Today's episode is a special one! Julia, Andrew, and Mason are joined by their very first (out of office) special guest: Marcus Long, Urban Soil Conservationist for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Marcus and the Dream Team discuss why the Conservation Commission formed and some of the services and programs run by the Commission. One of these programs is the incredible Yard-By-Yard program!

Earth Kind 2026

Yard-By-Yard: A Community Resiliency Project

Oklahoma Conservation Commission

History of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission

On today's episode, Julia, Andrew, and special guest Lili LeClaire dive into the language of flowers and how they have been used to communicate throughout history. So grab your Valentine and curl up for this special Valentine's Day episode.

Sources Discussed:

HLA-6425: Annual Flowers for Specific Uses in Oklahoma

HLA-6426: The Handling and Care of Cut Flowers

"Valentine's Day and the Gains from Agricultural Trade: Cut Flowers in the US"

"Would Valentine's Day exist without the Red Rose"

On today's special episode, Andrew, Julia, and Mason discuss the Oklahoma Mesonet and its importance to Oklahoman's daily life, whether you're in agriculture or not!

Oklahoma Mesonet Site

Mesonet Irrigation Planner

How to Use the Irrigation Planner

History of the Mesonet

On today's festive episode, Julia, Mason, and Andrew discuss the mysteries of mistletoe. What is its significance in Oklahoma? Why was it important in various points in history? How do you get it off your backyard tree? Tune in to find out!

Related Articles and Fact Sheets:

Mistletoe Science and Folklore

Drualus (Mistletoe): The Sacred Plant of Druids

Mystical Mistletoe (Norfolk Botanical Garden)

Mistletoes (University of California)

Mistletoe (Oklahoma Historical Society)

Mistletoe (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

On today’s special episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discussed algae and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and how they impact local water quality. They explained what causes harmful algal blooms and shared practical best management practices including reducing excess fertilizer, managing runoff, and protecting vegetated buffers.. The team emphasized how simple, research-based actions can make a big difference in keeping our waterways healthy.

Related Fact Sheets:

NREM-9213: Toxic Blue-Green Algal Blooms

NREM-9223: Fish Kills

NREM-9211: Pond Plants

NREM-9206: Common Pond Problems

In this creepy and crawly episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason dig into the world of common garden pests. From insects that nibble on leaves to critters that sneak into houseplants, they share practical, research-based strategies for identifying problems early and managing pests in ways that protect both your plants and the environment. Whether it’s preventing infestations, encouraging beneficial insects, or exploring eco-friendly control options, this conversation offers simple steps gardeners can take to keep their landscapes healthy without relying on harsh chemicals.

Related Fact Sheets:

HLA-6432: Mechanical Pest Controls

HLA-6446: Augmentation Biological Control Practices for the Home Landscape

HLA-6433: Botanical Pest Controls

HLA-6431: Cultural Control Practices

HLA-6447: Conservation for the Home Landscape

EPP-7306: Ornamental and Lawn Pest Control

EPP-7312: Household Pest Control

EPP-7450: Safe Use of Pesticides in the Home and Garden

In this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason sit down to share practical tips and tricks for helping plants make the seasonal transition from outdoors to indoors. They discuss the importance of timing, such as bringing plants in not too early and not too late, and offer guidance on keeping them healthy through shorter days, lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and watering adjustments.

Related Fact Sheets:

HLA-6411: Houseplant Care

HLA-6458: Container Gardening

HLA-6461: Basic Plant Care

On the first-ever two-part episode for the podcast, Andrew, Julia, and Mason continue their conversation on helping your lawn beat the heat. In this installment, they focus on turfgrass. They share some tips on how to keep your yard healthy and resilient while staying mindful of water conservation.

Related Fact Sheets:

HLA-6476: Preparing Your Lawn for Drought

CCR-6609: Commercial Source of Buffalograss Seed, Sod and Plugs

L-437: Turfgrass Management in Oklahoma

HLA-6418: Selecting a Lawn Grass for Oklahoma

HLA-6419: Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma

HLA-6608: Managing Turfgrass in the Shade in Oklahoma