Safely operating a chainsaw, from the moment you start the engine to the moment you turn it off, is a critical piece of safe habitat management in many ecosystems. In our final episode of our 5-part Habitat Safety Miniseries, forestry educator and chainsaw expert Chris Evans from the University of Illinois takes Adam through every step of safe chainsaw maintenance, operation, and use. Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://pur...
Oct 01, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 37
From large bulldozers to small ATVs, habitat management often necessitates the use of heavy machinery. And safely transporting and using that equipment ensures we protect the people and the land engaged in this critical work! In this episode, the fourth in our Habitat Safety Miniseries, Adam visits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Heavy Equipment Manager for Region 3 in the upper Midwest, Clint DeMenge. Clint shares his knowledge from a career operating and training others to safely ope...
Sep 24, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Herbicides can be a critical tool for habitat management, especially when it comes to invasive species. But their use does not come without risk to the applicator or the environment. In this episode, Adam visits with Dr. Fred Whitford, clinical engagement professor and director of the pesticide programs at Purdue University. Fred talks through the critical steps of making sure you’re using the right tool at the right time to confront the right challenge and then how to do it safely for you and t...
Sep 17, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Prescribed fire is crucial for managing fire-adapted ecosystems worldwide. To ensure this tool remains effective, the safety of those who use it and those nearby is essential too. In this episode, Adam talks with Jennifer Fawcett from North Carolina State University. Jennifer is the Prescribed Fire Work Group Coordinator for the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) and a forestry educator at NCSU. She assists landowners and foresters in the Southeast and beyon...
Sep 10, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Nothing is more important in habitat management than the people doing habitat management! That’s why this month we’re focusing on the basics of habitat safety with a series of episodes featuring experts in the field. In this first episode, Adam and Jarred set the stage for the mini-series. Then Adam interviews Rich Gassman from Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Iowa. Rich sets the stage for the series and challenges us to think about who we’re being safe for. ...
Sep 03, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Interested in improving your property for ruffed grouse or American Woodcock? Tune in as we travel north and chat about all things grouse and woodcock with Jon Steigerwaldt, Great Lakes and Upper Midwest Region Forest Conservation Director from the Ruffed Grouse Society . Topics include: grouse ecology and habitat, woodcock ecology and habitat, grouse as bellwethers for healthy forests, forest ecology of the Great Lakes states, forestry, forest management, habitat management for grouse and woodc...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 32
This week we talk with Dr. Jessica Outcalt one of the creators of the Forestry for the Birds program in Indiana about how Hoosier conservationists are leveraging the connections between people and birds to help encourage landowners and foresters to provide better homes for Indiana’s forest birds. Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm Dr. Jessica Outcalt - https://extension....
Jul 24, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 31
How can forest management be used to improve habitat for various songbird species? And what resources are available to help guide landowners, managers, and foresters to help be intentional about creating songbird habitat through their forest management? Listen in as we chat with Steve Hagenbuch from Vermont Audobon about a program called Foresters for the Birds. Steve Hagenbuch - https://vt.audubon.org/contact/steve-hagenbuch Audubon Vermont - https://vt.audubon.org/ Resources mentioned in episo...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Often, the term “clearcut” is viewed as a 4-lettered word when it comes to forest or wildlife management. But, can clearcuts provide vital resources for songbirds – including those species typically associated with mature closed canopy forests? Join us for our conversation with Dr. Patrick Ruhl as we explore his research into songbird use of clearcuts in Indiana. Dr. Patrick Ruhl - https://ruhlresearch.wixsite.com/patrickjruhl https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UEACzAEAAAAJ&hl=en Reso...
Jun 05, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 29
What distinguishes a forest, woodland, and savanna? How does wildlife and plant diversity differ between them? How do we restore woodlands and savannas? Join Jarred as he talks with Dr. Andy Vander Yacht about his research into restoring oak woodlands and savannas and the wildlife that thrive within in. In part 2, we discuss how birds and bats responded to restoration treatments (thinning and fire), and how Andy’s research can inform oak woodland restoration on public and private land. Give us s...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 28
What distinguishes a forest, woodland, and savanna? How does wildlife and plant diversity differ between them? How do we restore woodlands and savannas? Join Jarred as he talks with Dr. Andy Vander Yacht about his research into restoring oak woodlands and savannas and the wildlife that thrive within in. This is a two-part series. In part 1, we discuss the historical context of forests, woodlands, and savannas in the eastern US, and Andy’s research into how fire and thinning influence plant compo...
May 01, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Ahead of a forthcoming mini-series on forest management for birds, Adam and Jarred discuss a paper reviewing the state of the science examining bird responses to forest management in the eastern U.S. The paper published last year by Michael Skresh and colleagues presents a compelling case for the importance of managed disturbances in eastern forests to benefit birds of conservation concern. Jarred also foreshadows some conversations he has planned in the coming episodes. Give us some feedback or...
Apr 03, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam’s new mustache, Mark’s use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers, and using precision conservation to delivery economically targeted conservation. Themes in the epis...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In the final episode of our second season, Jarred and Adam review the conversations we’ve had on the theme of private lands habitat conservation, discuss some things “left on the bone,” and share with the listeners where Habitat University is heading in the new year! Be sure to check out the previous episodes in the podcast, including those from Season 2 discussed in this episode, and Season 1 if you haven’t already! And as always please help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat Univers...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 24
We are joined this week by Matt Ross from the National Deer Association to chat about the importance of private lands and private land management for America’s favorite game species, the white-tailed deer. We discuss how whitetails can be a catalyst for private lands habitat management and all the work NDA does to assist private landowners. Resources discussed: National Deer Association – https://deerassociation.com/ 2023 Deer Report - https://deerassociation.com/2023-deer-report/ Deer Steward P...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, Jarred and Adam explain the Wildlife Habitat Education Program, which engages kids from throughout the country in wildlife habitat management through 4-H and FFA. Adam and Jarred first discuss the structure of the program and how it’s implemented in states across the country, and then they explore the national competition, including featuring voices of competitors from the 2022 National Competition in Kentucky. If you’re interested in starting a WHEP club in your community, you ...
May 25, 2023•39 min
When it comes to getting boots on the ground for private lands conservation, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is a leader. This episode we are joined by Quail Forever Tennessee State Coordinator, Brittney Viers, to discuss all the work PF & QF does for wildlife on private lands. From Farm Bill Biologists to Precision Ag & Conservation Specialists, tune in to learn about the wide-ranging roles of PFQF employees, and how they work to create and enhance habitat on private lands. Help u...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode, we wrap our mini-segment on approaches to private lands habitat management with a visit to a state with only about 30% private land: Idaho! Sal Palazzolo is the State Wildlife Habitat Program Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. He works with staff and partners to manage habitat throughout the state on private and public lands and took Adam on a tour of the state and its diversity to admire their unique challenges and share some of their successes! Help us improv...
Mar 16, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 21
On this episode Adam is joined by Bill White and Lisa Potter from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Join them for a wide-ranging conversation about the MDC private lands program and how 80+ biologists work to get wildlife conservation done on private land. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm Resources from the episode: Missouri Private Lands Program - https://mdc.mo.gov/your-pr...
Jun 29, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Join Jarred from the Bluegrass State as he talks with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Private Lands Coordinator, Jacob Stewart, and Small Game Coordinator, Cody Rhoden. Listen in as Jacob and Cody discuss their philosophy on private lands conservation and how Kentucky is trying to make wildlife a by-product of everyday land management. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5otein...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 19
State wildlife resource agencies are often on the front lines of wildlife habitat management and conservation on private lands by providing technical expertise and custom-tailored programs to help wildlife and people. But each state has its own unique approach. To learn more about these approaches, we’re going to be taking a tour of state-led private land programs around the country in the next few episodes! To get us started, Adam visited with Ray Aberle, the private lands program manager with ...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week we shift our inquiry from the U.S. Department of Agriculture into the Department of the Interior where we find a litany of wildlife biologists working to conserve wildlife habitat on private lands through various programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In this episode, Adam interviews biologist Gwen Kolb from the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in New Mexico and Kraig McPeek from the Ecological Services Office in Illinois. Kraig and Gwen provide a detailed overview of ho...
Mar 22, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 17
CRP, EQIP, WRE, ACEP, CP, SAFE, MA, FRPP.....OK you get the point –there are A LOT of acronyms when it comes to federal programs for conservation work on private lands in the U.S. The Natural Resources Conservation Service –NRCS –is integral in the implementation of many of these programs. So this week, Jarred and Adam visited with Indiana’s NRCS State Wildlife Biologist Brianne Lowe to get the skinny on all these acronyms and how the programs they represent can be used to create habitat for wil...
Feb 22, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 16
There is A LOT of private land in the U.S. and that means there are A LOT of challenges and opportunities for wildlife habitat conservation there! This season, Adam and Jarred will be joining guests from across the country to admire these challenges and opportunities thoroughly. In this first episode of Season 2 of Habitat University, they set the stage for the season and discuss what some of these challenges and opportunities will look like and how they’ll be exploring them in the episodes to c...
Jan 07, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Not sure what to get the habitat manager on your list this holiday season? Have no fear! In this episode, Adam and Jarred chat about what’s on their holiday habitat wishlist. Take a listen and you are sure to find the perfect gift idea. You will also get a sneak peek about what’s coming up on Habitat University in 2022. You can find Adam and Jarred’s wishlist below along with some helpful links. Adam’s WIshlist Native Plants - https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/about/native-plants Field Gui...
Dec 07, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Adam and Jarred are joined in this episode by award-winning instructor, Dr. Liz Flaherty, to chat about teaching undergraduate students all about habitat management. Dr. Flaherty is an Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Habitat Management at Purdue University. Take a listen to learn about the insights you can take from a college classroom and apply on your own property. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics...
Sep 14, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Ask anyone what they’re doing for wildlife habitat and you’re sure to hear mention of the challenges of invasive species. From aquatic invasive species that restructure entire food webs of Great Lakes to carpets of exotic grasses changing fire regimes in the west, invasive species are everywhere. In this episode, Jarred and Adam first dig in on the science of invasive species and discuss the challenges they present for wildlife and wildlife habitat. Then, we feature short discussions with Dawn S...
Aug 10, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 12
When you’re managing habitat for wildlife do you think more about plants than wildlife? Yeah, us too. So who better to chat with than one of the nation’s leading researchers and educators on plant-wildlife interactions? In this episode, Jarred and Adam chat with author and University of Tennessee Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Craig Harper. Tune in for a masterclass on the importance of plants and plant id for all habitat managers. But, don’t worry, you don’t have to be a botanist for this ep...
Jul 13, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What do baseball and wildlife habitat management have in common? Take a listen to this week’s episode as Adam and Jarred discuss what Adam calls “the Moneyball problem” of habitat management. They chat about how lessons learned from the best-selling book (and movie) - Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game – can be applied to habitat management. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCD...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Aldo Leopold’s defined his 5 tools of game management when he wrote Game Management over 80 years ago. But what tools did he miss, or what tools have been developed in the 88 years since the book was published? Join Adam and Jarred as they share their thoughts on the habitat management tools that should be added to the list. What tools would you add to Aldo’s list? Also, listen as Jarred tries to convince Adam that his toolbox analogy isn’t complete nonsense. Help us improve the podcast by takin...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 9
