Future of Conservation

Welcome to the Future of Conservation where cutting edge science meets bold ideas, and passion powers change. 

Each month, we bring you inspiring conversations with conservationists, scientists, authors, and changemakers who are reimagining how we protect our planet. From bird-friendly cities to python hunts in the Everglades, we dive deep into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our natural world.

Discover a new way to see nature 鈥� and your place in it.

Latest Episodes 

Episode 8:

Tim Beatley鈥攗rban planner, author, and lifelong bird enthusiast鈥攕hares how he鈥檚 spent his career advocating for cities that support and celebrate wildlife. From building sustainable communities to reducing urban ecological footprints, Tim offers inspiring ideas for making our cities more livable, beautiful, and biodiverse. 

Episode 7:

In this episode of The Future of Conservation podcast, we talk with Stuart Welsh, who is not just a scientist but a passionate naturalist who delights in the subtle wonders of aquatic life. He highlights the unique and charismatic fishes of central Appalachia, their fascinating behaviors and underscores the importance of conservation, inviting readers to appreciate the hidden world beneath the water鈥檚 surface.

Episode 6:  

In this episode, we sit down with Christie Palmer Lowrance, author of The Last Heath Hen, to explore the extinction story of Booming Ben, the final known heath hen. Christie delves into the science behind this bird's disappearance and reflects on the importance of protecting the last of a species. Through her storytelling, she addresses the next generation, explaining not only the ecological significance of this extinction but also its broader implications for conservation efforts today. 

Episode 5:

In this episode, Joelle Gehring, an expert in migratory bird conservation, talks about a major threat to birds: collisions with buildings and glass. More than 1 billion birds die each year in the U.S. due to these collisions鈥攅specially during migration when artificial lights lead them off course. Learn how to create safer shared spaces for birds and people in this exciting conversation.  

Episode 4:

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Leskey, a renowned entomologist and expert on pest management, shares her extensive research on the spotted lantern fly's life history and invasion patterns, with a special focus on its impact, and the innovative strategies being developed to combat its spread. Learn more about how to address the growing impact of the spotted lanternfly.

Episode 3:

Passionate hunters from Alaska sit down with us to reflect on how their experiences nurture the human spirit, sustain health, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. They share stories of how hunting builds relationships, connects people to the land, and plays a vital role in conservation efforts. View the transcript

Episode 2:

We sit down with Jon Waterman, an esteemed author and National Geographic Explorer, to discuss his captivating book, National Geographic Atlas of Wild America. With a deep passion for conservation and adventure, Jon shares insights from his lifetime of exploring the natural world. View the transcript

Episode 1:

What does it take to protect the Florida Everglades from the invasive Burmese Python, a species threatening to collapse this unique ecosystem? Listen to Donna Kalil, a dedicated environmentalist, and one of the first female python elimination specialists, who has captured over 700 pythons! View the transcript

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Please Note: This podcast series is for educational purposes only. The opinions, ideas, or data presented in this podcast series do not represent FWS policy or constitute an endorsement by FWS. Some of the materials may be protected by copyright or may have been licensed to us by a third party and are restricted in their use. Mention of any product names, companies, weblinks, textbooks, or other references does not imply Federal endorsement.