In this episode, we hear from Dr. Ken Bridle, who’s been a professional botanist for over four decades, and who has focused on plant physiology. His expansive career includes working as a natural heritage and watershed inventory biologist, a field ecologist, science museum exhibits director, and environmental consultant. He talks about how he came to be a naturalist and scientist, and his involvement with protecting the precious natural resources of the Piedmont region of North Carolina and beyond.

In this episode, we hear from Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and the new Executive Director for the Haw River Assembly, a citizen-fueled nonprofit located in Chatham County, North Carolina. We learn what it means to be a riverkeeper, environmental nonprofit leader, nature educator, and advocate for protecting our watersheds and natural resources.

Featuring Dr. Nadja Cech, who is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and a leader in the field of medicinal plant research. She’s also a writer, mother, teacher, mentor, community builder, and manager of an urban community garden. We reflect on the power of connection, wonder, and inspiration that a community can bring to an urban setting. Credits Many thanks to singer-songwriter Abigail Dowd for permission to use her song, Beautiful Day, as theme music for this episode. You can find Abigail and her music at: Abigail Dowd’s website Beautiful Day album link Abigail Dowd’s Instagram Through the Pines and Nature’s Way by Alsever Lake and Autumnal Dreams by Reveille used by permission via Soundstripe. About the Roving Nature Podcast Welcome to the Roving Nature Podcast, where we’ll explore all things nature and conservation in the great state of North Carolina and beyond. I’m your host, Matt Bryant, and I invite you to join me as we hear from guests who are passionate about nature, and who have made it a significant part of their work, creativity, or personal lives. We’ll explore themes related to conservation, and I encourage you to learn along with me as we celebrate our deep bond and relationship to our natural world.