/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Fri, 02 Jun 2023 22:24:02 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/tuesdays-trail-offer-tram-rides-katy-trail 226971 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:42:48 +0000 Tuesdays on the Trail offer tram rides on the Katy Trail Karen Kremer Fri, 06/02/2023 - 12:42 Release Date Friday, June 2, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2023 – Have you always wanted to see the Katy Trail, but are unable to bike or hike it? Missouri State Parks invites senior citizens to experience the Katy Trail State Park from the comfort of a tram coach. Join the Missouri State Parks team for Tuesdays on the Trail. Tour schedule: June 13 – Windsor to Green Ridge June 27 – McKittrick to Rhineland Sept. 12 – St. Charles to Machens Sept. 26 – Treloar to Bernhiemer Oct. 10 – Windsor to Leeton Oct. 24 – Hartsburg to North Jefferson Tours will be offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and will last about two hours. An interpretive guide will present information about the Katy Trail’s history and provide commentary on local natural and cultural history along the trail. Snacks and bottled water will be provided. Each tour will host approximately 25 people. Tours are free, but space is limited. To reserve your spot, call the part office at 573-449-7402 or visit the reservation page at icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Activities/Search.aspx. To plan your next adventure or for more information about the trail, visit mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-releases-new-missouri-drought-mitigation-response-plan 226861 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:45:14 +0000 MoDNR releases new Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan Missy Newman Thu, 06/01/2023 - 12:45 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – The new Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan is now complete after more than two years of study and development. The update from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center replaces the previous 2002 drought plan and uses modern tools for enhanced monitoring and assessment of all types of droughts. It also gives everyone from government officials, to water users, water suppliers and leaders of industry guidance for adopting water conservation best practices to grow their drought resiliency. “This new drought mitigation and response plan allows us to be much more proactive in how we prepare for and respond to droughts as opposed to just reacting to their negative impacts,” said Michael Weller of the department's Water Resources Center. “We can never prevent droughts. However, by planning for different scenarios, outlining responsibilities and making the best use of information available, we can make sure Missourians are prepared and empowered when drought does come.”   The primary goals of the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan are serving as an information source for reducing drought impacts, increasing public awareness, enhancing resiliency, promoting water conservation, improving monitoring, facilitating response planning, as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities. Its completion comes following a multiyear, interagency planning effort made possible by a 50/50 cost-share grant through the Planning Assistance to States Program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Among the metrics the updated drought plan uses that were unavailable 20 years ago are data from remote sensing of rainfall amounts and satellite measurements of soil moisture. The plan’s new matrix of drought actions is designed to rapidly assess what areas of the state are most affected by drought as well as what industries are either most susceptible or at risk under different conditions. A comprehensive list of actions and initiatives further outlines what measures can be taken at all levels before and during drought. “Our hope is the updated Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan helps facilitate adoption of more innovative water-use practices and resilient infrastructure,” Weller said. “This effort is a wonderful example of how quality of life for all Missourians can be preserved and improved through interagency collaboration with community stakeholders and stewardship of our shared natural resources.” Visit dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought to learn more about drought in Missouri. The current drought conditions for Missouri and other states are available to view at www.drought.gov. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural ResourcesP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/friday-programs-start-mastodon-state-historic-site 226761 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 31 May 2023 16:15:37 +0000 Friday programs start at Mastodon State Historic Site Karen Kremer Wed, 05/31/2023 - 16:15 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – Mastodon State Historic Site will host a series of educational programs each Friday through Aug. 11. Starting at 2 p.m., guests can join interpreters on a free guided walk on the half-mile Wildflower Trail where they will learn about the excavations of the Bone Bed. Following at 3 p.m., visitors to the museum are invited to watch the site film and then listen to an interpreter talk about the animals and people who lived there 12,000 years ago. This program will be held at the museum auditorium and is included in the admission. For more information, call the museum office at 636-464-2976. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/interpreters-share-their-knowledge-sandy-creek-covered-bridge-state-historic-site 226756 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 31 May 2023 16:11:34 +0000 Interpreters share their knowledge at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site Karen Kremer Wed, 05/31/2023 - 16:11 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – Park interpreters will use props and invite guests to participate in  a series of activities to learn about various topics at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site this summer. The educational activities will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Thursdays: June 8 – Fossils, Rocks and Geology July 13 – Plants and Animals Aug. 10 – Local Archaeology This event is free and open to all ages, and there is no registration. For more information, call the historic site office at 636-464-2976. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site is located at 9090 Old Lemay Ferry Road in Hillsboro. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/bennett-spring-state-park-hosts-series-events-month-june 226711 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 31 May 2023 13:32:08 +0000 Bennett Spring State Park hosts series of events in month of June Karen Kremer Wed, 05/31/2023 - 13:32 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – Bennett Spring State Park is hosting a slew of events throughout the month of June that you won’t want to miss. 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 10 – Eagles of North America: Representatives from the Dickerson Park Zoo will be present with a live eagle in the nature center.   10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15 – Missouri Mammals: Park team members will have pelts and skulls from Missouri mammals set out behind the nature center for visitors to observe at their own pace.   11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 16 – Ecotherapy Stroll on Whistle Trail: Touch and Taste: Researchers have recommended spending five hours a month in nature to relax and reduce stress. Forest therapy, ecotherapy, forest bathing, grounding and “Earthing” are all other names used for this experience. The Touch and Taste event is one of many ecotherapy strolls set to take place this year. Visitors will be able to join the park team on the third Friday of every month from now to September to partake in one of these events.   10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17 – Forest Walk: Join park representatives on a walk of Savanna Ridge Trail, located just past the spring head and cabins at Bennett Spring State Park. This 2.5-mile loop trail walk will take participants through an open woodland and along a ridge. This natural-surface trail is composed of dirt, mud, grave and loose rocks, and there may be occasional water on the trail. Participants should bring water and snacks and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.   2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, June 17 – Leave No Trace: A Littered Landscape: Do you know how long it takes a plastic bottle or soda can to decompose? The answers might surprise you. Join the park team in the nature center to learn how long litter can last and how it affects the environment.   10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21-23 – Pollinator Week: Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small critters that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Bennett Spring State Park has over 112 species of bees. Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen to plants that bring us countless fruits, vegetables and nuts. Stop by the nature center to learn more about Missouri pollinators. Each program and involves a 2-mile hike on Whistle Trail, traveling along the spring to the Niangua River and back to the trail access point. A portion of the trail traverses bluff tops and some climbing will be necessary. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, use insect repellent and bring water and a snack. Each program will begin at the nature center. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside Lebanon. For more information, call the nature center at 417-532-4338. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.   Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/stockton-state-park-hosts-family-fun-day-june-17 226591 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 26 May 2023 16:08:36 +0000 Stockton State Park hosts Family Fun Day June 17 Karen Kremer Fri, 05/26/2023 - 16:08 Release Date Friday, June 2, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2023 – Looking for fun games and activities to do with your family while camping? Stockton State Park has the solution: a family fun day from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17. There will be outdoor games such as cornhole and mini golf, and board games for families to enjoy in the campground. These games will be available near the playground in the East Campground and at the campground check station. At 12:30 p.m., a geocaching expert will give a presentation on how your family can work together to find several geocaches within the park. At 5 p.m., representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide games pertaining to water safety. So come join park team members for some good family fun Father's Day weekend! This event is free to the public. For more information, contact Kimberly Pedigo at 417-276-4259.Stockton State Park is located at 19100 S. Highway 215 in Dadeville. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/finger-lakes-state-park-hosts-women-nature-event-june-17 226586 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 26 May 2023 16:05:43 +0000 Finger Lakes State Park hosts Women in Nature event June 17 Karen Kremer Fri, 05/26/2023 - 16:05 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – The Women in Nature organization will host an event Saturday, June 17 at Finger Lakes State Park for ladies 10 years old and up. The event will last from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and consists of outdoor activities taught solely by women. All experience levels are welcome. Children 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a guardian. Activities include: Archery/Atlatl: Archery is a time-honored sport that is growing in popularity. In this course that combines archery with an introduction to atlatl throwing, you are bound to learn something new. These activities are not only good fun but good exercise and now you can learn how they're done. This course will cover archery and atlatl safety, ethics, shooting techniques and equipment selection. Participants will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what they learn. Kayaking: Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking, including areas such as equipment, entry and exit techniques, strokes, safety, water and wind. By the end of the class, you’ll feel more comfortable on the water, better understand the safety risks around you and have more fun. Participants will have time to practice and explore. Registration is $10 and there is a maximum of 20 participants. Participants can register at icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Activities/Search.aspx. When you get to the registration website, enter the event date in the Choose Date box. The classes that are currently open for registration will be displayed. Registration closes five weeks after the registration open date. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class is full, you will have the option to register for the wait list. If you register for the wait list and a spot becomes available, you will be contacted to get registered if you are still interested. If you have any questions, please email taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov or jessica.doleh@dnr.mo.gov. To see additional Women in Nature events at Missouri State Parks, visit mostateparks.com/page/78821/win-women-nature. Finger Lakes State Park is located at 1505 E. Peabody Road in Columbia. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-443-5315. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/washington-state-park-celebrates-civilian-conservation-corps-company-1743 226566 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 26 May 2023 12:02:13 +0000 Washington State Park celebrates Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1743 Karen Kremer Fri, 05/26/2023 - 12:02 Release Date Friday, June 2, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2023 – Washington State Park will celebrate the accomplishments of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1743 with a series of events from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17. CCC Bus Tours: Noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. at Thunderbird Lodge - Join the park’s team for a bus tour of the Civilian Conservation Corps structures in the park. Tickets for this tour are free but limited and must be reserved in advance. Reserve your seat at by visiting icampmo.com. Company 1743's Quarry Hike: 4 p.m. at Campground - Park interpreters will lead a hike to an area of Company 1743’s important resources, the quarry where workers accessed the stone. CCC Company 1743 Program: 6 p.m. at Campground Amphitheater - Join park representatives for this informative program about the historic CCC Company 1743 and its many contributions to Washington State Park. Washington State Park is located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto. For more information, contact the park at 636-586-5768. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/watkins-mill-state-park-hosts-slave-soldier-program-june-17 226561 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 26 May 2023 11:57:52 +0000 Watkins Mill State Park hosts Slave to Soldier program June 17 Karen Kremer Fri, 05/26/2023 - 11:57 Release Date Friday, June 2, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2023 – Watkins Mill State Park team members will be hosting a program titled Slave to Soldier, from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17. This presentation is about Black soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War. Starting in 1866, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, was the receiving station for the men of color following the Civil War. There, the most unlikely of soldiers, Cathay Williams, joined the United States Army in the United States Colored Troops. Williams, also known as Pvt. “William Cathay,” was the only female known to have served in what would become the Buffalo Soldiers. Pvt. Isaac Johnson, the great-grandfather of one of the presenters, enlisted May 6, 1866, and joined his company at Jefferson Barracks. An original Buffalo Soldier, he traveled across Missouri by rail to the western frontier to serve with honor in the 38th and 24th infantries, and later reenlisted into the famed 9th Cavalry. His story is the basis of Slave to Soldier. The presentation will cover the evolution of the USCT from the first-ever Civil War engagement between Black troops and Confederate forces during at the Battle of Island Mound in Bates County, to the development of off-shoots of the Buffalo Soldiers during World War II and the Korean War. All presenters will be dressed in period uniforms and attire. This presentation is sponsored by the Missouri Speakers Bureau, jointly organized and managed by Missouri Humanities and the State Historical Society of Missouri. Watkins Mill State Park is located at 26600 Park Road N, Lawson. For more information, call 816-580-3387. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/public-meetings-planned-state-parks-historic-sites-june 226556 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 26 May 2023 11:54:50 +0000 Public meetings planned for state parks and historic sites in June Karen Kremer Fri, 05/26/2023 - 11:54 Release Date Thursday, June 1, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – Plan now to attend any of three public meetings to be held for state parks and historic sites throughout the state in June. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being held virtually or in person in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is invited to attend these informational meetings to provide input and comments and ask questions about the park and sites and their operations. Park team members will be present to answer questions and provide information. Upcoming meeting schedule: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 15: Open house-style meeting for Robertsville State Park in Shelter A at 902 State Park Drive in Robertsville. For more information, call 636-257-3788. 7-8 p.m. Saturday, June 17: Open house-style meeting for Mark Twain State Park, Mark Twain Birthplace and Union Covered Bridge state historic sites. The meeting will be held at theamphitheater in the campground at Mark Twain State Park located on Shrine Road in Florida. For more information, call 573-248-9980. 6 p.m. Thursday, June 29: Town hall-style meeting for Roaring River and Big Sugar Creek state parks at the River Shelter in Roaring River State Park, 12716 Farm Road 2239 in Cassville. For more information, call 417-847-2539. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State ParksP.O. Box 176Jefferson City, MO 65102United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov