# Nature Boost 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! Page: Feed: --- ## A Closer Look at River Otters _2026-05-21_ 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 the making. In this episode of Nature Boost , MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock shares how researchers study otters and why these predators are important for balanced aquatic ecosystems. Plus,… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/67be1258-41b9-449a-be7d-dcbe6d3d16bf.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## Inside the Missouri Birding Challenge _2026-04-16_ 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. Fish and Wildlife ornithologist (and former Missouri Department of Conservation ornithologist) Sarah Kendrick joins us once again to break down how it works, share birding tips, and more. The best… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/d462976d-bc0d-499e-9928-4b2c125bf857.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## The Rise & Fall of the Callery Pear _2026-03-19_ 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 Missouri's most problematic plants. Hear about its rise and spread, learn about new legislation banning its sale, and discover how the Missouri Invasive Plant Council's Callery Pear Buyback Program is… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/f5c05a6e-4b4d-43ef-97f5-00e46c3d03ae.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## February's for Lovers: Weird Wildlife Romances _2026-02-19_ 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, Missouri State Herpetologist Dr. Jeff Briggler is back to explain the spotted salamander's unique "breeding frenzy" and why it's one of nature's most remarkable events. Learn more about Missouri's wild… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/ce0b67ea-6328-4537-8940-3588e46550fc.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## Nature Boost Investigates: Inside the Serial Poaching Case of David Berry Jr. _2026-01-15_ 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 episode of Nature Boost, we take an in-depth look at Operation Geronimo, the investigation that finally stopped Berry Jr., and hear firsthand from the conservation agent that brought him to justice,… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/dad3024c-ddf3-4513-8c8a-2f6d8aed9eaf.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## Tracking Snowy Owls in Missouri _2025-12-18_ 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 breaks down their ecology, what an irruption year is, and shares tips for viewing these magical birds of prey responsibly. Learn more about snowy owl movements at projectsnowstorm.org . See Privacy Policy… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/45d9a9b4-338b-4e38-973d-22ef48aaedb3.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## The Power of One Health Part I: Understanding One Health _2025-11-20_ 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, animals, and the environment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info . [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/7bf3b69b-7a0c-4abb-8323-5271bc7a0c2e.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## Mini Boost: Creepy, Crawly, and Completely Cool Tarantulas! _2025-10-30_ 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 Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Conservation about their research on Missouri’s native tarantula population. Discover where these “creepy crawlers” call home, what makes them unique, and… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/c454e526-50c7-4407-9c8f-4129e6573c85.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## A Beginner’s Guide to Foraging _2025-10-16_ 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 foraging. Get tips on identifying wild edibles, fun ways to transform them in the kitchen, and how you can harvest food throughout the year! Whether you’re gathering ingredients for a wild treat or looking… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/be0dfa86-38d2-4698-bed0-74131aa6cb97.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e) ## [Earn crypto from idle GPUs (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/VcXl4ObyxFkU) _2025-10-16 · **Sponsored**_ Run one CLI command, connect your GPU, and start receiving crypto payouts. ## BirdTok: Why Social Media’s New Trend Can Help Our Birds _2025-09-18_ 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 trending, birds themselves are in trouble. Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds. We hear from Kaylee Woelfel from the Missouri River Bird Observatory on why these declines are… [Listen](https://mgln.ai/e/345/rss.art19.com/episodes/9717eb3f-d16c-41d7-9b6b-88eb015b0922.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhRSU1NBbXBsaWZpZXJCb3QGOgZFVA%3D%3D--6345a2e4a0991d4cbe92da92e0fa95ff9d12de2e)