On this episode, we welcome Maeve Snyder, the owner of SnailSeed Native Plants in Myrtle Beach, SC. As Maeve describes the many benefits of native plants, the science behind genetic diversity, and the artistry of designing a beautiful garden, she teaches us that a native plant garden is something we can all do to create spectacular places of beauty, biodiversity, and restoration. Through Maeve’s passion for native plants and her dedication to seeing them thrive in communities around the world, we are reminded of our connection to nature, and that with a little work and dedication we can all make a positive impact on the unique ecosystems that surround us.
Interested in expanding your native plant knowledge? Maeve recommends:
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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 the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.
On this episode, we are joined by the three founders of The M.A.R.S.H. Project: Dr. Blake Scott, Joel Caldwell, and Blake Suarez. A grassroots and community program focused on revitalizing and advocating for Charleston's unique marsh ecosystems, The M.A.R.S.H. Project provides opportunities for neighbors to gather for cleanups, plant native plant gardens, be inspired through art and storytelling, and enjoy time together in nature. This group of friends proves that with a little dedication, a lot of passion, and a dose of positivity, it is possible to shift baselines at the community level and dream a better future into being through individual and collective action.
Learn more:
Upcoming events:
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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 the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.
On this episode, we are joined by Zack Snipes, co-owner of Shoreline Restoration Group (SRG), a Charleston, SC-based company that promotes thriving and resilient landscapes by preserving and stabilizing Lowcountry shorelines. As Zack walks us through SRG's history and the need for nature-based solutions in South Carolina (including the value of native stormwater buffers), he reminds us of the need for clear communication and education and the need to plan (and budget for!) maintenance. Through SRG's work, we see a beautiful example of what can happen when a handful of people who really care about nature come together with a commitment to producing healthy ecosystems.
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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 the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.
On our first episode of season 3, we sit down with Gillian Zettler, cofounder of The Drop In, a Charleston, SC-based movement studio that seeks to cultivate human connection and community resilience by growing individual wellness. As Gillian talks about movement, green spaces, and vulnerability, we are reminded that when we invest in people, we are investing in nature as well. Through her love of nature and her passion for both people and wellness, Gillian inspires us to be human pollinators who build personal, community, and natural resilience through our daily actions.
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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 the Therblig Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. To learn more, visit our website (www.naturebasedexchange.org) or follow the Nature-Based Exchange on Instagram @naturebasedexchange and Facebook.
On this episode, we are joined by Andy Hollis, the manager of the Shellfish Management Section at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Andy transports us to South Carolina's vast system of estuaries as he describes the South Carolina oyster: its history, its impact on the Lowcountry's landscape and culture, its role as a habitat and a resource, and how SCDNR is working to manage the fishery and restore oyster beds across the coast. Through his passion and deep knowledge of this pivotal creature, Andy reminds us to respect and value the oyster and to always recycle your oyster shells!
Learn more:
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Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl and 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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we sit down with Mary Edna Fraser, a Charleston-based artist and environmental activist. An expert on the ancient method of Batik on silk, Mary Edna makes the artist's case for nature by bridging art and science to bring messages of conservation, stewardship, and environmental awareness to her art. As Mary Edna walks us through her design process and discusses her scientific collaborations, she inspires us to make art (and do it as much as possible!), to be proactive for the things we care about, to be adventurous, and to never stop learning.
To learn more about Mary Edna Fraser:
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
This episode honors Dale Morris, the former Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Charleston and co-founder of the Dutch Dialogues. Dale passed away unexpectedly just 4 days after this interview. With permission from his family, we have released this episode to honor the incredible work Dale achieved throughout his life as well as to showcase the passionate, charismatic, and kind person that Dale was.
A renowned advocate for resilience, Dale educates us on living with water, the lasting impact of the Dutch Dialogues, and the urgent need to show people the relevance and effectiveness of nature-based solutions. Dale dives into Charleston’s resilience strategy, exploring how the city may adapt in the future to live with water. Featuring insights into Charleston’s recent Water Plan as well as its most “misunderstood” project (the Coastal Storm Risk Management Study), Dale prompts us to remember our own love of Mother Nature and urges us to incorporate nature-based solutions into relevant spaces. Through his stories and insight, we get a glimpse of a world that respects nature, protects infrastructure, and values people, giving us hope that together we can find a way to be resilient.
Learn more:
Want to jump to a specific part of the episode?
3:04 - Dale’s path to the Dutch Embassy and the Netherlands relationship with water
11:05 - The Dutch Dialogues
34:53 - Charleston’s Water Plan
42:10 - Nature-based solutions in Charleston’s Resilience Strategy
48:20 - Economic benefits of nature-based solutions
51:40- Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Study
1:03:47 - How can other cities learn from Charleston?
1:10:18 - Dale’s reflection on his path forward
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we are joined by Leslie Skardon, the chief executive officer at Sustain SC, which works to ensure a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment. As Leslie describes Sustain SC’s mission and roadmap, she dives into what it means for businesses to be both sustainable and profitable. (Hint: choosing the environment can also mean choosing profit!) Covering topics on energy, conservation, innovation, collaboration, metrics, and even some recent poll results, Leslie gives us hope that together we can see sustainable businesses, a resilient state, and a healthy environment.
Learn more:
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we welcome EV Bell, the education and outreach manager at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. EV makes the educator's case for nature through stories of empowering teachers, engaging kids with hands-on learning, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. She reminds us that there will always be opportunities for education, simple language can be the most effective, and the valuable role that animals play in our connection to nature.
Learn more:
South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium's Education Programs (including the Seeds to Shorelines Program and the Palmetto Environmental Education Certification)
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we sit down with Andrew Wunderley, the executive director of Charleston Waterkeeper. With training in both science and law, Andrew describes how Charleston Waterkeeper uses a combination approach of science, stewardship, and advocacy to be a voice for local creeks, marshes, and waterways. As Andrew describes the intricate relationship between land and water, we learn how our society - and our everyday choices - can harm water quality, and what we can do to fight against pollution and take a stand for water.
Interested in expanding your impact? Volunteer with Charleston Waterkeeper!
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we are joined by Rollen Chalmers, a farmer in the South Carolina Lowcountry who specializes in the cultivation of Carolina Gold Rice and other heritage crops, and the co-owner of Rollen’s Raw Grains. As Rollen dives into the history and traditions behind these special crops, he teaches us about the ecosystem where Carolina Gold Rice thrives, including the vital role of soil and water, and shares his favorite recipe. Rollen's story reminds us of the importance of wild places, that it's never too late to pursue your passions, and that quality is worth the price.
Learn more about the University of Georgia's Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe.
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we welcome Tom Dooley, the director of forest conservation for The Nature Conservancy's South Carolina chapter. An expert on forest management, Tom illustrates the ecological and social value of forest ecosystems while simultaneously describing the science and history of the South's primary forest management technique: fire. As Tom and Liz discuss controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire), their conversational journey takes them across the U.S., from western wildfires to the impacts of Hurricane Helene to the South Carolina coast. Through Tom's insight, we learn that fire is a useful - and natural - solution to forest management if we take the time to plan and execute it safely and carefully.
Learn more about the Sewee Fire Fest on March 15, 2025:
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we sit down with Robert Etheridge, the owner and president of Mixon Seed Service. A PhD in agronomy and crop science, Robert makes the case for sustainable agriculture as he shares his knowledge and experience on all things farming, from the purpose of cover crops to the benefit of innovation, from the value of small and big ag to the significance of collaboration. As Robert gives a voice to the agricultural community, we are reminded that feeding the world is hard work, but together we can do it sustainably.
Learn more:
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we have the pleasure of being joined by Spencer Wetmore, South Carolina State Representative for District 115. As Spencer describes what it is like to work in state government - the challenges, successes, collaboration, and sometimes even fun! - she makes the political case for raising awareness for the environment and protecting nature. Through her personal experiences and stories, Spencer explains the need for effective local government, the value of authentic community messengers, and the impact that regular citizens can have when they step up to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Learn more about South Carolina's House of Representatives.
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we are joined by KJ Kearney, a community organizer and founder of the social media account “Black Food Fridays.” An avid foodie, KJ explains how food can be used as a medium for political action and how he's used social media to support Black owned restaurants and businesses. KJ’s knowledge of Gullah Geechee history and his connections with Black chefs and restaurant owners worldwide gives him a unique perspective on eating local, addressing environmental impacts, and overcoming barriers to address social change. As KJ offers tips for communicating through social media and shares how his love of food led to his love for nature, he encourages all of us to get outside and spend more time with one another. (This episode NOT brought to you by SC State Parks, but KJ thinks it should be!)
Learn more about KJ on his website, Black Food Fridays.
Follow Black Food Fridays on social media:
Craving food? Check out a few of KJ's favorite Black owned restaurants in Texas, Maryland, New York, and 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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we welcome Maurie Lawrence, the vice president of sustainability and general counsel at Milliken & Company. Maurie makes the corporate case for nature as she describes Milliken's sustainability efforts, their commitment to progress and volunteering, and the value of good data. As she talks, Maurie reminds us of the power of partnerships, the need to "set the standard" in our work and actions, and the value in maintaining a sense of wonder.
Learn more:
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
As the southeast reels from the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton, we decided to investigate what role nature-based solutions have - and could - play in post-disaster rebuilding. On this special post-disaster episode, we feature three guests - Darren Meyer from MKSK, Joshua Robinson from Robinson Design Engineers, and Garey Payne from Tyndall Air Force Base - who talk to us about three nature-based projects spanning from the mountains of South Carolina to the coast of Florida. Through these examples, we learn how nature-based solutions can protect communities from the impact of storms as well as some best practices to consider as we plan and (re)build in a world facing more frequent and intense storms.
Learn more:
Interested in helping with hurricane relief efforts?
FEMA suggests cash donations to local relief organizations
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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 the Therblig Foundation. To learn more, visit www.naturebasedexchange.org or on Instagram @naturebasedexchange.
On this episode, we sit down with Captain Chris Crolley, the owner and CEO of Coastal Expeditions and the founder of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. An avid environmental interpreter, Chris talks about the importance of environmental education and the impact a small, dedicated group of people can have for nature. Through examples of seabird and shorebird habitat restoration, the establishment of a South Carolina state sea bird, and his philosophy to have no child left dry, Chris makes Nature's case for nature as he inspires us all to get outside.
Check out the Crab Bank Pelicam to see birds in action.
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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.
In November 2023, the Nature-Based Exchange held a celebration to commemorate one year of successful workshops in South Carolina. At this event, we collected recordings from guests on a range of questions related to nature-based solutions. As we start Season 2, we wanted to reflect on some of those answers to understand why we should support nature-based solutions in South Carolina and beyond. This unique episode features multiple guests to provide different experiences and perspectives, but they all agree that nature and people can benefit from more nature-based solutions.
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Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl and 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.
On this special summer episode, we are joined by Tony and Belinda Jones, the owners of Morning Glory Homestead Farm on St. Helena Island, SC. Tony and Belinda describe how their combined love of nature and family histories led them to become farmers and why they are so supportive of regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices (as well as what that means to them). Tony and Belinda share how they use their farm and their passion for education and their Gullah history to serve the community through their homeschool program, campfire dinners, and farm tours. As an added bonus, this episode features students from their spring homeschool program who reveal their love and curiosity for nature and what we can all do to protect it.
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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.
