/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:04:29 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/theres-lots-do-weston-bend-state-park-december 243716 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:07:01 +0000 There’s lots to do at Weston Bend State Park this December Karen Kremer Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:07 Release Date Tuesday, November 28, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 28, 2023 – Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kansas City in December? Weston Bend State Park provides some perfect ways to escape, while also offering an array of fun, educational events. Saturday, Dec. 9: Healthy for the Holidays – Guided Mindfulness Walk The holidays are often a stressful time of year. Take time for yourself, breathe in the fresh air and connect with nature. This guided hike will use the River Trail (a natural-surface trail) and the Weston Bluffs Trail (a gravel-surface trail); both trails are flat. Participants will walk approximately 1 mile and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot at 10 a.m.   Thursday, Dec. 14: Winter Birding 101 at the Parkville Library This lecture series is presented by the Mid-Continent Library System. Annie, our park specialist, will be talking about wonderful winter birds in this area. Learn how to identify some of the less-known birds, keep birds in your backyard and the winter migrants. Meet at 7 p.m. at the Parkville Library, located at 8815 Tom Watson Parkway in Parkville.   Saturday, Dec. 23: Welcome Winter Birds – Guided Bird Walk It’s official - winter is here. Don’t let that get you down, because so are the winter birds and they are always sure to provide enjoyment and the occasional surprise. Join the park team for a leisurely stroll, looking for and learning about winter birds. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Paved Trail parking lot. Paved Trail has an asphalt surface and participants should plan to walk about a mile. Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather and bring binoculars.   Sunday, Dec. 31: Go Getters Guided Hike A new year is right around the corner, so get that first hike of the year in before it officially starts! This guided hike begins at 10:30 a.m. along the scenic West Ridge Trail. Hear about the park’s unique bluff feature and other interesting nature tidbits. This is a natural-surface trail with hills and uneven terrain. Participants should meet in the Overlook parking lot, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. All programs are free and open to the public. Weston Bend State Park is located at 16600 Highway 45 North near Weston. For more information, call the park at 816-640-5443. Programs will be canceled in the event of rain, snow or ice. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/elizabeth-kerby-selected-november-2023-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 243681 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:07:46 +0000 Elizabeth Kerby selected as November 2023 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Mon, 11/27/2023 - 14:07 Release Date Monday, November 27, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 27, 2023 – Elizabeth Kerby, an assistant engineer with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for November 2023. She was selected for her service to the department’s Water Resources Center and for her efforts while serving as coordinator of the department’s response to the ongoing drought. Kerby was asked to take on the duties of organizing and leading meetings of Missouri’s Drought Assessment Committee and the related Climate and Weather Subcommittee. These high-stakes responsibilities were previously handled at the program director level and she has shown great competence, efficiency and initiative in working with other state and federal partners. Kerby’s drought-response duties have also included regularly reporting on drought conditions at commission meetings and providing  media interviews about drought conditions and response. All of her actions have contributed to getting much-needed emergency assistance to Missourians affected by drought. “Despite having only been employed with the department for a little over a year and a half – her first job out of college – Elizabeth has shown great initiative in learning about the multitude of various state and federal assistance available to farmers and ranchers to be better able to serve them,” said Michael Weller, surface water section chief, who nominated Kerby for the award. “As the drought is ongoing, we have yet to see how much more she can accomplish.” The Drought Assessment Committee is a working group that, when activated by the governor, designates the drought levels for each Missouri county. The committee recommends the activation of drought impact teams and coordinates with activated teams for developing additional assessment information and identifying emergency needs. In addition, the committee makes recommendations to the governor concerning state or regional response and recovery, and is responsible for debriefing following a drought event and revising Missouri's Drought Response Plan, as deemed necessary. Kerby joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in January 2022 and resides in Columbia. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/holiday-happenings-missouri-state-parks-historic-sites 243486 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:10:29 +0000 Holiday happenings at Missouri state parks and historic sites Missy Newman Tue, 11/21/2023 - 09:10 Release Date Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Holiday happenings at Missouri state parks and historic sites   JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV 21, 2023 – Winter is on its way, but there is still a lot to do in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. Friday, Dec. 1 – Downtown Living Windows at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site.Are you visiting downtown Jefferson City for the Living Windows event? Stop inside Jefferson Landing State Historic Site for some holiday cheer! Enjoy making crafts, creating your own “Nutcracker” puppet theater production, or just warming up on a chilly evening. There will also be a pop-up store selling Capitol- and Missouri-themed Christmas ornaments and other gifts. Activities take place from 6-9 p.m. in the Lohman Building of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site located at 100 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, Missouri.   Friday, Dec. 1 – Tree Lighting, Salem Chamber Choir and Santa at Echo Bluff State Park.Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting and Salem Chamber performance at Echo Bluff State Park! Come listed to the heavenly sound of the Salem Choir as the music fills the rafters of the Lodge Lobby as they perform traditional and international Christmas carols. The choir will perform following the lighting of the tree. As soon as the choir’s performance ends, Santa will make an appearance. Cookies and cocoa will be available. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 2 – Le Réveillon at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site.Revel in the spirit of an early Missouri French Christmas during Le Révellion at Felix Vallé State Historic Site on Saturday, Dec. 2 starting at 1 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public. No registration is required, but seating is limited for the lecture. Felix Vallé State Historic Site is located at the corner of Second and Merchant streets in Ste. Genevieve. The day’s schedule follows: 1-3 p.m. – Paper filigree with Lisa Palmer of Never Bored Creations LLC. Drop in to learn the art of paper filigree and make your own holiday ornament. 1-4 p.m. – Free tours of the Felix Vallé House. 2-4 p.m. – Enjoy traditional dances performed by Dance Discovery, a St. Louis-based dance troupe that performs historically faithful social dances from the 1600s to the present. 4 p.m. – Enjoy “Our French and German Christmas Customs” by Robert Mueller. Learn about the history of Ste. Genevieve’s holiday traditions during this informative lecture. 5 – 8 p.m. – Enjoy candlelit tours of the Felix Vallé House and experience Le Réveillon, a traditional feast held after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Interact with interpreters in period dress and enjoy special desserts, including buche de Noel.   Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 – Christmas Candlelight Open House at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site. The public is invited to enjoy an 1860s Victorian Christmas during a candlelight open house of the Hunter-Dawson Home. The house, aglow with the warmth of oil lamps and candles, will be decorated with fresh greenery, Christmas trees and 1860s –style ornaments. Site team members will be dressed in period clothing and will be present to answer questions. Refreshments will be available. The candlelight open house will be from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9, while standard daytime tours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event is open to the public and reservations are not required. However, there are fees for the daytime tours. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 9 – Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village at Arrow Rock State Historic Site. Join the state historic site team, friends and family as they open up the site buildings for a Christmas from long ago. You are invited to tour the buildings, which will be decorated for the holidays, and visit with interpreters. As guests wander through the site, they may stumble upon the judge and lawyer in the Old Courthouse as they prepare to end the year. Stopping by the tap room of the tavern, visitors will have the opportunity to visit with travelers from the trail, and in the academy, they will see the young ladies preparing for Christmas while the schoolmarm takes a break. Up the hill, a family will be preparing for Christmas dinner at the George Caleb Bingham home. At the very end of the tour, visitors can reflect on the holiday season. The event begins at 5 p.m., and while the pathway will be lit, guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight. That night there will be music and dance as well, starting at 4 p.m., and guests are invited to the Yuletide Dance presented by Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers at 6:30 p.m. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 9 – Nature’s Decor at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. Deck the halls with boughs of holly…The holidays are just around the corner, and the team at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is in the mood to decorate! They’ll show you how to use nature’s resources to create wonderful winter wreaths. Participants should bring a grapevine wreath and pliers, and the park team will provide everything else for decorating. The event is for participants 13 and older and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and there will be two sessions from which to choose. To register, visit icampmo.com. Participants should meet in the basement of the visitor center at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 9 - A Very Peck Christmas at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. Take a break from the wrapping, baking and decorating to come enjoy a simpler time on the Missouri frontier! You’re invited to step back in time and experience the ambiance of shopping by candlelight in the 1820s Peck Bros. Dry Goods and Hardware Store. Products for sale will include, but not be limited to, old-fashioned toys and games, candy, lye soap, handmade items and Christmas ornaments. Enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with your family to discover these unique old-time items that are perfect as stocking stuffers or small gifts. The event begins at noon and runs through 9 p.m. at 200 S. Main St. in St. Charles, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 9 - Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. In the warm glow of the candlelit legislative chambers, Rick Thum and Friends will evoke memories of a historic past and bring to life some well-known holiday songs and the stories behind these old-time favorites. These merry melodies are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This event usually sells out fast, so don’t delay in getting tickets to experience this holiday experience. Tickets can be purchased starting Nov. 17 at the interpretive center. Cost is $12 each with a limit of four per person. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 636-940-3322. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 S. Main St., St. Charles, Missouri.   Saturday, Dec. 9 – Ozark Christmas Tradition at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site. Travel back in time as you walk to the Boone home and see how the Boone family and residents of Greene County have celebrated Christmas since 1830. Drop in for a visit with St. Nicholas, smell the cooking of a holiday meal over an open fire, make a 19th century door decoration, learn Christmas customs of the Missouri Ozarks and much more! After your visit at the Boone Homestead, make new holiday memories as historic downtown Ash Grove continues the celebration at 4 p.m. with the annual Christmas parade and downtown festivities. The day’s schedule is as follows: 10 a.m. – Christmas wreath laying at both historic cemeteries. 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Living history displays and demonstrations along the path the Boone home. Cider pressing. Block-print Christmas cards. U.S. Dragoons. Nathan Boone Chapter of the War of 1812 Society. Christmas of the enslaved. 19th century door swags. Fiber arts. Ladderback chair caning. 10:15 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 10:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. 11 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 11:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. Noon –  Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 1 p.m. – “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and Christmas caroling in the parlor of the Boone home. 1:30 p.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard.Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located at 7850 N. State Highway V in Ash Grove, Missouri.   Friday, Dec. 15 – Geminids Meteor Shower Viewing Event: Mother Nature’s Christmas Lights Display at Elephant Rocks State Park.To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. Park representatives will be available to direct guests to the best and safest areas to view the shower. Participants should remember that it is December and should dress for cold temperatures. The temperatures on the rocks is often lower than the average local temperature, so even if it is a mild night, you can become chilled sitting for long periods of time. Guests should be respectful of other visitors and avoid excessive use of artificial lights and excessive noise during the event. No tents or other invasive camping equipment such as propane heaters or lanterns, will be allowed, but portable chairs and blankets can be brought. No campfires will be allowed. In the event of rain, it will be moved to Saturday, Dec. 16.The event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight at Elephant Rocks State Park, at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview, Missouri.   Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Christmas Craft and Story at Crowder State Park. Join park team members on Tuesday, Dec. 19 for their Christmas Craft and Story event. Stop by the Camp Grand River Recreation Hall from 9-11 a.m. with your children to hear Christmas stories, make a craft or two and have a treat. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton, Missouri.  For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/celebrate-holidays-southeast-missouri 242821 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:58:18 +0000 Celebrate the holidays in southeast Missouri Karen Kremer Thu, 11/09/2023 - 16:58 Release Date Thursday, November 16, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 16, 2023 – Looking to get out and enjoy some time before the chaos of the holiday season strikes? Check out these events in southeast Missouri. Friday, Dec. 1: Tree Lighting, Salem Chamber Choir and Santa at Echo Bluff State Park Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting and Salem Chamber Choir performance at Echo Bluff State Park! Come listen to the choir’s heavenly music fill the lodge lobby’s rafters as they perform traditional and international Christmas carols. The choir will perform following the lighting of the tree. There’s a rumor that Santa will make an appearance! Cookies and cocoa will be available. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.   Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas Candlelight Open House at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site The public is invited to enjoy an 1860s Victorian Christmas during a candlelight open house of the Hunter-Dawson Home. The house, aglow with the warmth of oil lamps and candles, will be decorated with fresh greenery, Christmas trees and 1860s–style ornaments. Site team members will be dressed in period clothing and will be present to answer questions. Refreshments will be available. The candlelight open house will be from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9, while standard daytime tours will be given from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event is open to the public and reservations are not required. However, there are fees for the daytime tours. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid.   Saturday Dec. 9 or Sunday, Dec. 10: Baking Wild at Current River State Park It’s the holiday season and that means baking and candy making! We all run out to the store for those last-minute items, but have you thought about going out into the woods to collect your own nuts and berries for holiday baking? Learn how to bake using foraged items. This program starts at 10 a.m. at the Shannondale Fire Tower. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Connie Weber at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov or by phone at 573-751-1224 and let her know which day you prefer. Participants should plan to bring a lunch. Current River State Park is located at 11053 County Road 19D in Salem. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/toddler-storytime-rounds-out-year-knob-noster-state-park 242816 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:48:57 +0000 Toddler Storytime rounds out the year at Knob Noster State Park Karen Kremer Thu, 11/09/2023 - 16:48 Release Date Wednesday, November 22, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2023 – Toddler Storytime in the Park features nature stories, songs and crafts for preschool-aged children. This free program starts at 10 a.m. on the following Thursdays: Thursday, Dec. 7: Hibernation Thursday, Dec. 21: Winter Programs are held in the park’s visitor center. Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster and Whiteman Air Force Base, two miles south of Highway 50 along Highway 23 at 873 SE 10 Road in Knob Noster. For more information, call the visitor center at 660-563-2463. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/bison-bingo-birds-boone-christmas-missouri-state-parks-has-it-all-december 242811 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:42:48 +0000 Bison, bingo, birds and a Boone Christmas - Missouri State Parks has it all this December Karen Kremer Thu, 11/09/2023 - 16:42 Release Date Friday, November 17, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV 17, 2023 – Winter is on its way, but there is still a lot to do in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. Saturday, Dec. 2: Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park Winter is coming and the bison are prepared for its biting wind and cold temperatures. Participants will brave the conditions to see the park’s resident bison in their natural habitat. Participants should be prepared for a 2-mile hike over uneven terrain and are encouraged to bring water and snacks, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Binoculars are useful in looking at the bison and other wildlife that might be in the area. Registration is required and the event is limited to 25 participants per saunter. To register, call 417-843-6711. Participants should meet at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.   Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Community Fly Tying Demonstration at Bennett Spring State Park Join park volunteers Danny Goldsmith and Donald Ohler at 9 a.m. at the Bennett Spring Church of God annex building for a community fly tying demonstration. This program will provide instruction on tying a basic fishing fly and will give participants an opportunity to visit, share stories and see the art of fly tying. The demonstration is presented by the Friends of Bennett Spring State Park and is open to all ages. The church annex building is located directly across for the park office, behind the park restaurant at 26332 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.   Friday, Dec. 8: Birds of a Feather at Prairie State Park What do birds do when the winter chill sets in and food is scarce? How do they survive the cold? Come learn about Missouri birds in winter and make a pinecone feeder to take home. Class is designed for children ages 5 and older, and is limited to 35 participants. Complete registration before Dec. 1 by calling 417-843-6711. The class runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.   Saturday, Dec. 9: Ozark Christmas Tradition at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site Travel back in time as you walk to the Boone home and see how they and other Greene County residents have celebrated Christmas since 1830. Drop in for a visit with St. Nicholas, smell the cooking of a holiday meal over an open fire, make a 19th-century door decoration, learn Christmas customs of the Missouri Ozarks and much more! After your visit at the Boone Homestead, make new holiday memories as historic downtown Ash Grove continues the celebration at 4 p.m. with the annual Christmas parade and downtown festivities. The day’s schedule is as follows: 10 a.m.- Christmas wreath laying at both historic cemeteries. 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Living history displays and demonstrations along the path to the Boone home. Cider pressing. Block-print Christmas cards. U.S. Dragoons. Nathan Boone Chapter of the War of 1812 Society. Christmas of the enslaved. 19th-century door swags. Fiber arts. Ladderback chair caning. 10:15 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 10:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. 11 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 11:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. Noon –  Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home. 1 p.m. – “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and Christmas caroling in the parlor of the Boone home. 1:30 p.m. - Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located at 7850 N. State Highway V in Ash Grove.   Saturday, Dec. 30: Nature Bingo at Prairie State Park Join Prairie State Park team members at 2 p.m. for an interactive board game focusing on Missouri’s natural elements and showcasing the state’s plants and wildlife. Instead of “bingo,” guests will spell out “nature,” with categories including birds, plants and fungi, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish and invertebrate animals. Instead of numbers and letters called, a description of a fact about an animal, plant or fungus will be given and participants will have the opportunity to guess what is being described. When players get a column or row filled in, they win a prize! Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-now-accepting-abandoned-well-plugging-grant-applications 242806 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:33:48 +0000 Department of Natural Resources now accepting Abandoned Well Plugging Grant applications Karen Kremer Thu, 11/09/2023 - 16:33 Release Date Friday, November 10, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, Nov. 10, 2023 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for Abandoned Well Plugging grants from eligible public water systems now through April 30, 2024. The grant offers up to $20,000 per project to properly plug abandoned wells that are located near or within service areas of certain public water systems. If not plugged properly, abandoned wells pose a physical hazard to people and wildlife. Abandoned wells also are potential routes for contamination of groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for over 80% of Missouri’s public water systems. Community and not-for-profit non-community public water systems with at least one active or emergency well are eligible to apply for reimbursement funding through this program. Project selection is competitive and priority consideration will be given to applications received before Dec. 31, 2023. Applications received from Jan.1 through April 30, 2024, may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if available funds remain. Applicants may apply online via the department’s Funding Opportunities Portal at dnr.mo.gov/financial-opportunities/funding-portal/access-request. A fully executed financial assistance agreement between the project applicant and the department is required prior to incurring project-related costs. The department is committed to helping Missouri communities protect their drinking water sources and protect human health. Abandoned water wells must be plugged properly to protect groundwater resources and to protect the health and economic vitality of Missouri communities. Funding for the department’s Abandoned Well Plugging Grant program comeswholly or in part from monies received through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, please visit the Abandoned Well Plugging Grant webpage at dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/financial-assistance-opportunities/abandoned-well-plugging-grant. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/missouri-state-historic-preservation-office-opens-2024-grant-round-historic-preservation-fund-grants 242801 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:35:46 +0000 Missouri State Historic Preservation Office opens 2024 grant round for Historic Preservation Fund grants Karen Kremer Thu, 11/09/2023 - 14:35 Release Date Thursday, November 9, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 9, 2023 – The Missouri State Historic Preservation Office has opened another 2024 application cycle for Historic Preservation Fund grants. This program expects to bring over $200,000 from the Historic Preservation Fund to Missouri’s historic communities. These grants support projects that relate directly to the identification, evaluation or protection of Missouri’s historic properties. They can be used to fund: Training for members of historic preservation commissions or city staff members. Workshops, conferences and poster presentations related to historic preservation. Walking tours of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Preservation plans. Design guidelines. Inventorying of archival files related to archaeology or historic architecture. Architectural and archeological surveys. Nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Maintenance and construction documents for publically owned, national register-listed buildings. This includes historic structure reports, maintenance plans and planning for repair or rehabilitation work, such as designs, feasibility studies. Historic Preservation Fund grants cannot fund physical construction or repair work, museum exhibits or archeological digs. Certified local governments, county governmental entities, municipalities and nonprofit organizations with a historic preservation mission are eligible to apply for the grants. Applications from certified local governments will be considered first in accordance with federal regulations. “Missouri State Parks helps provide opportunities for the preservation of important cultural and historic resources within the state,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “The Historic Preservation Fund pass-through grants help in those efforts.” For more information about this grant program or to download a grant application, visit mostateparks.com/page/84331/historic-preservation-fund-grants. The State Historic Preservation Office’s grants manager will host virtual grant application workshops about the application process Friday Nov. 17 and Monday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon both days. For questions or a link to the workshops, contact the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office grants manager at 573-751-7958 or moshpo@dnr.mo.gov. The deadline to submit a pre-application is Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.   Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/find-fun-holiday-activities-missouris-state-parks-historic-sites-december 242556 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:07:57 +0000 Find fun holiday activities at Missouri’s state parks and historic sites in December Karen Kremer Tue, 11/07/2023 - 21:07 Release Date Friday, November 17, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 17, 2023 – Holiday activities abound in the St. Louis region. Saturday, Dec. 2: Le Réveillon at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site Revel in the spirit of an early Missouri French Christmas during Le Révellion at Felix Vallé State Historic Site Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 1 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public. No registration is required, but seating is limited for the lecture. Felix Vallé State Historic Site is located at the corner of Second and Merchant streets in Ste. Genevieve. The day’s schedule follows: 1-3 p.m.: Paper filigree with Lisa Palmer of Never Bored Creations LLC. Drop in to learn the art of paper filigree and make your own holiday ornament. 1-4 p.m.: Free tours of the Felix Vallé House. 2-4 p.m.: Enjoy traditional dances performed by Dance Discovery, a St. Louis-based dance troupe that performs historically faithful social dances from the 1600s to the present. 4 p.m.: Enjoy “Our French and German Christmas Customs” by Robert Mueller. Learn about the history of Ste. Genevieve’s holiday traditions during this informative lecture. 5-8 p.m.: Enjoy candlelit tours of the Felix Vallé House and experience Le Réveillon, a traditional feast held after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Interact with interpreters in period dress and enjoy special desserts, including buche de Noel.   Saturday, Dec. 9: Nature’s Decor at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Deck the halls with boughs of holly…The holidays are just around the corner and the team at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is in the mood to decorate! They’ll show you how to use nature’s resources to create wonderful winter wreaths. Participants should bring a grapevine wreath and pliers, and the park team will provide everything else for decorating. The event is for participants 13 and older, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and there will be two sessions from which to choose. To register, visit icampmo.com. Participants should meet in the basement of the visitor center at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood.   Saturday, Dec. 9: Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site In the warm glow of the candlelit legislative chambers, Rick Thum and Friends will evoke memories of a historic past and bring to life some well-known holiday songs and the stories behind these old-time favorites. These merry melodies are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This event usually sells out fast, so don’t delay in getting tickets to experience this holiday experience. Tickets can be purchased starting Nov. 17 at the interpretive center. Cost is $12 each with a limit of four per person. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 636-940-3322. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 S. Main St. in St. Charles.   Saturday, Dec. 9: A Very Peck Christmas at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site Take a break from the wrapping, baking and decorating to come enjoy a simpler time on the Missouri frontier! You’re invited to step back in time and experience the ambiance of shopping by candlelight in the 1820s Peck Bros. Dry Goods and Hardware Store. Products for sale will include, but not be limited to, old-fashioned toys and games, candy, lye soap, handmade items and Christmas ornaments. Enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with your family to discover these unique old-time items that are perfect as stocking stuffers or small gifts. The event begins at noon and runs through 9 p.m. at 200 S. Main St. in St. Charles.   Monday, Dec. 11: Homeschool Hour at Mastodon State Historic Site Mastodon State Historic Site is hosting Homeschool Hours to serve its local homeschool communities. Homeschoolers of all ages are invited to join in the fun, educational activities focused on selected park topics. Homeschool Hour begins at 10 a.m. and takes place inside the historic site’s museum at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. Adults must remain with their children during the program. Registration is required as space is limited and can be done by visiting icampmo.com. Each program’s lesson plan is available upon request one week prior to the program. Email emily.lange@dnr.mo.gov for more information.   Thursday, Dec. 14: Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Each Toddler Thursday focuses on a different topic and includes activities and a craft. This program is free, but registration is appreciated and can be done by visiting icampmo.com or calling 636-464-2976. The event will take place inside the museum auditorium at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.    Sunday, Dec. 17: Hike and Hot Chocolate at Mastodon State Historic Site Enjoy the outdoors during winter! Walk along the 0.5-mile Wildflower Trail and learn about how various organisms in the park react to the winter weather. Afterward, warm up with some hot chocolate. This hike is for ages. Be sure to dress for the weather. This program will start and end at the museum entrance, located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. The trail is a moderately difficult loop trail with natural and boardwalk surfaces including stairs. This free program starts at 2 p.m., and registration is required and can be done by visiting icampmo.com or calling 636-464-2976.   Thursday, Dec. 21: Sunrise Solstice Hike at Mastodon State Historic Site The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, but there’s still plenty of time to get outside. Meet at the Spring Branch Trail trailhead before sunrise (7 a.m.) and learn about the solstice while hiking the trail. This a great way to start the day and get excited about the longer days to come. The trailhead is located in the historic site’s picnic area at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial. Spring Branch Trail is a flat 0.8-mile loop on a packed gravel surface. This is a free program, but registration is required and can be done by visiting icampmo.com or calling 636-464-2976. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/fun-education-found-missouris-state-parks-historic-sites-december 242536 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:26:47 +0000 Fun and education found at Missouri's state parks and historic sites in December Karen Kremer Tue, 11/07/2023 - 15:26 Release Date Thursday, November 16, 2023 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV 16, 2023 – Fun and education go hand in hand, so check out these events planned at Missouri state parks and historic sites. Friday, Dec. 1: Downtown Living Windows at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site Are you visiting downtown Jefferson City for the annual Living Windows event? Stop inside Jefferson Landing State Historic Site for some holiday cheer! Enjoy making crafts, creating your own “Nutcracker” puppet theater production, or just warming up on a chilly evening. There will also be a pop-up store selling Capitol- and Missouri-themed Christmas ornaments and other gifts. Activities take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lohman Building of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site located at 100 Jefferson St. in Jefferson City.   Wednesday, Dec. 6: Landing After Hours: What our Rocks Carry – How Fossils Inform our Past, Present and Future at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site Did you know that Missouri’s rocks record a crinoid-littered sea that once covered central North America in the Carboniferous Period, around 350 million years ago? Almost 300 million years later, our state dinosaur, Hypsibema missouriensis, roamed the Earth after the sea dried up. About 12,000 years ago, mastodons grazed in the forests near what is now St. Louis alongside Clovis people. Missouri’s rich natural history helps us understand modern animals, plants and people through what it tells us of our past. Join Delaney Ryan, curator of exhibits at the Missouri State Museum, to learn about what is within our reach – and under our feet! The Missouri State Museum’s “Landing After Hours” program is located at the Lohman Building at 100 Jefferson St. in Jefferson City, starting at 7 p.m. Parking is available in the lot next to the Lohman Building. In addition to being held in person, this program will also be livestreamed on the Missouri State Museum’s Facebook page.      Saturday, Dec. 9: Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Join the state historic site team, friends and family as they open up the site buildings for a Christmas from long ago. You are invited to tour the buildings, which will be decorated for the holidays, and visit with interpreters. As guests wander through the site, they may stumble upon the judge and lawyer in the Old Courthouse as they prepare to end the year. Stopping by the tavern’s tap room, visitors can visit with travelers from the trail and in the academy, they will see the young ladies preparing for Christmas while the schoolmarm takes a break. Up the hill, a family will be preparing for Christmas dinner at the George Caleb Bingham home. At the very end of the tour, visitors can reflect on the holiday season. The event begins at 5 p.m. and while the pathway will be lit, guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight. That night there will be music and dance as well, starting at 4 p.m., and guests are invited to the Yuletide Dance presented by Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers at 6:30 p.m. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. 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 Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov