The Future of Conservation podcast is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a special 2026 series highlighting the past, present, and future of conservation through the voices of those who have shaped it. This year’s episodes will feature leaders from across the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribal partners, historians, refuge and hatchery experts, and community stewards reflecting on 250 years of resilience, innovation, and service. Together, we’ll explore how Indigenous knowledge, early sportsmen, and generations of conservationists helped build today’s stewardship of wildlife, lands, and waters. We will also examine how this legacy continues through modern conservation work happening across refuges, hatcheries, and public lands. Thanks to Josh Corsey, Senior Advisor to the Director of USFWS; DJ Monette, Associate Native American Liaison Advisor; Stewart Jacks, Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region; Cynthia Martinez, Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System; Martha Balis Larsen, Acting Assistant Director, Fish and Aquatic Conservation; Mark Madison, Historian; and Doug Canfield, Audiovisual Production Specialist for being voices to illuminate the way. I hope you can feel the excitement for what’s to come.

Return to the Sky is the little-known and remarkable story of how one woman’s dedication to seven young eagles helped spark the recovery of an entire species. In the 1970s, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction—victims of hunting, habitat loss, and deadly pesticides like DDT. Then a bold experiment began: reintroducing eaglets into the wild. Graduate student Tina Morris stepped in to raise the first seven chicks by hand, launching what would become a turning point in American conservation.As the 50th anniversary of eagle reintroduction approaches in 2026, Tina reflects on her pivotal role in one of the greatest wildlife comebacks of our time. Her story is a powerful reminder that with courage, resolve, and sound science, we can be good stewards of the world we share. Episode recorded on 7/10/2025.

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, the creatures that inhabit them. Hitt emphasizes the importance of community engagement and effective science communication in fostering a deeper connection between people and their natural environments, while highlighting new projects that empower local citizens to join in the process of science to protect waterways. Episode recorded on 6/03/2025.

In this episode, Tim Beatley—urban planner, author, and lifelong bird enthusiast—shares how he has spent his career advocating for cities that welcome and sustain wildlife. Tim's work centers on building sustainable communities and exploring creative strategies for reducing urban ecological footprints while making cities more livable, beautiful, and biodiverse. Episode recorded on 5/15/2025.

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.

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 recorded on 4/22/25.

In this episode of Future of Conservation, we’ll hear from biologist Joelle Gehring about a major challenge birds face: collisions with buildings and glass. Every year in the U.S., close to one billion birds die this way, especially during migration, when they’re drawn to artificial lights at night. The good news? There are simple, effective solutions that make a real difference, like dressing up your windows, choosing bird-friendly glass, and reducing lights at night. Joelle shares her work and insights on how we can all help create spaces that are safer for birds and better for people. Tune in to learn how you can be part of a more bird-friendly future. This episode was recorded on 09/12/2024.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Tracy Leskey, a renowned entomologist and expert on pest management. Dr. Leskey will share her extensive research on the spotted lanternfly’s life history and invasion patterns, with a special focus on its impact on ecosystems and agriculture, and the innovative strategies being developed to combat its spread. With over 20 years of research experience and more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Leskey has been a leader in developing behaviorally based management tools for invasive pests. Listen in to learn more about how we can address the growing impact of the spotted lanternfly. This episode was recorded on 01/18/2024.

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.

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.