This episode of *Change Hampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time* features writer and activist **Bill McKibben**, discussing his memoir *The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon*. McKibben reflects on his suburban childhood in Lexington, Massachusetts, and how the U.S. shifted from community-minded values in the 1960s–70s toward hyper-individualism, inequality, weakened democracy, and climate inaction. He critiques the legacy of the Reagan era, the role of suburbanization in eroding community, and the shift in Christianity from communal to individual salvation.
McKibben underscores the stakes of climate change, praising the Inflation Reduction Act as a long-awaited but partial step forward. He imagines how different the world might have been had Jimmy Carter’s renewable energy vision prevailed. He also describes his work organizing seniors through **Third Act**, mobilizing their political and financial influence to protect democracy and the climate.
Although this is a repurposing of a 2022 interview with McKibben by host Francesca Rheannon, it is timely for an upcoming talk by McKibben in East Hampton. He is on a speaking tour promoting his new book: Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. In the book McKibben reveals what is shocking news to many -- in the past two years solar energy has become the popular choice of energy around the world.
Quotes from the interview:
* *“The average American has about half as many close friends today as the average American in the 1950s.”*
* *“We ended the work of trying to build a better society… and took up the work of just looking out for ourselves.”*
* *“Every time we double the amount of solar energy that we install, the price goes down another 30%.”*
* *“If we had re-elected Jimmy Carter, the world would be in a very different spot—China’s boom might have been powered by sun and wind, not coal.”*
* *“Our generation won these fights once—civil rights, women’s rights, clean air, voting rights—we can do it again.”*
* *“Both the flag and the Bible are radical documents, if you look closely.”*
Summary
This episode of Change Hampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time features high school students Shirley Jiang and Griffin Beckmann, interns and youth organizers with Rewild Long Island’s Summer Intern Program. They share their hands-on experiences in ecological restoration projects across East Hampton, including planting native species, removing invasives, composting, and maintaining community pollinator gardens. Both reflect on their motivation to fight climate change, the skills and community they’ve gained, and the hope they find in seeing peers and neighbors join the movement. They also discuss the challenges of balancing commitments, transportation, and time while remaining committed to environmental stewardship. The conversation closes with inspiring personal stories about food security work at Share the Harvest Farm and building the Change Hampton Community Pollinator Garden.
Quotes:
Segments / Themes
**Episode Summary:**
In this episode of ChangeHampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon explores the "new land ethic" with Filipina Dahan, founder of HealthyYards.org, and Midge Iorio, Program Director of Bedford 2030. The discussion centers on transforming suburban landscapes to be more environmentally friendly, focusing on biodiversity, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable practices. The guests share insights on community engagement, legislative efforts, and shifting perceptions around landscaping.
**Segment Summaries:**
* **(0:00-0:02:31) Introduction to HealthyYards.org:** Filipina Dahan discusses her journey from landscaping to advocating for sustainable yards, highlighting the lack of life in typical American yards and the need to change conventional practices.
* **(0:02:31-0:03:31) The Problem with Gasoline Leaf Blowers:** Filipina expresses her strong feelings against gasoline leaf blowers, emphasizing their environmental impact and the availability of alternatives. "I'm not even irritated by the noise so much, it's just what it stands for it stands for robbing the soil from its nutrients, it stands for creating emissions, these machines are very old and unregulated that means that there are really really dirty engines and we don't need them, we have alternatives."
* **(0:03:31-0:07:22) Bedford 2030's Climate Action:** Midge Iorio shares her personal journey into climate activism and provides the foundation for Bedford 2030, emphasizing the importance of community partnership and action.
* **(0:07:22-0:08:38) Local Action on Climate Change:** The conversation emphasizes the importance of local initiatives in moving climate action forward, particularly in the face of federal setbacks.
* **(0:08:38-0:10:29) Healthy Yards' Focus Areas:** Filipina details the various environmental concerns addressed by Healthy Yards, including emissions, biodiversity, water usage, and invasive species.
* **(0:10:29-0:12:31) Redefining Landscaping:** The discussion explores what it means to create restorative landscaping, contrasting American lawn care practices with the vocational landscaping profession in Europe.
* **(0:12:31-0:14:04) Shifting Business Models:** Filipina acknowledges the challenges of changing business models based on harmful practices, emphasizing the need for education and new incentives.
* **(0:14:04-0:15:30) Meeting People Where They Are:** Midge discusses the importance of connecting with people on shared interests and relevant issues, such as health and cost savings, when promoting sustainable practices.
* **(0:15:30-0:16:18) Working with Municipal Government:** Filipina shares how a sensible policy helped them get a lot of things done with their town board.
* **(0:16:18-0:17:24) Legislation:** They discuss gas powered leaf blowers and how it affected the town, which lead to a partial ban on gasoline leaf blowers.
* **(0:17:24-0:18:47) The Importance of Leaves: The Love the Leaves campaign is discussed, which turns out to actually be called Leave Leaves Alone.
* **(0:18:48-0:20:23) Mulching the leaves: Learn the importance of mulching the leaves, chopping them up in little pieces so they can feed the soil and they can protect the little grass roots from drying out.
* **(0:20:24-0:22:58) Municipal Government Collaboration:** Midge shares Bedford 2030's collaborative relationship with their local government.
* **(0:22:58-0:24:24) Communicating and Listening:** Communicating and listening is a key and super productive aspect,
* **(0:24:25-0:25:08) Motivational Factors:** Concentrate on motivation, not on the things that people are doing wrong, but the things that we can do right.
* **(0:25:08-0:26:15) Advice:** Advice to those who may want to create a 2030 initiative in their own town.
* **(0:26:15-0:27:04) Follow up advice:** Set some kind of goals and come together and work towards a shared goal, I think, is really a good motivator.
* **(0:27:04-0:29:25) Envisioning the Future:** An eye opening conversation on how urban and suburban landscapes would look in 20 years if every municipality adopted this approach.
* **(0:29:25-0:30:34) Well-being:** Well being has another face, it doesn't look like a mansion with a lawn in the front.
* **(0:30:34-0:31:33) Changing the aesthetic:** An effort to change the aesthetic of really reaching everybody.
🌱 A Shade Garden for Uncommon Pollinators at LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton, NY
In this special episode of Changehampton Presents, we take you on an immersive audio tour of the ReWild Woodland Garden for Uncommon Pollinators at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, NY.
Originally produced by our friends at ReWild Long Island—who generously granted us permission to share it—this episode explores how native plantings can restore biodiversity, even in shady, often-overlooked corners of the landscape. Host Francesca Rheannon is joined by ReWild South Fork co-leads Lurie Petroske and Chris Liem, as well as native plant advocates Nancy Erber and Len Green (a member of both Changehampton and ReWild), to discover how this garden supports moths, ants, bats, and other unusual pollinators.
Whether you’re a native plant novice or seasoned habitat gardener, you’ll find inspiration—and practical wisdom—in this walk through a lush, living classroom.
In Episode 6 of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon delves into one of Long Island’s most endangered and overlooked ecosystems: native grasslands. Guests Betsy McCully, environmental writer and author of At the Glacier’s Edge, and Bruce Horwith, conservation biologist and ecologist, unpack the rich ecological history, biodiversity, and climate resilience offered by grasslands. They explore how these ecosystems evolved, the impact of colonization and development, and how community-driven restoration can help reverse biodiversity loss. They refer to the Native grassland pollinator meadows that ChangeHampton is creating on the grounds of East Hampton Town Hall. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of ecological history, the significance of native grasslands, and climate action.
👥 Guests:
· Betsy McCully – Environmental writer, activist, and author of At the Glacier’s Edge: A Natural History of Long Island.
· Bruce Horwith – Ecologist and conservation biologist with experience in native grassland restoration on Long Island.
🌿 Topics Covered:
· The origins of Long Island’s grasslands and their pre-colonial history
· The role of Native American land management and controlled burns
· What defines a grassland: native grasses, forbs, woody species
· Fire as a critical tool for maintaining biodiversity
· How grasslands sequester carbon—sometimes better than forests
· Biodiversity loss: insect and bird population collapse
· Restoration projects like Montauk grasslands and Town Hall meadow
· Climate change, water conservation, and ecosystem resilience
· DIY tips for starting a backyard grassland or pollinator patch
· The link between ecological restoration and community healing
Notable Quotes:
“Grasslands are like upside-down forests. Most of their biomass—and their carbon—is stored underground.” — Betsy McCulley
“If we stop fertilizing, mowing, and watering, native grasses begin to return. The first thing to do is: nothing.” — Bruce Horwith
“Lawns are monocultures that use more water and chemicals than most people realize. Grasslands filter water and protect our aquifer.” — Francesca Rheannon
“We are the environment. The environment is us. Restoration is not just ecological—it’s emotional and social.” — Betsy McCulley
“Native grasslands aren’t gone—they’re just waiting to come back if we give them the chance.” — Bruce Horwith
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
· 📘 At the Glacier’s Edge by Betsy McCulley – Search at writersvoice.net
· 🌱 Changehampton Grassland Project – changehampton.org
· 🔥 Fire ecology and prescribed burns in restoration work
· 🐦 National Audubon Society 2019 Report: “Birds are vanishing from North America”
💡 Practical Takeaways:
· 🌾 Grasslands sequester carbon underground and require no fertilizer or irrigation.
· 🐝 Native bunch grasses and wildflowers support dozens of pollinator species.
· 🚫 Stop using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides—let nature rebalance itself.
· 🌻 Don’t mow everything. Let parts of your yard go “wild” and observe what grows.
· 🔥 Fire (or mimicking its effects) is essential for many native plants to regenerate.
· 🧑🌾 Restoration starts small: even a sunny patch can support a mini grassland.
📌 Call to Action:
Want to help restore grasslands? Visit changehampton.org to learn how you can create a native patch in your yard or join local restoration efforts like the Town Hall Meadow Project. Small steps build big resilience.
In this fifth episode of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon welcomes renowned landscape designer Edwina von Gal, founder of the Perfect Earth Project, and ecologist Tim Wheeler, Perfect Earth’s Homeowner Educator. Together, they explore a transformative vision for land care—one rooted in nature-based practices, healthy habitats, and eliminating toxic chemicals. From closing the loop on your property to launching an Earth School for a new generation of “land carers,” Edwina and Tim challenge the cultural norms of traditional landscaping and offer exciting, practical alternatives to help listeners reconnect with the land and create thriving ecosystems in their own backyards.
👥 Guests:
🌱 Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes:
“Minimize harm. Maximize habitat. That’s the foundation of nature-based land care.” — Edwina von Gal“Your yard is not a machine—it’s a life partner. Treat it with respect.” — Edwina von Gal“Spraying for ticks may kill 50% of ticks, but it also kills all the pollinators. And it doesn’t make you safer.” — Tim Wheeler“Nothing in nature is waste. Only humans create waste. Close the loop and feed your soil.” — Edwina von Gal“If you want inspiration for your yard, go for a walk in the woods. Nature is the best designer.” — Tim Wheeler🔗 Resources Mentioned:
💡 Practical Takeaways:
📌 Call to Action:
Ready to start reimagining your yard? Sign up for a free one-hour Living Lands site visit or stop by the Amber Waves kiosk in Amagansett every Friday afternoon to speak directly with a Perfect Earth educator.
In this episode of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with two seasoned experts in sustainable lawn and yard care: landscapers Paul Munoz and Paul Wagner of Eastern Long Island. Together, they explore how ecological landscaping can reverse environmental damage, enhance biodiversity, and create healthier communities. From organic lawn care to learning to work with leaves, to ecologically healthy ways to deal with ticks and other pests, this engaging conversation dives into practical strategies,for creating healthy eco-systems and human communities.
In this inspiring third episode of *Changehampton Presents*, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Leonard Green, co-founder of Changehampton, and actor/director/journalist Paul McIsaac about transforming traditional lawns into thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. They share their personal journeys of replacing grass with native plantings, the critical role of keystone species like oaks and blueberries, and the cultural resistance to eco-conscious landscaping. The conversation also introduces Changehampton's newest initiative: the 1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign, aiming to restore ecological balance, yard by yard.
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## 🌱 Show Notes — Episode 3: **Turning Turf Lawns to Healthy Yards; ChangeHampton Activists Describe the Process
**Hosted by:** Francesca Rheannon
**Guests:** Leonard Green (Co-founder, Changehampton; Board Member, ReWild Long Island), Paul McIsaac (Actor, Director, Journalist)
### 🗣️ Episode Highlights
- **The ecological importance of native plants**
- Why "native" means more than just local—it means symbiotic, essential, and time-tested.
- Native plants create healthy soil, purify groundwater, and support pollinators and wildlife.
- **The role of keystone species**
- Oaks support over 485 insect species and are fundamental to local ecosystems.
- Other keystone plants include wild black cherry, river birch, and blueberries.
- **Personal yard transformations**
- Leonard and Paul share how their suburban lawns became pollinator-friendly habitats.
- Tips for low-cost rewilding: from cardboard lawn removal to planting clover and native shrubs.
- **Launching the 1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign**
- A community-driven movement inspired by Bellport’s Healthy Yards model.
- Aims to celebrate and document properties using sustainable, toxin-free landscaping.
- **Overcoming cultural resistance**
- The “chem-lawn” aesthetic is deeply embedded in suburban norms.
- Shift begins with education, visible yard signs, and accessible local projects.
- **Natural tick management**
- Len and Paul share practical methods to avoid spraying harmful pesticides while staying safe.
- **Landscaping as a social justice metaphor**
- Biodiversity in nature parallels diversity in human communities—both are essential to resilience and beauty.
Notable Quotes:
### 💬 Notable Quotes
> "We’ve essentially replaced very complex systems with very simplified systems—and the odd thing is, we have to keep these simplified systems on life support." – **Leonard Green**
> "When people ask me what I do, I say, 'I’m a gardener—and I do other stuff.'" – **Paul McIsaac**
> "If we just gave back a little of that 40 million acres of turf lawn in the U.S., we could give something back to nature." – **Leonard Green**
> "The world we’re leaving for our children doesn’t look very attractive. I wouldn’t want to leave it to any children if I had any." – **Leonard Green**
> "Diversity in ecology and society alike is not just about justice—it’s about strength, beauty, and resilience." – **Paul McIsaac**
---
### 🔗 Resources & Mentions
- **Changehampton**: [https://www.changehampton.org](https://www.changehampton.org)
- **ReWild Long Island**: [https://www.rewildlongisland.org](https://www.rewildlongisland.org)
- **Paul McIsaac’s Video**: *Grass, Kick the Habit* (available via Changehampton’s site)
- **Nature Notes by Larry Penny** (East Hampton Star columnist)
---
### 🐝 Join the Movement
Learn how to transform your yard—and your community—by joining the **1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign**. Visit [Changehampton.org](https://www.changehampton.org) for how-to guides, native plant lists, and community success stories.
In this episode of Changehampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Abby Lawless, designer of the East Hampton Town Hall Pollinator Garden, and Jason LaGarenne, owner of Whitney’s Landscaping. Together, they discuss the evolution, philosophy, and impact of East Hampton’s public pollinator garden and its upcoming expansion into native grassland meadows. This inspiring conversation explores how native plants, ecological landscaping, and community engagement can help combat biodiversity loss and build resilience to climate change—starting in our own backyards.
Detailed Show Notes
🌿 Segment 1: Designing for Pollinators and People
Guests:
Highlights:
Key Quote:
“We had two clients: humans and nature.” — Abby Lawless
Key Topics:
Keywords:
East Hampton Pollinator Garden, native plant design, sustainable landscaping, deer-resistant plants, low-maintenance gardens, Abby Lawless, Jason LaGarenne
🌱 Segment 2: From Static Lawns to Dynamic Landscapes
Highlights:
Key Quote:
“Maintenance implies something static. Management implies life.” — Jason LaGarenne
Key Topics:
Keywords:
ecological landscaping, organic lawn care, sustainable horticulture, plant community dynamics, lawn alternatives, living landscapes, regenerative design
🌾 Segment 3: Grassland Meadows and Climate Resilience
Highlights:
Key Quote:
“If it’s not modeled, it can’t be replicated.” — Abby Lawless
Key Topics:
Keywords:
native grassland meadow, climate change landscaping, closed-loop composting, regenerative gardening, plug plants, meadow installation, non-toxic gardening
🐝 Segment 4: Hope in the Garden—Why This Work Matters
Highlights:
Key Quote:
“We’re building hope plot by plot.” — Abby Lawless
Key Topics:
Keywords:
backyard biodiversity, climate hope, native bees, pollinator habitat, ecological education, homeowner landscaping, Changehampton, Save the Planet One Yard at a Time
📚 Resources Mentioned
Change Hampton is an organization founded by Gail Pellett and Stephan Van Dam, aiming to promote restorative landscaping and a new land ethic focused on native plants and reduced chemical use. Their mission involves educating the community about the ecological benefits of native species and the negative impacts of conventional lawn care practices. They established a model pollinator garden at East Hampton Town Hall and are developing native meadows to showcase beautiful, sustainable alternatives. Inspired by the Homegrown National Park movement, Change Hampton encourages individuals to transform their yards into habitats, offering resources like a native plant selector on their website to aid in this process and foster a community dedicated to ecological health.