Summary

In this episode, we focus on the fascinating world of moths and why gardening for moths is so im-portant for any backyard ecologist. We also talk about specific native plants grow to attract moths, simple ways to observe moths, practical tips for photographing moths at night, and much more. From pollination by fuzzy moth eyeballs to carnivorous moth caterpillars, this episode is full of sto-ries and information you won’t want to miss.

Today’s guest

Jim McCormac is an author, photographer, and conservationist. He worked for the Ohio Depart-ment of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife diversity pro-jects for the Division of Wildlife. Jim has authored or co-authored several books including Garden-ing for Moths: A Regional Guide.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode

• Why moths are so important to the ecosystem.
• Actionable tips on how to garden for moths.
• Simple ways to easily attract and photograph moths at night.

Bonus content

• Jim’s Tips for Observing and Photographing Moths

Resources Jim mentioned

• Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide*
• Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History*
• A Naturalist's Guide to the Odonata of Ohio*
• Jim’s photography website
• Jim’s blog
• Mothapalooza

* affiliate links – 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.

Other Backyard Ecology resources

• Discover Your Next Steps
• Sedge vs Rush vs Grass Learn the SECRET to Tell Them Apart!

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

Our native Vacciniums, what we commonly call the blueberries, are keystone plants which support tons of pollinators and wildlife. They also produce yummy berries which we can eat. In this episode, we talk about 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode:

• The ecological importance of blueberries.
• Special considerations you need to consider when growing blueberries in the home landscape.
• A short overview of 9 species that are native to at least some part of the eastern U.S., and are relatively easy to find for sale at native plant nurseries.

Other Backyard Ecology™ resources

• Discover Your Next Steps
• 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

Milkweeds are a common component of butterfly and pollinator gardens. Not only are they important for monarch caterpillars, but they are also used by a wide variety of pollinators. There are lots of different species of milkweed that are native to the eastern U.S. and have the potential to work really well in home gardens. In this episode we discuss 10 species that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and responsible ways to obtain those species.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode:

• Why it is important to choose milkweed species that are native to where you live.
• Responsible ways to obtain milkweed seeds or plants.
• A short overview of 10 species of milkweeds that are native to most of the eastern U.S. and the pros and cons of using each species in your home garden.

Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:

• Discover Your Next Steps
• Doug Tallamy on the Cultivar vs Wild Type Debate!
• Join the 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.