Episodes
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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 protection, wildlife hangouts, and even climate superheroes (wetlands store carbon like champs). Tune in to this episode to fall in love with marshes, bogs, swamps, and all the wet and wild places in between. Find a wetland to visit by checking out the MDC website at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4fv
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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 Basecke. For over 70 years, Hammons has been supplying the nation with black walnuts – a majority of which are wild-harvested right here in Missouri! Listen and learn about these flavorful and protein-rich nuts, how Hammons processes them, and how you can even sell your own black walnuts! Learn more from Hammons Black Walnuts at black-walnuts.com
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Missing episodes?
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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 how the staff can help you with your next planting project!
And good news, you can still buy tree seedlings from the nursery through April 15. Supplies are limited! Order online at https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings/order-seedlings or call the nursery at 573-674-3229.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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 connected to the rhythm of life on earth.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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 more about Missouri’s beaver population
in our online Field Guide at short.mdc.mo.gov/4dk
If you’d like to learn more about mitigating conflict with
beavers on your property, check out short.mdc.mo.gov/4VU
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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 in our online Field Guide at
missouriconservation.org.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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-sell-my-info.
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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.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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 thanks to Musician Bill Whyte for his original song Mo Mo the Missouri Monster.
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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 discuss how you can join the movement. Start your own Stream Team at mostreamteam.org
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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 problem, and what to do if you catch one.
Reports of northern snakeheads can be made by calling the MDC Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730 or online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ek
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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When temperatures warm up, black bears move across the landscape … once again reminding us that Missouri is bear country! As part of MDC’s black bear research, biologists trap and study bears in the summer to assess survival, habitat, and movements. Black Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock explains what happens during these research trips and what his team does with the data. Later, Wildlife Damage Biologist Josh Wisdom explains why it’s important for Missourians to be “BearWise.” Learn more about black bears at missouriconservation.org and learn how to live responsibly with bears by visiting bearwise.org
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Does Missouri have mountain lions? Yes and no. Many sightings of these large cats turn out to be a case of mistaken identity. Although mountain lions were once as common as deer in Missouri, they were eradicated in the 19th century. If that’s the case, why are we seeing these cats pop up now and again? Are they making a comeback? Is there cause for alarm? MDC’s Wildlife Management Coordinator Alan Leary answers these questions and more in this episode. And be sure to check out the MDC website to learn more about MDC’s Mountain Lion Response Team, a list of all confirmed mountain lion reports in the state, and more mountain lion facts. Visit mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/report-wildlife-sightings/mountain-lion-reports
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley is permanently out-of-office and retiring from the Department! Sara joins Nature Boost to look back on her time in conservation, the people who inspired her, and shares guidance for those interested in a conservation-related career.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Missouri’s annual cicadas will be joined by their periodical friends this summer – prepare for a noisy season! What even are cicadas? Why do they spend most of their lives underground? What are the benefits of these little creatures? Learn the answers and dispel some cicada myths when Nature Boost is joined by MDC Forest Entomologist Robbie Doerhoff. Find more cool facts about annual and periodical cicadas on the MDC website at missouriconservation.org
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Nature Boost is celebrating 2024’s biggest celestial event – the solar eclipse slated for April 8 in southeast Missouri! We talk to MDC Media Specialist and self-proclaimed astronomy nerd Dan Zarlenga about how and why an eclipse happens, what to expect, and best ways to take pictures and videos of the event. We also speak to Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank about what our native wildlife thinks of these events and the interesting ways they react when the moon blocks out the light of the sun.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Missouri’s Ozark and eastern hellbender populations are endangered, but a special partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Saint Louis Zoo is helping these salamanders stage a comeback. In February’s episode, hear from Justin Elden, Curator of Herpetology and Aquatics at the Saint Louis Zoo, and Director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation, as he shows us around the Zoo’s Herpetarium and talks about the challenges and success stories around this special breeding program.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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What the heck is a hellbender? Listen to this episode and find out! Missouri Herpetologist Dr. Jeff Briggler takes Nature Boost on an Ozark stream to check during breeding season for the eastern hellbender. This episode discusses the hellbender’s endangered status, the challenges both Ozark and eastern subspecies face, and MDC’s partnership with the Saint Louis Zoo to restore populations. Learn more about the hellbender by visiting mdc.mo.gov or stlzoo.org
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Nature’s effect on our health is a topic we’ve discussed before, but it bears repeating! Primary Care Physician Dr. Jennifer Allen joins us to discuss why our bodies and minds need nature and why getting outside is especially important in the winter!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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MDC Naturalist Sarah Easton joins us again to answer common questions received during the fall and winter seasons. Topics include white-tailed deer, MDC’s Eagle Days, leaving the leaves, and how to recycle live Christmas trees for wildlife.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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