Take the Reins of Tradition 04-27-2026

Nuthatch Gardens - Modern Flower Farming 06-01-2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/fan_mail/new]  In this episode, Rachann talks with Joanna Veltri, owner of Nuthatch Gardens. Joanna’s farm opens a window into modern flower farming — the hustle, the bird sightings, and the business smarts behind every bloom. She blends personal stories with practical insights on crops, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and the messy magic of growing flowers. Unused blooms become compost or dried arrangements; nothing goes to waste on her farm. Nuthatch Gardens is for anyone craving connection, creativity, and a little dirt under their nails. Come wander the rows with them.  Nuthatch Gardens — Cut-Flower Farm in Westminster, MD [https://nuthatchgardens.com/] https://www.facebook.com/UMDExtension/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/support] www.raisingconnections.com

The History of Memorial Day 05-25-2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/fan_mail/new] Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day in parts of the US. In this rebroadcast from 2023, Rachann talks about the history of Decoration Day when people began decorating graves with wreaths and flags after the Civil War, although the tradition didn't start in the United States, but in ancient Rome! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/support] www.raisingconnections.com

Dean the Turtle Whisperer: Shelled and Filtered 05-18-2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/fan_mail/new] This podcast dives into the lives of turtles, tortoises, and other reptiles that outlast generations, thriving under careful protection and purpose‑driven stewardship. Rachann talks with Dean, the keeper and guardian at Dean’s Turtle Farm, who manages many species, including over 100 turtles, while advancing education, conservation, and hands‑on protection.  This episode brings listeners closer to the reptiles that shape ecosystems and the people dedicated to preserving them.  Dean's Turtle Farm [https://deansturtlefarm.com/] Main [https://matts-turtles.org/] Mid Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/support] www.raisingconnections.com

Beyond the Asphalt 05-11-2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/fan_mail/new] Maryland State Highway Administrators Charlie Gischlar and Andrew Radcliffe sit down with Rachann to explore the planned completion of the Westminster Community Trail Loop and unexpected facts about Maryland state highways.  They pull back the curtain on the fast‑lane dangers faced by state highway workers, the real story behind the buffer lane, and the world of test gardens and pollinator green spaces thriving along Maryland’s roadsides.  It’s a conversation about how people and nature can thrive together when design, safety, and stewardship meet in the right place.  MDOT SHA MD27 MD140 to Hahn Rd CL3945179 [https://mdot-sha-md27-md140-to-hahn-rd-cl3945179-maryland.hub.arcgis.com/] Home [https://roads.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx] roads.maryland.gov Construction Resumes on Westminster Boardwalk, Final Phase of Community Trail Project - Carroll News | Carroll Publications | Carroll County, MD [https://carroll.news/construction-resumes-on-westminster-boardwalk/] MD-Westminster, MD - Official Website | Official Website [https://westminstermd.gov/] Howard County Bird Club [https://howardbirds.website/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/support] www.raisingconnections.com

Growing Tea in Maryland 05-04-2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/fan_mail/new] White, green, oolong, and black teas are what happen when a professional engineer applies 30 years of systems-thinking to an acidic field in Howard County. You get the first tea farm in Maryland. Lori Baker, co-owner-operator of Heron's Meadow Farm, shares a candid look at the "identity crisis" of building a multi-faceted business and the relentless entrepreneurial spirit required to grow a crop that "isn't supposed to be here." Herons Meadow Farm [https://heronsmeadowfarm.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069900/support] www.raisingconnections.com