MDC Cape Nature Center hosts Missouri author-artist duo

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – The Missouri Department of Conservation Cape Girardeau Oct. 24 and Oct. 25. Glines will present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday evening and O’Donnell will bring a group of artists to paint on the grounds of the Cape Nature Center Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Conservation Nature Center will host author Karen Glines and artist Billyo O’Donnell for a presentation and art demonstration 

Glines and O’Donnell collaborated to create the book, “Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air,” which combines essays and paintings that display unique features of each county in Missouri.

“Their book weaves the natural story of the Missouri landscape throughout the histories and cultures of each county of our state,” said Sara Turner, manager of the Cape Nature Center. “This is representative of how conservation and nature are not only essential to each community, but often set the tone for the formation of a community through rich natural scenery and abundant wildlife.”

Glines said before she and O’Donnell worked on this book, the two worked together on “Artists Along the Katy Trail” where hundreds of artists from across the state painted outdoors with O’Donnell in 2000 and 2001.

“During that time, we realized how our similar interests coincided with the beauty within our state could be part of a book,” Glines said. “With his expertise in art and mine in writing, the end result was “Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air.”

Glines said she has very specific goals for her Friday evening presentation at the Cape Nature Center.

“I hope to convey an appreciation for the diversity within our state regarding land, people, culture, and history,” she said. “While researching for seven years, I came to look upon Missouri almost as a small continent with its separate borders and regions, and immersed myself in learning about the distinctive differences.”

Turner said this perspective of Missouri is not surprising due to the ecological diversity throughout the state.

“From the plains in the north, down through the hills of the Ozarks and then the flat wetlands of the southeast, Missouri’s diversity in landscape, habitats and wildlife species is impressive,” she said.

It’s that diversity that inspired Glines’ writing throughout the project and that she hopes to convey through her presentation.

“The wildflowers, varieties of trees, and abundant waterways create a harmony that is difficult to duplicate,” Glines said. “The audience will go away with a sense of that diversity within our state along with knowing what an important part the people play in making this such a remarkable place to live. Stories upon stories helped compose the tone of the essays and also inspired the artist to choose the subjects chosen by O’Donnell.”  

Glines’ and O’Donnell’s book received the 2009 Governor’s Distinguished Literary Achievement Award by the Missouri Humanities Council.

Glines is an award-winning journalist and photojournalist who lives in Des Peres, Mo. She has taught communication classes at the university level, served as a mentor to journalism students, and served as president of both the Missouri Professional Communicators and the St. Louis Artists' Guild. Her published works have appeared locally, nationally, and internationally.

O'Donnell, lives in Eureka, Mo., and is founder of the Artists along the Katy Trail program, the precursor of Plein Air organized events across Missouri -. He is a signature member of the Plein Air Painters of America and was selected as one of America's Fifty Exceptional Plein Air Painters by the Haggin Museum in Stockton, Calif. His works are included in prestigious collections in the United States, Japan, and Europe.

The public is invited to view Glines’ presentation Friday evening and then return to the Cape Nature Center Saturday for an opportunity to watch O’Donnell and his students in action as they paint natural scenes surrounding the nature center. No registration is required. Saturday’s event is an unstructured event, where guests may view the artists’ work throughout the nature center grounds.

More information about Glines’ and O’Donnell’s work may be found online at PaintingMissouri.com. More information on this and other programs at the Cape Nature Center may be found atmdc.mo.gov/events.

MDC holding deer management open house June 16 in Rolla

Stop by to learn about Department management goals and share your opinions.

ROLLA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to a deer management open-house in Rolla from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at Rolla Junior High School Cafeteria, 1360 Soest Road. This meeting is one of numerous open houses being held by the department across the state to discuss deer management with citizens.

Attendees will be able to visit booths focusing on the history of deer management in Missouri; the state’s new deer management plan; possible regulation changes and disease management efforts related to Chronic Wasting Disease and other infectious diseases; hunter retention and recruitment, landowner and non-resident permit privileges, urban deer management, and other deer-related issues.

The open-house format lets attendees concentrate on their particular interests, asking questions and discussing their ideas one-on-one with biologists and other key staff. Conservation Department Deputy Director Tom Draper says the goal of the meetings is to provide information and get feedback.

“We need people to tell us what they want Missouri’s deer population to look like and what combination of hunting seasons, bag limits, and hunting methods they want the Conservation Department to use to achieve their goals,” says Draper.

Deer hunting is an important part of the state’s outdoors heritage. Generations of Missourians have enjoyed this activity and deer season is still an event hunters of many ages participate in annually. Missouri has nearly 520,000 deer hunters and almost two million wildlife watchers who enjoy deer. Activities related to deer hunting and watching annually generates $1 billion in economic activity for thousands of Missouri businesses and hundreds of communities around the state, and support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs. The appreciation people have for deer is further proof of what many state residents already know: Missourians care about conserving forests, fish and wildlife.

If people want more information about these open houses or are unable to attend but still want to review the information presented and provide comments, they can go online tomdc.mo.gov/DeerOpenHouse.

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.  

Missouri Prairie Foundation BioBlitz June 7 & 8

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a weekend on an original American landscape—the tallgrass prairie—at Gayfeather Prairie in Vernon County on June 7 and 8. At

this free event organized and hosted by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, adults and children with enthusiasm for the outdoors will team up with biologists to explore and document plants and animals of this 116-acre prairie, owned jointly by the Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Missouri Department of Conservation. In addition to the plant and animal fieldwork, there will be a potluck picnic dinner, stargazing, nocturnal insect observations, and free tent camping on the prairie.

“We are in our 5th year now of the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Prairie BioBlitz,” said Jeff Cantrell, technical advisor to the Foundation, “and it has created a ‘buzz’ among my friends and colleagues. The buzz used to be after the event—families, master naturalists, and neighbors talked about what a wonderful family-oriented learning event they had just experienced. Now, I see the buzz leading up to the weekend event on the beautiful prairie that will be our classroom and campsite. The learning is casual and fun, and I personally invite all who are interested in nature to participate. Come join us and see what the buzz is all about!”

Across the country, nature lovers and professional biologists team up at “BioBlitzes” to identify as many species as possible (the “bio”) in an area over the course of 24 hours (the “blitz”). The Foundation’s version will begin June 7 at 2:00 p.m. and end the afternoon of June 8.

“Ecologists consider temperate grasslands to be the most endangered, least conserved of any major terrestrial habitat on earth—so Missouri’s tallgrass prairies have global conservation significance,” said Carol Davit, the Foundation’s executive director. “Collectively, our remaining prairies in Missouri support up to 800 plant species, dozens of vertebrates and thousands of invertebrates, but there is still much to learn. We want to see how many species we can find at Gayfeather Prairie, and BioBlitz participants will help in that effort.” Participants at past BioBlitzes at other Foundation prairies have documented blooming orchids, dozens of butterfly species, rare fish, and much more.

On the afternoon and evening of June 7 and the morning of June 8, biologists who study ants, bees, birds, butterflies, insect coloration, fish, moths, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, and soils will lead groups across the prairies to survey and inventory as many species as possible. Biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation—Fisheries Biologist Tom Priesendorf, Natural Areas Coordinator Mike Leahy, Heritage Zoologist Debby Fantz, and Naturalist John Miller—will be group leaders. Other leaders include entomologists Dr. James Trager and Richard Thoma; botanists Darin Banks, Nels Holmberg, and Dr. John Atwood; ornithologists Dana Ripper and Ethan Duke of the Missouri River Bird Observatory; lepidopterist Phillip Koenig; and soil scientist Dr. David Hammer. In addition, Dan Johnson with the Astronomical Society of Kansas City will provide telescopes and interpret the night sky.

“We are thrilled that so many biologists are giving their time to help uncover the plant and animal treasures of this prairie,” said Davit. “If you love plants and wildlife, this is a great opportunity to learn from experts passionate about their given subjects, and play a role in much-needed data collection as well.”

Gayfeather Prairie includes 76 acres purchased by the Missouri Prairie Foundation in 1976 and 40 acres purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1984. A total of 305 native plant species has been documented from this high quality prairie, named for its high numbers of blazingstar or gayfeather wildflowers. The prairie is about seven miles east of Milo.

The Prairie BioBlitz is free, but participants must RSVP. For a detailed schedule, directions to the prairie, and to RSVP, visit www.moprairie.org, email info@moprairie.com, or call 888-843-6739.

Conservation Department hosts Youth Bowfishing Clinic

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the United Bowhunters of Missouri will host a Youth Bowfishing Clinic for ages 11 to 17 on June 13 and 14 in Cape Girardeau.

“This will be an exciting and educational experience where young people will have an opportunity to learn a new method of fishing with their bow,” said Dee Dee Dockins, an MDC outdoor skills specialist. “Bowfishing is a specialized method of fishing that is very popular in southeast Missouri, so we’re pleased to introduce this new skill to our area’s youth.”

Dockins said participants will learn the basics of bowfishing in the clinic before the fishing field trip. The clinic,  scheduled for Friday, June 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature qualified instructors who will share bowfishing shooting techniques, types of specialized equipment needed, fish identification, bowfishing strategies, fish preparation, regulations and more.  On Saturday, June 14, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., students will try bowfishing from boats on a private fishing lake in Cape Girardeau County.  

Dockins said this program is a response to rising interest in archery that’s resulted from an increase of school participation in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools program. 

"This event takes the participant from the gymnasium to the water and gives students an opportunity to apply the skills they’ve likely already learned in school,” Dockins said. “Our ultimate goal is to get the kids submerged in nature and learning a valuable outdoor skill.”

Dockins said participants must have some basic experience in archery and be able to draw a 25-pound bow.  An adult guardian is also required to attend with each student.  All equipment will be provided and pre-registration is required in order to attend.  For more information or to register, contact the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730 or email Dee Dee Dockins atdeedee.dockins@mdc.mo.gov.

Discover Nature Girls Camp scheduled at SEMO Youth Camp

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a Discover Nature Girls Camp in Southeast Missouri July 15-17 at Camp SEMO in Wappapello, MO.  According to the camp organizer, Conservation Agent Christa Cox, this camp is a free, three-day, two-night experience aimed at introducing girls ages 11 to 15 to outdoor skills in a supportive learning environment.  

“Our goal is to lead the girls in outdoor activities so when they leave they’ll have the skills and confidence to explore our diverse landscape on their own and with their families,” Cox said.

Campers will spend three fun-filled days learning by participating in “hands on” outdoor skills, led by conservation professionals.  Some of the planned activities include hunter education, firearms safety and target shooting, archery equipment safety, walking through a safety trail, canoeing, orienteering and fishing. 

“We will go fishing, and we’ll also teach the girls how to identify fish species, how to cast, tie knots and how to clean the fish they catch,” Cox said.

Cox said the Discover Nature Girls Camp is right in line with the Department’s goal to help people discover nature.

“This camp will equip the girls to discover nature on their own for years to come,” Cox said.

To apply for Discover Nature Girls Camp, please contact your local Conservation Agent or the Southeast Regional office in Cape Girardeau at (573) 290-5730 for an application. The camp is limited to 32 girls between the ages of 11 to 15 years old. Applications must be received by May 12.  The first 32 applications will be selected, with all remaining applications placed on a waiting list.  For information on this and other Discover Nature programs, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• Bushytails and bronzebacks are legal May 25 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri Department of Conservation Statewide Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Informational meeting at Lake Wappapello State Park Dec. 12 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

MDC Xplor magazine receives Parents’ Choice “seal of approval”

To subscribe to Xplor magazine and to Xplor more online, visit www.xplormo.org, or subscribe by calling MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or ext. 3249.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Xplor kids’ magazine recently received a national “seal of approval” from the Parents’ Choice Foundation for the publication’s quality and content.

Focusing on ages 7-12 years, Xplor helps kids discover nature through eye-popping art, photos, and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters, niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities, and people who make a living in the wild. Produced six times a year, Xplor is free to Missouri households with out-of-state subscriptions only $5 per year and out-of-country subscriptions only $8 per year.

Established in 1978, Parents’ Choice Foundation is the nation’s oldest nonprofit consumer guide to quality children’s media. Parents’ Choice serves as a trusted and independent source for educators and librarians, journalists, as well as families searching for quality children’s media and toys.

Parents' Choice “approved” seals are given on the basis of the production, entertainment, and human values the products exemplify. A Parents' Choice “approved” seal indicates a wholesome product that helps children enjoy developing physical, emotional, social or academic skills. Only about 20 percent of items submitted to the Parents’ Choice Awards™ program receive any level of commendation. 

According to the Parents’ Choice review of Xplor, “This pamphlet-thin (18 pages) bi-monthly nature magazine produced by the Missouri Department of Conservation is a nice little glimpse into wildlife topics relevant to Missouri. While Xplor pages are high-gloss paper, the design and writing is all short takes about everything from how to make a birdseed wreath and how to build a worm hotel to how to plant a tree and how to take care of turtles. There are regular departments, such as ‘Strange But True’ (wow-factor critter tales such as meadow-jumping mice and Hercules beetles) and ‘Wild Jobs’ (people whose work life connects with nature). And always, sweet photos of animals. For Missouri residents (past and present) or for those planning a visit, the subscription price can't be beat.”

According to Xplor Editor Matt Seek, "It’s a huge honor to win a national award from such a well-regarded foundation and we’re thrilled. The award also reflects how much fun our team of writers, illustrators, photographers, and designers have making a magazine that inspires kids to discover nature."

To subscribe to Xplor magazine and to "Xplor" more online, visit www.xplormo.org, or subscribe by calling MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or ext. 3249.

Learn about prairie wildlife at Prairie State Park Bison Hike on March 1

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visitors are invited to join a park naturalist at Prairie State Park in Mindenmines on a guided bison hike. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hike will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 10 a.m.

With spring around the corner, participants will explore the prairie while learning about bison. Hikers should be prepared for a two mile hike over uneven terrain and are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Hikers may want to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen. Binoculars may also be useful for looking at bison and other wildlife that inhabit the prairie.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-843-6711. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Related articles

• Bison Hike scheduled at Prairie State Park June 22 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wildflower Walk scheduled at Prairie State Park July 6 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Apply now for managed turkey hunts

This year’s hunts have something for everyone,

including youths, archers, and hunters with disabilities.

JEFFERSON CITY–Turkey hunters have until Feb. 28 to apply for managed hunts during the 2014 spring turkey season.

This year’s offerings include managed hunts for archers, youths, and people with disabilities. Managed turkey hunts and application procedures are outlined in the 2014 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Informationbooklet, which is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/7498. A print version will be available from hunting permit vendors statewide in mid-February.

Missouri has some of the nation’s best turkey hunting, thanks to the cooperation of MDC, citizens, and landowners in a 25-year restoration program. To learn more about wild turkeys in Missouri, visitmdc.mo.gov/node/4105.

-Jim Low-

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Osage Beach student goes “with the flow,” wins Earth Day 2014 slogan contest

An Osage Beach student’s suggestion to “go with the flow” won top honors in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Earth Day 2014 Slogan Contest.

Mallory Bartels, a fifth-grader at Camdenton R-3 –Capstone Gifted Center, submitted the slogan, “Watersheds: Go with the flow, clean H₂0,” based on the 2014 Earth Day theme, “Watersheds”.

Bartels will be honored on stage at Earth Day 2014, which will be held April 25 on the South Lawn of the Capitol in Jefferson City. She will also receive a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank of Jefferson City. The department received nearly 250 entries in the contest.

Earth Day 2014 is the 20^th annual Earth Day event sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Between 1,000 and 2,000 students are expected to attend the event, which will include educational activities, contests and stage shows. For more information on Earth Day 2014 visit www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday/.

Winter Bird Feeding - Discover Nature

Wild bird feeding from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Open house, cabin reservation lottery set for Nov. 1 at Sam A. Baker State Park

The dining lodge at Sam A. Baker State Park was built by the CCC of native stone and wood. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house at Sam A. Baker State Park on Friday, Nov. 1 between 9 a.m. and noon outside the park store.   The open house also marks the opening of the cabin reservation lottery for the 2014 recreational season. The lottery will determine the order of preference for cabin reservations at the park.

A Sam A. Baker State Park tradition, requests to be entered into the lottery reservation system may be made in person at the park beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the drawing will begin at 9 a.m. Sam Baker Concessions will be at the park to administer the lottery and assist individuals with their reservations. Cabin rental reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 573-856-4223 beginning at 9 a.m.

Cabin rental reservations are made through Sam Baker Concessions, while picnic shelter houses may be reserved directly through the park in person or by phone at 573-856-4411. Throughout the open house event park representatives will be available to answer questions provide information on future plans for the facility. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. In the event of rain, the meeting will be moved to the park dining lodge. This open house 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.

A visit to Sam A. Baker State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. In addition to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails through wooded natural and wild areas, Sam A. Baker State Park also features a 1.5 mile accessible paved path suitable for walking, jogging and bicycles. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson, MO in Wayne County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-856-4411. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting at Castlewood State Park Oct. 26

Castlewood State Park (Photo credit: fotobydave)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. The informational meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the park office and refreshments will be provided.

Recent accomplishments and future plans at the park will be highlighted. Visitors are invited to share comments on Castlewood State Park’s services and operations. Park staff will discuss ongoing efforts to remove invasive plant species from the park, repair trails and restore a portion of riparian forest bordering Kiefer Creek.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Castlewood State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

Castlewood State Park is located off of Highway 141, then west on Big Bend Road to Ries Road, then turn left on Ries Road. The park entrance is at the intersection of Kiefer Creek and Ries Roads. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-227-4433. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting planned at Lewis and Clark State Park Oct. 12

The public is invited to bring their ideas an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Lewis and

Clark State Park near Lewis and Clark Village. The meeting will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Open Shelter.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. 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.

A visit to Lewis and Clark State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Lewis and Clark State Park is located on Highway 138 off of Hwy 45/273 near Lewis and Clark Village. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 816-579-5564. For more information on Missouri State Parks, visit us at www.mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

Informational meeting planned at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Oct. 11

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Oct. 11, at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Black River Center.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. 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.

A visit to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located 13 miles south of Pilot Knob on Hwy N. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-546-2450. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

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Informational meeting scheduled at Finger Lakes State Park Sept. 20

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at Finger

Lakes State Park near Columbia. The meeting will be held in the park office. Park staff will be available to provide the most recent information about the park and answer questions. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure that citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Finger Lakes State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year. For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Finger Lakes State Park is located 10 miles north of Columbia off Highway 63 in Boone County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly 573-443‑5315. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

ARCHERY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CLASS PLANNED

2013 NASP State Championship - Montgomery, Ala. (Photo credit: Outdoor Alabama Photos)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) basic archery instructor training class in Springfield in September.

The class will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17 at the O’Reilly-Tefft Gym (1408 E. Pythian St., Springfield).

To register or to get more information about this event or to get information about upcoming MoNASP basic archery instruction classes elsewhere in the state, contact Greg Collier at 417-895-6881, ext. 268 or atGreg.Collier@mdc.mo.gov Information about the MoNASP and NASP programs can also be found atwww.mdc.mo.gov/education or www.archeryintheschools.org

These free training classes are meant for teachers who are interested in incorporating MoNASP instruction into their school’s curriculum. Teachers must attend the training to receive instructor certification. Basic archery instructor training is required for schools to participate in the MoNASP and to qualify for related grant money. MoNASP programs must be a part of a school’s curriculum for at least two weeks to qualify that school for regional, state, national and international NASP competitions.

MoNASP is the Missouri branch of NASP, a national program that uses archery to boost students’ physical dexterity and self-confidence. Participants also learn an activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives in the form of recreational target shooting or bow hunting.

New conservation commissioner is an outdoorsman

The love of nature kindled by his grandfather still burns bright.

JEFFERSON CITY–Missouri’s newest conservation commissioner traces his outdoor roots to hunting small game as a boy. That passion for nature now finds expression in hands-on wildlife management.

Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon appointed Tim Dollar, Blue Springs, to a six-year term on the Missouri Conservation Commission. Dollar, 53, grew up in the Kansas City area. He traces his interest in conservation to time spent outdoors with his maternal grandfather, Alden Jaynes.

“He took me squirrel and rabbit and quail hunting, and I fell in love with it immediately,” says Dollar. “I didn’t have too many opportunities to explore that during my childhood, but even then I knew the passion I had for it.”

Dollar recalls that his outdoor career got a jump-start when he met his soon-to-be father-in-law, Robert Hammond. “He introduced me to deer hunting in his home area of St. Clair County,” says Dollar. “That was a life-changing experience. I was absolutely hooked.”

Dollar pursued his passion for hunting for two decades, until a friend, West Plains attorney Lynn Henry, showed the future conservation commissioner what he was doing to improve some hunting land he owns.

“I became obsessed with acquiring land and managing it for deer, turkey, and quail and other wildlife,” says Dollar. “Seeing what he was doing on his property in the Ozarks was an eye-opener. After that, managing land for wildlife became a consuming passion and hobby.”

Dollar focused his new-found passion for wildlife management on his wife’s family farm in St. Clair County, a place he refers to as “sacred ground.” He worked closely with St. Clair Conservation Agent Joanna Bledsoe to tailor management techniques to the farm’s special needs. Now, through arrangements with neighboring landowners, he manages nearly 900 acres for deer, turkey, quail and other wildlife. He built a hunting lodge a mile or so from the old home place, where his father-in-law was born.

Dollar eagerly discusses ongoing efforts to improve wildlife habitat on the farm. This includes restoring fencerows and creating thickets as escape cover for quail and other ground-nesting wildlife. Planting corn, soybeans, and winter wheat ensures ample food for wildlife.

“For the first time that I can remember down here, we are having some success,” he says. “Last week, driving through the milo and millet, we several times came across a ton of quail. We haven’t seen that in a very long time.”

An avid bowhunter, Dollar says Sept. 15 will find him sitting in a tree stand looking for white-tailed deer.

Asked if he has any special interests or programs he wants to advance during his term on the Conservation Commission, Dollar said “No, I’m really interested in it all, and I’m eager to learn. The Missouri Conservation Department is one of the finest, best-run organizations of its kind in the country. When I travel to other states and am asked about Missouri, I start by talking about the Conservation Department, because it is respected around the country. So I’m eager to learn and support this great tradition we have.”

“Commissioner Dollar’s interest and knowledge of fish and wildlife combined with his business experience make him a solid addition to the Conservation Commission,” said Conservation Department Director Robert L. Ziehmer.  “His energy and enthusiasm to enhance forest, fish, and wildlife resources will prove beneficial for citizens and the outdoor resources of Missouri.  I look forward to working with Commissioner Dollar.”

Dollar, a Democrat, will serve through June 30, 2019.

The Conservation Commission consists of four members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate. To ensure non-partisan oversight of the Conservation Department, no more than two members may be from the same political party.

Dollar replaces Becky Plattner, whose term expired this year.  The other commissioners are Chairman Don C. Bedell, R-Sikeston, Vice Chair James T. Blair, IV, R-St. Louis, and Don R. Johnson, Festus.

The Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.

-Jim Low-

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