The SciFri Book Club reads ‘The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year’
Summary
Author Margaret Renkel discusses her book *The Comfort of Crows*, sharing how she transformed her Tennessee backyard into a thriving ecosystem to reconnect with the natural world. She is joined by entomologist Douglas Tallamy, whose work inspired her rewilding efforts, to explore the importance of planting native species and supporting local food webs. Together, they offer practical advice for listeners to reduce lawn areas and create habitats that provide immediate, tangible benefits for biodiversity and personal well-being.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and show introduction
Introducing Margaret Renkel and The Comfort of Crows
Why crows are comforting and the goal of nature writing
From grief to balance: lessons from previous book
Sources of grief: predation vs. climate change
Describing the backyard: from barren to native trees
Rewilding strategies: mowing, leaves, and planting
Sponsor breaks and introduction of Douglas Tallamy
Doug Tallamy joins from Peru and discusses his influence
The ethics of intervening in nature
Practical steps for rewilding your own space
Book club details and call for listener stories
Closing sponsor message
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