Nature Boost

Latest Episodes:

Morels Part II May 18, 2023

Show notes

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.

Give Turtles a Brake! Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

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-my-info.

Missouri Conservationist Magazine and Xplor Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

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://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Winter Herp Survival Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

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.

Let’s Go on a Winter Hike Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

There’s still much to explore in the outdoors during winter. Bundle up, stuff your pocket with Kleenex, and head out on a trail with Jill following a snowfall! Look for wildlife tracks, get in some steps, and enjoy nature in a winter wonderland.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

Celebrate our birds this holiday season through the Christmas Bird Count. US Fish and Wildlife Migratory Bird Biologist Sarah Kendrick tells us the history of the bird census, how to join, and how the data helps declining bird populations. Learn more about the Christmas Bird Count at Audubon.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talkin’ Thanksgiving Turkey Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by learning more about the wild turkey. Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley gives some fun facts about this gamebird you can bring to your dinner table.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bats of Missouri Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

Feeling batty this month? Learn all about one of Halloween’s most iconic mascots in October’s episode. Jill speaks with MDC Bat Ecologist Jordan Meyer about types of bats found in Missouri, what they’re up to this time of year, and what to do if you happen to find one on your property.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins of Cape Girardeau Nature Center Sep 09, 2022

Show notes

It’s getting close to Halloween season, and what better way to celebrate than learning about one of Missouri’s most unique snakes? Join Jill as she speaks with MDC Naturalist Alex Holmes about the two-headed black ratsnake at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monarch Mania Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

Butterflies are insects, but many of us think of them as something “more.” Perhaps it’s their beauty or the fact that they don’t bite or sting that makes people like them so much! Learn about the iconic monarch butterfly, their impressive migration journey, and what you can do to help support their population.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.