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 — and your place in it.
Latest Episodes
Episode 10: Return to the Sky: Tina Morris' Story of Bringing Back the American Bald Eagle
In this episode, author and ornithologist Tina Morris delves into the science and the professional mettle behind her remarkable field work with American bald eagles. In the spring of 1975, as a young Cornell Lab of Ornithology graduate student, Morris was one of the first to work with eagles using a process known as "hacking," a delicate method of releasing birds into the wild while avoiding human imprinting. In this interview, Morris addresses how her quietly unfolding work at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge became the blueprint for eagle reintroduction in the eastern U.S.
Episode 9: Freshwater Ecology and Open Science with Than Hitt
In this episode, we sit down with Than Hitt, Senior Scientist with the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, to talk all things water- rivers, streams, creeks, and the creatures that inhabit them. Than’s passion for rivers and public engagement is inspiring, and we explore how communities and scientists can work together to take care of the places we call home. You’ll learn about new tools like the WV Stream Watch App and Troutspotter, as well as some of our favorite creatures, like American eel and brook trout.
Episode 8: Building Bird-Friendly Cities with Tim Beatley
Tim Beatley—urban planner, author, and lifelong bird enthusiast—shares how he’s 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: Exploring Appalachia’s Fascinating Fish with Stuart Welsh
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’s surface.
Episode 6: The Last Heath Hen: A Conversation with Christie Palmer Lowrance
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:Building a Bird-Friendly Future with Joelle Gehring
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—especially 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: Sustainable Solutions for the Spotted Lanternfly: Expert Insights from Tracy Leskey
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: The Land We Share: Stories of Hunting, Spirit, and Connection
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: Exploring the Wild: Jon Waterman's Adventures in National Geographic Atlas of Wild America
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: Python Huntress: Donna Kalil's Mission to Save the Everglades, One Snake at a Time
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.
