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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!
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Recent Episodes
A Closer Look at River Otters
From muddy riverbanks to snowy slides, river otters are among Missouri’s most energetic and entertaining wildlife species. But behind their playful behavior is a conservation success story decades in…
Inside the Missouri Birding Challenge
Get in, bestie, we're going birding ... again! In our April episode, we're talking about the Missouri Birding Challenge, a team-based event that's turned a relaxing hobby into a fun competition. U.S.…
The Rise & Fall of the Callery Pear
It looks beautiful each spring, but the Callery pear has a complicated story. In the March episode of Nature Boost, we discuss how a popular ornamental tree introduced decades ago became one of…
February's for Lovers: Weird Wildlife Romances
February isn't just for Valentine's Day - it's also peak breeding season for many Missouri wildlife species. In this month's Nature Boost, we explore weird and fascinating mating rituals. Plus,…
Nature Boost Investigates: Inside the Serial Poaching Case of David Berry Jr.
For years, David Berry Jr. and his family were at the center of Missouri’s most notorious wildlife poaching case, leaving hundreds of illegally killed deer in their wake. In this special true crime…
Tracking Snowy Owls in Missouri
This winter, Missouri may get some Arctic visitors. On the December episode, explore the rare phenomenon of snowy owls migrating way beyond their frozen tundra. Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre…
The Power of One Health Part I: Understanding One Health
How does caring for wildlife and wild places help us care for ourselves? Join MDC’s Lorisa Smith and Dr. Sherri Russell as they discuss how the One Health framework connects the well-being of people,…
Mini Boost: Creepy, Crawly, and Completely Cool Tarantulas!
Just in time for spooky season, Nature Boost is shining a light on one of Missouri’s most misunderstood residents … the tarantula! In this mini episode, hear from experts with the University of…
A Beginner’s Guide to Foraging
Autumn in Missouri offers more than colorful leaves … it’s a season full of wild flavors, too! In October’s episode, MDC’s Ginger Miller and Pat Whalen join us to guide us through the basics of…
BirdTok: Why Social Media’s New Trend Can Help Our Birds
Birding is blowing up on TikTok and Instagram lately – especially with younger generations! People from all backgrounds are discovering the joy of this accessible outdoor hobby. But while birding is…
Healthy Roots, Happy Trees with MDC’s Forest Entomologist
Trees are more than just scenery – they’re living investments that provide shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, and a myriad of health benefits. MDC’s Forest Entomologist Robbie Doerhoff is back to tell…
Mini Boost: The Return of Lake Sturgeon
In this Mini Boost, we’re diving into the incredible story of the lake sturgeon — a prehistoric fish making a modern comeback! Once on the brink of disappearing from many Midwestern waters, lake…
Backpacking 101: Hitting the Trail
The hiking boots are broken in, the bag is packed (but hopefully not overpacked), and the trailhead is in sight! Join Jill as she sees if all her prep paid off as she sets off on her first…
Backpacking 101: Your First Adventure Starts Here!
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…
The Wonders of Wetlands – Celebrating American Wetlands Month
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…
Nuts About Trees: Celebrating Arbor Day with a Side of Black Walnuts
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 –…
Growing the Future – Inside Missouri’s State Forest Nursery
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…
Mini Boost: Lunar Labels
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…
Dam Good Builders
In our February episode, we’re discussing nature’s ultimateengineers – beavers! From their impressive dams to their ability to shapeentire ecosystems, beavers play a crucial role in maintaining the…
Groundhog Day: How a Large Rodent Became an Unqualified Weatherman
Don’t hit snooze on our first episode of 2025! We’re kickingoff the new year by looking into the quirky history of Groundhog Day. From itsancient European roots to its evolution into a beloved…
Frequently Asked Questions
Nature Boost has published 79 episodes since April 2020, covering topics in Science, Sports.
Nature Boost is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 23m.
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