For Immediate Release
New Nebraska Public Media Series Highlights Conservation Across Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (July 9, 2026) – “Conservation Works,” a new Nebraska Public Media series, explores how Nebraskans are restoring balance between people, land and wildlife.
Hosted by Carlee Moates, the six-episode series premieres at 8 p.m. CT Thursday, July 23, on Nebraska Public Media and the PBS app. Through powerful storytelling, stunning visuals and engaging conversations, "Conservation Works" highlights the partnerships helping conserve Nebraska's land, water and wildlife.
Featuring field stories from across Nebraska and studio interviews filmed in Nebraska Public Media's Ron Hull Studio, the series features conservationists, scientists and educators working together to conserve the state’s natural resources while maintaining productive working landscapes. Their efforts demonstrate how collaboration, innovation and stewardship can produce measurable results.
From the return of trumpeter swans to the Sandhills and the recovery of bighorn sheep near Gering to prairie restoration projects and efforts to protect endangered fish and wildlife, "Conservation Works" highlights the people and programs helping preserve Nebraska's natural heritage for future generations.
“These stories are about good work in conservation and showing that conservation works,” said producer Kay Hall. “One of the things I hope viewers take away is that good people across Nebraska are doing good work based on good science. The series highlights the collaboration behind these efforts and shows how Nebraskans are working together to create a healthier future for the land, water and wildlife we depend on.”
The premiere episode, "A Sound Across the Sandhills," features a Platte Basin Timelapse story following the remarkable conservation comeback of the trumpeter swan, North America's largest waterfowl species, as it returns to Nebraska waterways. The episode also introduces viewers to Moates and the experiences that inspired her career in conservation.
Additional episodes feature stories about efforts to maintain wild populations of pallid sturgeon and the small but essential creatures that sustain Nebraska's prairie ecosystems. Nebraska Game and Parks highlight the restoration of ranch grasslands and cool-water streams, as well as conservation efforts supporting grassland birds.
"Conservation Works" takes viewers inside Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's Amphibian Conservation Area, where scientists are working to help prevent the global decline of amphibians. The series also highlights the Zoo's schools, featuring the Zoo Academy, where high school students gain hands-on STEM experiences and explore life science careers, and Zoo Kindergarten, where young learners develop curiosity about wildlife and nature through immersive, hands-on learning.
Platte Basin Timelapse also shares the story of Nebraska's bighorn sheep restoration near Gering.
Throughout the season, viewers will visit some of Nebraska's most scenic landscapes, including the Sandhills, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Fort Robinson State Park and the Missouri River, while learning how conservation efforts affect communities across the state.
Classroom-ready educational resources inspired by the series are also in development.
“Conservation Works” is a production of Nebraska Public Media. It was produced in partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. For more information, visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org/conservationworks.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Sandi Karstens, 402-470-6578
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected people with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans through television, radio, podcasts, digital platforms, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.