The Nature Connection

This week, my very special guest is Michelle Wiessner, Director of Education at Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair, New Jersey. We talk about the gardens, the work her education team does, and what's growing this season, plus how Van Vleck connects people of all ages with plants and the outdoors.

Don, Marie and Tammy will discuss how to prepare your backyard wildlife habitats for the fall and winter season and why it’s so important to make your surroundings wildlife-friendly, especially during these tough seasons.

Marie, among her many BCAS duties, is in charge of the BCAS Certified Wildlife Garden Program. Tammy is a master gardener and head volunteer coordinator at the BCAS Butterfly Garden in Overpeck County Park in Leonia.

Guest Jeffrey Train, co-founder of Our Tern, talks about how an effort to advocate for Hoboken’s honorary bird, the Common Tern, has TERNed into a much larger mission dedicated to protecting and celebrating nature and wildlife.

Guest Gabrielle Bennett-Meany is a member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), where she works to support the Authority’s mission and its commitment to the Meadowlands District.

Guest Kim Korth, the NJDEP State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, discusses wildlife conservation efforts and strategies for protecting New Jersey’s natural habitats.

Guest James Falletti is an award-winning environmental communicator, wildlife photographer, science educator, writer, author, and speaker based in New Jersey. Through James Falletti Photography, he combines conservation storytelling, environmental education, photography, and public engagement to help people connect more deeply with birds, wildlife, biodiversity, sustainability, and the natural world.

Guest Jim Wright and we talk about his amazing new book "The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature"

Guests Tammy Laverty and Pat Knight discuss creating a butterfly garden at home, highlighting native plants and tips for supporting butterflies and other pollinators.

Guest Anna Gassip of the Bergen Equestrian Center discusses equine therapy and how the center supports foster children, women’s groups, and veterans through its programs.

Guest Rosetta Arrigo of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center discusses the center’s public benefits, including raptor care, children’s nature programs, and ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Guest Tina Morris discussed her book Return to the Sky: Return of the Bald Eagle and her work helping restore the bald eagle population and bring it back from the brink of extinction.

Guest Mike Turso from NJSEA/MRRI discussed his work with the Meadowlands Research Institute and the comeback of the New Jersey Meadowlands, highlighting the remarkable wildlife that thrives there.

Guest Dr. Cailin O’Connor joined the show to discuss bird banding, bird migration, and conservation issues affecting our local area.

Guest Kim Korth, the NJDEP State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, discusses wildlife conservation efforts and strategies for protecting New Jersey’s natural habitats.

Guest Terry Doss, co-director of the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) and NJSEA employee, leads efforts to preserve, protect, and restore the New Jersey Meadowlands through various conservation projects.

Guest Jim Wright, birding enthusiast and author of The Screech Owl Companion, shares his passion for nature through his books on the New Jersey Meadowlands, Hawk Mountain, Celery Farm Nature Preserve, and Central America’s largest rainforest.

Guest Marie Longo, Education Director for Bergen Audubon talks about Monarch Butterflies, Milkweed, Native plants and more.

Guest Dr. Kathleen Farley, PhD, Executive Director of Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and preserving the legacy of the Teaneck Creek watershed.