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.
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 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.
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:
Mean High Water (website)
Mean High Water (Instagram)
Imagining our Future with Water | Jared Bramblett | TEDxCharleston
Christina Rae Butler’s 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.
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.
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.
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 “environmental justice” means (including what it means to be an EJ Community) and delves into the ways that SC DHEC’s EJ Strong initiative is working to support EJ Communities in South Carolina. Keisha’s 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 DHEC’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
On this episode, we welcome Kim Morganello, a senior project manager at Weston & Sampson. 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 her past 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 Extension’s Carolina Rain Garden Initiative.
Learn about Weston & Sampson’s 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.
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 score@dnr.sc.gov 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.