Episodes
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On this episode, we welcome Marilyn Hemingway, the founder and president of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce. Marilyn talks about the history and legacy of the Gullah Geechee people in the U.S. and worldwide, and explains how nature plays an important role in their culture and communities. Marilyn's passion for the environment is evident as she discusses the Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail, the Gullah Geechee Environmental and Energy Conference, and other initiatives the Chamber is pursuing to support local communities, while also encouraging each one of us to find our journey, build our confidence, be intentional, and make an impact in our own communities.
Learn more about the Gullah Geechee:
Hiking Groups: Outdoor Afros and Girl Trek
Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation
Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail
Gullah Geechee Nation
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor National Heritage Area
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we sit down with Jared Bramblett, a senior water resources engineer at Moffatt and Nichol. Jared reveals how he uses his passion for photography to connect people with the science behind flooding in the Lowcountry while also offering suggestions on how to incorporate water into the build environment. Jared's training as an engineer combined with his interest in green infrastructure gives him a unique perspective to help communities plan, design, and learn to live with water on large and small scales.
Learn more:
â Mean High Waterâ (website)
â Mean High Waterâ (Instagram)
â Imagining our Future with Water | Jared Bramblett | TEDxCharlestonâ
Christina Rae Butlerâs book, Lowcountry at High Tide: A History of Flooding, Drainage, and Reclamation in Charleston, South Carolina
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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Missing episodes?
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On this episode, we are joined by Kate Quigley, a natural resource and environmental economist with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management. Kate unveils what the study of economics is really about (hint: it's not just about money!) and explains how economists like herself study marine and coastal ecosystems to determine their value. Kate highlights some common economic valuation tools while also describing the importance of finding the co-benefits of natural systems, the need to tell nature stories using more than just numbers, and why our choices (such as how we spend our time and money) can show how much we support nature.
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Conversing with Nature is hosted and edited by 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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Zucker, Chairman of Z-Man Fishing Products and board chair for the South Carolina Aquarium. As a businessman, conservationist, and education advocate, Jonathan is a prime example of how a love of nature can permeate everything we do, from our work to our community involvement and our hobbies. Jonathan's passion for resilient ecosystems and communities is infectious as he describes his efforts to revolutionize the fishing industry, support education efforts at the South Carolina Aquarium and beyond, protect his own backyard, and scuba dive in faraway places.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we are joined by Keisha Long, the environmental justice coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). Keisha demystifies what âenvironmental justiceâ means (including what it means to be an EJ Community) and delves into the ways that SC DHECâs EJ Strong initiative is working to support EJ Communities in South Carolina. Keishaâs engineering background coupled with her love for people and nature conveys the need to blend environmental justice with nature-based solutions and the far-reaching impacts of that action.
Learn more:
SC DHECâs EJ Strong Initiative
SC Food Access Map & Clemson Rural Health Locations
EJ Strong Free Online Learning Module: Strengthening Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction, Response & Recovery
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit ww.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we talk to Rick Huffman, a landscape architect and the founder of Earth Design. A conservation advocate and founder of the South Carolina Native Plant Society, Rick illustrates the beauty and biodiversity of life in the South Carolina upstate while also explaining the importance of environmental education and exposure to nature. Rick's enthusiasm for science, native plants, and applied ecology shines a light on the need for actionable sustainability and how hard-work and persistence have led to changes within the landscape industry.
Learn more about the South Carolina Native Plant Society and the ASLA SITES Initiative.
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Conversing with Nature is hosted and edited by 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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we welcome Emily Bentley, chief of recovery and mitigation for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). Emily explains what the SCEMD does for the state, the differences and similarities between recovery work and mitigation work, and why both aspects of emergency management need high levels of collaboration. Emily brings her love of nature to the discussion as she talks about the benefits of nature-based solutions and how important it is for us to work with nature, rather than against it.
Learn more about the Conway project, the first nature-based solution in SC supported by FEMA funding.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we sit down with Mayor Frank McClary, a retired United States Army Colonel and the current mayor of Andrews, SC. Mayor McClary explains some of the resilience challenges and opportunities that are present in Andrews and how the town is tackling flooding, educating the community, and prioritizing the inclusion of nature-based design. Mayor McClary also talks about the town's new revisioning and revitalization plan and how they are planning for the new Black River State Park.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we welcome Kim Morganello, a senior project manager at Weston & Sampsonâ . Kim shares her findings from a study on Folly Beach that show how nature truly is resilient, and that we can draw inspiration from the resilience of nature and people during difficult times. Kim brings herpast experiences as a biologist, educator, and urban designer to the conversation as she and Liz discuss the changing views towards green infrastructure, Clemson Extension's master rain gardener program, and Kim's desire to never stop exploring.
Explore Clemson Extensionâs Carolina Rain Garden Initiative.
Learn about Weston & Sampsonâs Resilient Design work.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we are joined by Michael Hodges, an oyster restoration biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). Michael talks all things oysters: their benefits, their history in South Carolina, and how SC DNR is managing them today. Michael also describes the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE), how important community-based restoration is, and how YOU can recycle your oyster shells!
To learn more about saltwater fishing and oyster permits, visit http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/.
Visit SCORE's website to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in volunteering with the SCORE program, email them at [email protected] to sign up.---
Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Editing for this episode was done by Dr. Liz Fly with original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we are joined by Alex Butler, the resilience planning director for the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). Liz and Alex dive into the history and purpose of SCOR as well as the contents and recommendations included in their recently released Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan. Alex also shares how SCOR is using nature-based solutions to address flooding and other hazards and describes specific projects and next steps to enhance community resilience across the state.
For more information on the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, visit SCOR's Resilience Planning page.
Decoding acronyms:
SCOR - South Carolina Office of Resilience
HUD - United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
CDBG-DR - Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery
CDBG-MIT - Community Development Block Grant Mitigation
ARPA - American Rescue Plan
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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In the second half of our two-part episode with Cheryl Cail, southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People, Liz and Cheryl explore the history of the Waccamaw Indian People and the challenges of meaningful and intentional community engagement. Cheryl also explains the history and impact of PFAS and finding ways to improve existing social and political systems while enhancing our connection to nature.
For more information on tribal communities in South Carolina, visit the SC Commission of Minority Affairs Native American Affairs Division.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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In the first of this two-part episode, we are joined by Cheryl Cail, the southeast conservation associate director for American Rivers and vice-chief of the Waccamaw Indian People. Cheryl talks about her life-long curiosity for nature, the impact our past experiences and ancestors can have on us in the present, the meaning of resilience, and how to address inequities.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode of Conversing with Nature, Liz is joined by Jen Howard, a principal at Steward Terra Communications. Jen explains the importance and impact of nature stories, including what makes a good conservation success story, what words are valuable to use, and why it is beneficial to get outside and experience nature for yourself.
Resources: South Carolina Land Trust Network
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On this episode, we are joined by Howard Schnabolk, a habitat restoration specialist for the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center. Liz and Howard talk about federal funding priorities and opportunities for nature-based solutions, including suggestions for strong applications, connections to DEIJ, and some nature-based projects that NOAA has funded in South Carolina.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On our third episode, we welcome Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina. Liz and Dale talk about soil conservation and agriculture in South Carolina and the many benefits of prescribed fire. Dale shares her thoughts on conservation leadership, diversity within the field of conservation, and her passion for fishing!
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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On our second episode, we are joined by Erin Stevens, the founder and president of Surculus, a landscape architecture firm based in Charleston, SC. Liz and Erin discuss all things native plants: their benefits and role in the ecosystem; the importance of educating clients and engaging the public in native plant gardens; and how Erin found her calling in landscape architecture.
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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 Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
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Welcome to the first episode of Conversing with Nature! Wewelcome Keith Bowers, the founder and president of Biohabitats. Liz and Keith discuss landscape scale protection and restoration, and the importance of reconnecting people to nature. Keith shares his views on watershed planning, environmental justice, and the importance of incorporating nature-based approaches, biodiversity, and climate adaptation into local planning and zoning.
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Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited byNicole Pehl, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by Honda. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
