This episode features poet Lynne Shapiro (0:2:29) of Hoboken, New Jersey, who speaks with Ann about her collection To Set Right, published in 2021 by WordTech Editions, and about her work in progress. Lynne’s work holds space for the life we can and cannot see. She talks with Ann about the importance of returns, learning to see, and the persistence of nature, and reminds us that, to truly know a place, we must look upward and study the sky.

In this Ask Randi segment, Dr. Randi Eckel (0:33:10) answers a question from Eilika about native alternatives to the ecologically harmful Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), particularly options that still provide distinctive purple or burgundy foliage with vibrant red stems.

Later, we debut our new segment, Five Questions With. Kim sits down with Chris Martine, (0:45:35), who is the President-Elect of the Botanical Society of America and the David Burpee Professor of Plant Genetics and Research at Bucknell University. He shares stories behind his newly re-published field guides from the NJ Forest Service, Trees of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States, and Shrubs and Vines of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States.

In our final segment, Kim and Ann talk with Jean Epiphan, (1:03:05) Associate Professor of Ecology at Rutgers University and the newly appointed arborist on the NPSNJ board. Jean reminds us that the future of our forests begins in our own backyards, underscoring how true forest stewardship starts with the everyday choices we make as caretakers of our own land. Jean is also a Coordinator for Region 1 (Northern NJ) for the Rutgers Environmental Steward program with an extensive background in forestry, ecology, and landscape restoration, as well as garden design, landscape management, tree care, and land stewardship.