Conversing with Nature

On this exciting crossover episode we welcome Rick Crawford, the president of Emerger Strategies and host of the wildly popular podcast, The Sustainable Angler. A lover of all things fishing, Rick talks about his efforts to educate and excite anglers and businesses to take positive action towards sustainability. Together, Liz and Rick explore what it looks like when science, conservation, business, and the bottom line come together for the betterment of our society and the environment. As we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things – our business practices and supply chain choices, reducing emissions, combating biodiversity loss, and conserving nature – we see that this is an area where all people from all types of industries and interests can unite for a common goal. Want to learn more about how we can bridge the gap between nature-based solutions and business? Rick and Liz will be teaming up for a follow-up episode in the near future. Leave a comment if there is a topic or question you would like them to discuss.--Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

On this episode, we welcome Jesse Blom, the executive director of the Green Heart Project, an organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate and connect people in Charleston, SC. As Jesse describes the benefits of urban agriculture and school garden programs, he celebrates food, not just as a source of nutrition, but also for its role in bringing people together across neighborhoods and generations and for its ability to help us maintain cultural traditions. Everyone benefits from nature-based experiences, and spending time in the garden (no matter how small the garden) is one way that we can instill a love of nature (and a love of vegetables) in ourselves and our communities. --Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Susan Johnson, the founder and CEO of Nature at Work, a statewide initiative working to improve workplace wellbeing through an intentional connection with nature. As Susan draws parallels between human health, the workplace environment, and the benefits of being surrounded by nature, she reinforces what many of us already know: nature makes us healthier, happier, smarter, and better stewards of our environment. In describing the Nature at Work framework, Susan reminds us that there are many ways we can incorporate nature into our lives – both at work and at home, through our design choices and our behaviors – and that the investment in nature (and ultimately ourselves) is well worth it.  Learn more:Check out the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge.View the Nature Pyramid in this article by The Nature Conservancy’s New Mexico chapter that offers some tips on tapping into nature’s benefits.-- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

On this episode, we welcome Maeve Snyder, the owner of SnailSeed Native Plants in Myrtle Beach, SC. As Maeve describes the many benefits of native plants, the science behind genetic diversity, and the artistry of designing a beautiful garden, she teaches us that a native plant garden is something we can all do to create spectacular places of beauty, biodiversity, and restoration. Through Maeve’s passion for native plants and her dedication to seeing them thrive in communities around the world, we are reminded of our connection to nature, and that with a little work and dedication we can all make a positive impact on the unique ecosystems that surround us. Interested in expanding your native plant knowledge? Maeve recommends:Read Doug Tallamy's book Nature's Best HopeGet involved with your local chapter of the Native Plant SocietyLook for local field guides about the ecosystem where you liveCheck out Greening Your Space from North Carolina Sea Grant to find plants perfect for your container garden---Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

On this episode, we are joined by the three founders of The M.A.R.S.H. Project: Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez. A grassroots and community program focused on revitalizing and advocating for Charleston's unique marsh ecosystems, The M.A.R.S.H. Project provides opportunities for neighbors to gather for cleanups, plant native plant gardens, be inspired through art and storytelling, and enjoy time together in nature. This group of friends proves that with a little dedication, a lot of passion, and a dose of positivity, it is possible to shift baselines at the community level and dream a better future into being through individual and collective action.Learn more:To join Charleston's Ecological Corridor, visit https://themarshproject.com/join.Follow them on Instagram @marsh_projectUpcoming events:Oct 16: Hed Hi Studio Film Screening & TalkOct 20: Planting a demonstration garden at the College of CharlestonNov 20: Marsh cleanup--Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.