Into the Wild

21 Episodes
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By: South Carolina Public Radio

The story of South Carolina can be found in its rivers, forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Join Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, on Into the Wild for a closer look at the natural wonders around us and the people working to preserve them.

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Longleaf pine and fire
Longleaf pine and fire episode artwork
Today at 4:00 AM

I walked through a stand of longleaf pine not long ago and noticed something most people miss - grass at the base of a pine tree.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Fiddler crabs at low tide
Fiddler crabs at low tide episode artwork
Yesterday at 4:00 AM

I was standing on a tidal creek recently at low tide, and if you've ever taken the time to look down instead of out, you know the mud is alive. Hundreds of little fiddler crabs were moving at once.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


The value of wildlife management areas
The value of wildlife management areas episode artwork
Last Friday at 4:00 AM

Wildlife Management Areas are more than places to hunt and fish.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Monarch butterflies and migration
Monarch butterflies and migration episode artwork
Last Thursday at 4:00 AM

Each year, monarch butterflies undertake one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


South Carolina's public lands
South Carolina's public lands episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 4:00 AM

South Carolina is home to an incredible network of Wildlife Management Areas, state lakes, heritage preserves, and other public lands that provide opportunities for recreation, education, and conservation.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Pollinators and healthy ecosystems
Pollinators and healthy ecosystems episode artwork
08/25/2026

Many of the foods we enjoy and plants we depend on rely on pollinators.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Freshwater fishing in SC
Freshwater fishing in SC episode artwork
08/24/2026

South Carolina's lakes and rivers offer outstanding freshwater fishing opportunities throughout the year.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Preparing for fall hunting seasons
Preparing for fall hunting seasons episode artwork
08/21/2026

As summer transitions into fall, many South Carolinians are preparing for hunting season. Hunting plays an important role in wildlife management by helping maintain healthy and sustainable wildlife populations.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


The importance of native plants
The importance of native plants episode artwork
08/20/2026

Late summer is a great time to appreciate the native plants that support South Carolina's wildlife.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Migratory shorebirds
Migratory shorebirds episode artwork
08/19/2026

As summer begins to wind down, South Carolina's beaches and coastal habitats welcome thousands of migratory shorebirds making incredible journeys along the Atlantic Flyway.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Changing coastlines
Changing coastlines episode artwork
08/18/2026

South Carolina's coastline is always changing. Beaches shift, marshes migrate, and shorelines evolve in response to tides, storms, and sea-level changes.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Prescribed fires
Prescribed fires episode artwork
08/17/2026

When people hear the word fire, they often think of destruction. But prescribed fire is one of the most important tools wildlife managers use to maintain healthy habitats.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Oyster reefs
Oyster reefs episode artwork
08/14/2026

Oysters are much more than a favorite seafood. A single oyster can filter gallons of water each day, helping improve water quality and support healthy coastal ecosystems.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Hurricane season and natural resilience
Hurricane season and natural resilience episode artwork
08/13/2026

Hurricane season reminds us that South Carolina's coast is constantly changing. While storms can reshape beaches and marshes, these natural systems are remarkably resilient.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Boating safety
Boating safety episode artwork
08/12/2026

Summer is one of the best times to get out on South Carolina's waterways. Whether you're fishing, cruising, or enjoying time with family, safety should always come first.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Why sand dunes matter
Why sand dunes matter episode artwork
08/11/2026

When people think about beach protection, they often think about seawalls or engineering projects. But one of our best natural defenses is the sand dune.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Shark awareness
Shark awareness episode artwork
08/10/2026

South Carolina's coast is home to a variety of shark species, especially during the warm summer months. While sharks often make headlines, they play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Salt marshes
Salt marshes episode artwork
08/07/2026

One of South Carolina's greatest natural treasures isn't found on the beach—it's found in our salt marshes. These vibrant ecosystems serve as nurseries for shrimp, crabs, fish, and countless other species that support our coastal economy and way of life.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Living with alligators
Living with alligators episode artwork
08/06/2026

As temperatures rise, alligators become more active across South Carolina's waterways. Seeing an alligator in a pond, marsh, or river is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. While alligator encounters are common, conflicts are rare when people give them space and never feed them.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Sea turtle nesting season
Sea turtle nesting season episode artwork
08/05/2026

South Carolina's beaches are bustling this time of year, and not just with visitors. Summer is peak sea turtle nesting season, when female loggerhead sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs.

For more from Into the Wild, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/intothewild.

For more information about the SC Department of Natural Resources, visit dnr.sc.gov.


Coming Soon: Into the Wild
Coming Soon: Into the Wild episode artwork
07/15/2026

Join Dr. Tom Mullikin with SCDNR for an exploration of South Carolina's remarkable wildlife, natural resources, and outdoor traditions. From the mountains to the coast, we'll uncover stories of conservation, discovery, and stewardship while meeting the people dedicated to protecting our state's natural treasures.