Crescent Communities' River District

Host John Searby interviews FreshList leaders Anthony Mirisciotta and Matt Martin about how their food hub connects Carolinas farmers with chefs through transparent, seasonal sourcing, supporting land conservation and better flavor while returning more revenue to farmers, and they promote Chef’s Harvest at Daniel Stowe Conservancy on Sept. 20, featuring 10 chefs, local cocktails, music, and limited tickets.

Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy, interviews Andrew Baysden of Crescent Communities about Crescent’s history and the River District master-planned community. Baisden shares his background in master-planned communities and explains Crescent’s evolution from Duke Energy’s land-and-timber roots to a diversified real estate company now owned by a Japanese timber firm. 

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture staff members Sachaly Rosario Rivera and Emma McGee to discuss ginseng, including its “all-healing” origins, slow life cycle, pollinators, cultivation methods, medicinal uses, high prices, and poaching that drives strict harvest regulations. They share folklore, history of U.S. export to China, and conservation resources like United Plant Savers. The group also debates most frustrating plants to work with, plus updates on conservatory bed renovations.

Host John Searby of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy interviews Blair Primis, Chief Growth Officer at OrthoCarolina, about community-focused partnerships and building brand relevance beyond traditional advertising, and to introduce OrthoCarolina as sponsor of Daniel Stowe’s race series, highlighted by a July 18 Summer Nights evening race through the gardens.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble talk with horticulturists Chloe Linton and Karen Kottkamp on eucalyptus at Daniel Stowe, covering species diversity, leaf changes, bark, flowers, oils, and uses. They discuss eucalyptus fire risks and invasiveness in California and Florida, adaptations to resprout after fire, and animals that feed on it.

Host John Searby interviews Charlotte artist and illustrator Brett Blumenthal about collaborating on “The Guardian of Lost Hollow,” a children’s book inspired by the Adventure Trail’s secret-room dragon at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The book launches Memorial Day weekend at the garden's Butterfly Festival, with preorders and related merchandise online.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture team members Lindsey Bargar and Allyssa Boerngen to discuss grapes and wine. They cover viticulture basics, China’s grape production, wine vs table grapes, fermentation and barrel effects, wine tasting techniques, and grape domestication.

Host John Searby welcomes Dr. Roopen Patel of Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center to discuss enjoying Daniel Stowe Conservancy despite spring allergies. Dr. Patel explains common Charlotte pollens, avoidance steps, OTC medicines, and when to seek professional testing.

Host John Searby interviews Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about the 1,600‑mile regional trail plan and how it’s built through partnerships, grants, and technical support. They highlight trail benefits, including transportation, health, and economic returns. The focus is Gaston County’s Matthews Belk South Fork River Corridor: a 23‑mile segment toward a 60‑mile route from Lake Wylie to Hickory, with paddling access, towns, and parks. They review progress, gaps, Spencer Mountain, connections through McAdenville and Cramerton, and the Daniel Stowe Conservancy connector, plus ways to support, visit, donate, and celebrate National Trails Day.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel are joined by Janet Manuel and Cassy Hallman from Daniel Stowe Conservancy to discuss Trailhead’s tastings and then spotlight milkweed (Asclepias): its latex, toxins, specialized pollination, flowers, and silky seed pods, plus historical uses like WWII life-jacket stuffing. They explain milkweed’s role as a keystone host plant for monarchs and highlight Carolina-native species and conservation through Stowe’s new regional seed bank and nursery. They warn against tropical milkweed because it spreads OE parasite and disrupts monarch migration.