South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) continues to celebrate the legacy of Rudy Mancke, the iconic NatureScene and NatureNotes host, naturalist, and teacher, with a special one-hour live special on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. on ETV-HD. Remembering Rudy… will bring together Mancke’s former colleagues to share fond memories and recollections of their time together and his impact on their lives.
Remembering Rudy… will be hosted by SCETV’s Beryl Dakers from SCETV’s Columbia studio and will feature former colleagues from in front of camera and behind the scenes of NatureScene, NatureNotes and the SCETV Education Department. The live program will also re-air on the South Carolina channel on Dec. 6 at 10 p.m.
In November, SCETV and the University of South Carolina celebrated the legacy of Mancke with a “Celebration of Life” service at the University of South Carolina’s Rutledge Chapel. A recording of the livestreamed ceremony is available on the SCETV website as well as on the SCETV Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Rudy Mancke, who passed away on Nov. 7 at the age of 78, became a beloved figure in South Carolina and beyond through his groundbreaking work as the host of the nationally distributed television show NatureScene and SC Public Radio’s NatureNotes. NatureScene, co-created with Beryl Dakers, premiered in 1978 and continued for an impressive 25 years, gaining national recognition for its simple and innovative approach to exploring the natural world.
Prior to joining SCETV, Rudy Mancke served as the natural history curator at the South Carolina State Museum and as a dedicated high school biology and geology teacher.
Acknowledging his commitment to resource conservation, Mancke received special awards from the National Wildlife Federation and the Garden Club of America. Earlier in 2023, he was honored at the SC Public Radio 50th Anniversary Luncheon for his remarkable contributions to public radio and the state.
In January 2024, Mancke will be inducted posthumously into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. To further celebrate his legacy, SCETV will be re-airing classic episodes of NatureScene each day in January on ETV-HD for viewers to reminisce on his journeys in nature. Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings or the SCETV website to view the most up to date television program schedule. Episodes of NatureScene are also available to stream online via SCETV Passport, an ETV Endowment member benefit. Select episodes are also available to stream on the SCETV website.
QUOTES
"Rudy Mancke's indomitable spirit, unwavering commitment to education and boundless enthusiasm for the natural world have left an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of South Carolinians. As we remember Rudy, let us honor his legacy by continuing to explore and appreciate the wonders of the world around us. His contributions to the state and nation will forever inspire us to cherish and protect the precious ecosystems he loved." –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"Rudy Mancke was not just a colleague and collaborator; he was a dear friend whose insatiable curiosity and infectious love for the natural world left an everlasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. This special allows us to not only celebrate Rudy's legacy but also rediscover the beauty and wonder he brought into our lives for decades. Remembering Rudy... is an opportunity to gather, reflect and share some of the countless stories that echo his boundless enthusiasm and the impact he had not just on South Carolina's ecological landscape—but on us, as individuals." –SCETV Producer Beryl Dakers
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio celebrate the legacy of Rudy Mancke (PDF)
