Path to the Future: Nourishing Families Today, Building Skills for Tomorrow

Season 2, Episode 108

🌾 Step into the wild prairies of Illinois! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with restoration ecologists Molly Duncan and Tyler Pellegrini to talk about the incredible work being done at the Nachusa Grasslands near Franklin Grove.

From restoring 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and wetlands to reintroducing American bison after more than a century, Nachusa is a conservation success story powered by passionate staff, researchers, and volunteers.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The history of Nachusa Grasslands and how it grew from 400 to 4,000 acres
• What restoration ecologists actually do (and how their work changes with the seasons)
• The wildlife you might spot while hiking, including 200+ bird species and a thriving bison herd
• How volunteers play a vital role in keeping the prairie healthy
• Details about the Fall Festival on September 20 with bison tours, guided hikes, live music, and more!

📍 Learn more: nachusagrasslands.org
👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:40 – Why they started Path to the Future
01:03 – Holiday meal program explained
01:39 – How meals are cooked & sourced
02:47 – Ways the community can sponsor or support
03:07 – Growth goals for upcoming holidays
04:01 – Future plans: workshops & trades training for kids
04:41 – September 24th launch party details
05:51 – Importance of delivery drivers
06:10 – Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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#grasslands #wildbison #naturepreserve #naturephotography #recreaton