The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a landowner meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22, at the Mtn. View Community Center, 125 E. First St., to discuss deer management and chronic wasting disease. more

Deer hunters in Oregon and Shannon counties will be required to have harvested deer tested for chronic wasting disease during the opening weekend of the November firearms portion, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. more

Howell County is among the planned locations for the fourth annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt, to be held Oct. 9 through 11. Registration closes Monday, and may be completed through the … more

Three distinct southern Missouri mills, and the springs that feed them, can be found along a stretch of Highway 19 in Oregon and Shannon counties. Each has its own charm and opportunity for a hike, picnic or swim. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation is calling on local residents to help supply the state's forests by selling native tree seeds and fruit to the MDC Ozark Regional Office in West Plains. more

Even small steps by forest and woodland owners can make a big difference in improving habitat for declining bird species, according to a newly released resource guide. more

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has updated the Missouri Flood & Drought app to include Missouri’s 93 state park and historic site boundaries and labels, making it easier for users to identify locations on the platform. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer, turkey, waterfowl and dove hunters that new booklets for upcoming hunting seasons are available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov. more

The Mark Twain National Forest recently completed a Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Title II-funded project that replaced aging wooden fencing at the Caney Day Use Area along the Glade Top Trail with a new, long‑lasting metal perimeter designed to protect one of Missouri’s most unique natural glade ecosystems. The site is about 33 miles southwest of Ava and 9 1/2 miles north of Gainesville. more

Missouri State Parks is accepting nominations for three representatives to serve three-year terms on the Missouri Trails Advisory Board. more

A $55,000 grant program is now open for applications from the L-A-D Foundation, with support from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). more

My maternal grandparents, Bert and Hilda McNew, had a little farm out southeast of Houston, Missouri. I was born in their old farmhouse. They were wonderful people whom I dearly loved. more

It dawned on me recently that the way to know if your life has been a success is by being able to hire someone to mow your lawn when you have become too old to do it yourself. more

Bullfrog season is open! I might go down to my pond soon and grab a couple to eat. Usually, when you read a natural history account, it discusses the basic things you find in a nature book of some type, like when the bird or animal migrates or hibernates, how many young it has and what it eats. People who write such things often live in a town or city and get their information from a book someone else wrote long ago. more

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The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters to apply online through July for more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state. more

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans. Applications are accepted through July. Ten hunters will be randomly selected for each event. more

Former campers, counselors, youth leaders, Forest Service personnel and families connected to the Braddock Lakes/Hay Holler Youth Conservation Corps Camp are invited to attend the first-ever reunion of the camp on Oct. 24. more

Dear readers and editors, after lengthy consideration and with no small degree of reticence, I have determined I have, as of July 1, 2026, fully retired from my role as a weekly newspaper columnist. more

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