Nature Guys

Bob's ten year old grandson Drew was attacked by yellow jackets at summer camp this year. Drew joins Bob to tell the story and share what he has learned about this often aggressive wasp. Our sources for this episode include: Yellowjackets are not Honey Bees Yellowjacket Fact Sheet Yellowjacket Facts for Kids

Bob and Gia dive into the fascinating world of fungi, sharing their personal experiences and love for mushrooms. They discuss the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom, including its anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties. The lack of FDA approval for medicinal mushrooms is also explored, while inviting listeners to share wild mushroom findings and personal stories.

Speakers discuss reducing lawns for a more environmentally friendly yard, stopping the use of pesticides and herbicides, and replacing lawns with native plants. They emphasize the value of collaborating with trusted sources for native plants and advocate for a cultural shift towards native plants. The chapter also addresses concerns about pests and animals in lawns and highlights the benefits of having grass as a buffer near the home.

The podcast explores the fascinating world of whirligig beetles, discussing their behavior, defensive mechanisms, predators, flight, respiration, distribution, eye structures, and incredible abilities. The hosts also mention previous episodes and share personal experiences, promising future episodes on other beetle species.

Tina suggests we do an episode on milkweed beetles. Bob is confused because he thought they were bugs. Tune in to find out what we discovered. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episode: Mighty Milkweed Our sources for this episode include: Milkweed Bugs Common Milkweed Insects Milkweed Bug

Bob reads an email from a listener (Linda) with a question about eBird that inspired us to do a whole episode on eBird. Charles starts out explaining the capabilities and the value of eBird both to the user and the scientific community. He and Bob go on a virtual birding trip to demonstrate how you can use eBird. Related episodes: Merlin Magic and Merlin 2 Our source for this episode: eBird by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Greg explains some amazing traits of apple trees. Bob shares some of the fascinating facts about John Chapman better know as Johnny Appleseed. Related episode: Walnut Woods Our sources for this episode include: The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan Johnny Appleseed Man and Myth by Robert Price

Bob chats with Gia and special guest Jonathan about old-growth forests. Learn ways they can make you feel small in the best way. Jonathan explains how he obtained old growth certification from the Old-Growth Forest Network for California Woods Nature Preserve. Related episode: Vernal Pools Visit old growth forests in greater Cincinnati: Cincinnati Park California Woods Nature Preserve, Rowe Woods at Cincinnati Nature Center Our sources for this episode include: Old-Growth Forest Network

Bob chats with Jim McCormac the co author with Chelsea Gottfried of Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide. Find out why gardeners can and should attract specific moths species to their properties and how to do it. Our source for this episode is the book Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide by Jim McCormac and Chelsea Gottfried. Related episodes: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and Bats with Merlin Tuttle

Charles takes Bob on a deep dive into the fascinating world of Water Lilies. Our sources for this episode include: Nymphaeaceae Lotus Vs. Water Lilies, What's The Difference?