Native Plants, Healthy Planet

Replaying the Hits with Owen Wormser 03.07.2026 1h 36min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives. In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with Owen Wormser (Author of Lawns into Meadows) of Abound Design. They discuss Owen's unique upbringing, the importance of meadows and their benefits, ecological facts about maintaining turf grass, and native plants to help turn your meadows into a reality.

The Buzz - Bad Crotches 26.06.2026 1h 9min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” spills the tea and even adds honey. “This or That” speaks to preservation and understanding. “Listener Shoutouts” gets hype and “This or That” takes an unexpected turn. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

Leaving the Land Better Than We Found it with Kyle Wendtland 19.06.2026 1h 18min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kyle Wendtland (Wyoming Energy Authority Director of Fossil Fuel Development) to discuss reclamation work in the state of Wyoming. Topics include the biggest threats to Wyoming's ecosystems, the challenges of recreating sagebrush ecosystems and the presence of large animals, how the reclamation industry has changed over the decades, the role reclamation plays toward Wyoming's youth, and examining what the future of reclamation might look like.

The Buzz - Growing Together 12.06.2026 1h 27min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” highlights some backyard favorites. “This or That” speaks to Darwin and Gauwane. “Listener Shoutouts” gives gratitude and respect and "This or That" makes a triumphant return. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

The Beasts from the East with Andrew Moore 05.06.2026 1h 21min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Andrew More (Author Pawpaw: In Search of America’s Forgotten Fruit) to discuss his new book The Beasts of the East: The Fall and Rise of America’s Eastern Wilderness. Topics include doing justice to ecological events through research, collaboration in the field of restoration ecology, the importance of large animals to our ecological web, and signs of hope in our ecological future.

The Buzz - Thanks For Your Comments 29.05.2026 1h 36min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” highlights a memorial and a tribute. “This or That” questions how we look at restoration. “Listener Shoutouts” spark some great questions and “Grow Read A Book” makes a triumphant return!

Skype a Scientist with Sarah McAnulty 22.05.2026 1h 22min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Sarah McAnulty (Biologist and Executive Director of Skype a Scientist) to discuss Squid and Native Plants in urban setting. Topics include making science accessible to schools, getting the idea of native plants to an unsuspecting patron, marketing in unconventional ways, and the connection between education and art.

Remembering Captain Al Modjeski 15.05.2026 1h 11min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes from the Native Plants Healthy Planet Archives by remembering Captain Al Modjeski of the American Littoral Society. In this episode, Tom and Fran talk with Captain Al about coastal resiliency. Topics include the history of the American Littoral Society, how oysters and Christmas Trees both help in coastal resiliency, the importance of collaboration and community, as well as how you can make a difference.

Land Stewardship Planning with Charlotte Lorick 08.05.2026 1h 29min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Charlotte Lorick (Head of Biodiversity Conservation at Oak Spring Garden Foundation) to discuss collaboration in Land Stewardship Planning. Topics include finding your inner Plant Whisperer, misconceptions about land stewardship planning, plant blindness, and tips on starting your own land stewardship plan.

The Buzz - The Trees Have Eyes 01.05.2026 1h 16min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. What is the demographic this month and does it include jokes?. “That’s Hot” highlights some great spring blooms. “This or That” both feature how plants interact. We have plenty of "Listener Shoutouts" and "This or That" makes a triumphant return!

Collaboration in Ecology with Douglas Tallamy, Michael Curran, and Timothy Robinson 24.04.2026 1h 20min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Doug Tallamy (Author, Homegrown National Park, and Professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware), Michael Curran (CEO Abnova Ecological Solutions) and Timothy Robinson (Professor in the University of Wyoming Department of Mathematics and Statistics) to discuss collaboration in ecology. Topics include the collaboration between our guests, influence and legacy, the importance of funding and results, Climate Change, and AI in research.

The Buzz - Native Plant Month 17.04.2026 1h 6min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Is there a new host?!? Welcome to Native Plant Month. “That’s Hot” highlights a listener suggestion. “This or That” highlights a community that hurts and a community that helps. Tom and Fran are boots to the ground with a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

Education and Community with Beth Ginter of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council 10.04.2026 1h 16min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Beth Ginter (Executive Director) of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, to discuss education, community, and quality in stewardship. Topics include the beginnings of the CCLC, the importance of the Turning a New Leaf Conference, why training matters, and how you can become involved.

The Buzz - A Ribbiting Experience 03.04.2026 59min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Did you hear? The Buzz is HOT! Welcome to National Frog Month. “That’s Hot” highlights emerging color. “This or That” tackles theft and highlights a former guest. Tom and Fran get stuck with a Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference Part 2 with Joshua Moody 27.03.2026 1h 4min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Joshua Moody (Research Scientist at NJDEP), to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, the wonders of Atlantic White Cedar habitat, Josh's journey through ecology, and the promise of a better future.

The Buzz - If You Think Native Plants are Boring, You're in Luck! 20.03.2026 1h 11min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It’s still conference season! Tom shares his experience at his latest speaking engagement. “That’s Hot” is sticky in more ways than one. “This or That” tackles biodiversity, or lack thereof. Tom and Fran sink into a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our secret?

NJ Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference with Terry Doss and Amanda Archer 13.03.2026 1h 2min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Terry Doss (Co-Director and Chief Restoration Scientist) of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute, and Amanda Archer (Coastal Training & Engagement Coordinator) of Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, to discuss Coastal Resilience. Topics include Coastal Resilience, the NJCCRC Conference and the importance of collaboration, educating about climate change, the RISING workshop, and the promise of a better future.

The Buzz - Can You Smell That Smell? 06.03.2026 1h 32min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. It's conference season! We have a Canada Goose update. “That’s Hot” is touring the Southern United States. “This or That” tackles Climate Change and Urban Endangered Plants. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Can you smell what Tom and Fran are cooking? Are you listening to the end for our secret?

Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers 27.02.2026 1h 33min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Fred Lubnow (Senior Technical Director) of Princeton Hydro, and Jenn Rogers (Executive Director) of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, to discuss Harmful Algal Blooms. Topics include What is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and what does it mean for you, how and why do HAB's occur, what technology is used to monitor and prevent them from occurring, and how you can make a difference in your every day life.

The Buzz - Caaryaaa! 20.02.2026 1h 14min

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Tom and Fran spill the tea. “That’s Hot” pits Northeast vs Southwest. “This or That” travels abroad so make sure you check travel times. Tom and Fran have a new Mt. Rushmore. Are you listening to the end for our musical secret?