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Native Plants, Healthy Planet

230 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.

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Episodes

Into the Weeds with Tama Matsuoka Wong

July 05, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 96.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Tama Matsuoka Wong to discuss how to garden like a forager. Topics include what foraging looks like in different countries and cultures, discovering your middle ground, finding value in what many consider weeds, understanding uses for native plants and not just edibility, and toasting with a native plant mocktail.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Tama Matsuoka Wong here. Have a question or a comment...

The Buzz - Faster than a Burning Bush

June 28, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Who wound Fran up?  Have you entered our contest!  We have Prickly Pear updates!  “That’s Hot” explores some new mentions on the podcast.  “This or That” will leave you speeding through the tall grass.  There are a ton of “Listener Shout Outs"!  "Grow Read a Book" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for the...

Pollinator Week with Heather Holm

June 21, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 90.8 MB

Happy Pollinator Week!  Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Heather Holm to celebrate our native bees and wasps. Topics include debunking popular myths about native bees and wasps, diving deep into specialist bees and parasitoid wasps, exploring soft landings and native plants, and how you can do your part helping native bees.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Heather Holm here. Learn more about American Beauties Native Plants here. H...

The Buzz - The Drunken Dentist

June 14, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 83.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Let's toast Tom's Birthday!  Tom has other news as well!  Have you entered our new contest!  “That’s Hot” involves one plant that will keep mosquitos away and one plant that will keep you away.  “This or That” exposes some of the risks from native plant awareness and green growth.  There are a ton of “Listener Shout Outs!” Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by...

Meet Garden For Wildlife

June 07, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Shubber Ali (CEO - Garden for Wildlife) to discuss helping homeowners create wildlife habitats. Topics include the history of Garden for Wildlife and how their mission has changed over the years, making it easier for homeowners to find native plants, programs for non-profit organizations, ways that Garden for Wildlife give back, and Shubber's unique journey into ecology.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Gar...

The Buzz - Our Ears Were Burning

May 31, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 87 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Were you talking about us?  Tom and Fran discuss the current state of the podcast.  There's also a new contest!  “That’s Hot” involves two plants you may not have in your yard.  “This or That” cuts to the waste.  There are a ton of "Listener Shout Outs!"  What are the most controversial episodes of Native Plants Healthy Planet? Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro mus...

Meet Joey Santore and Al Scorch from Kill Your Lawn

May 24, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joey Santore (Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't and Kill Your Lawn) and Al Scorch (Kill Your Lawn) to talk about killing your lawn. Rants include vacuum cleaners, common names, college students, turf, and you will learn a lot about native plants and ecology.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Kill Your Lawn / Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't Here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native P...

The Buzz - Saving the Buzz

May 17, 2024 11:25 - 1 hour - 87.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have great news!  Listen up for our disclaimer.  Tom spoils Fran with more gifts.  "That's Hot" involves cordial and foam.  "This or That" gives you the short and the long of it.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 3...

Meet TrueBlew Natives

May 10, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Bob Blew (Vice President - Centerton Nurseries) to discuss TrueBlew Natives. Topics include the history of Centerton Nurseries, the inspiration for TrueBlew Natives, the role of native plants in ornamental nurseries, how nurseries factor into to agriculture in the state of NJ, and the future of native plants in the retail market place.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have ...

The Buzz - Buzzed on the Buzz

May 03, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We love when listeners send us native plant based alcoholic drinks!  "That's Hot" involves some follow up this episode.  "This or That" involves government and things across the pond.  Fran comes prepared with a "Grow Read A Book".  How do Tom and Fran feel about No Mow May?  Wait until the end to find out. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Learn m...

The Return of Dr. Michael Curran

April 26, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 83.8 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick reconnect with Dr. Michael Curran (Owner - Abnova Ecological Solutions) to talk about what has happened in his life since his last visit to the podcast a year ago. Topics include work in the NJ Meadowlands, being an expert witness, pipeline work in PA, Exciting work by Dr. Douglas Tallamy, as well as cool new studies coming our of Wyoming.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Abnova Ecological Solutions. - Website Learn mo...

The Buzz - Crunch Time

April 19, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Did the winners claim their books?  "That's Hot" has two great plants this week.  "This or That" highlights a familiar name.  We have a listener question!  Tom and Fran reinforce the concept of kindness and patience. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Learn more about TrueBlew Natives here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a...

Meet Birdsong Landscapes

April 12, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.6 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome Austin Miller of Birdsong Landscapes to talk about meadows at home.  Discussions include what the Ohio Valley looked like before colonization, the popularity of lawn conversions, difficulties with prairie seedings, and how to forage in your own backyard. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men. Follow Birdsong Landscapes - TikTok / Instagram / Facebook View Ernst Seeds Gallery of Native Plant Seedlings Here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-...

The Buzz - Eclipse It

April 05, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 88.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We announce  two winners of autographed copies of Leah Rampy's "Earth and Soul"!  After that we "cut" into "That's Hot".  "This or That" has Tom and Fran going to the same well.  Listener questions lead to Fran and Tom having questions.  Will Tom and Fran EVER answer a "Take it or leaf it"? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a com...

Meat Force of Nature

March 29, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome Taylor Collins (Land Steward/Co-founder) of Roam Ranch and Force of Nature Meats to talk about regenerative agriculture.  Discussions include the beginnings of Roam Ranch, what regenerative agriculture looks like on Roam Ranch, what does the regenerative agriculture movement look like in general, the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, and finding a higher purpose in your surroundings. Learn more about Force of Nature and Where Hope Grows!  Music by Eg...

The Buzz - Saving for the Future

March 22, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 80 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Did you remember that we are giving away autographed books?  We practiced recycling with "That's Hot".  "This or That" has Tom and Fran minds in the invasive sewer.  Will Tom and Fran EVER answer a "Take it or leaf it"?  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Purchase a Thermal Pocket Printer Here. Have a qu...

The Amsonia Trials

March 15, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 76.6 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome back Sam Hoadley (Horticultural Research Manager) from the Mt. Cuba Center about the results of their newly published Amsonia trials.  It's time to get excited about Amsonia!  They discuss which Amsonia performed well and which ones performed better, surprise value of many of the Amsonia species, How species rated in the trials as well as the buzz generated by this timely research. Find out what trials are next!  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men. Fo...

The Buzz - Four Years and Many More

March 08, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 90.7 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Happy Four Years and 200 Episodes!  Did you remember that we are giving away autographed books?  "That's Hot" is a teaser for our next guest.  "This or That" has Tom and Fran questioning EVERYTHING.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Em...

Meet the National Tree Seed Centre, Canada

March 01, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 88 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Melissa Spearing (Seed Biologist) from the National Tree Seed Centre and Dr. Stefan Weber (National Native Seed Strategy Coordinator) from the Canadian Wildlife Federation to discuss the native plant movement in Canada.  Topics include the state of native plants in Canada, biggest threats to their natural areas, the role of the timber industry in the country, and also their journey into ecology. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro musi...

The Buzz - Recycled Topics

February 23, 2024 10:28 - 1 hour - 78.8 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have another Giveaway - and that's not the only announcement!  "That's Hot" puts Tom and Fran in a sticky situation.  "This or That" leaves Fran and Tom so deep down a rabbit hole they almost don't find their way back.  "Grow Read A Book" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article H...

Live from BHWP's 24th Annual Land Ethics Symposium

February 16, 2024 10:41 - 1 hour - 93.1 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick bring The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to a live audience at the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve's 24th Annual Land Ethics Symposium! Tom and Fran lead a Rooted Discussion on The Past, Present, and Future of Native Plants: an Industrial Perspective.  Joining Tom and Fran are Jim MacKenzie (President of Octoraro Native Plant Nursery), John Mark Courtney (Owner of Kind Earth Grower), and Donna Dahringer (Nursery Manager of Bowman's Hill Wildflower P...

The Buzz -Feeding the Grid

February 09, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Pay attention because you will all have homework.  I hope you like follow up because there's lots of it!  "That's Hot" travels different parts of the county.  "This or That" will be a a billion times harder this week.  We have such wonderful listeners that "Listener Shout Outs" keeps getting larger and larger.  We have nothing but thanks for our kind Facebook group.  Are you listening to the end for our secret...

Meet American Beauties Native Plants

February 02, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Steve Castorani of North Creek Nurseries to discuss the story behind American Beauties Native Plants.  Topics include the history of the native plant movement in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, what led to the creation of American Beauties, what American Beauties represents in the market place, and the path American Beauties is taking into the future.  Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow American Beauties...

The Buzz - Disclaimer

January 26, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 89.8 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Can you say technical difficulties?  Fran thanks everyone profusely for their kind words.  There is so much follow up that follow up becomes the topic.  "That's Hot" takes Tom and Fran out of their comfort zone.  "This or That" is the long and short of it.  You are all so kind that "Listener Shout Outs" becomes a main segment.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music b...

Meet Fran Chismar

January 19, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.3 MB

Host Tom Knezick turns the tables and interviews his Co-Host Fran Chismar (Sultan of Sales - Pinelands Nursery).  Topics include Fran's history in the nursery industry, when Fran fell in love with native plants, Fran's journey into finding himself, and Rain Garden or Pollinator Garden. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Fran Chismar Here Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Have a comment?  Email [email protected] Fo...

The Buzz - (kwet-la-SHO-sheet)

January 12, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 83.5 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  No Follow Up turns into listing our conference schedule.  "That's Hot" ties into "This or That" and "Take it or Leaf it".  Thank you for all of your feedback - we are listening!  Tom and Fran follow up on herbalism.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Ban the Sales of Invasive Plants in MD - Facebook  Buy American Dirt Here. Have a question or ...

Journey into Herbalism

January 05, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Amanda Crooke of Locust Light Farm to discuss herbalism.  Topics include how to start your journey into herbalism, Amanda's favorite plants for medicinal use and making tea, and the biggest question - does your native plantings support gnomes? Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Locust Light Farm - Website  Buy The Business of Botanicals Here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Have a ...

The Buzz - Our Top 10 Episodes of All-Time

December 29, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 62.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Follow up makes Tom and Fran Swifties.  "That's Hot" is a berry good time. "Take it or Leaf it" begs "What's in the Bad?".  Tom and Fran discuss the Top 10 Episodes of all-time of the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserves Land Ethic Symposium Here. Learn More abo...

Replaying the Hits - Deer and Native Plants Part 1 and 2

December 22, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 112 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share two of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to help bring you into the Holiday Season. First is Dr. Jay Kelly (Professor of Biology) from Raritan Valley Community College. They discuss the rising deer populations and how they relate to forest health, Predator vs. Prey, what is needed for a healthy ecosystem, and native plants that deer may or may not eat. Up second is Kip Adams (Director of Conservation) from The Quality...

The Buzz - What’s in the Basket?

December 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Follow up sends Tom and Fran back to school.  "That's Hot" is a sticky situation. "Take it or Leaf it" gives a new meaning to gift basket.  "This or That" deals with your small, native plantings and the world of Elderberry.  Tom and Fran talk about shifting planting zones.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Artic...

The Dam Show

December 08, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Geoffrey Goll, President and Founding Principal, at Princeton Hydro to discuss dam removal.  Topics include the history of dams and dam removal, damage dams have done to our ecosystem, qualifying a dam for removal, the challenges and work involved into removing a dam, and favorite success stories along the way. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Princeton Hydro - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram ...

The Buzz - Human Intervention

December 01, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Guess who got their Spotify Wrapped?  "That's Hot" leaves us puzzled. "Take it or Leaf it" is fitting for Fall.  "This or That" leans heavily on human intervention.  Tom and Fran take a deep dive on true intentions.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. F...

The Truth About Mosquito Control

November 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.8 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Beth Yount of Penn State Extension, Philadelphia to discuss the truth about mosquito control.  Topics include misconceptions about spraying for mosquito control, impacts to beneficial mosquitos, the watershed, and food web, natural or less impactful ways to control mosquitos, and talking points if confronted by a salesperson. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Beth Yount - Website  Read Beth's Article H...

The Buzz - Are You Listening?

November 17, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Did we finally give away the last book?   "That's Hot" has us in the red. "Take it or Leaf it" has us asking questions.  Tom and Fran talk about some of their favorite podcasts focusing on native plants.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Don't discount it this time! Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healt...

The Buzz - What’s in the Box?

November 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  It's been a while so let's do some follow up.  Is there still a signed copy of Camille Dungy's "Soil" to give away?  Listen to the secret to find out.  "That's Hot" is gigantic this week. "Take it or Leaf it" has us wondering what's in the box.  Tom and Fran get a surprise email.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? This time, you really want to listen.  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Be...

Meet Project Pawpaw

November 03, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Adam D'Angelo of Project Pawpaw to discuss making pawpaw more accessible.  Topics include Adam's love for pawpaw, the difficulties in getting pawpaw into markets, strengthening the supply chain, advances in breeding, and how you can get involved in the future of pawpaw. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Project Pawpaw - Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok  Have a question or a comment?  C...

Meet Griff Griffith

October 27, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 96 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Griff Griffith of Redwoods Rising and the Jumpstart Nature Podcast to discuss how to spread 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. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Griff Griffith - Website / F...

The Buzz - You Win A Book!

October 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  The wait is over as Tom and Fran announce not one, but two winners who will receive signed copies of Camille Dungy's new book Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden.  "That's Hot" features the idea of a new posse. "Take it or Leaf it" wonders if you should believe everything you read.  Hey, and let's promote a new podcast that is spreading the good word.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? This t...

Live From SER!

October 13, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick bring The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to a live audience at the Society for Ecological Restoration's Mid-Atlantic Conference at the Meadowlands Environmental Center in Lyndhurst, New Jersey! Tom and Fran connect with Rebecca Swadek, CERP (Director of Wetlands Management) from NYC Parks to discuss what makes the wetlands of NYC unique.  Also discussed is the importance of wetlands in urban environments, the challenges of keeping the city's wetlands ...

The Buzz - A Blast from the Past

October 06, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 93.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  The show kicks off with an assessment of the Society of Ecological Restoration's Mid-Atlantic Conference.  "That's Hot" features berries and flowers.  "This or That" deals with tissue and fungi and marshes.  Oh My! "Take it or Leaf it" comes back to us from the past.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Ha...

Meet Birdscaping Industries

September 29, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 90.3 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Tim Mack (Owner) of Birdscaping Industries to discuss how to be popular with birds.  Topics include finding connections with nature, the importance of native plants to birds, improving more than just birds populations, how to get started on your journey, and remembering that we are all a part of nature. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Tim Mack - Website / LinkedIn  Have a question or a comment?  Call...

The Buzz - Connected at the Pedicel

September 22, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  How long should it take before Tom and Fran start talking about native plants?  "That's Hot" features Tom and Tom.  "This or That" sparks a future episode and some great questions. "Take it or Leaf it" is a video daily double.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 3...

Meet Camille Dungy

September 15, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 80.4 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Camille Dungy (Author and Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University) to discuss her new book Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden.  Topics include the inspiration for Soil, the progress of "The Prairie Project", finding one's relationship with nature, different voices in the environmental world, and improving equity in nature.  Listen to find out how to win a signed copy of Soil. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro mus...

The Buzz - Native Plant Rant

September 08, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We start off sidetracked right out of the gate! "That's Hot" has a number of surprises.  "This or That" ignites a native plant rant.  If you want sound bytes have we got a few for you. "Take it or Leaf it" asks an itchy questions.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (21...

Meet Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

September 01, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 79.4 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Mike O'Malley (Executive Director), Lori Swanson (Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation), and Erin Kiefer-Rounds (Director of Education) from Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Topics include the history of the refuge, The plethora of programs the refuge offers, passionate volunteers, the importance of education, the challenges of wildlife rehabilitation, and how you can help.  Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. ...

The Buzz - Dune

August 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MB

 Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz - and new nicknames. "That's Hot" takes a Hot new perspective.  "This or That" picks up after itself. "Take it or Leaf it" stings just a little.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / Yo...

Meet TerraCycle

August 18, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 83.4 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Eric Ascalon (Global Director of Community Development & Strategic Partnerships) of TerraCycle to discuss recycling. Topics include the beginnings of TerraCycle and their journey to today, the difference between TerraCycle and municipal recycling programs, programs and innovations that TerraCycle offers, challenges in today's world, and the future of recycling.  Find out how you can get involved!  Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro mu...

The Buzz - Back to the Grind

August 11, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

Hey!  Remember us?  We're Baaaack!!!  Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  You bought merch, now we have a donation!  Find out who the recipient is.  There is a lot of things to cover before getting to "That's Hot".  "This or That" explores finds and findings. "Take it or Leaf it" hits with a bang.  The question and comment line has lit up and we have responses.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by...

Replaying the Hits - Claudia West and Benjamin Vogt

August 04, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 137 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share two of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to help bring you into the Summer Season. First is Claudia West (Principal at Phyto Studio) Co-Author of Planting in a Post Wild World.  They discuss the principals of Ornamental design and Ecological design and how the two can work together, listening to what plants have to say, what's next for the author and Claudia gives design tips for the budding native gardener. Up second...

Meet Andrew The Arborist

July 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 82.1 MB

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Andrew Conboy (Andrew The Arborist) to 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.  Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Andrew Conboy - Instagram / TikTok / YouTube  Follow Colonial Canopy Trees - Website / Facebook / Instagram  ...

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