Episode 13 - Big Game Research with Dr. Stephen Webb

Episode 13 - Big Game Research with Dr. Stephen Webb

Season 3 is here! We’re joined by Dr. Stephen Webb, a senior research scientist with NRI and a research assistant professor with the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management, to discuss his research focused on big game species in Texas and beyond. Using advanced tracking and sensors, Dr. Webb models animal movement ecology to better understand their resource selection, interactions with their habitat, and changes in population demographics. We discuss his passion for mentoring the next generation of wildlife researchers and his latest research efforts focusing on javelina, or collared peccary, as a big game species, funded by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Produced and Hosted by Brittany Wegner Produced and Edited by Abigail Holmes Huddleston Episode transcript: https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-3/episode-13-big-game-research-with-dr-stephen-webb/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-3/episode-13-big-game-research-with-dr-stephen-webb/] Episode Resources: * Economic Values of White-tailed Deer in Texas (https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/research-reports/2023/economic-values-of-white-tailed-deer-in-texas-part-i/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/research-reports/2023/economic-values-of-white-tailed-deer-in-texas-part-i/]) * Collared Peccary fact sheet (https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/extension-publications/2024/collared-peccary-pecari-tajacu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/extension-publications/2024/collared-peccary-pecari-tajacu/]) * Differences Between Wild Pigs and Javelinas (https://rise.articulate.com/share/0y0sjNcXoaFqeQ1GSIaKyEL7uYDMkNcy#/ [https://rise.articulate.com/share/0y0sjNcXoaFqeQ1GSIaKyEL7uYDMkNcy#/]) * iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/ [https://www.inaturalist.org/]) * Hunter movement and habitat use affectobservation rate of white-tailed deer (https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/peer-reviewed-publications/2025/hunter-movement-and-habitat-use-affect-observation-rate-of-white-tailed-deer/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/publications/peer-reviewed-publications/2025/hunter-movement-and-habitat-use-affect-observation-rate-of-white-tailed-deer/]) Visit NRI: * Website (https://nri.tamu.edu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/]) * Map Store (https://nri.tamu.edu/store/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/store/]) * Medium (https://medium.com/@tamu-nri [https://medium.com/@tamu-nri]) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute]) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/ [https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/]) * Instagram (@tamu_nri [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/])

Episode 12 - Monitoring Wildlife for New World Screwworm

In this episode, BW discusses the threat Texas is facing as the parasitic New World screwworm (NWS) advances northward through Central America and Mexico. The latest fact sheet from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, "Wildlife Monitoring and Management for New World Screwworm," discusses this emerging threat and what knowledge both urban and rural Texans need to properly monitor, detect, and report signs of NWS infestations to help protect wildlife. Produced and Hosted by Brittany Wegner Produced and Edited by Abigail Holmes Huddleston Contact Marcus Blum regarding NWS questions and concerns: marcus.blum@ag.tamu.edu Episode transcript: https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-12-monitoring-wildlife-for-new-world-screwworm/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-12-monitoring-wildlife-for-new-world-screwworm/] Episode Resources: * Wildlife Monitoring and Management for New World Screwworm (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wildlife-monitoring-and-management-for-new-world-screwworm/ [https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wildlife-monitoring-and-management-for-new-world-screwworm/]) * Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Find a Wildlife Biologist (https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/habitat-management/find-a-wildlife-biologist/ [https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/habitat-management/find-a-wildlife-biologist/]) * Texas Animal Health Commission - Protocols for the Potential Detection of New World Screwworm in Livestock (https://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/feverticks-pests/EMGuide_NWS-ProducerGuidance.pdf [https://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/feverticks-pests/EMGuide_NWS-ProducerGuidance.pdf]) * Texas A&M AgriLife Extension County Offices (https://agrilifepeople.tamu.edu/contact-lists/public/units/p-counties [https://agrilifepeople.tamu.edu/contact-lists/public/units/p-counties]) * Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialists (https://agrilifepeople.tamu.edu/people/browse/role/3 [https://agrilifepeople.tamu.edu/people/browse/role/3]) Visit NRI: * Website (https://nri.tamu.edu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/]) * Medium (https://medium.com/@tamu-nri [https://medium.com/@tamu-nri]) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute]) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/ [https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/]) * Instagram (@tamu_nri [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri/]) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/])

Episode 11 - Restoring a Legacy: The Texas Longleaf Team with Jenny Sanders

In this episode, we’re joined by Jenny Sanders, Coordinator of the Texas Longleaf Team, to explore the revival of one of the southeast’s most iconic and ecologically rich landscapes: the longleaf pine ecosystem. Jenny shares how the Texas Longleaf Team fits into the broader America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative and what makes this habitat so vital for biodiversity, water conservation, and even ecosystem services like carbon storage. We discuss how the team works with private landowners, the importance of prescribed fire, and the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring longleaf in East Texas. Jenny also reflects on what drew her to this work and what’s ahead for longleaf restoration over the next decade. Whether you're a seasoned land steward or just curious about conservation, this conversation offers insight into a powerful collaboration rooted in history, science, and a shared love for the land. Produced and Hosted by Brittany Wegner Produced and Edited by Abigail Holmes Huddleston Episode transcript: https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-11-restoring-a-legacy-the-texas-longleaf-team-with-jenny-sanders/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-11-restoring-a-legacy-the-texas-longleaf-team-with-jenny-sanders/] Episode Resources: * Texas Longleaf Team website (https://txlongleaf.org/ [https://txlongleaf.org/]) * America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative website (https://www.americaslongleaf.org/ [https://www.americaslongleaf.org/]) * Texan by Nature (https://texanbynature.org/ [https://texanbynature.org/]) * Texas A&M Forest Service Funding Connector (https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/fundingconnector/ [https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/fundingconnector/]) Visit NRI: * Website (https://nri.tamu.edu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/]) * Medium (https://medium.com/@tamu-nri [https://medium.com/@tamu-nri]) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute]) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/ [https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/]) * Instagram (@tamu_nri [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri/]) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/])

Episode 10 - 25 Years of Texas Land Trends with Dr. Roel Lopez (Part 2)

In part 2 of our series on the celebrated Texas Land Trends program, we’re joined by Dr. Roel Lopez, NRI’s director and head of A&M’s Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. He reminisces on the program’s inception, the last 25 years of data, partnerships, influence, and a vision for the future.  We also have a special announcement—after a year of hard work under wraps, we’re finally announcing the launch of our online Map Store! Featuring the work of our Texas Land Trends geospatial analysts, our sought-after maps offer a new way for land stewards to understand Texas through data, history, and design. View the collection at https://nri.tamu.edu/store/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/store/]. Episode transcript here: https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-10-25-years-of-texas-land-trends-with-roel-lopez-phd-part-2/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast/the-land-steward-podcast-season-2/episode-10-25-years-of-texas-land-trends-with-roel-lopez-phd-part-2/] Connect with us @landstewardpod [https://www.instagram.com/landstewardpod/] on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠! Produced and Hosted by Brittany Wegner Produced and Edited by Abigail Holmes Huddleston   Episode Resources: * Texas Land Trends website (https://txlandtrends.org/ [https://txlandtrends.org/]) * NRI Store (https://nri.tamu.edu/store/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/store/] Visit NRI: * Website (https://nri.tamu.edu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/]) * Medium (https://medium.com/@tamu-nri) [https://medium.com/@tamu-nri] * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute]) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/ [https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/]) * Instagram (@ [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri/]tamu_nri [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri/]) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/])

Episode 9 - 25 Years of Texas Land Trends (Part 1)

Texas lands are changing drastically day by day, driven by some of the fastest population growth in the country. For the last 25 years, the Texas Land Trends program has been monitoring the status and changes of land use, ownership size, land values, and more across the state. In part 1, BW discusses some program background and the four highlights that came out of the 25th anniversary iteration of the Texas Land Trends report. We are also joined by Meghan Riley in the very first installation of the Land Steward Book Club, where we share the written practices that we're applying in our day-to-day work as land stewards. In this episode, we discuss A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold - a classic piece of literature that introduced the concept of a "land ethic" and taught the inherent value of land. To listen to the book club, skip to 31:00. Episode transcript here: https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast-transcripts/the-land-steward-podcast/episode-9-25-years-of-texas-land-trends-part-1 [https://nri.tamu.edu/the-land-steward-podcast-transcripts/the-land-steward-podcast/episode-9-25-years-of-texas-land-trends-part-1] Connect with us @landstewardpod [https://www.instagram.com/landstewardpod/] on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠! Produced and Hosted by Brittany Wegner Produced and Edited by Abigail Holmes Huddleston Episode Resources: * Texas Land Trends website (https://txlandtrends.org/ [https://txlandtrends.org/]) * USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/ [https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/]) * Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts Property Tax Assistance Division (https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ [https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/]) Visit NRI: * Website (https://nri.tamu.edu/ [https://nri.tamu.edu/]) * Medium (https://medium.com/@tamu-nri [https://medium.com/@tamu-nri]) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalResourcesInstitute]) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/ [https://www.facebook.com/tamuNRI/]) * Instagram (@tamu_nri [https://www.instagram.com/tamu_nri/]) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamu-natural-resources-institute/])