MDC offers women's archery class in Columbia

Discover nature by learning the basics of archery Aug. 4. The program is free, but registration is required by July 31. (NOTE: high-res image is available at:http://mdc.mo.gov/node/31020).

Discover nature by learning the basics of archery for free Aug. 4.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women ages 18 or older (girls 14 and up may accompany an adult participant) to discover nature by learning the basics of archery. The program will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the MDC Regional Office, 3500 E. Gans Road in Columbia. The program is free, but registration is required by July 31.

From learning about archery equipment and shooting techniques to hunting and safety tips, women will get to discover nature by learning the fundamentals of archery through a two-part program. The first part will be a classroom lesson. The second part will be a mentored shooting experience. All equipment will be provided for this program.

“Archery is a growing sport and one the entire family can participate in,” said MDC Outdoors Skills Specialist Brian Flowers.

Preregister for the event online at http://goo.gl/forms/YpoYHnUL8t or by contactingbrian.flowers@mdc.mo.gov or (573) 815-7901 ext. 3388.

Discover Nature Women events occur throughout the year. Many are hunts that include in-depth clinics addressing wildlife biology, regulations, firearm training and safety, specific hunting-method training, as well as cleaning and care of the game. Find Discover Nature Women events by visiting MDC’s website at http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3401.

Related articles

• MDC hosting MoNASP teacher training workshop in Miller County (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• 3,300 pallid sturgeon tagged in effort to save species (kspr.com)

MDC to host a tree workshop in Columbia on May 13

Learn how to select and plant the right tree in the right place.

Trees can provide many benefits.
Planning should always take place before planting
to make sure the trees you plant will flourish.

COLUMBIA, Mo.—Are you wanting to plant a tree this spring and are overwhelmed with what to plant? Do you want to pick a tree that will provide the most benefits now and in the future? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites homeowners to attend aHow to Pick the Perfect Tree workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Shakespeare’s Pizza South, 3911 Peachtree Dr. in Columbia. The workshop is free, but you must register by May 12.

MDC foresters will share tips on how to select the right tree for your property, tree placement, and techniques for planting trees.

“Trees are valuable to our health, wealth, environment, and happiness,” said MDC Forester Ann Koenig. “There are a large variety of trees that are suitable to plant in central Missouri, but knowing how and why are just as critical as knowing what to plant. This workshop will cover the basics to give a homeowner the necessary knowledge so their tree will survive and thrive for many years.”

The workshop is co-sponsored by the Missouri Community Forestry Council and Columbia’s Tree Task Force.

For information or questions, contact Koenig at Ann.Koenig@mdc.mo.gov. To register visitmidmotaproot.bpt.me.

To learn about other Discover Nature programs in mid-Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• Money available to landowners in 27 counties in Southwest Missouri (ky3.com)
• Man bitten by copperhead brings snake to Sullivan hospital in box (stltoday.com)
• MDC to host family fishing classes in Columbia in May, June and July (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

MDC assigns new Private Lands Conservationist for Butler, Dunklin and Stoddard counties

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces Kara McSpadden has been selected as

the new Private Lands Conservationist for the Dexter area effective Nov. 1. In this position at Dexter, McSpadden is assigned duties in Butler, Dunklin and Stoddard counties.

The MDC’s private lands conservationists work with landowners to improve wildlife habitat by teaching management techniques such as timber stand improvement, food plot development and invasive species control.

“Kara has shown a great deal of passion for the people of the Bootheel, their natural resources, and is very committed to them,” said Tony Jaco, the private lands regional supervisor.

McSpadden is a Dunklin County native and understands the area along with local habitat challenges, Jaco said. She has a background in production agriculture in Dunklin County, as well as education and experience in resource management. McSpadden earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Missouri State University.

After beginning her career with MDC trapping Gypsy moths in the Southeast Region, she then worked as a resource assistant with the New Madrid work team and then as a forestry resource technician for the same work team.  McSpadden is Level Two Fire Management Certified, Wildland Firefighter Certified and has assisted with timber stand improvement, prescribed fire, forest inventory, tree planting and marking timber on public and private land.  She has worked with several partners including more than 40 Rural Fire Departments across five counties in Southeast Missouri.

“Kara is well respected by other staff for her hard work, friendly demeanor, and professional way of interacting with people,” Jaco said.

McSpadden resides in Dexter and can be reached at Kara.McSpadden@mdc.mo.gov or at (573)778-4983.

For information on how the MDC works with landowners to improve habitat, or to find a private lands conservationist near you, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• MDC welcomes new area manager to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
• MDC encourages sending butternut tree seeds to state nursery

MDC welcomes new area manager to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light assumed duties in early October.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes
MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light as the new area
manager for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA),
located in Boone County.

COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light as the new area manager for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA), located in Boone County.

John George, the MDC’s central regional wildlife supervisor, said Clayton was selected due to his varied experience within the MDC.

“The desire to grow professionally as a biologist, combined with a strong work ethic, community outreach skills and broad background will benefit Clayton’s work at Eagle Bluffs CA,” said George. “I look forward to Clayton continuing the relationships the area and previous managers have fostered with waterfowl hunters, birders, the City of Columbia and an expanding list of volunteers.”

Clayton earned his bachelor’s degree in wildlife and conservation management from Missouri State University in 2009. Since 2011, Clayton has worked as a wildlife resource technician at Whetstone Creek CA in Callaway County. During this time, Clayton gained valuable experience working with multi-faceted partner interests.

Over the years, Clayton has worked additional assignments doing quail and dove management and monitoring; invasive species treatment and natural community management; and has experience with day-to-day area management and working with specific user groups such as horseback riders and shooting range users. 

Clayton grew up in Freeburg, a small town located southeast of Jefferson City, spending his youth hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Activities he still enjoys today.  

“I always wanted a career in natural resources and to work for the Department,” Clayton said. “I am really excited to work with the diverse community of users at Eagle Bluff and continue to manage this area for the benefit of all to enjoy.”

Eagle Bluffs CA is located at the southwest edge of Columbia, near McBaine. The MDC purchased and developed this 4,431-acre area to help offset the loss of nearly 90 percent of Missouri's historical wetlands. The area's wetlands have been restored by creating 17 shallow pools. The wetland management infrastructure includes 30 miles of levees, 61 water control structures, river water supply pumps, a water supply junction box, pump-out facilities, and a pipeline linking the area to the City of Columbia's wastewater treatment wetlands.

The area's 17 wetland pools allow the flooding of 1,100 acres of moist soil marshes, emergent marshes, and crop fields. These marshes provide year-round habitat for migrating and wintering birds and permanent wildlife, and excellent wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities.

Eagle Bluffs CA is located six miles southwest of Columbia on Route K. For more information about the area, visit http://tinyurl.com/ya37rfv

Related articles

• Missouri waterfowl hunting forecast: Loads of ducks! (ozarkssentinel.com)
• Ringed salamanders pile up outside St. Louis home (fox2now.com)

Informational meeting at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on June 9

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on Monday, June 9. The meeting will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gilbert Shelter in the third loop of the day use area.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about park services and operations. Representatives will also be accepting comments concerning Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site and Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located at 5901 South Highway 163, south of Columbia. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-449-7402. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

MDC honors Columbia public schools science coordinator

 The future of conservation success in Missouri is dependent upon wide-spread, citizen

Mike Szydlowski, Science Coordinator for
 Columbia Public Schools (CPS) accepts
 his 2013 O&E Partnership award from
 the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
 Pictured with Mike are MDC Director
 Robert L. Ziehmer (far left), Regional Supervisor
Shawn Gruber and O&E Division Chief
 Mike Huffman (far right). Photo courtesy of
 Missouri Dept. of Conservation.

support and effective partnerships. In recognition of outstanding performance by an outside partner, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents an annual state Outreach and Education (O&E) Partnership award.

Mike Szydlowski, Science Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools (CPS) was awarded the 2013 O&E Partnership award.

“MDC recognizes and appreciates our partners for their involvement and collaboration to further conservation education, natural resource interpretation, and outreach program efforts,” said MDC O&E Division Chief Mike Huffman. “The statewide O&E Partnership award is the highest honor we can bestow on these partners and we congratulate Mike’s leadership.”

The O&E Partnership Award goes to an individual or group outside of the Department that shows exemplary or continuous service working with O & E staff, defines excellent conservation service, and recognizes the significance of partnerships in accomplishing common goals. 

“Mike’s dedication and passion for science and conservation education makes him a noteworthy conservation partner,” said MDC O&E Regional Supervisor Shawn Gruber. “Mike consistently goes the extra mile to facilitate engaging hands-on, nature-based experiences for his students.”

In 2013, Mike and his fellow teachers collaborated with MDC to help 6,000 Columbia students discover nature through the MDC Discover Nature Schools program. This partnership also enabled 2,000 students from Columbia to travel to Prairie Fork Conservation Area (CA) where students have the opportunity to experience nature and conduct nature-based experiments.

Additionally, each fall Mike coordinates with the  MDC, Columbia Audubon Society, Raptor Rehab, Missouri River Bird Observatory, and the Song Bird station to get over 1,200 Columbia second graders in nature.  During this field trip, students have the opportunity to observe bird research techniques such as mist netting and bird banding. Students also have the opportunity to study quail habitat needs and see live raptors up close and personal.

Mike also coordinates several trips to the Lake of the Ozarks where students learn about conserving Missouri’s aquatic ecosystems.

MDC would like to thank Mike, all the teachers involved in the Discover Nature Schools program, and Columbia Public School administration for their overwhelming support for progressive conservation education.

To learn more about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program visit mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• Dent County man honored as MDC Conservation Agent of the Year (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• MDC News: UPDATE: More than 1, 600 students now competing at state archery tournament, Friday times added (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• 2012 Conservation Recap (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Bowhunters needed for MDC wildlife observation survey (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Schools invited to fight litter through "No MOre Trash!" contest (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Department of Natural Resources awards MU $253,800 for Hinkson Creek project

For more information: 573-751-1010

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $253,800 to the University of Missouri – Columbia to implement and study the effectiveness of water pollution prevention practices on water quality in Hinkson Creek.

Called the MU Hinkson Creek Watershed Assessment of BMPs for Water Quality Improvements and Effectiveness Project, the effort will take place in Columbia on the University of Missouri campus. It will focus on techniques known within the water pollution prevention field as best management practices, or BMPs.

This MU-led project focuses on the Middle Hinkson Creek and Lower Hinkson Creek where MU’s campus and the majority Columbia, are located. The MU Hinkson Creek Watershed Assessment of BMPs for Water Quality Improvements and Effectiveness Project in these watersheds will monitor the performance of best management practices with respect to volume reduction and associated water quality improvements. Using various practices will allow MU staff to monitor the water balance of each practice and selected water quality parameters to educate students, partners, engineers and contractors on the design, maintenance and performance of these practices.

The curators of the University of Missouri will provide a match contribution of $169,267 over the life of the project bringing the total cost of the project to $423,067. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2014.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri. For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

Related articles

• Beach at Watkins Mill State Park remains closed for third week (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Beach at Watkins Mill State Park remains closed (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Watkins Mill and Lake of the Ozarks' Grand Glaize state park beaches close (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Beach Closures in Missouri (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Enjoy swimming at one of many state park beaches this Labor Day weekend (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Hinkson Creek Action Team Says Improvements Won't Happen Overnight (amycouch.wordpress.com)