Exploring Appalachia’s Fascinating Fish with Stuart Welsh: Hornyheads, Madtoms, and Darters
Stuart Welsh is not just a scientist but a passionate naturalist who delights in the subtle wonders of aquatic life. Whether studying rare species like the Candy Darter or observing the elusive American eel, Stuart approaches his research with curiosity and awe. His book, Hornyheads, Madtoms, and Darters: Narratives of Central Appalachian Fishes, combines science with storytelling to celebrate the unique and charismatic fishes of central Appalachia. Through engaging narratives, he highlights their fascinating behaviors and underscores the importance of conservation, inviting readers to appreciate the hidden world beneath the water’s surface. Episode recorded on 2/27/2025.
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The Land We Share: Stories of Hunting, Spirit, and Connection
In this episode of The Future of Conservation, we’re joined by authors Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham, to discuss their book, The Land We Share, a captivating collection of over 60 outdoor essays. Published in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, this collection explores the deep connections formed through hunting on public lands. Steve, a lifelong hunter, and Christine, an Alaskan who embraced hunting later in life, reflect on how these experiences nurture the human spirit, sustain health, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Accompanied by their loyal bird dogs, they share stories of how hunting builds relationships, connects people to the land, and plays a vital role in conservation efforts. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the intersection of good dogs, good people, and the wild places we strive to protect. This episode was recorded on 04/03/2024.
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Python Huntress: Donna Kalil's Mission to Save the Everglades, One Snake at a Time
In today’s episode, we dive into the critical mission to protect the Florida Everglades from the invasive Burmese Python, a species threatening to collapse this unique ecosystem. We’re joined by Donna Kalil, a dedicated environmentalist and herpetologist who is one of the professional contractors tasked with hunting and removing these giant snakes. As the first woman hired into the program, Donna has captured over 700 pythons, patrolling the Everglades at night in her specially equipped Python Elimination Vehicle. Join us as Donna shares her incredible work to save the Everglades, a biodiversity hotspot and national treasure, from the looming danger of the Burmese Python. This epidsode was recorded on 03/07/2024.
This podcast series is all about the future of wildlife conservation—exploring the cutting-edge science, innovative ideas, and passionate people working to protect our planet and its species. In each episode, we’ll sit down with conservationists, scientists, authors, and other experts to dive deep into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our natural world. We’ll be posting a new episode every month, so make sure to tune in and be inspired to look at nature in a new way.
Ireland