USFWS/NCTC Future of Conservation

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.