Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with David McKinney, Curator of Collections and Grounds at Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, to discuss the future of our natural ecosystems. Topics include how David found his love for native plants, stewardship of natural lands at the arboretum, what climate change means for pollinators, non-native plants in urban environments, and it wouldn’t be a show without favorite native plants.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Check out our Black Friday Promo!!!  Where in the World is Tom Knezick? “That’s Hot” is all in the fall color. Why did “This or That” cross the Highway - It's all in our memory.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Want to see Roots So Deep with us? "Take it or Leave it" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening to the end for our secret?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with environmental educator Katie Fisk to discuss Cues to Care. Topics include Katie's journey into environmental stewardship, tips for creating biodiversity on your own property, creating habitat affordably, the value of environmental education, and it wouldn't be a show without favorite native plants.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share two of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast that highlight Native Plant Influencers. First is Andrew Conboy (Andrew The Arborist) to discuss native plants and social media. Topics include Andrew's path to becoming an arborist, inspirations along the way, blowing up on social media, Andrew's nonprofit Colonial Canopy Trees, and tips for the budding influencer. Up second is Griff Griffith of Redwoods Rising and the Jumpstart Nature Podcast to talk about spreading the good word on native plants.  Topics include Griff's journey into ecology, different ways to start conversations about native plants, the history and importance of the Redwood forest, equity in nature, and the story about Griff's first viral video.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Rob and Skunk (Moderators of the subreddit Native Plant Gardening) to discuss the consequences that led to this episode of the podcast. Topics include the Native Plant Gardening Community, adding cues to care in gardens, advice for the native plant beginner, and favorite native plants.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There is plenty of follow up this episode. “That’s Hot” feels like fall in the air and the scent of salt. “This or That” pits conservation vs conservation.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? There is a brand new segment this episode just in time for Halloween. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with artist Philip Juras to discuss painting the natural world. Topics include allowing yourself to be moved by our natural environments, inviting the audience into your perspective, historical significance of the landscapes that Philip paints, and favorite places to get inspired.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There is plenty of follow up this episode.  “That’s Hot” visits the south and appeals to the foragers. “This or That” pits butterflies against moths.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? There is a brand new segment this episode so get your list ready. Are you listening to the end for Fran's Listener Shoutout?

Pull up a chair and grab a Pawpaw Ale as Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Robert Aluck (Stewardship Director) of Sourland Conservancy . Topics include engaging the community and partners to maximize your efforts, finding purpose in native plants, achieving organizational goals, and and the importance of ecological outreach.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There is plenty of follow up this episode.  “That’s Hot” is something old and something new. “This or That” goes into the weeds with messaging and survival.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? There is a brand new segment this episode so get your list ready. Are you listening to the end for a secret?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with ecological landscape architect Preston Montague. Topics include adding human elements to ecological landscapes, finding your niche in the ecological world, doing justice with current projects, giving props to gardening heroes, and favorite native plants.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” is both black and white and gray. “This or That” researches ticks and introduces bison.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? "Take it or Leaf it" is a little stream of consciousness. Hey Mom, how about a some Meatloaf?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick reconnect with Rebecca McMackin. Topics include what has happened in Rebecca's world since her last visit to the podcast such as Ted Talks and discussing environmentalism with Neko Case. We also discuss favorite native plants, horticultural media, and upcoming projects.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Let's talk about the Land Ethic Symposium. “That’s Hot” is both near and far. “This or That” talks about hope for both birds and trees.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? What advice to Tom and Fran have about starting a Native Plant Nursery.  Stay tuned in for the secret as it becomes this episode's outro music.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with environmentalist, activist, and author Summer Rayne Oakes. Topics include Summer's path into ecological landscaping, the importance of education and storytelling, combining the love of ecology and nature with homesteading, and favorite native plants.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. How many magazine covers has Tom been on? “That’s Hot” is nothing to sneeze about. “This or That” talks about shapes and connections.  A listeners phones in about AI.  Did we give you a shoutout this week?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Amy Martin (Executive Producer, Threshold Podcast) to talk about Listening to Nature. Topics include Amy's path from a fam in Iowa to creating Threshold Podcast, adding perspective and humility to the human experience, the journey to becoming one with nature, and meaningful experiences along the way.

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Let's talk about Ireland and Iowa - and how much cheese is too much? Tom goes to PPA. “That’s Hot” is home and away. “This or That” deals with making a difference and needing more.  Did we give you a shoutout this week?

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Todd Bittner (Director of Natural Areas, Cornell Botanic Gardens) to talk about Native Lawns. Topics include the history of Native Lawn 1.0 and its advantages, New York Times coverage, surprise performers and workhorses in native lawn settings, what comes next, and of course, favorite native plants. 

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. The burning question is are there more voices???  Listen to find out. Tom and Fran go to Cultivate “That’s Hot” brings The Chop! “This or That” gives Muskrat Love in a tiny forest, while “Take it of Leaf it” has unlimited growth potential. Can we talk ferns? Did we give you a shoutout this week?