Recent claims about “de-extinction” of dire wolves have resulted in an abundance of headlines, memes, and discussion about the biology and ethics of what was happening. To contribute to the discussion, Drew and Joe invited their video production specialist, Danny, into the studio to ask questions and discuss genetics, ethics, and the current state of wolf populations.

Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

In this fiery new episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we bring the heat with special guests from Quail Forever—Tanner Swank and Adam Ray. They join hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner to discuss how fire, community collaboration, and science-based management are revitalizing Oklahoma's native grasslands and Cross Timbers.

Learn how Quail Forever's landscape-level work benefits not only game species like bobwhite and pheasant, but also pollinators, deer, and the entire ecosystem.

Whether you’re a land manager, extension professional, or outdoorsperson, you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of fire and the people who wield it wisely.

Resources

- Adam Ray

- Tanner Swank

- Oklahoma Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

- Great Plains Fire Exchange

- Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Associations

The central United States is known for its big rivers. From the mighty Mississippi to its tributaries that include the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas River, these large rivers drain about 41% of the U.S. including 31 states. They are important for our economy as corridors for transportation, and they are important as recreational fisheries. But they are facing many threats. From river modification, to urbanization, to invasive species, to changing precipitation patterns, these rivers aren’t the same as they once were. Wes discusses these impacts with Dr. Mike Eggleton, a fisheries professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Mike’s research career has been largely focused on large river fisheries and ecology, and he shares some of his stories and insight on ol’ man river.

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!