Episodes

  • A Nature Boost Holiday Countdown

    A Nature Boost Holiday Countdown
    Dec 20 2024
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • The Spirit of Gratitude with Heather Feeler

    The Spirit of Gratitude with Heather Feeler
    Nov 21 2024
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • The Legend of Mo Mo the Missouri Monster

    The Legend of Mo Mo the Missouri Monster
    Oct 17 2024
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Did You Thank a Stream Teamer Today?

    Did You Thank a Stream Teamer Today?
    Sep 19 2024
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • A Snake-Like Fish That Breathes Air is Causing Big Problems in Missouri

    A Snake-Like Fish That Breathes Air is Causing Big Problems in Missouri
    Aug 15 2024
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Black Bears & BearWise with Nate Bowersock and Josh Wisdom

    Black Bears & BearWise with Nate Bowersock and Josh Wisdom
    Jul 18 2024
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • What’s Up with Mountain Lions in Missouri?

    What’s Up with Mountain Lions in Missouri?
    Jun 20 2024
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Best Wishes to Sara Parker Pauley!

    Best Wishes to Sara Parker Pauley!
    May 17 2024
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins