The environment seems to be changing faster than human ability to educate residents about sustainable practices through traditional means. To address this issue, Master Gardeners from New York will share how they were able to expand their reach by developing a podcast. Now in its fourth year, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley has over 30,000+ downloads, reaching listeners in multiple counties along the Hudson River and beyond. Learn how this small but mighty team started, and sustain a weekly podcast to educate the public about a wide range of topics. They have interviewed many guests about sustainable practices, with expertise coming from staff at Cornell University in New York and other Extension offices across the state, authors, scientists, farmers, food pantry staff, birders, heads of local organizations, and of course, fellow Master Gardeners. Topics encompass native plants, invasive species, ornithology, forestry, animal husbandry, fish and wildlife management, foraging, landscape design, farm-to-table restaurants, and best gardening practices. In this session, the team will share the nuts-and-bolts of what it took to get started (it’s easier than one might think), how they organize to keep it going, and how other extensions might use this impactful approach to expand their reach.

Master Gardener volunteers, based in New York’s Columbia and Greene Counties, founded the podcast Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. The team of four has grown over the years. Most of them are retired but they come from multiple walks of life including law, marketing, technology, journalism, management consulting, government, horticulture, administration, and more. They have a passion for all things nature (e.g. Master Forest Owners, Master Naturalist, and Master Beekeeper) in addition to gardening. Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Teresa Golden and Linda Aydlett will share their story about the making of a podcast.