Nature Boost

From muddy riverbanks to snowy slides, river otters are among Missouri’s most energetic and entertaining wildlife species. But behind their playful behavior is a conservation success story decades in the making. In this episode of  Nature Boost , MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock shares how researchers study otters and why these predators are important for balanced aquatic ecosystems. Pl...

Get in, bestie, we're going birding ... again! In our April episode, we're talking about the Missouri Birding Challenge, a team-based event that's turned a relaxing hobby into a fun competition. U.S. Fish and Wildlife ornithologist (and former Missouri Department of Conservation ornithologist) Sarah Kendrick joins us once again to break down how it works, share birding tips, and more. The best par...

It looks beautiful each spring, but the Callery pear has a complicated story. In the March episode of Nature Boost, we discuss how a popular ornamental tree introduced decades ago became one of Missouri's most problematic plants. Hear about its rise and spread, learn about new legislation banning its sale, and discover how the Missouri Invasive Plant Council's Callery Pear Buyback Program is helpi...

February isn't just for Valentine's Day - it's also peak breeding season for many Missouri wildlife species. In this month's Nature Boost, we explore weird and fascinating mating rituals. Plus, Missouri State Herpetologist Dr. Jeff Briggler is back to explain the spotted salamander's unique "breeding frenzy" and why it's one of nature's most remarkable events. Learn more about Missouri's wild love...

For years, David Berry Jr. and his family were at the center of Missouri’s most notorious wildlife poaching case, leaving hundreds of illegally killed deer in their wake. In this special true crime episode of Nature Boost, we take an in-depth look at Operation Geronimo, the investigation that finally stopped Berry Jr., and hear firsthand from the conservation agent that brought him to justice, And...

This winter, Missouri may get some Arctic visitors. On the December episode, explore the rare phenomenon of snowy owls migrating way beyond their frozen tundra. Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre breaks down their ecology, what an irruption year is, and shares tips for viewing these magical birds of prey responsibly. Learn more about snowy owl movements at  projectsnowstorm.org . See Privacy Po...

How does caring for wildlife and wild places help us care for ourselves? Join MDC’s Lorisa Smith and Dr. Sherri Russell as they discuss how the One Health framework connects the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Just in time for spooky season, Nature Boost is shining a light on one of Missouri’s most misunderstood residents … the tarantula! In this mini episode, hear from experts with the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Conservation about their research on Missouri’s native tarantula population. Discover where these “creepy crawlers” call home, what makes them unique, and w...

Autumn in Missouri offers more than colorful leaves … it’s a season full of wild flavors, too! In October’s episode, MDC’s Ginger Miller and Pat Whalen join us to guide us through the basics of foraging. Get tips on identifying wild edibles, fun ways to transform them in the kitchen, and how you can harvest food throughout the year! Whether you’re gathering ingredients for a wild treat or looking...

Birding is blowing up on TikTok and Instagram lately – especially with younger generations! People from all backgrounds are discovering the joy of this accessible outdoor hobby. But while birding is trending, birds themselves are in trouble. Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds. We hear from Kaylee Woelfel from the Missouri River Bird Observatory on why these declines are happ...

Trees are more than just scenery – they’re living investments that provide shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, and a myriad of health benefits. MDC’s Forest Entomologist Robbie Doerhoff is back to tell us how tree health is connected to human health, and how to keep our trees healthy for generations to come. Get practical tips on watering, mulching, and spotting signs of stress and disease. Whether y...

In this Mini Boost, we’re diving into the incredible story of the  lake sturgeon  — a prehistoric fish making a modern comeback! Once on the brink of disappearing from many Midwestern waters, lake sturgeon are now at the center of inspiring conservation efforts right here in Missouri. Join us as we explore the biology, history, and recovery of this iconic species with MDC Fisheries...

The hiking boots are broken in, the bag is packed (but hopefully not overpacked), and the trailhead is in sight! Join Jill as she sees if all her prep paid off as she sets off on her first backpacking trip in the Mark Twain National Forest. Topics include what Jill packed (and what she wish she had), advice and stories from program instructors and other backpackers, and the sounds and serenity of...

Thinking about hitting the trail for your first backpacking trip? Us, too! Join Jill as she prepares to backpack in the Mark Twain National Forest as part of MDC’s Backpacking 101 program. This episode has hiking tips, expert advice from MDC’s backpacking instructors, and personal stories from Missouri Conservationist Magazine Editor Larry Archer (who has a magazine article coming out on backpacki...

From coastal marshes to inland swamps, wetlands are the unsung heroes of nature. This month, Nature Boost is giving them the spotlight they deserve in honor of American Wetlands Month! MDC Wetlands Ecologist Frank Nelson gives us a tour of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia and tells us what wetlands are, why the matter, and why we should totally care. Think natural water filters, flood...

In honor or Arbor Day, Nature Boost is going a little nutty for Missouri’s very own black walnut. Known as the Show-Me State’s toughest nut to crack, black walnuts are more than just a snack – they’re a deep-rooted part of Missouri’s culture, economy, and forests. To learn more, we visited the famous Hammons Black Walnuts in Stockton, Missouri, to speak with Hammons Executive Vice President Jacob...

Tree seedling nurseries are the unsung heroes of reforestation, conservation, and even urban greening projects. This episode takes you behind the scenes of George O. White State Forest Nursery in Licking, Missouri, which has been providing tree seedlings for more than 90 years! Learn how the nursery came to be, hear about the tremendous work it takes to grow numerous species of tree seedlings, and...

Need a mini boost? You’re in luck! Nature Boost is bringing back its bite-sized episodes to give you another dose of the outdoors. In this mini boost, we’re learning about the unique names of full moons throughout the year. Why is the full moon in March referred to as the “Worm Moon”? And is April’s “Pink Moon” actually pink? Listen and learn the history of these names and how each full moon is co...

In our February episode, we’re discussing nature’s ultimate engineers – beavers! From their impressive dams to their ability to shape entire ecosystems, beavers play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitats. MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock is back again to shed light on these industrious rodents, how they shape the landscape and help wildlife thrive in the process. Learn...

Don’t hit snooze on our first episode of 2025! We’re kicking off the new year by looking into the quirky history of Groundhog Day. From its ancient European roots to its evolution into a beloved American tradition, Nature Boost explores how this strange holiday came to be. MDC Naturalist Austin Lambert also gives insight into one of Missouri’s most well-known rodents. Learn more about groundhogs i...

Take break from the holiday frenzy and learn what natural events occur during these last days of 2024. Need last-minute gifts? There are many options for nature lovers in the MDC Nature Shop! Order nature guides, cookbooks, and our popular Natural Events Calendar at mdcnatureshop.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-...

The outdoors has a special way of bringing peace and erasing stress, and November is a time we reflect on the things we’re thankful for. MDC Communications Branch Chief Heather Feeler discusses how her program, The Spirit of Gratitude, can help us increase energy and inspiration, foster self-improvement, and regain the spark and joy in living out our mission.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...

Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and Mo Mo? In celebration of Halloween, Nature Boost is looking into the story of Mo Mo the Missouri Monster. Sightings of the creature date back to the early 1970s in the small town of Louisiana. Telling us more about this monstrous history is Louisiana Historical Museum President Brent Engel. Are you a Mo Mo skeptic? This episode may just turn you into a believer! Special tha...

Thousands of volunteers dedicate their free time to conserving Missouri’s blue spaces. Since 1989, Missouri Stream Teams have worked to remove trash from waterways, plant trees along streams, remove invasive plants, and more. MDC Volunteer Programs Manager Rebecca O’Hearn and Volunteer Engagement Specialist Brian Waldrop highlight the important work Stream Teams has completed in its 35 years and d...

A fish with cobra-like coloring, a set of teeth, and the capability to live on land for several days has made its way into Missouri. MDC has confirmed numerous reports of the northern snakehead in the state and needs your help to track it. Invasive Species Ecologist Angela Sokolowski and Fisheries Program Angler Outreach Specialist Andrew Branson tell us more about this unique fish, why it’s a pro...