Nature Boost

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**Nature Boost**

Join host Jill Pritchard from the Missouri Department of Conservation as she explores everything nature has to offer – from health benefits and wildlife viewing, to outdoor recreation and unbelievable conservation stories. Subscribe and get your own Nature Boost!

Latest Episodes:

Groundhog Day: How a Large Rodent Became an Unqualified Weatherman Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

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A Nature Boost Holiday Countdown Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

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

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The Spirit of Gratitude with Heather Feeler Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

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The Legend of Mo Mo the Missouri Monster Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

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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Did You Thank a Stream Teamer Today? Sep 19, 2024

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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

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A Snake-Like Fish That Breathes Air is Causing Big Problems in Missouri Aug 15, 2024

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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

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Black Bears & BearWise with Nate Bowersock and Josh Wisdom Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

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

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What’s Up with Mountain Lions in Missouri? Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

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

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Best Wishes to Sara Parker Pauley! May 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Here Come the Cicadas! Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

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

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