Backyard Ecology™

Summary
The general impression that many people have is that prior to European settlement the whole eastern U.S. was one giant old growth forest. But that wasn't the case. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers over the last several decades have discovered that the eastern U.S. was instead interspersed with a surprising number of diverse ecosystems – only one of which was old growth forest.
 
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
What researchers now think the eastern U.S. looked like 400 years or more ago.
Why we have so many trees now and why it's so easy to believe that everything was once forest.
Why all of this matters and what we should do about it.
 
Additional Resources:
Forgotten Grasslands of the South: Natural History and Conservation * 
2013 Harvard University - Smithsonian study 
2025 State of the Birds Report 
* affiliate link – We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through these links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology content. We appreciate your support.
 
Backyard Ecology™ resources:
The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter
Backyard Ecology™ Community
 
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary
When it comes to creating habitat, having a written set of goals can be extremely helpful in moving a task from the "I'll get to it someday" category to the "I'm actually going to get this done" category. But all too often, those goals end up being forgotten or abandoned, which can leave us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and defeated. 
In this episode, I share how Anthony and I have experienced those same feelings because we've made the same goal-setting mistakes that everyone else makes. Then I'll show you how I've overcome those mistakes and am now able to create realistic habitat goals that are much more likely to be successful and help me achieve our habitat dreams. I also tell you about a special event which will be starting on January 12, 2026.
3 things you'll learn from this episode
Some common frustrations when it comes to creating habitat goals.
Why so many of our habitat goals fail leaving us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and defeated.
How to set more realistic habitat goals which are much more likely to be successful.
 
Backyard Ecology™ resources
Step by Step Habitat Challenge: Planning and Prioritizing Your Projects for 2026 
Backyard Ecology™ Community 
 
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary
Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii). 
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
The biology and life history of Short's aster.
The pollinators and wildlife that use it.
How to incorporate it into your garden.
Resources mentioned:
BONAP's range map for Short's aster 
Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora* 
* affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through affiliate links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support.
Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:
Black-eyed Susan: A favorite nectar source for butterflies 
Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz 
Backyard Ecology™ Community 
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary
"Leave the leaves" has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard.
Today's guest
Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards.
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
The impact that leaving your leaves can have on the numbers and diversity of insects and spiders in your yard.
How removing your leaves can impact soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter.
Practical, easy steps you can take even if you can't leave all your leaves.
Bonus content
The Difference That Leaving Your Leaves Makes


Resources Max mentioned:
Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects
Legacy effects of long-term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards


Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:
Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz
Backyard Ecology™ Community 
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects. 
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it.
How to incorporate it into your garden.
What to watch out for when purchasing black-eyed Susan.
Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:
Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz
Backyard Ecology™ Community 
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.