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Rudy Mancke

Rudy Mancke

Host

Rudy Mancke served as naturalist and co-host of South Carolina ETV's NatureScene, which began its long run in 1978. His field trips, broadcast nationwide, earned him a legion of dedicated viewers. Rudy's knowledge of the complex inner-workings of different ecosystems and his great admiration for the natural world make him the perfect guide. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation and the Garden Club of America honored his commitment to resource conservation with special awards. After retiring from SCETV, Rudy went on to become naturalist-in-residence at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Before his work in public broadcasting, Rudy served as the natural history curator at the South Carolina State Museum for 10 years, and was a high school biology and geology teacher. He earned a degree at Wofford College, attended graduate school at the University of South Carolina, and received honorary doctorate degrees from the College of Charleston, Winthrop College, and Wofford College.

He hosted SC Public Radio's NatureNotes from 1999 until his death in 2023 at age 78.

  • Rudy Mancke helps a listener in Myrtle Beach identify a metallic beetle they found.
  • Rudy Mancke helps a listener in Myrtle Beach identify a metallic beetle they found.
  • On today's NatureNotes, Rudy Mancke helps a listener identify a juvenile black racer. While adult snakes of this species are known for their black coloring, young ones can often be multi-colored.
  • On today's NatureNotes, Rudy Mancke helps a listener identify a juvenile black racer. While adult snakes of this species are known for their black coloring, young ones can often be multi-colored.
  • Rudy Mancke discusses pollen season and its effects on both plants and animals.
  • Rudy Mancke discusses pollen season and its effects on both plants and animals.
  • Rudy Mancke discusses the breakdown of a yellowjacket nest.
  • As the world marks All Souls Day and Día de Muertos, Rudy Mancke reflects on the important of death in the natural world and the circle of life.
  • As the world marks All Souls Day and Día de Muertos, Rudy Mancke reflects on the important of death in the natural world and the circle of life.
  • As we mark All Saints Day, Rudy Mancke discusses the harvest season and South Carolina's species of crabapples.