Global Expedition Leader now hosting South Carolina Public Radio program
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), is now hosting INTO THE WILD, a fascinating public radio endeavor highlighting the people, places and conservation efforts that protect South Carolina’s natural resources through one-minute radio segments. A partnership between SCDNR and the S.C. Educational Television (SCETV) Network, the program debuted August 5 and is slated to air not only on S.C. Public Radio, but eventually on public television and through digital programming aimed at reaching the widest possible audience across the Palmetto State and beyond.
“Just come out and join me one day on the trail,” said Host Dr. Mullikin in a recent promotional video. “I’ll show you how easy it is – and how wonderful and meaningful it is – to be outside and to be sort of one with that nature. And when we get out and see the various flora and fauna.”
Mullikin adds: “It’ll inspire you to want to do for the rest of your life just like it did me – from the 4th grade to my age now – being out and frankly being motivated by people like Rudy Mancke and Jim Fowler and others who’ve helped me learn and helped me become very passionate about learning.”
A statement released by SCDNR said: “Rooted in a shared commitment to education and public service, the partnership uses compelling storytelling to inspire greater understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of South Carolina’s wildlife, waterways, and natural landscapes.”
The SCDNR release adds: “Through stories, observations, and discoveries from his travels across South Carolina, Dr. Mullikin explores conservation, outdoor recreation, fisheries, forests, boating, hunting, and the remarkable people and wildlife that make the state’s natural heritage unique. Each segment encourages audiences to get outside, discover the state’s natural resources, and embrace their role as stewards of South Carolina’s outdoor heritage.
“The partnership will also expand to television and digital platforms with ‘What’s Wild: The Protectors,’ a special season of the award-winning series expected to premiere early next year. Hosted by Dr. Mullikin and produced by SCETV in partnership with SCDNR, the six-episode season will take viewers behind the scenes of conservation work happening across South Carolina, featuring stories on the state’s bat populations, marine resources research, the SCDNR K9 Team, oyster shell recycling, shorebird protection efforts, and the restoration of the recovering wood stork population.”
According to Mullikin: “This partnership allows us to share the incredible conservation work happening across South Carolina every day. Whether through radio, television, or digital media, we hope these stories encourage more people to experience the outdoors, better understand our natural resources, and become lifelong stewards of them.”
Into the Wild airs weekdays at 5:42 a.m., 7:42 a.m., and 12:42 p.m. on S.C. Public Radio and is also available on demand wherever listeners receive their podcasts.
– For additional information about INTO THE WILD, please visit – https://www.scetv.org/stories