MDC and USDA offer funds to improve wildlife habitat and water quality on private pasture and forest lands in Missouri

Qualifying landowners must sign up for the program at their local NRCS office by June 5.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have partnered to provide $739,000 to private landowners for improvement to wildlife habitat and water quality on forest and pasture lands in Missouri. The funding is part of the new NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). 

Qualifying landowners must sign up for the program at their local NRCS office by June 5 to be eligible for this year’s funding. 

This funding marks the first year in an anticipated five-year project that will provide more than $3.6 million directly to private landowners for conservation.

“The Missouri Department of Conservation has a long history of working with NRCS to successfully implement USDA conservation programs,” said MDC Private Land Services Division Chief Bill White. “This new RCPP funding provides Missouri landowners with a great opportunity to improve water quality, soil quality, and wildlife habitat.”  

Funding is available through two separate RCPP projects: the Grassland Bird and Grazing Land Enhancement Initiative and the Restoring Glade and Woodland Communities for Threatened Species. 

Funding is available to private landowners interested in improving the quality of soil, water, and wildlife habitat on working grazing lands. The goal of the grazing land enhancement program is to make conservation practices available to producers that help meet both livestock production objectives and provide wildlife habitat on the same operation. Lands located within the following counties are eligible: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Barton, Bates, Benton, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt,  Howell, Jasper, Johnson, Lawrence, Livingston, Mercer, Montgomery, Nodaway, Ozark, Pettis, St. Clair, Sullivan, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Worth, and Wright.

Funding is also available to reimburse landowners to restore or manage glades and woodlands in Carter, Iron, Madison, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, and Wayne counties. 

There is also opportunity to treat cropland in Perry County to enhance wildlife habitat and water quality.

For more information, contact MDC Private Land Programs Supervisor Lisa Potter atLisa.Potter@mdc.mo.gov.

MDC hosting MoNASP teacher training workshop in Jefferson City

Teachers, help your students learn responsibility and focus like never before. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding two separate training workshops for teachers interested in joining Missouri’s National Archery in the Schools program (MoNASP) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 8, at St. Martins Catholic School located at 7206 St. Martins Blvd. in Jefferson City. The workshop is free, but registration is required by June 5.   

“Nearly everyone, regardless of age, size or physical ability can succeed at archery,” saidMDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers.  “This training will give teachers the necessary skills to start an archery program in their school.”

MoNASP is modeled on the national archery in the schools program, which began with a simple idea; teach kids the basics of archery as part of a school curriculum. MoNASP teaches Olympic style target archery to students in grades 4-12. Currently, 499 Missouri schools and over 130,000 students participate in this life time sport.

Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase participants self-esteem and physical activity, helps kids relate to learning subject matter and gets kids outdoors to discover nature.

To register for the workshop, visit http://naspbai.org/ClassSearch.aspx?country=US&state=MO. For more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

For more information about MoNASP, visit mdc.mo.gov.

MDC to hold two instructional float trips on James River

Canoe trips are great ways for families to see the outdoors. On June 16 qne 17, the Missouri Department of Conservation will offer instructional canoeing programs that will include a float trip on the James River.

Programs to offer hands-on canoeing experience for beginning paddlers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Paddling a canoe down an Ozarks stream is a great way for a family to see this area’s outdoors beauty. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will have two programs in June where beginning paddlers can learn about canoeing through a five-mile float on the James River.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16, MDC will hold a Discover Nature Women’s Canoeing program. This free program will give women the opportunity to learn, explore and experience canoeing at a beginner level. The float trip will be led by MDC staff and volunteers using MDC-provided canoes. All participants must be 14 years of age or older. Girls ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will meet at the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield (2630 N. Mayfair Ave.) at 9 a.m. Transportation to and from the river will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and refreshments.

The next day, June 17, MDC is offering a Discover Nature Family Canoeing program. This free program, which is also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed to give families an opportunity to learn about canoeing at a beginner level. Youths ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Like the previous day’s program, participants will meet at the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield at 9 a.m. and transportation to and from the James River will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and refreshments.

To register for either of these programs, call 417-895-6880. For more information about other upcoming events, go online to http://mdc.mo.gov/events.

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MDC Cape Nature Center offers naturalist training camps for children

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Registration has opened for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Naturalist Training Camps at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Ages seven to 11 are invited to see if they could handle being a naturalist.

Sara Turner, manager of the center, said MDC naturalists will lead the children as they learn about unique habitats and experience the natural world through a new perspective.

“Summer is a time when children can truly connect with the outdoors,” Turner said. “These camps are all about helping them to discover nature.”

Dates for the free two-day camp sessions are June 9-10, June 11-12, June 16-17, June 18-19, July 7-8 and July 9-10. Each camp day is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Turner said each parent or guardian may only register their own child and children may only attend one camp session each.

“These camps fill up fast and we want as many children possible to have the opportunity to attend,” Turner said.

Registration begins May 15 at 8 a.m. Parents may call 573-290-5218 to register. Find more nature programs at mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

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MDC Family Fishing Fair scheduled for Shepherd of the Hills

Young anglers will have a chance to experience the fun of fishing at the Missouri Department of Conservation's Family Fishing Fair event June 6, at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery near Branson.

Educational stations, magic act will also be part of June 6 event.

BRANSON, Mo. – Young anglers will have opportunities to catch fish and learn about fishing at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Family Fishing Fair June 6 at a specially stocked pool at MDC's Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery near Branson. The event, which is aimed at anglers ages 15 and under, will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Bluegill and channel catfish will be the fish anglers will be trying to catch, but the event is about more than hooking fish. Educational stations will help young anglers learn to tie knots, filet and cook fish, rig up a fishing pole, cast a fly rod and other fish-related activities. Free goodie bags will be given to all youth participants and there will be a drawing for a rod and reel at the end of the day.

Also at the event will be MDC’s “My First Fish” station. Young anglers who make their first catch can bring their fish to this station to have a photo and information taken for a certificate that will be mailed to the family.

The “Fishin’ Magicians” will also perform. This local magic act will entertain with fun magic and, at the same time, pass on educational messages about the importance of caring for our water resources.

A limited number of loaner fishing poles will be available, but it’s suggested that all anglers bring their own fishing equipment (and cooler, if they plan to keep fish).

No reservations are required for this event. For more information, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0.

This event is another example of how the Missouri Department of Conservation helps people discover nature. For more information about fishing in Missouri, go tohttp://mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

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Wildflower Walk planned at Onondaga Cave State Park May 23

A guided hike focusing on native wildflowers will be held on May 23 at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the “Weeds to Wildflower Walk” will be on the Blue Heron Trail and led by Lil Collins, a wildflower gardener, Master Naturalist and a member of the Onondaga Friends Association.

Although the trail is an easy one-half mile walk, it boasts some of the most diverse plant species in the park. Participants will learn all about native wildflowers and how they can incorporate them into their own native wildflower gardens. If time permits, the group may decide to hike up to the glade on the Oak Ridge Trail.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks.

Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about the event, contact the park at 573-245-6576. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit http://mostateparks.com/. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Kids' Fishing Day planned for Kellogg Lake

Young anglers ages 15 and under can experience the joy of fishing and learn more about this popular pastime at the 14th annual Kids' Fishing Day event June 6 at Kellogg Lake in Carthage.

CARTHAGE, Mo. – Young anglers will have opportunities to catch fish and learn about fishing at the 14th annual Kids' Fishing Day on June 6 at Kellogg Lake. The event, which is for ages 15 and under, will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Sponsors for this event are the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the city of Carthage, the Kellogg Lake Group, the Carthage Rotary Club and several local businesses.

A variety of activities are planned, including educational stations, fishing stations and prize give-aways. Youth anglers who attend two education stations will be eligible for the prize drawings. Free refreshments will also be served.

There is no pre-registration for the event, but anglers will be asked to register the day of the event. All participating youth anglers need to bring their own fishing equipment. Worms will be provided. This event is another example of how MDC helps people discover nature.

Volunteers are needed for this event. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or would like more information, please call MDC’s Joplin office at 417-629-3423.

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