Workshop About The Ozark Trail At The Nature Center

The Ozark Trail Association (OTA) is sponsoring a Trail Adventure Day at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center on Saturday, July 23, from 10am-4pm. A recognized National Recreational Trail, the Ozark Trail meanders 360 miles through some of the most scenic areas of the Missouri Ozarks. Learn about the trail, its history, how to use it, and opportunities to contribute through volunteering by attending this day-long workshop. After an introductory program, breakout sessions will be offered on a variety of different topics including backpacking, geocaching, nature journaling, map reading, hiking with children, horseback riding, and more.

Because only a half hour is allotted in the schedule for a lunch break, please bring a sack lunch and drink.

The workshop is free, however registration is required. To register, visit the Ozark Trail Association's website at or call the nature center at 417/888-4237. For a complete list of presentations and speakers, visit the OTA website or call the nature center and request a flier of the day's event.

MDC helps host youth outdoor skills event May 16

M.U.L.E.Y. provides hands-on teaching and fun

Sedalia, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Ha Ha Tonka Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation invite youth to the 3rd annual M.U.L.E.Y. Outdoor Event 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Sedalia Rod and Gun Club. This free event gives youths ages 8 to 18 a chance to learn outdoor skills.

   Outdoor activities offered include fishing, archery, trap shooting, trapping skills, pellet gun and .22 rifle target shooting. All equipment such as fishing poles, bait, guns and ammunition will be provided. This is a chance for youngsters to sharpen outdoor skills or learn new ones. Beginners are welcome to safely learn outdoor activities with hands-on tutoring from MDC staff and volunteers.

   Also new this year, participants who want to keep a couple of catfish can bring a cooler and some ice. Instructors will teach you how to catch a fish and clean it to take home to cook. Door prizes will be given away and lunch will be provided.

   Space is limited and pre-registration is required by May 11. Youths under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call the MDC Sedalia Office at 660-530-5500.

   For directions to the Sedalia Rod and Gun Club, visit http://sedaliarodandgun.com/home/directions.

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Grant applications are available for outdoor recreation projects

 Applications are available for the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to assist in financing outdoor recreation projects. All local governments and public school districts are eligible for the federal LWCF funds, which are made available through the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. Projects can be for the development or renovation of outdoor recreational facilities, or for acquisition of park land. A 55 percent match is required.

Applications must be postmarked by April 22, 2013. An estimated $600,000 is expected to be awarded in the fiscal year 2013 cycle.

In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources administers the LWCF grant program. The application is available on the department’s web page at www.mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants or by writing to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Grants Management Section, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

First Turkey Awards turn memories into a mementos

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

JEFFERSON CITY–With youth turkey season in the rear-view mirror and the regular, three-week season coming up fast, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters they can create lasting memories with the First Turkey Award.


The First Turkey Program provides free commemorative certificates suitable for framing. You can even add a photo of the proud hunter with his or her bird. Creating a tangible reminder of a once-in-a-lifetime experience begins with visiting mdc.mo.gov/node/10469. The same site has forms for a hunter’s first turkey or deer, for youths or adults.


The parallel program for anglers is the First Fish Program. The First-Fish Award form is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/10474.


Missouri leads the nation in hunter and angler recruitment thanks to successful fish and game management and outdoor-skills programs that encourage Missourians to take up traditional outdoor pursuits. Low permit prices compared to neighboring states keep healthful, sustainable outdoor activities affordable.

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• Conservation Federation names 2012 Conservationists of the Year

Des Peres and Jackson complete Missouri Children in Nature Challenge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 29, 2012 – Des Peres and Jackson will be recognized as Missouri Children in Nature communities. These communities have created an environment that encourages children to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

The Children in Nature Challenge was created by an executive order, signed by Gov. Nixon, to challenge Missouri communities to take action and educate children about nature. Communities increase opportunities for children to experience nature and the outdoors.

"Children benefit physically, mentally and even spiritually by reconnecting with nature, and we need to provide them with the opportunities to do so," said Georganne Nixon, First Lady of Missouri. "We are pleased to announce that the cities of Des Peres and Jackson have successfully completed the challenge."

Communities must meet several criteria to complete the challenge. This includes increasing awareness of opportunities to connect to nature; providing outdoor activities and events; enhancing and creating outdoor areas; encouraging the use of nature-based curriculum in schools; and partnering with local organizations and businesses to connect children with nature.

Des Peres and Jackson will be formally recognized for their efforts in the spring of 2012. For more information about the challenge, visit Mo.Gov.

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• "Wildlife Magic" exhibit to open at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Discover nature through MDC 75th anniversary photo contest (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Restoring southwest Missouri's natural resources focus of meetings, restoration plan (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Eleven trail projects will receive federal funding (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Winter bird workshop planned Jan. 7 at Van Meter State Park (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

CIA (Conservation in Action) Nature Journaling

Image by yelahneb via FlickrNature provides an abundance of awe and experiences when you explore the outdoors.  Why not journal these to remember them?  Nature journaling is a centuries-old, but still fun way to record your natural sightings and we want to help you get started.  If you are between the ages of 12-15, call the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 573-290-5218 to register for CIA-Nature Journaling on Saturday, November 12 from 1-3pm

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• Cape Girardeau Nature Center Program (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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• Bowhunting 101 course offers expert tips without the cost (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Discover Nature Women Squirrel Hunting A to Z (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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Learn to enjoy the outdoors at WOW Kansas City Sept. 23-24

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever wanted to learn skills that will enhance your outdoor adventures?  If you answered yes, then WOW Kansas City is for you.  WOW Kansas City will be held inSwope Park Sept. 23-24 and registration is open now.

 The WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities for people of all ages to learn outdoor recreation skills. The event is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation; Bass Pro Shops; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation; Wonders of Wildlife; the National Park Service and Missouri State University.  The event will begin on Friday evening with a camping opportunity, and will continue from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

WOW Kansas City is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. WOW will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, fishing, canoeing, campfire cooking, camping and more. Participants will camp at SwopePark and participate in Saturday classes at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. Transportation to the wildlife area will be provided from Swope Park.

Classes are open to anyone age nine or above; however, nine to 12 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to classes. The trained professionals provide hands-on instruction for people who may not be familiar with the outdoors and children who may be experiencing nature for the first time. The workshop is a great opportunity for families to learn activities together and take the "Children in Nature Challenge." 

The cost to attend is $15 per person or $30 per family, making it an affordable day of family fun. Financial assistance is also available.  Advance registration is required and the deadline to register is Sept. 9.

Camping on Friday night will be held at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park and will begin at 4 p.m. with tent setup and a hands-on outdoor cooking experience (food is provided).  Evening activities will include an owl program and family activities and hikes.  Tents will be available to those who do not have one and can be reserved through the registration process.

 For more information or to request a registration packet, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources by calling toll free 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or sending an email to moparks@dnr.mo.gov.  Registration information and forms are also available on the web atmostateparks.com/wow.

Swimming beaches at four state parks temporarily closed following heavy rainfall, bacteria levels Two others closed due to storm, flooding damage

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 29, 2011 – Heavy rainfall earlier this week likely contributed to high bacteria levels confirmed at four state park swimming beaches, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Swimming beaches at Cuivre River and Finger Lakes state parks have been closed because the results of water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels above the department’s standard for state park beaches.

Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, also known as Public Beach #2, remains closed because of elevated bacteria levels. Visitors to the park can still enjoy the park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are also open and available to visitors.

Even though the bacteria levels at Mark Twain State Park were well below the department’s single-sample standard for bacteria, the beach has been closed because the overall geometric mean exceeds the department’s standard for state park beaches.

The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus previous weeks.

The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria.

Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. All of the parks affected by closings this week were in the path of thunderstorms Sunday and early Monday that dropped considerable rainfall.

Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beaches will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at http://bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well.

The beaches at Wakonda and Lake Wappapello state parks are temporarily closed due to earlier storm debris or flooding. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com.

Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com.

Children’s Festival planned June 18 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 14, 2011 – Kids of all ages are invited to the Children’s Festival Saturday, June 18 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The event will feature a number of activities and games for kids, including live music and a 19^th century pickup baseball game. The event, which will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free of charge and the public is invited to attend.

            At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., visitors are encouraged to participate in a game of base, an ancestor of baseball from the 1800s.  Springfield Cardinals mascot Louie the Cardinal will be joining in the morning game.

            Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone.  The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information, call the site at 417-751-3266 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. 

Summer Fun Expo planned June 11 at Crowder State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., May 31, 2011 – Begin your summer of fun with a Summer Fun Expo June 11 at Crowder State Park near Trenton.  The free expo will be held at the beach parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

The expo will feature nature displays, outdoor recreation demonstrations, face painting, nature crafts and guided nature walks. The event is being held during the Free Fishing Weekend so bring a fishing pole to add to the summer fun.

Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton off Highway 6. For more information, call the park directly at 660-359-6473 or calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.