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 backpacking!) Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or dreaming of thru-hiking, this episode will help you...
Jun 19, 2025•37 min
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). Tun...
May 15, 2025•21 min
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...
Apr 17, 2025•18 min
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 s...
Mar 20, 2025•23 min
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 Californ...
Feb 28, 2025•8 min
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 l...
Feb 20, 2025•24 min
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/priva...
Jan 16, 2025•11 min
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 ....
Dec 20, 2024•8 min
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 ....
Nov 21, 2024•58 min
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. See Privacy Policy at h...
Oct 17, 2024•25 min
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 Pol...
Sep 19, 2024•26 min
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...
Aug 15, 2024•26 min
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 bl...
Jul 18, 2024•28 min
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...
Jun 20, 2024•38 min
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 ....
May 17, 2024•39 min
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/pri...
Apr 18, 2024•32 min
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....
Mar 21, 2024•28 min
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 ch...
Feb 15, 2024•24 min
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...
Jan 18, 2024•31 min
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 .
Dec 21, 2023•29 min
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 .
Nov 16, 2023•48 min
Nature Boost learns the ropes this episode with Kevin McCarthy and Russell Errett from the BETA Fund. These two rock climbing enthusiasts helped establish the first rock climbing bluff offered on an MDC area at Rockwoods Reservation. Learn rock climbing basics, safety, how to get started, and hear about BETA Fund’s mission to conserve outdoor spaces in the Midwest for recreational rock climbing. Read more about the organization at betafund.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...
Oct 19, 2023•39 min
Nature Boost meets up with MDC Conservation Educator Ginger Miller for a picnic lunch in Windsor. What’s on the menu? Listen and find out! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Sep 21, 2023•36 min
Join us for a night of theater at the Muny! Muny CEO Kwofe Coleman tells us what makes this outdoor theater so special, how the nature setting adds to productions, and why so many continue to attend shows year after year. Later, MDC’s Karen Hudson guides us around Forest Park and tells us about MDC’s partnership with the Muny. Learn more and visit at muny.org ! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Aug 17, 2023•31 min
MDC Naturalist Sarah Easton sits down with Jill to answer common questions MDC receives from the public during the summer season. Topics include summer bird-feeding, what to do if you find an abandoned or injured animal, and best ways to protect yourself against mosquitos, ticks, and poison ivy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Jul 20, 2023•56 min
Learn why Missouri is dubbed “The Cave State” as Jill goes cave exploring with MDC Naturalist and cave expert Shelly Colatskie. Learn why the state hosts so many caves, how they form, and tips and resources on how to become a caver yourself! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Jun 15, 2023•28 min
Morel mushrooms are tricky fungi to hunt. Join Jill as she sets out on another quest to find the coveted springtime mushroom. Will she succeed? Or will she spend another year wondering if these mushrooms actually live up to the hype? Listen and find out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
May 18, 2023•20 min
Keep an eye on the roads this spring for one of our reptilian friends – box turtles! Turtles are coming out of their winter dens in search of food and a mate and are common seen crossing the roads. MDC Naturalist Shelly Colatskie also tells listeners about Missouri’s most famous turtle, Peanut, and how this red-eared slider is spreading awareness in the anti-littering movement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-...
Apr 20, 2023•20 min
MDC Magazine Manager Stephanie Thurber joins Jill this episode to discuss the Missouri Conservationist and Xplor for Kids magazines. Learn how you can subscribe to these amazing FREE publications, how the magazine has evolved through the decades, and the variety of topics covered. Stephanie mentions her favorite Xplor story in this episode, the Wood Duck Diaries. Here’s the link to read it for yourself: https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/xplor/2012-02/wood-duck-diaries See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
Mar 16, 2023•28 min
Many wildlife species are active during the winter, but where have the reptiles and amphibians gone?! Missouri Herpetologist Jeff Briggler is back to tell us how frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes survive the cold months. He also tells us about the latest edition of MDC’s Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri illustrated guidebook. Check it out online 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...
Feb 16, 2023•30 min
