Outdoors

By Kurt Erickson | St. Louis Post-DispatchTribune Content Agency via AP JEFFERSON CITY — A top state budget writer’s push to open a state park in his legislative district remains in limbo after some of the money he sought for the project was cut by Gov. Mike Kehoe.House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, who represents

By University of Missouri Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. –  Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Wildlife can be more formidable pests than insects, diseases and weeds. Just like people, deer and other critters are drawn to food that is tasty and

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

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,

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,

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

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

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Get outside and discover nature this summer during frogging season! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that frogging season begins June 30 at sunset and runs through Oct. 31. Anyone with a fishing permit or small game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily

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

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

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Learn how to turn any outdoor space into a native plant paradise that saves water, supports pollinators, and looks beautiful. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering Bloom Where You’re Planted, a free workshop on native plants from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at MDC’s Northwest Regional Office. Purposeful

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

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 7 and 8. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As boat owners and water enthusiasts are getting ready to hit Missouri lakes and rivers, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) warns boat owners to be on the lookout for the infamous invasive zebra mussel. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that came to North American waters in international shipping ballast water

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Camping is a way to connect with the outdoors that can be both enjoyable and economical for the entire family. If a camping trip is on your family’s to-do list for this spring or summer, be sure to check out some of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) camping opportunities. Listed below

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.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Riley Isaacs of Bradleyville for becoming the latest state record holder for redear sunfish. The 17-year-old was bowfishing at Lake Taneycomo April 18 when he shot a 2-pound, 3-ounce fish. The previous record under alternative methods was a 2-pound, 2-ounce fish also caught from Lake

By University of Missouri Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. –  Most flowering annuals in gardens around the U.S. have stood the test of time, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. For example, geraniums were planted in Europe in the 17th century and have been an American favorite for more than 200 years. Petunia, as we

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Spring brings a variety of newborn animals that may look to be abandoned, but Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Protection Regional Supervisor Russell Duckworth says that’s rarely the case, and that it’s best to leave wildlife wild. “Young wildlife are seldom orphaned,” said Duckworth. “When we see newborn animals alone, that

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding a tree giveaway for Arbor Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph. Each family or group may receive two tree seedlings at the giveaway while supplies last. The available tree species, including

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

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

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