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Nature Guys

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Nature Guys

Nature Guys connects you to the exciting natural world right in your own neighborhood. These nature connections will help you be cool, calm, collected and ready to make a positive difference in the world. Nature Guys is hosted by Bob a long time nature lover.

#255

Poppy the Opossum

Bob runs into a pet opossum with his grandson Drew and his friend Graeme in a city park. Poppy is very cute and inspired us to listen to a podcast Bob and Bill recorded back in 2017. Related episodes: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/bat-in-the-house/">Bat in the House</a> and [Sick of Ticks] (https://natureguys.org/ticks/) Our sources for this episode include: ---<a href= "https://www.treehugger.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-opossums-4864240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 things you didn’t know about opossums</a> ---Wildlife Rescue: <a href= "https://www.wildliferescueleague.org/animal-help/opossums/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opossums</a> ---<a href= "https://www.caryinstitute.org/news-insights/media-coverage/opossums-killers-ticks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opossums - killers of ticks</a> --- [The ‘Possum Pages: FAQs] (https://opossum.craton.net/faqs.htm) ---<a href= "https://opossumsocietyus.org/general-opossum-information/opossum-defense-mechanisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opossum Defense Mechanisms</a> ... Read more

17 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:13

17 Dec 2024

#254

Cats

Bob joins Carol Mundy on her radio show <a href= "https://wmkvfm.org/programme/outdoor-life/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Outdoor Life</a> to discuss one of the most successful invasive species on the planet the house cat. Our sources for this episode include: ---Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Mora and Chris Santella ---The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over The World by Abigail Tucker ... Read more

03 Dec 2024

26 MINS

26:43

03 Dec 2024

#253

Crow Talk

Bob and Tina record in front of a live audience to share stories about crows. This bird is easy to identify but its behavior is very complex. Find our why Tina is a crow lover and listen to some amazing stories about crows. If you have your own crow story share it on our website via speak pipe or in the comment section for this episode. Our sources for this episode include: ---Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angela ---Birdology by Sy Montgomery ... Read more

29 Oct 2024

19 MINS

19:11

29 Oct 2024

#252

Wild Grape

Sam and Greg join Bob at the <a href= "https://www.civicgardencenter.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Civic Garden Center</a>’s Fall Native Plant Festival. They have an engaging presentation about the benefits and history of this under appreciated plant. Related episode: [Johnny Appleseed] (https://natureguys.org/johnny-appleseed/) Our sources for this episode include: --- [In Defense of the Lowly Grape] (https://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/search?q=grape) ---The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart ... Read more

24 Sep 2024

19 MINS

19:34

24 Sep 2024

#251

Native Grasses

Caroline joins Bob to talk about her true passion Native Grasses. Learn how these grasses can add to the diversity of life in the landscapes of our neighborhoods. Related episodes: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/lawns/">Lawns</a>, <a href= "https://natureguys.org/boxwood-bash/">Boxwood Bash</a> Our sources for this episode include: ---Understanding Roots by <a href= "https://robertkourik.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Robert Kourik</a> ---<a href= "https://www.knps.org/benefits-of-native-grasses-in-urban-landscaping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benefits of Native Grasses in Urban Landscaping</a> ---<a href= "https://gardenforwildlife.com/blogs/learning-center/beyond-flowers-enhancing-wildlife-gardens-with-native-grasses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond Flowers: Enhancing Wildlife Gardens with Native Grasses</a> --- [Establishing Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife] (https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/w-23) ... Read more

13 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:26

13 Aug 2024

#250

Prickly Pear Cactus

Bob and Greg delve into one of their favorite plants, the Prickly Pear Cactus. It has a range far beyond the dessert so you should be able to find it in your area. Our sources for this episode include: ---<a href= "https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/opuntia_basilaris.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Forest Service Prickly Pear</a> ---<a href= "https://www.yourindoorherbs.com/animals-eat-cactus-how/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What Animals Eat Cactus</a> ---<a href= "https://exploretexas.blog/2016/05/03/5-facts-about-prickly-pear-cactus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 Facts About Prickly Pear Cactus</a> ---<a href= "https://www.rockymountainsoda.com/blogs/soda-news/nine-facts-about-prickly-pear" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nine Interesting Facts about Prickly Pear</a> ... Read more

02 Jul 2024

30 MINS

30:24

02 Jul 2024

#249

Tales of Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail mushrooms are everywhere! Gia admits that mushrooms may be her favorite things in nature. Learn all about one of the most common and easy to find mushrooms. Our sources for this episode include: ---Michael Kuo's take on turkey tail / <a href= "https://www.mushroomexpert.com/trametes_versicolor.html" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trametes versicolor: The Turkey Tail</a> ( [MushroomExpert.Com] (https://www.mushroomexpert.com/) ) ---Good explanation of medicinal properties / <a href= "https://www.primalsurvivor.net/turkey-tail-mushroom-powder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Make Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder</a> ---Tom Volk’s take on turkey tail / <a href= "https://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/aug97.html" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fungus of the Month for August 1997 (wisc.edu)</a> ---Nicholas Money’s paper “<a href= "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27020147/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Are Mushrooms Medicinal</a>?” (2016 PubMed (nih.gov) ---<a href= "https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/coriolus-versicolor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coriolus versicolor</a> | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (<a href= "https://www.mskcc.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">mskcc.org</a>) ... Read more

21 May 2024

27 MINS

27:55

21 May 2024

#248

Wildflower Pilgrimage with Families

Bob and Beth led family hikes at the <a href= "https://www.arcofappalachia.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Arc of Appalachia</a> Highlands Nature Sanctuary in April of 2024. After the hikes they recorded a podcast with some of the hikers. Tune in to hear about wildflowers and more from the perspective of the children on the hike. ... Read more

30 Apr 2024

15 MINS

15:30

30 Apr 2024

#247

Eclipse Stories

Central Indiana had clear skies for the April 8, 2024 eclipse! Bob joined a fantastic group of family, friends and other nature lovers at Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary for a spectacular eclipse. He was able to record some of their reactions before, during and after the eclipse. Related Episodes: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/eclipse-with-dean-regas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eclipse with Dean Regas,</a> <a href= "https://natureguys.org/eclipse-lovers/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Eclipse Lovers</a> ... Read more

23 Apr 2024

15 MINS

15:04

23 Apr 2024

#246

Invasive Plants Part 4

In the final episode of the Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam outline several possible paths that the common person can undertake to help turn the tide of invasive plants. From education and community driven initiatives to pushing market changes through purchasing power, we can all do a small part to make a big difference. Related Episodes: [Walnut Woods] (https://natureguys.org/?s=walnut) , [Invasive Plants] (https://natureguys.org/invasive-plants/) , <a href= "https://natureguys.org/lawns/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Lawns</a>, <a href= "https://natureguys.org/gardening-for-moths/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac</a>, [The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy] (https://natureguys.org/oaks-doug-tallamy/) For more information, we recommend these sources: --- [Native Plant Education and Volunteer Opportunities] (https://www.civicgardencenter.org/events) with Civic Garden Center --- [Native Plant Education] (https://www.activeoutdoorstoday.com/general-6-1) with Active Outdoors ---<a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn9gcNW1b2Y&t=2118s" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native Plant Gardening Intro</a> ---<a href= "https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/3ef7a4d9-44cf-40b9-aa64-6068529691e0/ActivityCategory/183994/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cincinnati Volunteer Opportunit</a>y with Cincinnati Parks ... Read more

04 Apr 2024

34 MINS

34:18

04 Apr 2024

#245

Invasive Plants Part 3

In this episode the discussion turns toward the horticulture industry and the impact working with plants has had overtime. Bob, Greg and Sam then turn to examine the branch of Ornamental Horticulture and its culpability in the mass production and distribution of non-native plants around the world. While this trend continues, new options of planting with native plants and the idea of cultivating native plants at home for the sake of conservation are introduced. Related Episodes: [Lawns,] (https://natureguys.org/lawns/) <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plants/">Invasive Plants</a>, [Seeds on the Move] (https://natureguys.org/?s=seeds+on+the+move) , <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plant-part-1/">Invasive Plants Part 1</a>, <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plants-part-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive Plants Part 2</a> For more information, we recommend these resources: --- [National Invasive Species Council] (https://www.doi.gov/invasivespecies) --- [Mt. Cuba] (https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/) <a href= "https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/">Center</a> [Trial] (https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/) <a href= "https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/">Garden</a> ---<a href= "https://sciences.ucf.edu/biology/vonholle/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/03/Niemiera_Von-Holle2009.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive Plant Species and the Ornamental Horticulture Industry</a> ... Read more

02 Apr 2024

34 MINS

34:27

02 Apr 2024

#244

Invasive Plants Part 2

In episode 2 of our Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam discuss why invasive plants pose such a problem to our ecosystem. The plant guru dives into the intricate connections between plants and other wildlife, explaining that plants truly are the basis of all ecosystems. From there, we talk about the way our land use decisions have created the perfect conditions for invasive plants to thrive in North America. Related Episodes: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plant-part-1/">Invasive Plants Part 1</a>, <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plants/">Invasive Plants</a>, [The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy] (https://natureguys.org/oaks-doug-tallamy/) and <a href= "https://natureguys.org/passenger-pigeon-part-1/">Passenger Pigeon Part 1</a> For more information, we recommend these resources: ---<a href= "https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-plants-matter" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Native Plants Matter</a> ---<a href= "https://www.xerces.org/blog/for-wildlife-and-humans-native-plants-are-key-to-climate-resilience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native Plants are Key to Climate Resilience</a> --- [How Much Nature Should America Keep?] (http://www.americanprogress.org/) ... Read more

28 Mar 2024

23 MINS

23:59

28 Mar 2024

#243

Invasive Plants Part 1

Bob sits down with Greg and Sam to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, invasive plants. It’s such a dense topic that we decided to break it up into 4 separate episodes. In part 1, we introduce the concept of native and non-native invasive plants. Greg and Sam provide a big picture perspective on the human systems that are driving the spread of invasive plants and invite you to join us in starting a more meaningful conversation around invasive plants and their impact on our environment. Related Episodes: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/invasive-plants/">Invasive Plants</a>, [Walnut Woods] (https://natureguys.org/walnut-woods/) For more information, we recommend these resources: ---Book: Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species by Sylvan Ramsey Kaufman & Wallace Kaufman --- [Invasive and Exotic Species of North America] (https://www.invasive.org/) --- [National Association of Invasive Plant Councils] (https://www.na-ipc.org/) (check out what is happening in your state around invasive species management) ---<a href= "https://www.unep.org/resources/report/invasive-alien-species-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Invasive Alien Species Report</a> ... Read more

26 Mar 2024

27 MINS

27:31

26 Mar 2024

#242

Indigo Bunting

Bob and Tina chat about an amazing bird - the Indigo Bunting. Find out where and when you can see the brilliant blue male and how these birds migrate over 1200 miles. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at [redoaksforestschool.org] (https://www.redoaksforestschool.org/) . Related episode: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/zugunruhe/">What’s Your Zugunruhe?</a> Our sources for this episode include: ---For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide by <a href= "https://www.lauraerickson.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">Laura Erickson</a> ---<a href= "https://lauraerickson.substack.com/p/the-value-of-ebird-part-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Erickson Blog Post on Floaters</a> ---<a href= "https://birdfact.com/articles/where-do-indigo-buntings-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Where Do Indigo Buntings Live</a> ---<a href= "https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Indigo_Bunting/lifehistory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indigo Bunting Life History</a> --- [BirdCast] (https://birdcast.info/) - migration tools ... Read more

19 Mar 2024

33 MINS

33:58

19 Mar 2024

#241

The Wolverine Way with Doug Chadwick

Bob and co host Charles are joined by Doug Chadwick, author of The Wolverine Way. Doug is celebrating the listing of wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Related episode: <a href= "https://natureguys.org/doug-chadwick/">Four Fifths a Grizzly with Doug Chadwick</a> For more information, please see: ---<a href= "https://www.patagonia.com/product/the-wolverine-way-paperback-book/BK212.html?dwvar_BK212_color=000&cgid=books-stories-we-publish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wolverine Way</a> at Patagonia Books --- [Vital Ground Foundation] (https://www.vitalground.org/) ... Read more

12 Mar 2024

51 MINS

51:54