Advertise on podcast: Conversing with Nature

On this episode, we are joined by Shannon Wilson, program manager of sustainability for Milo's Tea Company. As Shannon describes the history and core values of Milo's - especially their use of simple, quality ingredients and their dedication to their employees - we see how a dual focus on people and nature can help a company thrive. Through their zero waste initiative, water stewardship goals, purposeful partnerships, and community outreach efforts, Milo's is continually investing in the communities and ecosystems around them, setting an example that, with a little bit of effort, conservation and commerce can happily coexist. -- 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 Kate Ancaya, founding partner and design principal at Living Roofs, Inc., a firm out of Asheville, NC that specializes in creating green roofs and landscape on structure. As Kate dives into building plant communities in unlikely spaces, she explains the beauty and benefits behind this growing method of infrastructure and resilience. Kate reminds us that resilience starts in our backyards (or roofs!) and as we bring nature back into our everyday lives - whether that's through a living roof or a pollinator garden - we can shift nature-based designs from simply being accepted in our communities to becoming the standard. -- 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 two of The Nature Conservancy's leaders in South Carolina land protection: Katy McWilliams, the director of land protection, and Dr. David Bishop, senior project director. Together, Katy and David explain how The Nature Conservancy (and partners) are investing in land protection across the state to protect South Carolina's wild places through land purchases and conservation easements. As Katy and David explain their process of identifying, protecting, restoring, and maintaining these unique spaces, we are reminded that land protection isn't just about promoting biodiversity or maintaining wildlife corridors, it's also about us - how the preservation of these lands leaves behind a legacy of clean water, fresh air, and open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. Learn more: Explore more of South Carolina’s protected lands on The Nature Conservancy’s Land Protection Dashboard.Visit the South Carolina Heritage Trust to discover a heritage preserve near you.-- 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 April Magill, the owner of Root Down Designs, an architectural firm focused on sustainable design; April is also the executive director of the non-profit Root Down Building Collective, which provides architectural services, consulting, and house plans for climate-smart structures. An advocate for natural building materials, April explains how plant-based and mineral-based building products help reduce our carbon footprint, increase building performance, and are better for our health than commonly used plastic-based products. As April navigates this growing movement of sustainable design for us, she reminds us of two very important things: 1) making even one sustainable building choice matters and 2) community building, skill building, and empowerment work together to elevate the health of our neighbors and our environment. Learn more: For more information on natural building materials, check out the US Hemp Building Association.(Coming soon!) Be sure to check out Root Down Building Collective's "Events" page throughout the year to discover new women-centered programming. -- 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 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_project Upcoming 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.

On this episode, we are joined by Zack Snipes, co-owner of Shoreline Restoration Group (SRG), a Charleston, SC-based company that promotes thriving and resilient landscapes by preserving and stabilizing Lowcountry shorelines. As Zack walks us through SRG's history and the need for nature-based solutions in South Carolina (including the value of native stormwater buffers), he reminds us of the need for clear communication and education and the need to plan (and budget for!) maintenance. Through SRG's work, we see a beautiful example of what can happen when a handful of people who really care about nature come together with a commitment to producing healthy ecosystems. -- 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 our first episode of season 3, we sit down with Gillian Zettler, cofounder of The Drop In, a Charleston, SC-based movement studio that seeks to cultivate human connection and community resilience by growing individual wellness. As Gillian talks about movement, green spaces, and vulnerability, we are reminded that when we invest in people, we are investing in nature as well. Through her love of nature and her passion for both people and wellness, Gillian inspires us to be human pollinators who build personal, community, and natural resilience through our daily actions. -- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Dr. Liz Fly and 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 the Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.

On this episode, we are joined by Andy Hollis, the manager of the Shellfish Management Section at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Andy transports us to South Carolina's vast system of estuaries as he describes the South Carolina oyster: its history, its impact on the Lowcountry's landscape and culture, its role as a habitat and a resource, and how SCDNR is working to manage the fishery and restore oyster beds across the coast. Through his passion and deep knowledge of this pivotal creature, Andy reminds us to respect and value the oyster and to always recycle your oyster shells! Learn more: Buy a saltwater fishing license.Learn more about SCDNR's Shellfish Management Section, view recreational oyster harvest maps, find oyster shell drop-off locations, and more.Volunteer with SCORE.Check out the video of Andy's interview on the "Put 'em Back" podcast by Toadfish. --- Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl and Dr. Liz Fly, 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. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we sit down with Mary Edna Fraser, a Charleston-based artist and environmental activist. An expert on the ancient method of Batik on silk, Mary Edna makes the artist's case for nature by bridging art and science to bring messages of conservation, stewardship, and environmental awareness to her art. As Mary Edna walks us through her design process and discusses her scientific collaborations, she inspires us to make art (and do it as much as possible!), to be proactive for the things we care about, to be adventurous, and to never stop learning. To learn more about Mary Edna Fraser: Visit her website (MaryEdna.com)Check out her YouTube Channel (@MaryEdnaFraser)Explore her advocacy website (DeleteApathy.com)Sign up for her course at John C Campbell Folk School this October titled “Mapping Your Personal Landscape-Batik on Silk” -- 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. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

This episode honors Dale Morris, the former Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Charleston and co-founder of the Dutch Dialogues. Dale passed away unexpectedly just 4 days after this interview. With permission from his family, we have released this episode to honor the incredible work Dale achieved throughout his life as well as to showcase the passionate, charismatic, and kind person that Dale was. A renowned advocate for resilience, Dale educates us on living with water, the lasting impact of the Dutch Dialogues, and the urgent need to show people the relevance and effectiveness of nature-based solutions. Dale dives into Charleston’s resilience strategy, exploring how the city may adapt in the future to live with water. Featuring insights into Charleston’s recent Water Plan as well as its most “misunderstood” project (the Coastal Storm Risk Management Study), Dale prompts us to remember our own love of Mother Nature and urges us to incorporate nature-based solutions into relevant spaces. Through his stories and insight, we get a glimpse of a world that respects nature, protects infrastructure, and values people, giving us hope that together we can find a way to be resilient. Learn more: Rebuild by DesignNRDCWaggonner & Ball Dutch DialoguesThe Charleston Water Plan (storymap)Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Project Want to jump to a specific part of the episode? 3:04 - Dale’s path to the Dutch Embassy and the Netherlands relationship with water 11:05 - The Dutch Dialogues 34:53 - Charleston’s Water Plan 42:10 - Nature-based solutions in Charleston’s Resilience Strategy 48:20 - Economic benefits of nature-based solutions 51:40- Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Study 1:03:47 - How can other cities learn from Charleston? 1:10:18 - Dale’s reflection on his path forward -- 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. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.

On this episode, we are joined by Leslie Skardon, the chief executive officer at Sustain SC, which works to ensure a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment. As Leslie describes Sustain SC’s mission and roadmap, she dives into what it means for businesses to be both sustainable and profitable. (Hint: choosing the environment can also mean choosing profit!) Covering topics on energy, conservation, innovation, collaboration, metrics, and even some recent poll results, Leslie gives us hope that together we can see sustainable businesses, a resilient state, and a healthy environment. Learn more: The Roadmap to Sustain SCSustainability Leadership Initiative --- 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. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.