Three Rivers Land Trust Campfire Conversations

Sam made it back and we are the first to hear the recount of his Yellowstone adventure. 
Grayling vs Cutthroat trout. Hellbender-possibly the coolest name and most awesome salamander on earth. Everyone is going on some kind of vacation adventure. A brief history of a rusty relic 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina-salt water fishermen listen up, spots are given out. 
Giving up your spot, hardest thing you'll ever do. Riverdance, a preview of all the fun to be had. The annual Dove Hunt, what it takes to put this event on and the benefits expand far beyond a fundraiser and a few doves for dinner. Hot tips: revolve around protecting yourself. 

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

Mikey fills in for Sam this week. Sam is in Yellowstone, possibly being breakfast for a Grizzly. We talk about the upcoming events including the two foot races being held by Richmond Co chapter as well as our main event of the year, River Dance- come out and bid on an awesome trip or item, dance, get fed, have a great time. You can even bid on Cody's popular guided woodcock hunt with a hot lunch prepared fresh in the field, or you can bid on Sam's famous fly fishing trip complete with a cold sandwich on the creek. (If you aren't sure about that, go back and listen to some of our top-guide episodes for the reference.)
We talk about a few of the boats of Cody's past and why Cody is not much of a paddler. Cody gets a bit inflated when talking of how well he fishes. Mikey talks about her role on the Outdoor Heritage advisory council. We discuss boating safety for the summer. Mikey tells of being attacked by a wicked beaver while on her birthday kayak trip.

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

Take a lesson on NC History on the Yadkin River. American heroes such as George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and Daniel Boone spent time in the Yadkin River valley. The Land Trust has been working to protect the historic landmarks that these iconic figures encountered.  

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

In absence of  a guest this week, we discuss happenings at the Land Trust. Fishing tournaments, Sam is headed west. What is in your backpack on a survival expedition? Is a pillow necessary equipment? Sam talks about plans for his big trip and the intricacies of Lake trout in the yellowstone environment. 

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

Finally, a topic that we know tons about! Feral Swine. We talk about the history, biology, distribution, dangers, impacts, culture, and method surrounding feral hogs. We also discuss wisdom teeth, hot squirrels, face paralyzing diseases, and serious coffee.
Have you ever seen a hot squirrel? Not sure and want to know? Find out how. Curious about why feral swine are popping up in new areas across the country? Find out why. Curious at how landowners are able to combat the population increase in these property destroying creatures? We discuss our methods. If you would like to see a demonstration of a trap in operation and hear more on the management of Feral Swine check out our video on youtube with Dr. Miles Silman :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzCZixErGCI

Correction: we said Winchester Model 700- Correction to Remington Model 700, Winchester Model 70.

. 

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

We talk turpentine, sap, tar, lumber, and pine tree management. Everything Pine, focused on three species: Loblolly, Longleaf, and Shortleaf. How Three Rivers manages these stands for wildlife. We also give some advice on how to handle unruly kids on a field trip. Discussion starts with an observation on strollers and people at the zoo. 

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

In this episode, we talk about litter. Items that tend to make their way into our natural areas where they don't belong. What one local chapter of the Land Trust is doing about it. Fish hooks in the face, it happens more often than you might think. Major League Fishing, a national #1 ranking television show visits our waterways and highlights our conservation work. Jug fishing, the right way and the not quite as right way. Fishing with family. Everyone on the planet fishes at some point. Sam may have long lasting disease effects from a glass bottle injury on a shark fishing excursion...Or maybe from the bloody leatherman he used to remove a fish hook from his neck... Fishing is the cheapest form of entertainment, but could be the most dangerous if you fish with Sam.

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

This is perhaps the most contentious episode we have ever tried to record. The nature of the topic is one of sensitivity. Deep tracks to be released upon our demise.
We first discuss a few off the running list of sweet outdoorsy moves we have noticed experienced folks utilize in the field. We enter the world of advice with Mikey and talk about various ethical moments in which a response of kindness is necessary.
Discussion gets seriously deep into the validity of throw pillows.
Turkey harvest is up, coincidence? Social Media, the force that seems to drive the world. Getting your pictures out for everyone to see. Is it the ethical thing to do?
We discuss how to celebrate your moment in the outdoors and how moments celebrated in the outdoors can be perceived. 
Social Media. The fastest way to disseminate information ever devised.

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

We first re-hash a few items of interest including the ultimate demise of migratory species. We discuss the interest and complexity surrounding bearded hen turkeys. We complete our interview with Dr. Gene Hester. We are joined in this segment by Mrs. Hester who tells a hilarious story about getting mail from the White House! Dr. Gene Hester talks about being checked by a federal wildlife officer for whom he had signed their credentials. Dr. Hester tells about his induction into an elite group of conservationists. 

A special thanks to Three Rivers BOD member Ben Fisher and Ralph Wear for making this interview possible. Special thank you to Dr. Gene Hester and wife for allowing us to visit and talk conservation.

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

We are privileged to interview Dr. Gene Hester. Dr. Hester is renowned for his work as an innovator and advocate for wildlife and land conservation in the United States. He was a former Deputy Director of United States Fish and Wildlife Service, former National Park Service Associate Director, and held many positions in which he represented wildlife and land issues to Congress. In addition to these achievements, Dr. Hester was also a researcher and professor at various institutions where he contributed things such as the science surrounding wood duck brood rearing improvement and water quality stream sampling utilizing indicator wildlife species. Dr. Hester gives us a front row seat to his experiences and stories from a life of conservation.

Support the show

Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org