Episode 31: Poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Margaret Renkl, Beronda L. Montgomery

We have a very special episode for you this month, featuring an inspiring lineup of guests who invite us to lean into curiosity and reflect on reciprocity, history, and the connections to one another found within the natural world. We open with our guest poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil (0:03:15), who joins Ann in conversation about her stunning new poetry collection Night Owl (Ecco). Aimee shares her sense of wonder and joy, as she reminds us to stay inquisitive and to take care of the life–in all its forms–found on this planet.In this month’s Ask Randi, entomologist and Toadshade Wildflower Farm owner Randi Eckel (0:34:27) tackles a listener's question about insect hotels. Are they actually helpful for pollinators — or could they do more harm than good? Listen in to hear what Randi recommends and why.We then speak with best-selling author and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer (0:42:39) in a powerful conversation about Plant Baby Plant — a grassroots movement she founded that is rooted in restoration, reciprocity, and resistance. We welcome back celebrated writer Margaret Renkl (0:57:11) to talk about her beautiful new children’s book, The Weedy Garden (Greenwillow Books), featuring gorgeous collage illustrations by her brother, Billy Renkl. A celebration of biodiversity and curiosity, the book invites young readers to see the wonder, wildness, and importance of the plants we too often overlook right outside our doors.We close this episode of The WildStory in conversation with acclaimed botanist, professor, and author Beronda L. Montgomery (1:13:17), speaking about her important new book, When Trees Testify (Henry Holt and Co.). Beronda explores the deep connections between black botanical history and the living landscape, revealing how trees and plants hold stories of resilience, survival, and wisdom.This episode of The WildStory Podcast is dedicated to the memory of Megan Andrejco, a beloved member of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey’s Hudson Chapter. Megan was a Master Gardener, passionate land steward, and generous volunteer who devoted countless hours to caring for gardens and green spaces throughout Hudson County. Megan recently died from ovarian cancer, which was diagnosed late and was untreated due to the profound injustice of inadequate access to healthcare. Megan’s loss is felt deeply first by her family, friends from NYBG, clients here in NJ and many communities she nurtured with her knowledge, kindness and care for the living world.