In the intricate world of agriculture and gardening, the health of plants is deeply intertwined with the quality of the soil in which they are planted. While some plants exhibit remarkable resilience, thriving under various conditions, many are sensitive to their environmental substrate. Among the various types of soil-related challenges that gardeners and farmers may face, sodic soil stands out as a particularly problematic issue due to its unique chemical composition and physical properties. more

Missouri State Parks officials are asking for public input regarding the future development and considerations to be made for the Eleven Point State Park in Oregon County. more

Mark Twain National Forest officials are sharing with the local community a grant opportunity that is being offered at a national level. more

So, you decided to tackle the Ozarks, a sprawling, beautiful wilderness in Missouri, famed for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. It’s a hiker's paradise—until you find yourself wandering off the path and suddenly, the adventure feels a bit too real. Getting lost can happen to the best of us, whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or a casual day hiker. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your bearings and make your way back safely, peppered with a few tips and tricks for good measure. more

JOPLIN, Mo. – Frying isn’t the only method people can use to get caught fish onto the dinner table. more

Recently, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Conservation Commission has selected Jason Sumners as the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective June 1, 2024. Sumners currently serves as the deputy director of resource management for MDC and will succeed Sara Parker Pauley, who will retire after 30 years of public service. Sumners will become the tenth director in the Conservation Department’s 87-year history. more

As the warmth of spring unfurls across the landscape of the Ozarks, the region awakens with a vibrant burst of life, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to its lush forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. Hiking season in the Ozarks offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this vast area, stretching across Missouri and Arkansas. With the promise of adventure in the air, it's essential to embark on your hiking journeys prepared, ensuring a fun and safe experience amidst the breathtaking scenery. more

If your plans for viewing the celestial alignment on April 8 include visiting the Missouri Ozarks, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding you to respect nature’s natural beauty, and to always practice safe habits while traveling. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Motorists may see some reptilian friends on the roads this spring season. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges drivers to be cautious and give turtles a brake! These reptiles are often hit by cars during warmer months but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites people to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. more

JOPLIN, Mo. – Part of the enjoyment of fishing is being able to provide a meal for the dinner table. more

This spring, the Midwest is set to witness an entomological phenomenon of almost mythic proportions. Billions of cicadas, specifically from Broods XIII and XIX, will emerge simultaneously from their subterranean slumber for the first time since 1803. This rare dual emergence, a marvel of the natural world, presents an opportunity to observe a unique biological event that will not recur for another 221 years. According to University of Missouri Extension specialist and entomologist Tamra Reall, also affectionately known as "Dr. Bug," this spectacle promises to transform the landscape into a buzzing epicenter of cicada activity. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Spring is the time when many gardeners are digging in the dirt to prepare their landscapes for the coming growing season. Whether you have a big yard or just a bit of a porch or patio, you can attract butterflies and other good bugs along with birds through naturescaping with native blooms. Planting native plants can help the garden grow by attracting native bees, birds, and butterflies as pollinators. And many fruit and vegetable plants produce better from pollination by some of Missouri’s hundreds of species of native bees and butterflies. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) invite landowners and others interested in managing deer on their properties to join their free 2024 Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series via Zoom. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Spring has sprung, and many Missouri plants and trees have already begun to bloom. Unfortunately, one invasive tree will be prominent along roadways and other open areas: the Callery pear tree. In an effort to eradicate these invasive, nonnative trees from the landscape, the Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and Forrest Keeling Nursery to host a Callery pear “buyback” program April 23. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) thank the thousands of Missouri deer hunters who donated 247,575 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season, including 5,394 whole deer. more

Free program will discuss techniques for cleaning these popular sportfish. more

Caving, the exploration of natural underground spaces, beckons adventurers and scientists alike into the heart of Earth’s hidden realms. This practice, also known as spelunking in some circles, offers a unique blend of physical challenge, scientific inquiry, and the thrill of discovery. However, it's not without its inherent risks and controversies, including the debate between terms "caving" and "spelunking." This article delves into the motivations behind caving, the risks involved, the rewards that draw individuals into these dark, often claustrophobic environments, the average fatalities associated with the sport, significant discoveries attributed to cavers, and the nuanced distinction between caving and spelunking. more

In the realm of environmental management and conservation, prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, stand out as a pivotal practice with deep historical roots and a myriad of ecological benefits. This method involves the deliberate ignition of vegetation under carefully controlled conditions to fulfill specific land management objectives. The practice, steeped in indigenous knowledge and widely adopted by modern forestry and wildlife management, plays a crucial role in the stewardship of diverse ecosystems. This article delves into the multifaceted purpose and benefits of prescribed burns, illustrating their significance in maintaining healthy landscapes, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding human communities. more

JOPLIN, Mo. – Putting fish on the dinner table is a great way to end a fishing trip. However, before any fish fillets are put in a fryer or on a grill, anglers need to know how to properly clean what they’ve caught. more