USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation

About USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation

This podcast series is all about the future of wildlife conservation—exploring the cutting-edge science, innovative ideas, and passionate people working to protect our planet and its species. In each episode, we’ll sit down with conservationists, scientists, authors, and other experts to dive deep into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our natural world. We’ll be posting a new episode every month, so make sure to tune in and be inspired to look at nature in a new way.

Publisher

NCTC Podcasts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Aug 2013

Latest episode

6 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

8 of 13 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   6 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Your National Wildlife Refuge System

   Host [Host Name] interviews Refuge Manager Marcia Pradines Long and Wildlife Biologist Chelsea DiAntonio about the history, evolution, and future of America's National Wildlife Refuge System.

2. 

   30 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT

   From Fish Cars to Freezers: The Future of Fisheries

   Fisheries professionals Daniel Gallegos and Valerie Kearney discuss the evolution and future of fisheries conservation, highlighting innovations like cryopreservation that help preserve fish species and support long-term recovery efforts in this interview episode.

3. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Conservation at 250: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

   Host Josh Corsey interviews conservation leaders like DJ Monette and Stewart Jacks, exploring 250 years of resilience and innovation in shaping the future of wildlife stewardship.

4. 

   12 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT

   The Bald Eagle's Return to the Sky with Tina Morris

   Conservationist Tina Morris shares her pivotal role in raising seven eaglets, sparking the remarkable recovery of the bald eagle species.

5. 

   22 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Building Bird-Friendly Cities with Tim Beatley

   Urban planner Tim Beatley discusses creating bird-friendly cities and fostering urban biodiversity in this insightful interview.

6. 

   10 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Exploring Appalachia’s Fascinating Fish with Stuart Welsh: Hornyheads, Madtoms, and Darters

   Host [Host Name] interviews naturalist Stuart Welsh about Appalachia's unique fishes, revealing their fascinating behaviors and conservation importance.

7. 

   29 Apr 2025

   The Last Heath Hen: A Conversation with Christie Palmer Lowrance

   Christie Palmer Lowrance, author of The Last Heath Hen, discusses the extinction of the heath hen and its vital lessons for modern conservation efforts.

8. 

   16 Apr 2025

   Building a Bird-Friendly Future with Joelle Gehring

   Biologist Joelle Gehring discusses bird-building collisions and shares actionable solutions for creating safer avian habitats.

9. 

   24 Mar 2025

   Sustainable Solutions for the Spotted Lanternfly: Expert Insights from Tracy Leskey

   Dr. Tracy Leskey, a leading entomologist, shares innovative strategies for managing the invasive spotted lanternfly and protecting ecosystems and agriculture in this interview.

10. 

    3 Feb 2025TRANSCRIPT

    The Land We Share: Stories of Hunting, Spirit, and Connection

    Authors Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham discuss their book, exploring hunting's deep connections to spirit, health, and conservation on public lands in this interview.

11. 

    6 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT

    Python Huntress: Donna Kalil's Mission to Save the Everglades, One Snake at a Time

    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.

12. 

    6 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT

    Exploring the Wild: Jon Waterman’s Adventures in National Geographic Atlas of Wild America

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Jon Waterman, an esteemed author and National Geographic Explorer, to discuss his captivating book, National Geographic Atlas of Wild America. This stunning work showcases the breathtaking beauty of America’s wilderness areas, reminding us of the irreplaceable value of wild places. With a deep passion for conservation and adventure, Jon shares insights from his lifetime of exploring the natural world. As we dive into the importance of preserving these wild landscapes for our health and well-being, we hope this episode inspires you to seek out and protect the natural wonders that remain. This epidsode was recorded on 10/10/2023.

13. 

    22 Aug 2013

    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, 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.

Inside a recent episode

Your National Wildlife Refuge System

Published 6 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] We historically at Blackwater in the Chesapeake Bay area, there's over 200,000 plus ducks and geese winter here. And we're particularly well known for large concentrations of Canada geese, black ducks, tundra swans. If you go to Eastern Nook, there's a boardwalk called Tubby Cove Boardwalk. If you go there in the winter, December, January, you could see the largest expanses of tundra swans you've seen anywhere. So it's just easy little boardwalk right out, just bundle up because it's usually cold, but it's really spectacular. So few refuges on the East Coast support that density of wintering waterfowl, been named a priority wetland by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and an internationally important bird area by Audubon because of that. […]

Who has been a guest on USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Marcia Pradines Long
• Chelsea DiAntonio
• Daniel Gallegos
• Valerie Kearney
• Josh Corsey

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

12,316,839

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

50

Contact USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation