ChangeHampton Presents: Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time

About ChangeHampton Presents: Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time

ChangeHampton is an environmental organization on Eastern Long Island promoting healthy, non-toxic, bio-diverse and resilient landscapes. We are re-imagining our relationship with nature and changing minds. ChangeHampton's work connects the impulse for global change to local action. We are building a movement towards a new land ethic. Episodes explore our projects and values, themes, how-tos and resources through lively interviews with a broad range of global and local experts and activists. Francesca Rheannon hosts.

Publisher

Francesca Rheannon, Gail Pellett, Stephan Van Dam

Category

leisure · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Mar 2025

Latest episode

9 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Ticks, Diseases & the Case Against Yard Spraying; interview with Dr. Joshus Ginsberg of the Cary Institute

   Ticks, Lyme Disease and the Case Against Yard Spraying Does spraying your yard for ticks actually protect you from Lyme disease? The answer may surprise you. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a serious concern on the East End. But Joshua Ginsberg, president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, says decades of research suggest that routinely spraying our yards may not be the solution we think it is. In this episode of ChangeHampton Presents, Francesca Rheannon talks with Ginsberg about what scientists have learned from 35 years of studying the complicated relationships among ticks, white-footed mice, deer, forests, biodiversity, and human health. A major five-year study found that treatments could dramatically reduce tick populations, in some cases by as much as 90 percent, without significantly reducing Lyme disease in humans. One reason is simple: people don’t stay in their yards. We hike, visit friends, go to the beach and spend time in other places where ticks are present. Even more concerning, Ginsberg says, spraying can create a false sense of security. People may become less vigilant about the measures that really matter, including protective clothing, repellents, showers and careful tick checks. And spraying has consequences beyond ticks. Insecticides can harm non-target insects and other organisms that are essential to healthy food webs. The conversation moves from individual protection to the larger ecology of tick-borne disease. Ginsberg explains why white-footed mice are especially important hosts for Lyme disease, why the role of deer is more complicated than many people assume, and why reducing excessive deer populations can nevertheless be critical to restoring healthy forests. Most important for ChangeHampton’s mission is the connection between biodiversity and human health. More diverse ecosystems give ticks a greater range of potential hosts, reducing the likelihood that humans become their next meal. Protecting connected natural habitat and restoring native plants and wildlife can therefore be part of a broader strategy for healthier communities. Ginsberg’s prescription for the East End starts not with more pesticides, but with education, personal protection, healthier landscapes, greater biodiversity and targeted interventions based on science. In this episode: Why killing ticks doesn’t necessarily prevent Lyme disease How yard spraying can create a false sense of security The most effective ways to protect yourself from tick bites What pesticides can do to pollinators and other non-target species Why mice are such important hosts for Lyme disease The complicated role of deer in tick ecology How high deer populations damage forests and biodiversity The “dilution effect” and the connection between biodiversity and disease Why reducing deer populations may be necessary for forest recovery New approaches scientists are exploring, including vaccines and genetic technologies What an effective East End tick-management strategy could look like Guest: Joshua Ginsberg, President, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies This interview followed TickNology, a program presented by Perfect Earth Project featuring Joshua Ginsberg and Moses Cucura, entomologist and superintendent for the Suffolk County Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control, moderated by Perfect Earth Project founder and landscape designer Edwina von Gal.

2. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Making the Switch—From Gas to Electric Leaf Blowers in East Hampton New York

   Summary Gas-powered leaf blowers have become a flashpoint in communities across Long Island, raising concerns about noise, air pollution, climate impacts, and public health. But what happens when homeowners, landscapers, equipment manufacturers, and environmental advocates come together to explore alternatives? In this episode of ChangeHampton Presents, Francesca Rheannon takes listeners inside the Electric Leaf Blower Showcase held in East Hampton. The event brought together leaders in the transition to cleaner landscaping, from public health advocates and local officials to professional landscapers and manufacturers of battery-powered equipment. Guests discuss the health impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers, the growing movement to restrict or ban their use, and the practical realities of switching to electric equipment. Landscapers who have already made the transition share their experiences with battery life, maintenance costs, reliability, and customer expectations. Equipment manufacturers demonstrate how rapidly battery technology is advancing, while innovators introduce autonomous robotic mowers that could reshape the future of landscape management. The conversation reveals that the shift to electric landscaping is about more than replacing one tool with another. It’s about creating quieter neighborhoods, healthier workers, cleaner air, and more sustainable landscapes for the East End and beyond. Key Topics Health impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers Noise pollution and community quality of life Air pollution and climate emissions Local efforts to ban or restrict gas leaf blowers Landscaper experiences transitioning to electric equipment Battery life, performance, and reliability Cost comparisons between gas and electric tools Advances in battery-powered landscaping technology Robotic lawn mowers and the future of landscaping Ecological landscape management and soil health State incentives for electric landscaping equipment

3. 

   25 Apr 2026

   Development vs Wildlife: A New Land Clearing Ordinance in Southampton

   Summary:  Southampton Town Council members, Thomas Neely and Michael Iacilli discuss a new proposal to control landclearing during property development in Southampton.  After much consultation with community organizations, civic groups, environmental organizations, they are proposing a new Land Disturbance Ordinance that attempts to stipulate how many sq ft o properties of different sizes can be cleared without a permit and how much with a permit.  They discuss the significance that Southampton Town lies over top of the single source aquifer for Long Island.  Trees and native shrubs and plants play an important role in sequestering carbon, producing clean air and oxygen, controlling water movement, flooding, soil health, while supporting wildlife and pollinators. They announce the upcoming community hearing on April 28 and the prospect for the ordinance to pass. The proposed Land Disturbance Ordinance is designed to curb overdevelopment by creating a Land Disturbance permitting process that gives the Town’s Land Management department the ability to limit overclearing before it happens. Under the proposal, on properties of 20,000 square feet or larger, up to 2,000 square feet could be cleared or disturbed without additional review. Any clearing or disturbance beyond that 2,000 square foot threshold would require approval through Land Management. This review process would allow the Town’s environmental division to assess plans before construction begins, helping prevent excessive clear-cutting and other environmental damage before alterations are made. The ordinance also seeks to close loopholes in the Town Code, where current restrictions apply only within the Town’s APOD (Aquifer Protection Overlay District) areas, which cover less than half of the Town. The next Town Board hearing on this legislation will be April 28 at 6 PM at Southampton Town Hall. More on the legislation here: https://www.southamptontownny.gov/2373/Draft-Legislation (https://www.southamptontownny.gov/2373/Draft-Legislation)

4. 

   14 Apr 2026

   The Little Things that Rule the World: An Interview with Matthew Shepherd of Xerces Society

   Summary: In this episode of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Matthew Shepherd of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation about the critical role insects play in sustaining ecosystems—and the alarming decline many species are facing. From the “windshield effect” to the loss of habitat and widespread pesticide use, Shepherd explains what’s driving the disappearance of pollinators and other invertebrates. He also addresses common concerns about ticks and offers practical, science-based strategies for managing landscapes in ways that protect both human health and biodiversity. Most importantly, this conversation is grounded in hope: even small changes—planting native flowers, reducing lawn chemicals, or creating habitat—can help restore the ecosystems that insects, birds, and humans depend on. Key Topics •           The importance of insects in ecosystems and food webs •           Causes of insect decline: habitat loss, pesticides, landscape management •           The “windshield effect” and shifting baselines •           Pollinators and their role in food production •           Ticks and how to manage landscapes safely without widespread pesticide use •           Lawns vs. biodiverse habitats •           Native plants and their relationship to native insects •           The role of insects in supporting bird populations •           Keystone species vs. biodiversity •           Practical steps individuals and communities can take

5. 

   18 Feb 2026

   How East Hampton's Preservation Movement Saved the South Fork with Barry Raebeck and Rick Whalen

   How East Hampton Was Saved: Voices From the Front Lines of Preservation In this episode of Changehampton Presents, we sit down with two men who didn’t just witness East Hampton’s environmental battles—they helped shape them. Rick Whelan and Barry Raebeck trace the arc of East Hampton’s modern preservation movement, from the explosive growth pressures of the 1970s and ’80s to the grassroots organizing that stopped unchecked development and permanently changed land-use policy on the South Fork. Their conversation explores the abolition of the town’s Planning Department, the fight to preserve places like Hither Woods and Northwest Woods, and the innovative policies—upzoning, setbacks, and farmland preservation—that saved thousands of acres. Before the formal start of the interview, Rick also discusses his forthcoming history of East Hampton, a sweeping project that documents the town’s hamlets, parks, preserves, and environmental struggles through archival research and interviews reaching back into the 19th century. This is a rare, first-person account of how ordinary residents, faced with extraordinary pressure, organized to protect land, water, and community—and why those lessons matter more than ever today. 🌱 Main Topics Covered The environmental and political turning points of East Hampton in the 1970s–1980s The abolition of the East Hampton Planning Department and its consequences Grassroots organizing to preserve Hither Woods, Northwest Woods, and farmland The rise and decline of local baymen and inshore fisheries Brown tide and the collapse of the scallop industry Upzoning, setbacks, farmland preservation, and development rights Citizen activism across political lines How preservation laws reshaped East Hampton’s landscape Why local environmental history matters now Quotes: On the Abolition of the Planning Department “East Hampton crossed the Rubicon when the town board abolished the planning department in early 1982.” “They literally crossed the Rubicon at that point in time, and East Hampton has never really been the same.” On Development Pressure “At one point, every inch of space out here was for sale — and there were people that were quite happy to develop every inch of space. That includes the beaches.” “If we didn’t do something, it was going to be gone. There would literally be high-rise hotels on the beaches in Amagansett.” On the Rise of the Preservation Movement “When the planning department was abolished, there was a reaction that was across the political spectrum.” “People realized that if we didn’t act, this place would not look the way it does today.” On Fisheries and Environmental Decline “The real downturn began when I went away to law school… a brown tide came in and ruined the scallop industry.” “When scallop season opened in Northwest Harbor, there were dozens of trucks lined up… people knew they could make a lot of money.” On Innovation in Preservation Policy “Upzoning became a great means of preservation.” “You could sell the development rights but still farm the land — as long as it stayed in agricultural use.” On Love of Place “I basically fell in love with the place.”

6. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Doing Right Ecologically and Ending in Court

   In this episode of ChangeHampton Presents: Save the Planet,  One Yard at a Time, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Long Island science teacher and homeowner Amiee Kemp, whose decision to replace her front-yard lawn with native plants landed her in court — and turned her into an accidental advocate for ecological change. What began as a personal effort to “transform this yard into a functioning ecosystem” evolved into a powerful local test case about how suburban communities define beauty, order, and environmental responsibility. Amy describes how her garden now absorbs floodwater, supports dozens of species of birds and pollinators, and requires no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers — yet was labeled “unsightly” by her village. Amy shares how her graduate work through Miami University’s Project Dragonfly deepened her commitment to community-based conservation, and how even small suburban lots can serve as vital ecological connectors in fragmented landscapes. She explains why native plants matter more than popular non-native “pollinator plants,” how her family’s yard is registered with Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park, and what she has learned about building neighbor support through education and “cues to care.” The conversation also highlights the deeply human side of re-wilding: Amy’s young son helping to research species, neighbors stopping by to learn about bees, and the garden becoming a living outdoor classroom. Ultimately, this episode asks a larger question: How might re-imagining our lawns help re-imagine our communities in an era of climate disruption and biodiversity loss?

7. 

   24 Nov 2025

   Selling Sustainability: Two East Hampton realtors promote healthy & pollinator friendly yards

   Host Francesca Rheannon interviews East Hampton realtors Eileen Mullen and Michael Schultz about how the real estate community can promote healthy, pollinator-friendly yards by reshaping buyer expectations and challenging conventional landscaping aesthetics.

8. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Bill McKibben, environmental & democratic activist

   Environmental activist Bill McKibben discusses his memoir, *The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon*, with Francesca Rheannon, examining the shift from community values to hyper-individualism and climate inaction in America, while emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.

9. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Students Steward Healthy Landscapes with ReWild

   High school students Shirley Jiang and Griffin Beckmann discuss their experiences as youth organizers with Rewild Long Island, focusing on ecological restoration projects and inspiring community involvement in climate action, in this interview.

10. 

    25 Aug 2025

    Healthy Yards and Bedford 2030

    Host Francesca Rheannon interviews Filipina Dahan and Midge Iorio about creating environmentally friendly suburban landscapes for a healthier planet.

11. 

    7 Jul 2025

    Shade Garden for Uncommon Pollinators at LongHouse, East Hampton, NY

    Host Francesca Rheannon interviews Lurie Petroske, Chris Liem, Nancy Erber, and Len Green about the ReWild Woodland Garden and how native plants boost biodiversity for uncommon pollinators in shady areas.

12. 

    18 Jun 2025

    Grasslands Matter: Ecology, History and Hope with Betsy McCully & Bruce Horwith

    Host Francesca Rheannon interviews environmental writer Betsy McCully and ecologist Bruce Horwith about the ecological history of Long Island grasslands, exploring their biodiversity and the impact of development on these vital ecosystems.

13. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Perfect Earth: Re-imagining Yard Care with Edwina von Gal & Tim WheelerFr

    Landscape designer Edwina von Gal and ecologist Tim Wheeler discuss nature-based yard care with host Francesca Rheannon, promoting healthy habitats and eliminating toxic chemicals in this interview.

14. 

    19 May 2025

    Healthy & Sustainable Lawns & Yards; Two lawncare specialists tell us how

    In this episode of Changehampton Presents, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with two seasoned experts in sustainable lawn and yard care: landscapers Paul Munoz and Paul Wagner of Eastern Long Island.  Together, they explore how ecological landscaping can reverse environmental damage, enhance biodiversity, and create healthier communities. From organic lawn care to learning to work with leaves, to ecologically healthy ways to deal with ticks and other pests, this engaging conversation dives into practical strategies,for creating healthy eco-systems and human communities.

15. 

    25 Apr 2025

    From Turf Lawn to a Healthy Yard; ChangeHampton activists describe their process

    In this inspiring third episode of *Changehampton Presents*, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Leonard Green, co-founder of Changehampton, and actor/director/journalist Paul McIsaac about transforming traditional lawns into thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. They share their personal journeys of replacing grass with native plantings, the critical role of keystone species like oaks and blueberries, and the cultural resistance to eco-conscious landscaping. The conversation also introduces Changehampton's newest initiative: the 1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign, aiming to restore ecological balance, yard by yard. --- ## 🌱 Show Notes — Episode 3: **Turning Turf Lawns to Healthy Yards; ChangeHampton Activists Describe the Process **Hosted by:** Francesca Rheannon **Guests:** Leonard Green (Co-founder, Changehampton; Board Member, ReWild Long Island), Paul McIsaac (Actor, Director, Journalist) ### 🗣️ Episode Highlights - **The ecological importance of native plants** - Why "native" means more than just local—it means symbiotic, essential, and time-tested. - Native plants create healthy soil, purify groundwater, and support pollinators and wildlife. - **The role of keystone species** - Oaks support over 485 insect species and are fundamental to local ecosystems. - Other keystone plants include wild black cherry, river birch, and blueberries. - **Personal yard transformations** - Leonard and Paul share how their suburban lawns became pollinator-friendly habitats. - Tips for low-cost rewilding: from cardboard lawn removal to planting clover and native shrubs. - **Launching the 1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign** - A community-driven movement inspired by Bellport’s Healthy Yards model. - Aims to celebrate and document properties using sustainable, toxin-free landscaping. - **Overcoming cultural resistance** - The “chem-lawn” aesthetic is deeply embedded in suburban norms. - Shift begins with education, visible yard signs, and accessible local projects. - **Natural tick management** - Len and Paul share practical methods to avoid spraying harmful pesticides while staying safe. - **Landscaping as a social justice metaphor** - Biodiversity in nature parallels diversity in human communities—both are essential to resilience and beauty. Notable Quotes: ### 💬 Notable Quotes > "We’ve essentially replaced very complex systems with very simplified systems—and the odd thing is, we have to keep these simplified systems on life support." – **Leonard Green** > "When people ask me what I do, I say, 'I’m a gardener—and I do other stuff.'" – **Paul McIsaac** > "If we just gave back a little of that 40 million acres of turf lawn in the U.S., we could give something back to nature." – **Leonard Green** > "The world we’re leaving for our children doesn’t look very attractive. I wouldn’t want to leave it to any children if I had any." – **Leonard Green** > "Diversity in ecology and society alike is not just about justice—it’s about strength, beauty, and resilience." – **Paul McIsaac** --- ### 🔗 Resources & Mentions - **Changehampton**: [https://www.changehampton.org (https://www.changehampton.org)](https://www.changehampton.org (https://www.changehampton.org)) - **ReWild Long Island**: [https://www.rewildlongisland.org (https://www.rewildlongisland.org)](https://www.rewildlongisland.org (https://www.rewildlongisland.org)) - **Paul McIsaac’s Video**: *Grass, Kick the Habit* (available via Changehampton’s site) - **Nature Notes by Larry Penny** (East Hampton Star columnist) --- ### 🐝 Join the Movement Learn how to transform your yard—and your community—by joining the **1,000 Healthy Yards Campaign**. Visit [Changehampton.org (http://Changehampton.org)](https://www.changehampton.org (https://www.changehampton.org)) for how-to guides, native plant lists, and community success stories.

16. 

    10 Apr 2025

    Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time - Episode 2: Landscapers Creating Non-Toxic Resilient Gardens

    In this episode of Changehampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Abby Lawless, designer of the East Hampton Town Hall Pollinator Garden, and Jason LaGarenne, owner of Whitney’s Landscaping. Together, they discuss the evolution, philosophy, and impact of East Hampton’s public pollinator garden and its upcoming expansion into native grassland meadows. This inspiring conversation explores how native plants, ecological landscaping, and community engagement can help combat biodiversity loss and build resilience to climate change—starting in our own backyards. Detailed Show Notes 🌿 Segment 1: Designing for Pollinators and People Guests: Abby Lawless, Landscape Designer, Farm Landscape Design Jason LaGarenne, Owner, Whitney's Landscaping Highlights: The East Hampton Town Hall Pollinator Garden was designed with both ecological and aesthetic goals: 4,000 square feet of native-rich planting that welcomes people and wildlife. The design incorporates formal geometry to appeal to traditional tastes while championing native biodiversity. The garden includes about 79% native plants, with the remaining 21% non-native but non-invasive, like Russian sage, chosen for beauty and resilience. Key Quote: “We had two clients: humans and nature.” — Abby Lawless Key Topics: Designing with deer-resistance and low maintenance in mind Using formal design to increase native plant garden acceptance Why it's not “all or nothing” with native plants Keywords: East Hampton Pollinator Garden, native plant design, sustainable landscaping, deer-resistant plants, low-maintenance gardens, Abby Lawless, Jason LaGarenne 🌱 Segment 2: From Static Lawns to Dynamic Landscapes Highlights: Ecological landscaping challenges the outdated “mow-and-blow” model of lawn care. Jason emphasizes “management over maintenance”—creating evolving, healthy ecosystems instead of static yards. Native plant communities are more resilient and better adapted to local climate, reducing the need for chemical inputs. Key Quote: “Maintenance implies something static. Management implies life.” — Jason LaGarenne Key Topics: Building living landscapes rather than static scenery Overcoming resistance from conventional landscapers and clients Combatting landscape myths: disease prevention, fertilization, pest control Keywords: ecological landscaping, organic lawn care, sustainable horticulture, plant community dynamics, lawn alternatives, living landscapes, regenerative design 🌾 Segment 3: Grassland Meadows and Climate Resilience Highlights: A new native grassland meadow is being installed on the East Hampton Town Hall campus as a model of non-toxic, biodiverse land management. The meadow avoids synthetic chemicals like Roundup and uses closed-loop soil regeneration practices. Changehampton provides DIY resources, including plug planting guides and designs for homeowners on a budget. Key Quote: “If it’s not modeled, it can’t be replicated.” — Abby Lawless Key Topics: Pollinator meadows as climate adaptation tools Affordable native landscaping through plug planting Closed-loop composting and microbial soil health Connecting soil health to water quality and human health Keywords: native grassland meadow, climate change landscaping, closed-loop composting, regenerative gardening, plug plants, meadow installation, non-toxic gardening 🐝 Segment 4: Hope in the Garden—Why This Work Matters Highlights: Even small native plantings can become “islands of biodiversity” that support pollinators, birds, and soil life. Changing how we view landscapes—from ornamental to ecological—can shift public behavior and policy. Both guests emphasize the power of joyful experimentation and the importance of modeling success at every scale. Key Quote: “We’re building hope plot by plot.” — Abby Lawless Key Topics: Creating backyard biodiversity oases Inspiration from natural meadows and native ecosystems The importance of visible, tangible success stories Fighting climate despair with hands-on action Keywords: backyard biodiversity, climate hope, native bees, pollinator habitat, ecological education, homeowner landscaping, Changehampton, Save the Planet One Yard at a Time 📚 Resources Mentioned Changehampton.org (https://www.changehampton.org/): Designs, plant lists, and guides for starting your own pollinator garden Doug Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home Perfect Earth Project: Organic landscaping support Pete Oudolf & New Perennial Movement (design inspiration)

17. 

    24 Mar 2025

    The ChangeHampton Story

    Change Hampton is an organization founded by Gail Pellett and Stephan Van Dam, aiming to promote restorative landscaping and a new land ethic focused on native plants and reduced chemical use. Their mission involves educating the community about the ecological benefits of native species and the negative impacts of conventional lawn care practices. They established a model pollinator garden at East Hampton Town Hall and are developing native meadows to showcase beautiful, sustainable alternatives. Inspired by the Homegrown National Park movement, Change Hampton encourages individuals to transform their yards into habitats, offering resources like a native plant selector on their website to aid in this process and foster a community dedicated to ecological health.

Who has been a guest on ChangeHampton Presents: Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Eileen Mullen
• Michael Schultz
• Bill McKibben
• Shirley Jiang
• Griffin Beckmann

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

31