the Miriam-Webster dictionary describes it as a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth. Penn State Extension tells us that weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, water, and light, as well as potentially harbor diseases and pests. Simply put, a weed is a plant ‘out of place’.

Plants that are characterized as weeds can reproduce via seeds, rhizomes, cuttings or runners. Their seeds are typically plentiful and tiny which can disperse easily and/or remain dormant for many years. They also can grow in less-than-ideal environments, soils, and conditions. As any gardener knows, they tend to grow fast and can outcompete other plants. Weed management can also be frustrating as some of these plants can break off and re-sprout or self-pollinate if pulled out. The best place to begin is to learn how to identify weeds.

In this episode, we are fortunate to hear from Antonio (Toni) DiTommaso, Professor and Section Head, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The focus of his research is to gain a more in depth understanding of the basic biological and ecological principles governing weeds to find safe, effective, sustainable and economically viable weed management strategies.

In addition to his teaching and research duties, he is also a co-author of the book, Weeds of the Northeast.The fully updated second edition provides detailed illustrations for easy identification of more than 500 common and economically important weeds in the Northeast including New York.A practical guide, it includes a dichotomous key as well as descriptions and photos of floral and vegetative characteristics, giving anyone who works with plants the ability to identify weeds before they flower. Comparison tables make it easy to differentiate between many closely related and similar species.

Listen to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, to learn more about Toni DiTommaso and weeds.This will be of interest to home gardeners, landscape managers, as well as pest management specialists.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Antonio DiTommaso

Photo by: Cornell University CALS

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe are back with part 3 of our retrospective series about Pests and Pathogens. In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, you’ll hear about some common issues New York gardeners face such as rust fungus, squash vine borer, fruit flies and the emerald ash borer (EAB).

We’ll start with a category of blisters, galls, and spots on leaves and trees that are caused by a rust fungus. Humid, warm weather creates an excellent environment for many plant pathogens grow. Rust fungi are among the most common pathogens.While most rust fungi will not kill their host plants, they can weaken them to the point of not being functional in the landscape anymore. Learn more as Master Gardeners, Dede and Jackie, delve into this category of pathogen.

If you care about preserving the environment, stay tuned as Jackie and Dede discuss the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that has caused significant damage to the ash tree population in North America, including New York State. They cover everything from the beetle's life cycle to the measures being taken to prevent further spread.

Next is a segment on a popular pest of zucchini and other members of the cucurbit family: the dreaded Squash Vine Borer. As one of the earliest insects to show up in the garden as a moth, it can wreak havoc if not caught early. Learn some tips and tricks to help avoid and manage problems.

Lastly, how can you tell if you have fruit flies or fungus gnats flying around your home? No, they are not the same things.Both are tiny but fruit flies are larger than gnats. If they are flying around your house plants, they are probably fungus gnats. Dede and Jacki help you tell the difference between them and also provide suggestions on how to get rid of them.

So this episode has a little bit of something about both pests and pathogens. By listening in, you will be armed with lots of information about how to deal with them.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

In Part 2 of this Pests and Pathogens Retrospective episode, common issues such as houseplant problems, anthracnose and powdery mildew are discussed. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we’ve repackage them to easier listening.

Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, are back on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to let you know what to look for and what you can do about it.

We start with Anthracnose diseases which are caused by fungi that infect stems, branches, leaves and fruits of a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs as well as garden vegetables. Sycamore, ash, maple, oak and privet are especially susceptible in New York. The symptoms of these diseases are more severe in years of extended cool, wet spring weather.

If you notice bugs around your houseplants, first isolate the plant and then identify the pest. Early infestations might be removed by hand picking, scraping with a fingernail or addressed using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spraying a sturdy plant with water or an insecticidal soap will often remove many pests. In this segment, learn about common houseplant pests (e.g. aphids, mites, scales, mealy bugs, thrips, leaf miners, etc.) and the best ways to control them.

Several different genera of fungi cause powdery mildew which looks like white powdery spores growing on the upper leaf surface of the lower leaves of a plant. Hear Dede and Jackie talk about this common summer pathogen by answering questions such as “What is powdery mildew?” “How do I manage a powdery mildew infestation?” or “What are best practices to minimize the odds of a reoccurrence of powdery mildew?” There’s lots to learn about managing this common pathogen.

Hosts: Jean Thomas

Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Welcome to another of our retrospective series which are compilations of shorter segments on related topics that were previously aired and that we’ve now packaged into an episode for easier access. This is the first of a three episodes focused on Pests and Pathogens. This one contains segments on diagnosing plant problems, beetles and spongy moths. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we've repackaged them for easier listening.

Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden are Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. They join the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to provide insights on common issues that can be found in home gardens and landscapes.

Diagnosing plant problems is key to coming up with the correct control mechanism. Many plant issues are caused by environmental issues, but there are times when insects, or fungal, viral, or bacterial factors are the problem. The location and the type of the damage are an important clue in determining any insect cause damage diseases. Learn how to monitor your plants and isolate the potential issue.

Do you know that forty percent of all insect species are beetles? They include plant feeders, predators, scavengers as well as parasites. Typically beetles pass through four stages of development, the egg, the larva, the pupa, or the cocoon, and the adult. The larvae are commonly called grubs and the pupa is something called a chrysalis. Learn about Colorado beetles, Japanese beetles, and Lady bugs on this segment of the episode.

Then stay tuned for a segment on the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar, also formerly called the European gypsy moth) which is native to Europe and first arrived in the US in 1869. This moth is a major pest because the caterpillars have huge appetites for >300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to New York’s forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests, and can eventually kill the tree. Egg masses, which have a spongy or hair-like covering, survive through the winter months and can be moved inadvertently on household items and agricultural products. Early detection is critical to limiting the spongy moth's spread. This segment may help you to understand what can be done to manage any reoccurrence.

Host: Jean Thomas

Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden

Photo by: Cornell University

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

An herb is defined as a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Many can be used fresh from the garden during the growing season or dried for use during cooler months. Popular herbs include basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, dill, sage, thyme, mint, chives and cilantro. But there are so many others.

Briana Davis, co-owner of Greene Bee Greenhouse ltd. located in Cornwallville, NY, joins podcast hosts, Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden, in a lively discussion that covers the basics on how to grow culinary herbs. That’s why we call this a ‘101’ episode.

Briana is an avid gardener, horticulturalist, plant collector, and responsible land steward. She describes how some herbs are best grown from seed while others, that take longer to establish, are best grown from a plant. While kitchen herb gardens are very popular, many herbs can be planted among vegetables or flowers to add color, texture or scent.

Herbs are very versatile and come in many cultivars. Briana describes how she uses ones that she grows in her own garden and sells in her greenhouse. She also discusses various ways to preserve them so that they can be used beyond the growing season.

This will make your mouth water and taste buds explode! Enjoy this new episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Briana Davis

Photo by: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, and Robin Smith

Resources

Master Gardener Volunteer, Shelley Haefner, from Old Chatham (Columbia County) is passionate about gardening, nature photography and the great outdoors. She joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast for an informative discussion about Microgreens.

We all know that vegetables are a rich source of many healthy nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, K, E, and B6), folate, thiamin, and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny vegetable and herb greens that can be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time. Given their high nutritional value and the wide variety of species you can grow, microgreens provide nutrient-dense greens that you can grow in your home. While there are about 60 different microgreens, popular ones include broccoli, beets, Swiss chard, and peas. They add a nutritional boost to soups, salads and sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own.

The basic items needed to grow them include seeds, drinking water, growing medium or mat, growing containers or trays, a small kitchen scale or measuring cups, a spray bottle, a pitcher, and a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. The simple steps to follow to grow microgreens include:

1. Calculate and measure the optimal amount of seeds needed for your trays
2. Prepare your trays and growing media
3. Seed your trays
4. Provide adequate water and sunlight
5. Harvest the microgreens using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors

Microgreens have become more popular in recent years with ongoing research looking to understand their health benefits.  Insights from this research reveal that microgreens contain up to 40 percent more beneficial nutrients (vitamins and minerals) than their full-grown counterparts.  They are high in fiber and vitamin K which can be helpful in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.  Some (like red cabbage) may have the potential to lower cholesterol and inflammation to reduce heart disease risk.  As they are high in fiber, they can support gut health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.  

Shelley's enthusiasm for microgreens in contagious.  Her favorite quote, Happiness is right where you plant it", is very appropriate when growing your own microgreens.  And don't forget to check out her YouTube channel which provides helpful how-to videos, experiences, and tips on flower gardening, vegetable gardening and gardening tools.  It's a fun way to dive into Zone 5 organic perennial and edible kitchen gardening.

Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas

Guest: Shelley Haefner

Photo by: Shelley Haefner

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Do you know that New York State is among the top five wine producing regions in the USA? The Hudson Valley is actually one of four main wine growing regions, or American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in New York, along with Lake Erie, the Finger Lakes, and the east end of Long Island.

The Hudson River region has a strong agricultural heritage and provides good soils and climate for grape production. Wine has some serious history in this area and this region which hosts three wine trails. Countless grape varieties were forged in the Hudson Valley throughout mid- to late-1800s. Breeders from the area crossed European varieties with North American species with the intent to create more sustainable grape cultivars. These breeders of the 19th century worked with horticulturists, writers and nurserymen to propagate and disseminate their varieties throughout the United States. These Hudson Valley heritage varieties went on to create wines of outstanding quality, garnering national and international accolades.

Once an important table grape area, the Hudson region now has more cold hardy wine grapes planted each year. Grape growing has become increasingly popular due to New York’s moderating temperatures and the higher precipitation levels associated with climate change.

Grapes can be eaten fresh as table grapes or enjoyed in a variety of products such as juice, jelly, raisins, and the ultimate processed grape product, wine. Many species are native to North America, whereas others (primarily wine grapes) are natives of Europe. Because grapes are vines, they can be grown on arbors, fences, or trellis systems, and can be trained to conform to many shapes and sizes.

An ideal site for the cold-tender cultivars should have 160 or more frost-free days. A slight degree of slope will assist in air drainage, and east-to-south exposures are desirable. Well-drained soils like a clay loam are most preferred, as they assist in removing excess moisture from the root zone.

Cultivar selection should be made based on the purpose of the grape. For example, Concord grapes make a wonderful juice and jelly, but its wine has limited appeal and folks tend to dislike seeds in their fresh- eating grapes. On the other hand, Concord is well adapted to our climate, having good pest resistance and cold hardiness. European grapes (Vitis vinifera) such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc have excellent wine-making characteristics but are susceptible to disease and are more cold-tender than native grapes. In many cases, French American hybrid grapes offer a good compromise for wine production because they have good winemaking characteristics as well as better horticultural traits than their European cousins.

Grapes are sold as rooted cuttings or grafted plants that should be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Only the European grapes require grafting. To the extent possible, plant rows in a north-south orientation to capture the most sunlight. Be sure to keep the new vines watered and weeded and remove all flower clusters in their first year. A small amount of fertilizer may benefit the young vine.

Pruning occurs in winter months when vines are dormant, usually between December and March. Pruning sets the bud number and crop for the upcoming season and is a very important viticulture practice. Grapes bear their fruit on one-year-old wood.

J. Stephen Casscles is a grape grower, winemaker and author, from Athens, NY, (Greene County) after an illustrious career as an attorney. In addition, he lectures on wine, grape cultivation, 19th century American horticulture and landscape architecture at botanical gardens and historical societies throughout New York and New England. Listen to Steve on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley as he talks about Grapes in the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Robin Smith

Guests: Steve Casscles

Photo by: Steve Casscles

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers and Annie Scibienski

We, at Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, appreciate all of our listeners. Thank you for your support, feedback, and encouragement!

That said, everyone once in a while, we recognize that you might like to check out another special podcast that focuses on the Catskill Region. Kaatscast is an award-winning podcast that focuses on Catskill regional arts and culture, history, sustainability, local business interviews and more.

In this episode, the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley team interviewed Brett Barry, the host of Kaatscast, his biweekly podcast series about the heart of the Catskills. You can subscribe to Kaatscast for free wherever you get your podcasts, to experience what reviewers have called “delightfully informative” storytelling with “great production quality.” There’s a reason it was voted “Best Regional Podcast” 3 years in a row.

Brett hosts and produces Kaatscast from Silver Hollow Audio. He teaches podcasting and audio production in the Digital Media and Journalism department at SUNY New Patlz.  Brett graduated from Syracuse University's television, radio and film program and worked as an associate documentary producer for several years before launching a career in voice-overs in 2002. He returned to Syracuse 10 years later for a graduate degree in television-radio-film.  In addition to doing television and radio commercials, audiobooks, promos, and narration, he is also the host of public radio's 'Sound Beat', was the longtime voice of India's English-language network 'Zee Cafe', and the last announcer for the soap opera Guiding Light.  He has narrated more than 125 audiobooks and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.

In this episode, you'll learn about the different approaches taken by Kaatscast and Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley relative to content selection and production methods.  Enjoy!

Hosts:  Jean Thomas and Robin Smith

Guest: Brett Barry

Photo By:

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Weed management is the bane of existence for many gardeners and one of the most critical aspects of farming and land management. Finding safe, effective, and culturally appropriate weed management solutions is a challenge but can be addressed by betting understand the life cycle of the specific weed that is causing a problem.

Dr. Bryan Brown is a Senior Extension Associate, NYS Integrated Pest Management and Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture Section at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to discuss Weeds and IPM (Integrated Pest Management). Bryan’s focus is on improving the management of weeds while minimizing the environmental, economic and human health risks.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision-making process that uses science-based information on the life cycles of pests (including weeds) and their interaction with the environment to manage damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard, to people, property, and the environment. In the case of weed management, it may involve hand pulling, tilling the soil, covering the soil with cardboard, solarization, other mechanical removal means, or chemical controls. IPM weed management steps typically include:

1. Identifying the plant(s)that are the source of the problem.
2. Understanding the biology and economics of the weed, where it is found, and any potential ‘Achilles heel’.
3. Monitoring plants including any natural controls (insects, competing plants, etc.).
4. Establishing any injury thresholds to understand the potential damage from infestations, its natural enemies, the sensitivity of the site, and the weather. Actions should be taken only when the potential damage is justified.
5. Selecting an appropriate control strategy.

• Cultural practices include modification of habitat or operating procedures to minimize damage and enhance natural control. Choosing plant varieties that are resistant to pests, or adjusting planting time, fertilization, tillage, and harvest operations to have the most beneficial effect on the weed management situation.
• Biological controls including predators, parasites, and diseases.
• Chemical control involves selecting an herbicide with the lowest toxicity to humans and non-target organisms and using it in such a way as to prevent or minimize undesirable environmental effects. After carefully reading the label, the lowest effective dosage of chemical is applied at the appropriate time of year.
• Evaluating the weed management program and improving it when possible.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the importance of understanding the weed’s life cycle, whether it’s an annual, biennial, or perennial to assess potential control techniques. For annuals, it’s critical to stop the plant from going to seed. For perennials, interrupting the plants' ability to send energy to its spreading roots is key to success. So using cover crops or mowing at the right time of year and the right height can make a difference. Hoes can help with mechanical removal. There are many types available, but the best one is a personal preference.

Research efforts are underway to determine potential biological controls for some problematic weeds like Japanese knotweed. As Bryan says, there are lots of new developments coming to help with weed management in the future.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Dr. Bryan Brown

Photo by: Cornell University

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

John Bartram (1699–1777) was an American-born botanist, horticulturalist, naturalist, and explorer. He has been lauded as the “father of American botany” and the "greatest natural botanist in the world." He made significant contributions to the collection, study, and international introduction of North American flowering trees and shrubs and was a pioneer in the importation and cultivation of non-native plants.

John only had a common country schooling, but at a young age developed an interest in botany and ‘natural history’.He later inherited a farm on which he established himself and his young family. Married twice, he was the father of 11 children. His third son, Willian (1739–1823), became a noted botanist, natural history artist, and ornithologist in his own right.

John Bartram started his botanical career by devoting a small area of his farm to growing plants he found interesting. Later, he made contact with European botanists and gardeners interested in North American plants and developed his hobby into a thriving business.

Bartram was particularly instrumental in sending seeds from the New World to European clients. The Boxes", as they became known, were shipped for distribution in England to a wide list of clients. The boxes generally contained 100 or more varieties of seeds, and sometimes included dried plant specimens.

Bartram traveled up and down the East Coast virtually every year from 1735 through 1766, gathering unusual plants and touring gardens from New England to Florida. Bartram visited New Jersey and New York, and while exploring the Catskill mountains in 1742, he made the first of several visits to physician and botanist Cadwallader Colden and his daughter Jane, with whom he carried on a lengthy correspondence. In 1743, he was commissioned by the British crown to visit the Indian tribes and explore the wilderness north to Lake Ontario in Canada. His attention to the natural habitats of plants shaped Bartram’s understanding of botany and his approach to his own garden.

Bartram’s Garden, established in 1728, is considered the first botanic garden in the United States. Still operating in a partnership between the city of Philadelphia and a non-profit foundation, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Bartram was a friend of Benjamin Franklin and an original member of the American Philosophical Society. He was one of the first practicing Linnaean botanists in North America and named the botanist for the American colonies to King George III.

Kirk Brown, a graduate of Cornell University, is an expert in garden history, garden design, and garden photography. He brings John Bartram to life on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. His meticulously researched portrayal of America’s first ‘plantsman’ describes the horticultural history of America at the very beginning of the international world of plant discovery and identification. Kirk travels the country wearing the mantle of two of America's foremost practitioners of the Art of Gardening: John Bartram and Frederick Law Olmsted. Additionally, he delivers design and garden history lectures as himself.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kirk Brown

Photo by: Kirk Brown

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Jean Thomas, Annie Scibienski

Paul Curtis re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast in Part 2 of an informative discussion about living with wildlife in New York State. He is a Professor and Department Extension Leader focused on Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Paul’s focus is on reducing negative impacts associated with wildlife, as he seeks to integrate his extension programming with applied research. He has published more than 80 papers dealing with the management of human-wildlife interactions.

In this episode, in addition to a discussion on black bears, Paul’s extensive wildlife background provides insights into coyotes, fishers, foxes, bobcats, martins, weasels, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, raccoons and more. This episode will enlighten you on the wide range of wildlife that can be found in New York State and how to successfully and peacefully co-exist with them.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Paul Curtis

Photo by: Cornell University

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Reducing negative impacts associated with wildlife is a common concern of many residents of New York’s Hudson Valley. In this first part of an informative discussion, we explore how to peacefully coexist with black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.

White tail deer are becoming a more common issue in rural and suburban communities with deer/vehicle collisions and their over-abundance is often associated with damage to forests and gardens. Black bears frequently have been regarded by humans as nuisances, but the reality is that they tend to steer clear of humans, unless food (often garbage) is left around for their perusal. Coyotes also have a reputation for targeting pets in the Hudson Valley. In reality, they view dogs as competitors within their territory and thus small dogs should be kept on a leash to minimize contact with coyotes.

Learning about these animals and their behaviors can help us understand how to peacefully co-exist with them and learn how to control any damage created by their presence. When residents need help with their non-human neighbors, licensed wildlife control operators can help. Learn about the on-line training that is available to become a wildlife control operator and some of the issues they encounter.

Paul Curtis is a Professor and Department Extension Leader focused on Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team in an enlightening discussion about living with wildlife in New York State.

Paul obtained his Ph.D. in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 1990. He is a co-author of the National Wildlife Control Training Program, and a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with The Wildlife Society. During the past 30+ years, Paul has provided leadership for the Wildlife Damage Management Program at Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He has published more than 80 papers dealing with the management of human-wildlife interactions. His research interests have included resolving wildlife conflicts in suburban, forested, and agricultural landscapes, wildlife fertility control, and managing community-based wildlife issues. He is currently working on methods to better monitor deer impacts to forest regeneration and enhance biodiversity.

Listen to the first of a two-part discussion about living with other wildlife on the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Paul Curtis

Photo by: Cornell University

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Robert Layton Beyfuss (1950-2023) was known as the ‘poet of gardening’ but he wore many hats. A longtime educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties (retiring in 2009), Bob was also a well-known columnist, widely sharing his knowledge and love of gardening. In addition to being an Internationally Certified Arborist, he is perhaps best remembered as having been a passionate expert on the cultivation of ginseng.

His ginseng journey began at Cornell University where he pursued a Masters degree in agriculture, after earning a Bachelors degree in botany from Rutgers University. The title of his Master’s Project was “The History, Use and Cultivation of American Ginseng.” American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is perhaps the most valuable non-timber forest crop in Eastern North America.

During the course of his career, Bob authored several booklets and fact sheets about the growing of ginseng and mushrooms, including “American Ginseng Production in NY State,” “The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng,” “Ginseng Production in Woodlots,” and “Companion Planting,” among others. He was also an advocate for forest farming as both a conservation solution and an economic opportunity.

Outgoing, opiniated, thoughtful, inspirational, and listener, are some of the adjectives that described Bob. He was also an avid outdoorsman and equally loved the time he spent turkey hunting, fishing, foraging, and gardening in New York, as well as the time he spent fishing, and playing softball. In more recent years, Bob split his time between his homes in Schoharie County, NY and Florida (near his children and grandchildren).

Bob Beyfuss’ influence and impact on the ginseng industry are immeasurable. His own ginseng activities in New York State and his extensive cooperative extension activities outside the world of ginseng earned him, in 2021, declared a ‘State Treasure of New York”.

Anna Plattner, ginseng grower and educator from Wild Hudson Valley, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a tribute to Bob with this episode being aired on the anniversary of his birth. Anna and her husband, Justin Wexler, manage the field operations of American Ginseng Pharm (AGP), a large-scale agroforestry farm in upstate New York that uses innovative methods to cultivate American ginseng in a way that benefits both humans and the Earth.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Anna Plattner

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

Part 3 of the Veggie Patch Retrospective wraps up with 4 more short segments about gardening for edible food crops. Master Gardener Volunteer, Teresa Golden, continues to provide advice to the beginner and experienced gardener about how to tend a successful vegetable garden.

The first segment focuses on root crops including beets, carrots, radishes, onions, turnips, parsnips, potatoes, among others. The category gets its name because their edible roots grow under the soil. Knowing the growing season of the specific crop you are growing i s one key to success. They tend to be directly sown into the soil but proper spacing is also very important. Consistent watering is also key as is storing them properly once harvested.

Next is all about garden maintenance and tools. Maintenance revolves around weeding, watering, and fertilizing.  Make sure to water the soil, not the plants. One way to control weeds is to mulch, but whatever you do, don’t let the weeds got to seed to prevent an even bigger challenge in the future. Adding organic matter (like compost) is the preferable way to fertilize but if you do use supplemental chemical fertilizers, make sure to read the labels and apply them correctly. The right tools can make garden maintenance easier so listen in to learn the best tools for the job.

The segment on extending the gardening season focuses on various ways to keep the soil warm.  Cloches, cold frames, row covers, low tunnels and high tunnels are all discussed. Hopefully, this discussion can help you decide which approach might work best for you.

Finally, the Veggie Patch series ends with a segment about putting your garden to ‘bed’ for the winter. Once your crops are harvested, this involves pulling all dead or unproductive plants and either composting them (if they don’t have seeds) or discarding them. Remove all cages and supports, making sure to clean them before storing them for the winter. Testing your soil pH in the fall will inform you of any needed amendments (like compost). This is a great time to sanitize, oil, and sharpen your garden tools for the next season.

We hope this series gives you the confidence to start and nurture your home vegetable garden.

Host: Teresa Golden

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support : Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Welcome back to part 2 of the Veggie Patch Retrospective where we compiled together three previously aired short segments on various aspects of vegetable gardening. Instead of searching for the content in previous episodes, we’ve put these shorter segments together in a single episode for your listening convenience. Especially as winter drags on, it’s helpful to be able to dream of warmer weather when you get back into enjoying your garden.

This specific episode is about three popular vegetables found in home gardens: Tomatoes, Beans, and Cucurbits (cucumbers and squashes).

Tomatoes are one of the most beloved garden plants, but they can also be frustrating to grow. Learn about the best time to plant them (soil temperature is key so don’t be in a hurry), space them, and water them. Unfortunately, you will learn that tomatoes are as popular with pests and pathogens, as they are with humans. Learn how to spot them and manage them so that you can have a productive and delicious crop to harvest.

Legumes are another category of popular crops. They include the popular pea (garden, snap, snow and other types) and beans. Legume seeds can typically be planted directly in the ground so there is no need for seed starting or buying transplants. There are also many types of beans to experiment with. There are the traditional bush beans (perhaps one of the easiest to start with), pole beans (that require supports but produce a larger yield) and runner beans (whose plants are sized between bush and pole). Beans can be enjoyed raw, or cooked and can also be dried for future use. Legumes are very versatile crops, as well as being delicious and healthy too!

Cucumbers and squashes (members of the cucurbit family) are also home garden favorites. One of the secrets to a productive crop is to harvest the fruits regularly before they get too big. There are so many options available to grow so experiment with them to determine your favorites.

Listen to Teresa Golden, Master Gardener Volunteer, as she talks you through the various aspects of growing these vegetable crops and enjoy!

Host: Teresa Golden

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

It’s that time of year to start dreaming about and planning for your vegetable garden. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced one, there is always something new to learn.

So we’ve pulled together a treat for you! Listen to this compilation of five already aired short segments specific to vegetable gardening. In this Veggie Patch Retrospective (part 1), you’ll learn from Master Gardener Volunteer, Teresa Golden, how to:

• determine the best place to site your garden,
• choose what veggies to plant to best serve the needs of your family,
• prepare the soil for a productive crop yield,
• start seeds at home,
• grow a family of vegetables called brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower

Also, check out the rich set of resource links below that can help you with your garden. There’s more to come, so make sure to check back for the next two parts of this sequence. We aim to demystify how to grow your own vegetable garden and/or help your garden be more productive.

Host: Teresa Golden

Photo By: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Forest rangers are the wilderness’ police department. Think of them as ‘guardians of nature’ who protect and conserve natural resources in forests and parks. Their jurisdiction usually encompasses terrain filled with wildlife and treacherous landscapes. Forest rangers are often unsung heroes who work long hours in extreme conditions.

Many people associate forest rangers with "Smokey Bear', the lovable bear who warned us not to start forest fires. But rangers do more than prevent and fight fires. They are involved in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, as well as public education and outreach.

Unfortunately, forest fires continue to be a threat to New York State’s forests and forest rangers are at the front lines in the fight against forest fires. They help educate and train fire departments in the best course of action to fight fires. They also engage in preventive measures, which may include setting controlled burns or clearing brush that may be a potential hazard in the event of fire. When a fire occurs, forest rangers work in conjunction with local fire fighters in controlling and putting out the fire. After a fire is contained, the rangers conduct investigations to determine the cause and source of the fire.

Every year hikers, campers and casual visitors get lost in the wilderness of state forests in the Hudson Valley. When they do, it is the forest rangers who play a critical role in search and rescue operations. Rangers travel over rough terrain in search of lost people. They help coordinate and lead search teams through the forest. Rangers are skilled in emergency training so they can administer first aid if needed. Forest rangers also keep track of campers and hikers by the use of checkpoints at the entries to parks and forests. This helps them monitor the number of visitors in the forest as well as alerts them to when someone could potentially have gotten lost, if they do not check out at the expected time.

Keeping the forests safe for visitors and wildlife is the most important part of a ranger’s job. Learn more from Anastasia Alwine, a New York State Forest Ranger, who joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in an informative discussion of the role of forest rangers in the Hudson Valley. Anastasia is from Syracuse, NY, and graduated from Cornell University as an art major. Prior to taking the civil service exam, she wasn’t aware that the Forest Ranger job existed, but you will hear how she loves working at this role now.

Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Jean Thomas

Guest: Anastasia Alwine

Photo by: Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Are you a nature lover? Are you interested in conservation or habitat restoration? Do you have a passion for our natural environment or want to learn more about the ecosystems, habitats, plants, and animals of New York State? Then this program might be for you!

The Master Naturalist Program is a science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation and monitoring projects.

The Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast team had the opportunity to meet with Kristi Sullivan, Director, NY Master Naturalist Program and Extension Associate, at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With a focus on natural resources and the environment, Kristi was a ‘natural’ to create the Master Naturalist Program in New York State.

Over 500 people have completed this adult education program, with ~100+ active volunteers (who have reported their hours) in any given year. Only 30 people are admitted into the program each year, so there is an application process to be followed to ensure broader coverage across the state. You can become a Master Naturalist by taking the 16-hour mandatory “Naturalist Trainee” course, supplemented by 14 hours of additional coursework and 30 hours of volunteer work tailored to your personal interests. The mandatory “Naturalist Trainee” course is held at Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest located in Ithaca, NY. It covers topics such as reptiles and amphibians, invasive species identification and control, insects, bats, ferns, wildlife and more.

Volunteer opportunities may include “hands-on” management, conservation or monitoring activities, or educational outreach. Examples of appropriate volunteer activities include working with a local land trust or nearby park to remove or monitor invasive species, collecting citizen science data for an ongoing program, inventorying wildflowers at a local park or preserve, participating in riparian buffer plantings or restoration, conducting wildlife surveys, contributing to water quality monitoring or research. Potential outreach activities may include leading a “woods walk”, writing articles, giving presentations, or developing educational brochures. Each Master Naturalist can pursue volunteer activities tailored to her/his own interests and strengths.

Always remember that YOU can make a difference in the natural environment.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kristi Sullivan

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Justin Wexler returns to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to share his vast wealth of knowledge about the Indigenous People who used to inhabit the Catskill Mountains and the surrounding area. Understanding the past practices employed by the native inhabitants, we can better steward our natural environment today.

When first encountered by European settlers, the Lenape were a loose association of closely related peoples who spoke similar languages and shared familial bonds in an area which spanned what is now eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley to the lower Catskills, and eastern Delaware. Many area locations are still referred to by names from these indigenous peoples. Hereditary leadership passed through the maternal line. They lived in several small towns along the rivers and streams that fed the waterways. Agricultural land was managed by women and allotted according to the subsistence needs of their extended families.

As Justin researched the history of the Hudson Valley and its occupants, he made connections with descendants of the Lenape, now dispersed to communities in Ontario, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. After befriending residents of those communities, he hosted Lenape people who came to visit their homeland. He continues to make links with organizations that would help represent their culture and history. Each weekend throughout the summer, Justin and his partner, Anna Plattner, invite visitors to the property, Wild Hudson Valley, to learn about edible plants, medicine, folklore, history, and both ancient and modern forest farming practices. They offer guided nature walks and workshops geared toward all ages. Their programs help both children and adults connect with nature.

Listen to this episode to reconnect with the culture of the Hudson Valley's native inhabitants and get inspired to learn more about nature, history, and wild foods.

Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas

Guest: Justin Wexler

Photo by: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Ayd

If you like birds, you will love this episode! Birds spark a deep wonder and help us to understand the living world. When birds disappear, they’re signaling that we’ve stressed our landscapes and oceans. When we make changes and they rebound, it signals hope that we can find ways to flourish and protect the natural world.

Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader from Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology, joins us in a wonderful conversation about our feathered friends, the Lab, and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Becca's focus in environmental education includes native habitats, sustainability, and conservation.  Beyond the Lab, she is an avid gardener creating beautiful gardens to feed her family as well as the wildlife in her area. 

The “GBBC” is a February event that has united birdwatchers around the world for over 25 years. For one weekend each year, citizen scientists submit their bird observations from their home or in their community. The GBBC engages backyard bird watchers and helps guide people in creating bird-friendly homes and yards. This is something that everyone can engage in as a citizen scientist.

And it’s just one project supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology whose mission is to interpret and conserve the Earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds and nature. The Lab brings together the agility and impact of an on-the-ground nonprofit organization with world-class science and teaching as part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Together, they transform data into knowledge by pioneering new techniques that combine citizen science, machine learning, and data visualizations. Their studies explore the earth’s biodiversity, the processes that have generated it, and ways to conserve this abundance of life. Key partners in much of this research are the many thousands of people who volunteer for citizen-science projects.

The Lab created Merlin, a very popular application that helps identify birds by answering some simple questions, or via their photos, songs and calls. The Lab also developed and manages eBird, a database that engages a global audience in sharing observations to empower research and conservation of birds and ecosystems. Through the exploration, analysis, and visualization of massive data sets, insights are revealed on the distribution, movements, status, and trends of birds through time and across hemispheres.

Learn how you can participate in this process with the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Becca Rodomsky-Bish

Photo by: Cornell University Lab of Ornithology

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connolly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

The podcast team recently took a road trip to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY to meet with Ashley Helmholdt, Extension Associate, Cornell Garden-Based Learning, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture. With a passionate interest in garden-based learning, Ashley manages the New York State Master Gardener Volunteer and Seed to Supper programs as well as professional development for Cornell Cooperative Extension educators.

She shares a bit of the history of the MGV program which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. She’s heavily involved in the continual enhancements to the program and shares her enthusiasm for what’s to come. She also talks extensively about the Seed to Supper program, a six-session series, which helps new vegetable gardeners get started. Vegetable Varieties for New York State is also under her purview which is an excellent resource to help gardeners select varieties that will grow well in New York soils and climate.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer network is also working to strengthen understanding and inspire us to take action in our gardens and communities that will help address the global crisis of climate change. Supporting this effort, a curriculum is available for gardeners, homeowners, educators, volunteers, teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring how we might examine our gardening practice through the lens of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

If you are interested in the Master Gardener Program in Columbia and Greene Counties or have a gardening question, please call or email the Master Gardeners at (518) 826-3345 ext 212 or ColumbiaGreeneMGV@cornell.edu.  If you live outside these counties, please contact your local county extension office.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Ashley Helmholdt

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program, and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening. Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers from the community who enjoy gardening and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about their gardening and the environment. Master Gardener Volunteer activities might include offering lectures and workshops at libraries, schools and in the community, answering horticultural inquiries, creating and staffing horticultural booths at shows and fairs, providing advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venues, and Increasing awareness of integrated pest management, water quality and conservation and other environmental issues. Being a Master Gardener Volunteer is both a rewarding and gratifying experience. Master Gardeners add beauty and knowledge to the many lives they touch.

In this episode, Rosemary Armao joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with a perspective on the Master Gardener Volunteer program. As a recent graduate of the training process in Albany County, she provides a candid discussion about the training process as well as what she’s learned being a Master Gardener.

Rosemary Armao, a native of Albany, is an adjunct professor of journalism at UAlbany. She has worked as a reporter and editor at various wire services and newspapers. She has trained journalists and worked on media development projects throughout Eastern Europe and Africa. She is also a former executive director of Investigative Reporters and Editors and former president of the Journalism and Women Symposium. She also has her own podcast, Armao on the Brink, which is focused on a discussion of the biggest stories across the globe that are bring society and culture to the brink of an abyss.

As a relatively new Master Gardener, her MGV perspective might be of interest to anyone considering becoming one. She talks about the rigors and rewards of the program during the training as well as ‘post-graduation’. Because she took the classes during the pandemic, the process was modified due to the inability to meet in person during that time period.

She discusses some of the key things she learned as a result of the training which includes leveraging the experience of other gardeners, learning from web sites of land grant universities, reading seed catalogues, and the value of hands-on experience. Rosemary helps to demystify the process of becoming an MGV and as well as what’s involved with volunteering with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension to ask about the schedule for training classes in your county.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Rosemary Armao

In Part 2 of the Hum of the Hive retrospective, we’ve once again combined multiple (4) short segments together. So, make sure to listen to the end to hear them all! Hum of the Hive, featuring Linda Aydlett, follows the honeybee through the four seasons.

In the first segment, field bees are the focus of attention. Linda describes the various resources required by a hive to survive. To gather these resources, experienced foraging bees, also called scout bees, use a ‘waggle dance’ to communicate where the nectar or other resources can be found. Listening to this, you’ll appreciate why the field bees are the hardest working members of the hive.

Next, we shift to what happens to a honeybee colony in the spring. Many hives, that are running out of room, swarm to divide the colony. But this is not an impulsive decision. Many preparations are required to successfully accomplish this. The queen needs conditioning to be able to fly to a new location. Scout bees have to find potential places to relocate, and then use the waggle dance to communicate options. Once a favored location is selected, the colony flies off to its new home.

In the third segment, learn about propolis. Some resin honeybees collect resin from trees and shrubs and carry it back to the hive. Then, cementing bees remove the resin from the resin collecting bees and apply it to various uses within the hive. It can be used to seal cracks and crevices in preparation for the winter months, but resin also protects the colony from diseases, due to its multiple beneficial properties.

Finally, in the fourth segment, we shift to the summer months when water may be in short supply. This is called a dearth. Measures are taken to survive in difficult times. For example, they may limit the size of the colony by not allowing drones to return to the hive. Fewer bees mean fewer mouths to feed. They might also resort to cannibalism, or robbery to ensure the continuation of the colony. It can be tough to be a bee!

We welcome your feedback on the first or our retrospective series to help you find content on a specific topic in one place. E-mail us at colgremg@cornell.edu.

With this episode, we are introducing the first of our retrospective series. These periodic episodes compile previously aired short segments on a specific topic. This one, features Master Beekeeper and podcast co-founder, Linda Aydlett and is all about honeybees.

This episode starts with some fascinating insights into how honeybees survive in winter. Their secret? They form winter clusters and shiver to keep each other nice and warm. Then stay tuned for the next segment to learn about the roles honeybees must fulfill within the hive. Linda describes the life of a Queen Bee, which turns out not to be as glamorous as the name might imply. As the only fertile egg layer, the queen bee is focused solely on perpetuating the colony. Learn about the importance of nutrient-rich royal jelly that helps the queen successfully perform her role.

But there’s even more! This episode concludes with a description of the worker caste of honeybees. They represent the largest number of bees in the hive. The role of the worker bees is to perform all the other functions required for the hive to thrive. Unlike the queen bee, the worker bee’s role evolves over her relatively short lifespan from a nurse bee to a house bee, and finally to a field bee. This segment focuses mostly on the house bee as it transitions to a field bee. Fascinating indeed!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Linda Aydlett

Photo by: Damien TUPINIER on Unsplash

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski

William Bryant Logan re-joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast in a fascinating discussion about pollarding, a pruning practice. Bill is the author of Sprout Lands, Oak, Air, and Dirt, the last of which was made into an award-winning documentary. In addition to being the executive director of Landis Arboretum, he is on the faculty of the New York Botanical Garden. He has spent the last three decades working in trees. He is a certified arborist, and founder and president of Urban Arborists, Inc. 

In earlier times, regions could not prosper without its inhabitants knowing how to cut their trees so they would sprout again. Pruning the trees didn’t destroy them. Rather it created healthier, more sustainable and diverse woodlands.

Pollarding is a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, which promotes the growth of a dense head of foliage and branches. The practice was a common practice in Europe since medieval times, and takes place today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a determined height or to place new shoots out of the reach of grazing animals.

Traditionally, people pollarded trees for fodder (to feed livestock) or for wood. Fodder pollards produced "pollard hay" for livestock feed; they were pruned at intervals of two to six years so their leafy material would be most abundant. Wood pollards were pruned at longer intervals of eight to fifteen years, a pruning cycle tending to produce upright poles favored for fencing and boat construction. Nowadays, the practice is typically used for ornamental trees.

Pollarding tends to help trees live longer by maintaining them in a partially juvenile state and by reducing the weight and windage of the top part of the tree. Older pollards often become hollow, so it can be difficult to determine age accurately. Pollards tend to grow slowly, with denser growth-rings in the years immediately after cutting.

Learn more about this practice in New York State on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Bill Logan

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski

William Bryant Logan joins the Nature Calls: Conversations for the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about Oak Trees in New York State. Having spent the last three decades working in trees as a certified arborist, Bill is the author of Sprout Lands, Oak, Air and Dirt, the last of which was made into an award-winning documentary. He is on the faculty of the New York Botanical Garden.  He joins us for a two part discussion.  The first is on oak trees.  The second (up next) will be about pollarding.

Oaks are one of the oldest and most widely spread trees on earth. They existed well before humans, most likely between 40 million and 60 million years ago.

Did you know that there are nearly 600 species of oak trees. They all fall into two categories: white oaks (with rounded lobe leaves) or red oaks (pointed lobe leaves).

The highest population of oak trees can be found in North America, especially in Mexico, where about 160 species grow, and 109 of those are endemic. Ninety species live in the US. The national tree of America is the oak tree.

Oak trees are so resilient because their seeds are cased in hard shells (acorns). Acorns and leaves are coated with tannic acid, which also prevents fungi and insects from harming them.

All oaks produce acorns, but because they only ripen on adult trees, they symbolize patience and endurance.

An oak can produce ~10 million acorns during its lifetime, but only 1 in 10,000 acorns grows up to be another oak tree. The rest become a key food source for birds (e.g. woodpeckers, ducks, pigeons), small mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, mice), as well as larger mammals (deer, bears).

Acorns are nutritious and contain large amounts of protein, carbs, fats, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and niacin.

Oaks played a crucial role in human history as well. Early humans built their homes, created tools, and constructed strong ships from oak wood. Furniture, flooring, and wine barrels are among many products that still use oak today.

Oak trees can either be deciduous or evergreen. They are more often evergreens in warmer climates with mild winters. Their canopy provides shade for plants and soil, a source of food to certain animals, and of course, oxygen to living organisms. As a keystone species, supporting many pollinators, an oak tree makes an excellent addition to any landscape.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Bill Logan

Photo by: Jean Thomas

Production Team: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski

Fred Breglia, executive director of the Landis Arboretum, located in Esperance, NY. He rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with a continuation of a discussion on Old Growth Forests. In addition to being known as the “Tree Man”, he has also been called the “Lord of the Rings”.

In this episode, we learn about the characteristics of old growth forests. They tend to have trees that are large including standing ones, snags, as well as large fallen/dead ones. ‘Ugly’ trees with scars show their ability to survive despite damage from wind, lightning, insects and other injuries incurred over long periods of time. There may be openings in the canopy that are created when older trees die. This results in sunlight hitting the forest floor encourage new growth that creates diversity in tree species and size of trees. When a tree blows over, the roots that are torn from the ground create pits and the fallen trunk/branches form mounds nearby, encouraging nutrients to return to the soil.

Nature is constantly changing the forest. Disturbances force a shift in the in the dominant species found within a forest. The life span of an oak can reach 500 years but there are some white cedar trees that are over 1000 years old. The age of a tree can be ascertained by coring which entails twisting a borer (which is a cross between a drill and a screw) into a tree. As the tip of the borer is hollow, it screws in around a pencil-sized section of tree. By counting the rings, the trees age can be determined as well as its growth rate over time. Comparing the ring lengths to weather records, scientists can learn how changes in climate affect how trees grown. Counting rings of fallen tree limbs can also support or confirm the age of the main trunk. Thus, we can think of trees in a forest as a growing library of information where there are many things to learn!

Like trees in a forest, take the time to stand tall, be proud, and enjoy the view as you listen to this episode.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Fred Breglia

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Do you “talk tree”?Have you ever wondered how old the beautiful trees in your woodlands or in New York State forests are? Then this episode is for you.

Fred Breglia joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a multi-faceted discussion about Old Growth Forests. Fred is the executive director of Landis Arboretum located in Esperance, N.Y. Lan­dis is an arbore­tum and pub­lic gar­den incor­po­rat­ing 300 acres and 10 miles of hiking trails in Schoharie and Mont­gomery coun­ties in New York State. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk every day. Fred is also an award-winning certified arborist with decades of experience in the green industry. He is also a frequent speaker and educator. Capital District residents may know him as the “Tree Man,” a regular guest on WAMC’s Vox Pop Radio Show.

An old-growth forest (also known as a primary forest, virgin forest, or mature forest) is one that has attained great age without significant disturbance, and thus exhibits unique ecological features, and might be classified as a climax community. There are a small number of old-growth forests in New York state, whose assemblage of trees have co-evolved to a majestic state of maturity with a biological complexity of soils, habitat,s and species. Old-growth forests have a great capacity to improve air and water quality, sequester carbon, and help mitigate climate change. However, fewer than one percent of our original forests remain in the eastern United States.

The oldest trees are not necessarily the largest ones. They are ones that have successfully used their available resources efficiently. Did you know that the oldest white pine in New York State is 470 years old? There’s a lot more to learn in this episode. Enjoy!

Hosts:Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest:Fred Breglia

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

GardenFit is the hit national public television series with co-hosts and executive producers Madeline Hooper and Jeff Hughes. A first-of-its-kind series, GardenFit is a fusion of destination, gardening, and self-care, teaching viewers how to take care of their body while taking care of their garden. On the television show, you can tour gardens across America and learn gardening tips and techniques to avoid stress and injury.

Madeline Hooper, who lives in Columbia County in New York State, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with tips on how to garden safely by using your body correctly. Before devoting herself wholeheartedly to gardening, she forged an extensive career in public relations, specializing in marketing. But her talents extend to many forms of physical activity including tennis, ballroom dancing and gardening. In her spare time, she also volunteers at the Berkshire Botanical Garden where she is also a Vice-Chair.

As we all know, gardening is a great activity for both the mind and the body. Madeline offers many suggestions to garden safely. She suggests dividing garden tasks into 30-minute chunks to avoid exhausting any one muscle group. She also advises that we all learn to be ambidextrous so that we work both sides of our bodies equally- not just our dominant side. Putting one foot in the direction you are bending will help with balance and protect your knees. Squatting when bending down also protects the knees as long as you don’t let your knees go beyond your toes. To protect your back, make sure to use your hips to lift items. Posture is also very important in and out of the garden. She encourages everyone to move your shoulder blades downward towards the pockets of your jeans. This raises the chest and puts you into a more aligned posture.

There is a lot to absorb in this episode while you also get a sneak preview of what’s coming in Season Two of the television series, Garden Fit. Enjoy!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Madeline Hooper

Photo from: Madeline Hooper

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski

John Michelotti rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to continue his mission to spread information about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. John is the founder of Catskill Fungi, which produces health tinctures from fungi that are wild-crafted or grown on the Michelotti family farm in Big Indian, NY. John co-founded the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair, and is a Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association.

He describes the various parts of a mushroom (e.g. gills, pores, teeth, etc.) that produce spores which are the way that fungi reproduce. He recommends that mushrooms be cooked for us to get the nutritional benefits. In addition to food uses, mushrooms can be used medicinally. Certifications are required to sell mushrooms commercially. People can become quite ill if they consume mushrooms that are not safe to eat. Some mushrooms can also be deadly. Traceability is key to understand the source of the mushrooms, especially when sold to restaurants.Foragers are encouraged to have liability insurance if they plan to sell mushrooms. Knowledge about how to identify mushrooms is key if you want to find mushrooms for personal use. Mushroom walks and conferences are great sources of information.

Fungi break down plants. Anything that is plant-based can potentially be decomposed by mushrooms and make good soil in the process. Conserving soil and habitat is key to protecting fungi in the future, especially with the risks of climate change. Understanding fungi brings us closer to better understanding the interconnection being all members of the universe.

Learn about the incredible benefits of fungi, and their capacity to change the way we look at our relationships with each other and the world. Get inspired to grow edible mushrooms as a source of fresh food, heal yourself by using the health properties of fungi, and explore the historic uses and present-day innovations of the fungal kingdom.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: John Michelotti

Photo By: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Resources

Have you wondered about the state of agriculture in the Hudson Valley? Or what New York farmers are focused on now? Or how they manage for regenerative and/or climate smart farming? If so, we have a great episode for you!

Join Christian Malsatski, CCE Agricultural Program Leader for Columbia, Greene and Ulster Counties on a wide-ranging discussion on Farming Trends in the Hudson Valley. Christian has over 15 years of experience in agricultural research and education roles in Texas, Florida and Wisconsin with a focus on field crops, soil science, beef cattle/livestock and urban agriculture. He designs, organizes and delivers programs serving agricultural producers/practioners and State/County officials and workers in many facets or agricultural endeavors.

Christian talks about the growing interest in agri-tourism and the diversification of many farm operations to include both crops and livestock. He explores the local grain economy as a community of farmers, millers & processors, distributors, bakers, maltsters, chefs, livestock owners, and others who eat and use grains. They communicate and interact together to provide and consume local grains, facilitating each other’s success and good health. This includes relationship of many farmers to New York craft breweries.

Farmers today face ongoing threats from deer damage as well as from invasive pests like the spotted lantern fly. Learn why soil health is so important to the future of productive farms and how rotational schedules help.

This episode provides insight into the challenges faced by today’s farmers and how they are adapting to thrive in today’s economy.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Christian Malsatski

Photo By: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Did you know that half of the world’s agricultural land is degraded? According to the World Economic Forum, this leads to farm productivity losses and is a risk to food security in the future. They define Regenerative Agriculture as a focus on improving the health of the soil that has been degraded by the use of heavy machinery, fertilizers, and can restore agricultural land and pesticides used in intensive farming. When soil is healthy, it produces more food and nutrition, stores more carbon and increases biodiversity – the variety of species. Healthy soil supports water, land and air environments and ecosystems through natural processes including the fertilization of plants.

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, located in Tarrytown (Westchester County), NY is a nonprofit farm, education and research center with a mission to catalyze an ecological food culture in the Northeast. Since 2004, they have been working to innovate ecological farming practices and mindful food choices that benefit human health, strengthen communities, and protect the environment. Their Hudson Valley campus, shared with restaurant partner Blue Hill at Stone Barns, is a living laboratory for interdisciplinary research experiments where farmers, chefs, diners, educators, and artisans come together to push the boundaries of sustainable farming and eating.

Laura Perkins is horticulturalist at Stone Barns Center where she tends the formal gardens and develops and maintains the surrounding landscape while supplying Blue Hill with foraged edible foods, giving visitors opportunities for sensory immersion in the landscape, and enhancing wildlife habitat and the ecological resilience of the land. She joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, with fascinating insights into the work performed at the Stone Barns Center and how it is helping farmers and residents better understand successful ways to regenerate soils and farming practices.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Laura Perkins

Photo by:

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Dig into this podcast episode that includes comfort food cooking with brassica vegetables, insights into both native and non-native viburnums, and helpful information on various types of garden shovels,

Annie Scibienski, a Master Gardener Volunteer, starts us off with a new From Patch to Plate segment about cooking with cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Awaken your taste buds with her descriptions of recipes involving these popular vegetable varieties.

Viburnums are a very admired and fast-growing flowering landscape shrubs or small trees with a large number of cultivars available. Bloom times span from early spring through June, followed by attractive fruit and great fall foliage. However, not all viburnums are created equal. Learn about the differences between the native and non-native species from Master Gardener Tim Kennelty on Good Plant/Bad Plant.

Have you ever stopped to think about what a groundbreaking invention the shovel is?  Annie Scibienski returns with a discussion about different types of shovels on The Grateful Shed. The shovel, spade, and trowel are featured with descriptions of the benefits of each type and their uses in the garden.

We hope you find some interesting bits of new knowledge on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guests: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Many people have thought about raising chickens and most of them have been successful doing so. But have you given any thought to raising ducks?

All ducks belong to the Anseriformes order, a biological group that contains ducks, geese and swans. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than either swans or geese. They have many economic uses, being farmed for their meat, eggs, and feathers (particularly their down).

The head and wing feathers of drakes (males) are more colorful than in females, with male ducks typically having larger heads. Ducks generally only have one partner at a time, although the partnership may only last one year. Ducks don't use nesting boxes or roosting bars. They are perfectly content to bed down in straw on the floor of a chicken coop or shed or other secure structure and then will make their own nest in a corner to lay their eggs in.

Ducks do have predators. Nests and ducklings can be raided by land-based predators such as foxes, or large birds, such as hawks or owls. While people may allow them to free range during the day, they really need to be locked into a coop or other strong structure at night.

Backyard Ducks don’t need a pond and can be perfectly happy with a kiddie pool. They do need a water source deep enough to submerge their heads into to help them swallow their food. Ducks eat grasses, aquatic plants, fish, insects, small amphibians, and worms. Ducklings should only be fed un-medicated feed. But bear in mind that ducks can be messy. They tend to make a water mess around their tub, as they go back and forth from the feed to the water, wetting the feed in their mouth with the water to help them swallow it.

Ducks can be wonderful backyard birds to raise as you enjoy their eggs as well as their personalities. Join Cathy Bruce on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to learn more!

Hosts:  Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest:  Cathy Bruce

Photo by:  Cathy Bruce

Production Support:  Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski