Nature Boost Podcast

Interested in exploring the outdoors, but unsure where to start? It’s as easy as stepping out your door! 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!

Nature Boost Bonus Episode

• Living With Wildlife: Jill gets together with Wildlife Programs Supervisor Lauren Hildreth and MDC Wildlife Damage Biologists Daryl Damron and Josh Wisdom to discuss how we can live in harmony with the natural world. Bonus 01 Transcript

Mini Boost

• Mini Boost - Bird is the Word!: State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick joins Nature Boost for round 2 on Missouri’s birds. She tells us why many populations are sadly in decline, but gives us tips on how we can each do our part to help reverse those numbers. Sarah also gives us good tips on winter bird watching, and why the cold season is a great time to pick up the hobby! MB01 Transcript
• Mini Boost - Let's Go Hiking: Join Jill for Mini Nature Boost about hiking! Learn some quick tips that will motivate you to get out and discover nature! MB02 Transcript
• Mini Boost - Self Care in Nature: Relax and de-stress as you discover ways to incorporate nature into your self-care routine! MB03 Transcript

Season 2: Wildlife

• Episode 1 - Black Bears: Join Jill as she tags along on a black bear research trip in southern Missouri with MDC Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee. Learn about Missouri’s growing bear population and how to stay “Bear Aware”. S2E1 Transcript
• Episode 2 - Birds: Jill talks with Missouri Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick on why birds are awesome! Learn some basic bird calls and how to become a birder! S2E2 Transcript
• Episode 3 - Elk: Did you know Missouri has an established elk population? Cervid Biologist Aaron Hildreth gives Jill a tour of Peck Ranch Conservation Area, where Missouri’s elk roam! S2E3 Transcript

Season 1: Nature & Health

• Episode 1 – Getting Back to Our Roots: Join host Jill Pritchard as she discusses nature’s effect on our wellbeing with Jefferson City-based Wellness Practitioner Dianna Richardson. Also featured is St. Louis radio personality, Jeff Burton, who shares how hiking changed his life for the better. S1E1 Transcript
• Episode 2 – Bee Kind: Jill talks to MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank and St. Louis University Biology Professor Dr. Gerardo Camilo to discuss the vital role bees play in our nutrition. S1E2 Transcript
• Episode 3 – Blue Space: We’ve heard about how “Green Space” is great for health, but what about our lakes and rivers? This episode features MDC’s Stream and Watershed Chief Sherry Fischer and explores how clean and healthy waterways impact our health. S1E3 Transcript
• Episode 4 – Good Chemis-tree: Jill speaks to MDC’S Trees Work Campaign Coordinator Holly Dentner and Sarah Crowder with the Heartland Tree Alliance to find out how their programs are improving Missouri’s communities one tree at a time. S1E4 Transcript