Playa Country Radio Archive
2010 Programs
- July 26, 2010: Texas NRCS Is Looking for Acres to Enroll in WRP - To accelerate the number of WRP enrollments, new geographic rate caps have been set for 2010 and applications are now being reviewed, ranked, and processed more frequently throughout the year. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- July 5, 2010: Ranching in the Red Hills of Kansas - Ted Alexander, who owns a ranch in the heart of the Kansas Red Hills, has been recognized for his stewardship and environmental practices and shares his knowledge with others. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- June 28, 2010: Conservation Easement Protects Wetlands in Northeast Colorado - A conservation easement on approximately 700 acres of high quality habitat in Sedgwick County, Colorado, will protect a wetland complex that has Platte Basin-wide beneficial impacts. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- June 21, 2010: Saving Our Shared Birds - North America is home to 882 native landbird species, more than one-third of which depend on habitats in more than one country. We now face unprecedented loss of bird populations and the imminent threat of extinction of many species. Conserving our shared North American birds will require a continental, and ultimately hemispheric, perspective and a commitment to international cooperation. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- June 14, 2010: Federal Programs Help Preserve Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat - As people throughout the region mobilize to preserve the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LEPC), federal programs can help landowners wishing to protect LEPC habitat on their land. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- June 7, 2010: Range School Focuses on Grassland Ecology and Livestock Management - The Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition Range School focuses on rangeland ecology, wildlife considerations, and livestock management. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- May 31, 2010: Mapping Tool Targets Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitats in New Mexico - Mapping tool helps target Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat for reclamation efforts. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- May 24, 2010: A Guide to Waterbirds - What exactly is a waterbird? Find out what they are and which ones can be found in the Great Plains. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- May 17, 2010: District Birding Days - For most of the year, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Wildlife Division staff are busy with a variety of duties and responsibilities, but on one day a year in each of the six districts, they get together to do a District Birding Day at one or more of the agency's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- May 10, 2010: Regional Efforts Contribute to International Conservation Plan - The North American Waterfowl Management Plan aims to conserve migratory waterfowl throughout the continent. See how the conservation efforts of Playa Lakes Joint Venture fit in. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- May 3, 2010: Migrating Birds Could Use a Helping Hand - Learn three things you can do to aid or protect migratory birds in your own back yard. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Apr. 26, 2010: Saving the Bald Eagle - An avian research center in Oklahoma administers a conservation program that has helped the resurgence of the Bald Eagle in parts of the Southern United States. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Apr. 19, 2010: Grazing Cooperatives in Kansas - We visit with the coordinator of the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition to learn more about what they do and how grazing associations impact local areas. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Apr. 12, 2010: Amphibians of the Southern High Plains - Salamanders, frogs and toads...in our semi-arid region? The amphibians of the High Plains are as close as the nearest playa. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Apr. 5, 2010: Snowy Plovers - At the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge there are significantly more snowy plovers than once thought. Learn why their numbers are larger than thought and why there is still concern over their population. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Mar. 29, 2010: Restoring the Jamestown Area - In North Central Kansas, a wetland once choked by cattails now welcomes wildlife and humans alike. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Mar. 22, 2010: Endangered Species Act - Learn more about the process of listing species as endangered. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Mar. 15, 2010: Collaboration in Colorado - The renewable energy community and the conservation community are working together to address environmental concerns in Colorado. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Mar. 8, 2010: Keeping an Eye on the 2012 Farm Bill - Conservationists in the southwestern Great Plains region will be looking to see how well the Grasslands Reserve Program is funded in the next federal Farm Bill. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Mar. 1, 2010: Science-based Guidance & Decision Support - PLJV provides science-based guidance and decision support tools for bird conservation in the region. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Feb. 22, 2010: "Ground Truthing" Maps - Keeping the maps of the vast Playa Lakes Joint Venture service region up-to-date is a daunting task, but GIS technologies make it easier. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Feb. 15, 2010: Communicating Conservation - A graduate student at Harvard is designing a communications network aimed at promoting conservation of the Ogallala Aquifer and playa lakes. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Feb. 8, 2010: Following the Farm Bill - Learn ways to track the Farm Bill and make your voice heard. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Feb. 1, 2010: Being a Conservation Professional - Working in the conservation field no longer means that one necessarily is a government employee. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Jan. 25, 2010: Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey - Every year the mid-winter waterfowl survey is conducted. Here's more on how and why they count them. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Jan. 19, 2010: Project BEAK Bird Education Website - There's new, content-rich educational website about the birds of Nebraska. You don't have to be a student or a Nebraskan to find the site informative and fun. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Jan. 11, 2010: Private Landowners & Wind Energy - Landowners can learn the process of leasing space for wind energy and what they should be aware of when approached about a potential project. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Jan. 2, 2010: Who Ya Gonna Call? - When it comes to deciphering the twists and turns of public policy, or voicing your opinion on those policies, who do you contact and how? (Right click to save MP3 file.)
2009 Programs
- Dec. 28, 2009: Wing Bees - What impact do wing bees have in determining the annual waterfowl harvest? (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Dec. 21, 2009: Oklahoma Burn Indemnity Fund - Landowners in Oklahoma may soon have a new source of insurance to protect against losses associated with liability for prescribed burn accidents. But the fund needs money. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Dec. 14, 2009: Liability for Prescribed Burning - What's the liability faced when landowners participate in a prescribed burn? (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Dec. 7, 2009: Wetlands Reserve Program - A Natural Resources Conservation Service program can help landowners afford to restore playas that have been lost to development. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Nov. 30, 2009: Restoring Riparian Areas, the Neighborly Way - The National Wild Turkey Federation is making efforts to restore riparian areas along the Canadian River. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Nov. 23, 2009: The Child's Playa - In Southeast Colorado, one local school district is making a special effort to teach fifth-graders about the playa lakes in their home region. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Nov. 16, 2009: Long-billed Curlews: How many are out there? - The Curlew population is higher than originally anticipated, but the bird isn't out of the woods yet. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Nov. 9, 2009: Texas Playa Maps - The Center for Geospatial Technologies at Texas Tech has mapped the playas of the High Plains in West Texas...and the work continues. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Nov. 2, 2009: Duck Stamps: How do they help ducks? - More on what the program is and how it benefits ducks and other waterfowl. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Oct. 26, 2009: Mapping Ogallala Aquifer Levels in Llano Estacado Region - Researchers at Texas Tech have mapped the Ogallala Aquifer in Texas. Maps also depict center-pivot locations. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Oct. 19, 2009: Seasonality of Playas - Here are the basics of seasonal wetlands on the High Plains and their changing roles in providing habitat. (Right click to save MP3 file.)
- Oct. 12, 2009: Managing Groundwater in the Texas Panhandle - How much of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Texas Panhandle should be remaining in 50 years? Eighty percent? Fifty percent? Forty? Desired future conditions differ by locality. (Right click this link to save MP3 file.)
- Oct. 5, 2009: Kearney County CRP Experience - Hear about a fellow farmer's experience with the Conservation Reserve Program. (Right click this link to save MP3 file.)
- April 27, 2009: Noise in Nature
- April 20, 2009: Going With the Grain
- April 13, 2009: Integrated Conservation: How bird conservation is helping other species
- April 6, 2009: Unsettled Landing: What to do when endangered birds settle on your land
2008 Programs
- Nov. 10, 2008: FSA Offers Bonus for Public Access on CRP
- Nov. 3, 2008: Playa Numbers in Kansas May Be Double
- Oct. 27, 2008: New Incentives Sweeten Deal for Playas in CRP
- Oct. 20, 2008: Plight of Pintails Linked to Playas
- Oct. 13, 2008: Conservation Contagious Among Colorado Landowners
- Oct. 6, 2008: Kansas Rancher Helps Bring Ferrets Back from the Brink
- Sept. 29, 2008: What Landowners Should Know Before Leasing Land for Wind
- Sept. 22, 2008: Striking a Balance for People and Wildlife with CRP
- Sept. 15, 2008: Land Trusts Help Preserve Nature's Best Places
- Sept. 8, 2008: New Maps Show Playa Locations by County
- August 25, 2008: Fall is High Time for Birding in the High Plains
- August 18, 2008: Ranching Family Helps Preserve Wildcat Hills
- August 11, 2008: Keeping the Wildcat Hills Wild
- August 4, 2008: Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference Planned in Texas
- July 28, 2008: What is a Bird Conservation Joint Venture?
- July 21, 2008: Conservationists Work to Earn Social Capital
- July 14, 2008: Lessening the Impact of Wind on Wildlife
- July 7, 2008: Farm Bill Rule-Making Process Underway
- June 30, 2008: Study Details Ecological Services of Playas
- June 23, 2008: Playas and Potholes -- Vital Wetlands for Birds
- June 16, 2008: Work Begins on McPherson Valley Nature Center
- June 9, 2008: Planning for Wind with Wildlife in Mind
- June 2, 2008: Conservation Becoming Contagious in Colorado
- May 26, 2008: Building Green Homes in Greensburg, Kansas
- May 19, 2008: Predicting the Future for Playas, Potholes and Birds
- May 12, 2008: Nebraska's Playas -- The Forgotten Few (Thousand)
- May 5, 2008: Texas Teacher, Students Spread the Word on Playas
- April 28, 2008: Ranchers Get Organized on Prescribed Fire
- April 21, 2008: Helping Prairie Chickens without Fear of the Feds
- April 14, 2008: Tiny Town Celebrates Tiny Bird
- April 7, 2008: Mountain Plovers - Shorebirds of the Prairie
- March 31, 2008: Rancher Receives High Distinction for Bird Conservation
- March 24, 2008: Familiar Face Helps Landowners Conserve Prairie
- March 17, 2008: Colorado Ranching Co. Lands Dream Job with Steel's Fork
- March 10, 2008: Waves of Cranes Arriving on the North Platte
- March 3, 2008: SAFE Coming to a USDA Service Center Near You
- Feb. 25, 2008: Nothing Beats Buffers around Playa Lakes
- Feb. 18, 2008: Wildlife and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand for Texas Farmer
- Feb. 11, 2008: CRP Provides Lifeline to Prairie Birds
- Feb. 4, 2008: Agricultural Communities Responding to Climate Change
- Jan. 28: TNC Creates Habitat Haven for Lesser Prairie-Chickens
- Jan. 21, 2008: Carbon Banking - The New Agricultural Commodity
- Jan 14, 2008: Banking on Prairies to Capture Carbon
- Jan. 7, 2008: Heat is on for Birds and Playas Facing Climate Change
2007 Programs
- Dec. 31, 2007: Keen Eye Keeps Count of Ducks
- Dec. 17, 2007: Landowner Larry Snyder: Why I Protect My Playa
- Dec. 10, 2007: New Photo Book Promotes Prairie Conservation
- Dec. 3, 2007: Making a Bird List and Checking it Twice
- Nov. 26, 2007: Cattleman and Conservationist - Ted Alexander
- Nov. 19, 2007: Lesser Prairie-Chicken Status Report
- Nov. 12, 2007: Keeping Count of Playas in Kansas
- Nov. 5, 2007: Plight of the Pintails Linked to Playas
- Oct. 29, 2007: Land Trusts Help Preserve Land Legacy
- Oct. 22, 2007: Texas Farmer Gary Jahnel: Why I Protect My Playa
- Oct. 15, 2007: Selling Playa Conservation in Ochiltree County, Texas
- Oct. 8, 2007: Conservationists Work to Earn Social Capital
- Oct. 1, 2007: Opportunity Knocks with NAWCA Small Grants
- Sept. 24, 2007: What the Farm Bill May Hold for Conservation
- Sept. 17, 2007: Fall Bird Watching Outlook
- Sept. 10, 2007: Crunching the Numbers for Birds in CRP
- Aug. 27, 2007: USDA Takes Stock of Farm Bill Conservation Programs
- Aug. 20, 2007: Caring for Playas in Curry County, New Mexico
- Aug. 13, 2007: Songs and Stories of the Prairie
- Aug. 6, 2007: Making it SAFE for Lesser Prairie-Chickens
- July 30, 2007: Ranching's New Look: Chico Basin Ranch
- July 23, 2007: Ranchers Preserve Wildcat Hills Legacy
- July 16, 2007: Keeping the Wildcat Hills Wild
- July 9, 2007: Fostering Do-it-Yourself Conservation
- July 2, 2007: Connecting Communities Through Playas
- June 25, 2007: Wetland Reserve Program Working for Playas in Texas
- June 18, 2007: Associations Help Landowners Address Wildlife Goals
- June 11, 2007: Playa Buffers and Water Quality
- June 2 - 9, 2007: A Case for Keeping Playas in CRP
- May 21, 2007: Conservation Reserve Program Gives Birds a Boost
- May 14, 2007: Colorado Landowner Convinced on Playa Conservation
- May 7, 2007: Making EQIP Work for Wildlife and Landowners in Colorado
- April 30, 2007: Predicting the Future for Playas, Potholes and Birds
- April 23, 2007: Central Flyway Wetlands - Playas to Potholes
- April 16, 2007: Texas Students Promote Playa Conservation
- April 9, 2007: Weaver Ranch Preserves Land Legacy in New Mexico
- April 2, 2007: Conservation Easements 101
- March 26, 2007: Gary Paul: Pioneering Playa Conservationist and Rancher in CO
- March 19, 2007: Power Companies Energize Sand Sage Prairie in Kansas
- March 12, 2007: Conservationists Converge to Keep Grasslands Thriving
- March 5, 2007: Sandhill Cranes Flock to Nebraska's North Platte
- Feb. 26, 2007: Show and Tell Brings Landowners to Conservation
- Feb. 19, 2007: Birding is Booming in Southeast Colorado
- Feb. 12, 2007: Opportunity Knocks for Western Nebraska Landowners
- Feb. 5, 2007: William Ashworth on His New Book, Ogallala Blue
- Jan. 29, 2007: New Study Measures Recharge Under Playas
- Jan. 22, 2007: Trained Eye Keeps Count of Waterfowl in Oklahoma
- Jan. 15, 2007: Familiar Face Helps Landowners Conserve Prairie
- Jan. 8, 2007: Conserving Playa Links Landowner to His Youth
2006 Programs
- Dec. 18, 2006: Cross-Border Conservation Protects Prairie Birds
- Dec. 11, 2006: Making a Bird List and Checking it Twice
- Dec. 4, 2006: Rivers of Yesterday and Today
- Nov 27, 2006: Unwelcome Plants Invading the Prairie
- Nov 20, 2006: Groups Unite to Restore Canadian River
- Nov 13, 2006: Conservation Opportunities Abound in Oklahoma
- Nov 6, 2006: Plight of the Pintail Linked to Playas
- Oct 30, 2006: Weaver Ranch Preserves Land Legacy
- Oct 23, 2006: Conservation Easements 101
- Oct 16, 2006: Landowner Prioritizes Playas for Conservation
- Oct 9, 2006: Making EQIP Work for Wildlife
- Oct 2, 2006: Fall Bird Watching Outlook
- Sept. 25, 2006: Hunters Can Help with Bird Flu Monitoring
- Sept. 18, 2006: Keeping Tabs on Bird Flu in the U.S.
- Sept. 11, 2006: Connecting Communities through Playas
- Sept. 4, 2006: Turning Waste Water into Wetlands
- Aug. 28, 2006: Prairie Partners Promotes Win-Win Conservation
- Aug. 21, 2006: Americas Breadbasket Depends on Aquifer Conservation
- Aug. 14, 2006: There's No Place like Kansas for Dickcissels
- Aug. 7, 2006: Texas Contacts for Playa Conservation
- July 31, 2006: High Plains Landowners Care about Playas
- July 24, 2006: Conserving At Risk Species - One Landowner's Perspective
- July 17, 2006: Fact and Fiction about the Endangered Species Act
- July 10, 2006: Andy Wilkinson - Songs and Stories of the Prairie
- July 3, 2006: A Bird on the Land is Worth Bucks in the Hand
- June 26, 2006: Kansas Contacts for Conservation
- June 19, 2006: Landowner Opinions are Key to Conservation
- June 11, 2006: Ranching's New Look
- June 5, 2006: New Film Shows Birds Eye View of Playas
- May 29, 2006: Spring Rain Brings a Storm of Toads on the Playas
- May 22, 2006: Sustainable Playas equal Sustainable Economy Part II
- May 15, 2006: Sustainable Playas equal Sustainable Economy Part I
- May 8, 2006: Playa Festival Season Begins
- May 1, 2006: Oklahoma's Great Plains Trail Opens to Public
- April 24, 2006: Landowner Lends a Helping Hand to Mountain Plovers
- April 17, 2006: Mountain Plovers Shorebirds of the Prairie
- April 10, 2006: CRP Expiration and Playas
- April 3, 2006: Conservation Reserve Program and Birds
- March 27, 2006: LCP Profile: Colorado Prairie and Wetlands Focus Area Committee
- March 20, 2006: LCP Profile: Texas Prairie Rivers Region, Inc.
- March 13, 2006: LCP Profile: Kansas Alliance for Wetland and Streams
- March 6, 2006: LCP Profile: Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance
- Feb. 27, 2006: Landowners Success Story: Programs Working Together
- Feb. 20, 2006: Landowner Success Story: Knocking out Salt Cedar with NAWCA
- Feb. 13, 2006: Landowner Success Story: Colorado Partners for Playas
- Feb. 6, 2006: Landowner Success Story: CRP for Playas
- Jan. 30, 2006: Playa Loss and Threats
- Jan. 23, 2006: Playas Buffers and Water Quality
- Jan. 16, 2006: Playas and Aquifer Recharge
- Jan. 9, 2006: Playa Lakes Oases for Birds
- Jan. 2, 2006: Playas - the Most Important Wetlands You’ve Never Heard of