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Outdoors

MDC encourages people to discover red, white, and blue in nature

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities. MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature: Red Royal Catchfly Flowers, Red

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Apply online for MDC managed deer hunts starting July 1

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1–31 for a shot at 145 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges,

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Sweeten the Fourth with juicy watermelon

By University of Missouri Extension CARTHAGE, Mo. – Nothing says Fourth of July like a juicy, red slice of watermelon. July is observed as National Watermelon Month. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Matthew Huchteman says there are a few simple steps to check watermelons for ripeness and flavor. Ripe watermelons have a certain look,

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MDC reminds people to celebrate safely this summer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With holiday celebrations happening, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire FIREWORKS: Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher

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Deadline is Aug. 18 for Arbor Awards of Excellence nominations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) are accepting nominations for the 2025 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence. The annual award recognizes communities, institutions, businesses, organizations and individuals that make significant and long-lasting efforts to care for trees in their communities. The Arbor Award of

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MDC and partner organizations dedicate two new conservation areas in the Grand River Grasslands Priority Geography on June 18

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) partnered with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever (PF/QF), The Nature Conservancy, and local landowners to dedicate two new conservation areas on Wednesday, June 18, in Harrison County. Both projects were made possible through PF/QF’s Build a Wildlife Area program and granted to MDC for permanent ownership and

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Fireworks safety is everyone’s responsibility – let’s celebrate smart this season 

By Stacy Schneitter-Blake President, National Fireworks Association Director, American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation – NFA Liaison Co-owner, Schneitter Fireworks  St. Joseph, Mo. — Each year, fireworks light up the skies as Americans come together to celebrate our nation’s independence, honor milestones, and enjoy the traditions of summer. For generations, fireworks have been a cherished part of our

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Peppers: Easter eggs of the garden

By University of Missouri Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bearing fruit ranging in color from red, orange and yellow to purple, white and chocolate-black, sweet peppers are the Easter eggs of the vegetable garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Like potato and tomato, sweet pepper is a member of the nightshade family. Sweet

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MDC proposes expanding furbearer hunting and trapping

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to several regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to expand furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities at its May 16 open meeting in Jefferson City. As many populations of furbearing species continue to increase, the proposed regulation changes will increase trapping opportunities

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Red, white and blue for the green thumb

By Linda GeistUniversity of Missouri Extension ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Plan now to use basic design principals to create a patriotic garden this summer, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk. “Designing your outdoor living space comes with many opportunities for creativity,” says Funk. “One might be thinking about themed garden beds, pots

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Happy 70th birthday to Missouri’s state tree

By Linda GeistUniversity of Missouri Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. – The flowering dogwood tree celebrates its 70th birthday as the Missouri state tree in 2025. There is no better place to celebrate than Missouri’s Ozark woodlands from mid-April to early May when the dogwood is in bloom, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “Inconspicuous

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April is National Gardening Month

By Linda GeistUniversity of Missouri Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. – April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. For those who lacked the motivation in the past to garden, consider these benefits: Economic. Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to save on the

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