As part of our limited series honoring America’s 250th anniversary, The Future of Conservation Podcast is highlighting the people and innovations shaping the next chapter of conservation in the United States.
The new episode of The Future of Conservation, Your National Wildlife Refuge System, traces the origins, growth, and evolving purpose of an important part of America’s public lands—from President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1903 protection of Pelican Island to today’s network of more than 570 refuges.
Listeners will hear from Marcia Pradines Long, a Refuge Manager at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge whose life and career has been shaped by time spent on public lands. Then, we’ll discuss the future of our National Wildlife Refuges with Chelsea DiAntonio, Wildlife Biologist who is working on the future of hunting, fishing, and recreation on Refuges.
Their experiences reveal how stewardship and community engagement sustain conservation today, from mentor hunts and kayak trails to habitat restoration and partnerships with hunters, anglers, and volunteers. Together, their voices illuminate the crucial role Refuges play in protecting wildlife, supporting healthy ecosystems, and connecting people to the land. Listen to Your National Wildlife Refuge System now on your favorite podcast app.
Brought to you by The Future of Conservation Podcast, the series explores cutting edge science, innovative ideas, and the passionate people working to protect our planet and its species. Listeners can subscribe on their favorite podcast app to never miss an episode and join the effort to make a positive impact on the environment.
