One of the rewards of deer hunting is the chance to bring home fresh, healthy meat from the field.  You know where it comes from, so why not take the next step, and learn how it’s processed too?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering the chance for hunters to master the skills of processing venison at the Field to Freezer class at August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. The class will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 5 - 8 p.m.

“This program is ideal for anyone interested in processing their own deer,” said Bryant Hertel, MDC outdoor education center manager.  “In addition to covering what to do in the field, the course is designed to help hunters save money and gain satisfaction by preparing their venison after the hunt,” said Hertel.

The program will cover the steps necessary to enable hunters to process deer meat for themselves. MDC staff will discuss the field-dressing process and demonstrate how to skin and butcher a deer in simple, easy steps.  The presentation will include information on the equipment needed, safety considerations, and demonstrate how to get deer meat ready for safe storage and preparing it for the table. The class will go into the best cuts of venison for steaks and roasts, and which portions that can be ground into burger.  Participants will learn tips on how to make sure their venison is the highest quality possible.

Field to Freezer is a free program; however, advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4R3.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located in Defiance at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94. 

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) annual efforts of sending surveys to various hunting and trapping permit holders is underway. Over the coming months, MDC will send surveys through emails and U.S. mail to more than 200,000 hunters and trappers. The surveys ask for feedback on many topics that relate to hunter and trapper opinions and levels of satisfaction with current regulations, days spent hunting or trapping, harvest data, and more. Permit holders are selected at random to receive these surveys to ensure that responses are as representative as possible.

“Public feedback is an essential part of our decision making about hunting and trapping regulations and seasons,” said MDC Director Jason Sumners. “Surveys are one of the tools we use and are vital in getting that feedback. The better participation by the public in responding to our surveys, the better we can understand what Missourians want from us.”

MDC Resource Analyst Suzanne Roudebush added that MDC sends surveys in several ways, such as through mailed surveys or electronic surveys through emails.

“We send surveys to trappers and hunters for various species or groups of species such as waterfowl, small game, black bear, turkey, and deer,” Roudebush said. “We then work with our MDC biologists to compile and analyze the data from survey responses. We use the information to help make decisions on things such as regulations changes, assessing hunter satisfaction with regulations, and to assess the status and trends of wildlife populations.”

Survey Responses Matter

“Responses from deer-hunter surveys are one of the most important pieces of information we have for assessing the status of the deer population and for understanding hunter satisfaction with deer numbers and deer-hunting regulations,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle.

MDC sent surveys to nearly 10,000 trappers in August and will send Waterfowl Zone Structure Review Surveys to about 80,000 migratory-bird permit holders in late September. MDC will send a black-bear survey to all 400 current permit holders in late October.

“Receiving survey responses from black-bear hunters is important information we review and take into consideration when setting annual black bear hunting regulations,” said MDC Black Bear/Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock. “In addition, results from annual trapper surveys help us track trends in our furbearer populations that would otherwise be difficult to do.”

About 10,000 fall turkey hunters will get a survey in early November followed by surveys in January to about 85,000 deer hunters. Efforts continue in February with a waterfowl-harvest survey to about 10,000 hunters and a survey to about 16,000 small-game hunters. The annual effort concludes with a survey to about 5,500 snow-goose hunters and about 25,000 spring turkey hunters.

“We really want to emphasize that MDC email surveys are not spam and our mailed surveys are not junk mail,” Roudebush said. “Survey responses provide essential feedback to us when making decisions that impact hunters and trappers. We realize people are busier than ever, but we need to hear back from them to best serve them.”

Survey Response Rates Have Fallen

“It was common to have 50-60% of hunters and trappers respond to our surveys 20 years ago,” she explained. “Five years ago, the response rates had fallen to 30-35%. Today, response rates are often under 20% and even 10%.”

Roudebush added that staff are exploring ways to increase response rates and making a concerted effort to stress the importance of survey responses in helping to shape hunting and trapping seasons and regulations.

“Higher response rates are critical both for having reliable data to inform management decisions and for allowing more individuals to engage in the process by sharing their input,” she said. “As a hunter or trapper, receiving a survey from MDC provides you with an opportunity to become an active participant in the management of Missouri’s wildlife populations.”

Want to use prescribed fire to manage property? Want to gain experience using prescribed fire? A Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) may be the answer. Through their neighbor-helping-neighbor function, PBAs can help provide equipment, experience, training, and people power for prescribed burns.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is joining with the Missouri Prescribed Fire Council, Quail Forever, Pheasants Forever, and other partners to host a PBA Interest Meeting for landowners and others in Jefferson and Ste. Genevieve counties on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 900 VFW Drive in Festus. Participants must register in advance at bit.ly/Jefferson-SteGen-PBA.

Prescribed fire is an affordable and effective tool for accomplishing land-management goals. It can reduce fuel loads to lessen the intensity and chance of wildfire, help restore native plant communities, enhance wildlife habitat, improve livestock forage production, regenerate merchantable trees, and control invasive species.

The responsible use of fire can benefit both people and land resources, especially when community members join forces through a PBA. A PBA is a group of landowners and other community members who come together to conduct prescribed burns more effectively and safely. The members pool their knowledge, experience, equipment, and peoplepower to help others in their association conduct prescribed burns.

For more information on the meeting, contact Rachel Williams at 636-441-4554 ext. 4121, Luke Wehmhoff at 573-883-2703 ext. 4, or Wes Buchheit at 573-517-8860.

For more information about prescribed fire, visit moprescribedfire.org/pba-faqs.

East Central College is part of a newly formed consortium that will utilize a $3.9 million grant from the second round of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeships Building America initiative.

This grant, awarded to Jefferson College, will support the Missouri Southeast Pathways to Work consortium, which includes Jefferson College as the lead institution and subrecipients ECC, Mineral Area College, Three Rivers College, and Central Methodist University. Jefferson College will also serve as the grant administrator.

The four-year grant aims to expand existing apprenticeship programs and create new pre-apprenticeship opportunities in critical fields, including advanced manufacturing, nursing, and teacher education.

ECC will use the funds to cover administrative costs, invest in new technology for its Precision Machining Technology program, and offer financial assistance to students for tuition, fees, and related expenses.

Todd Tracy, Executive Director of ECC’s Center for Workforce Development, emphasized the significance of this grant for both the college and the community.

“Expanding the apprenticeship model in our region to include teacher education and healthcare disciplines will provide much-needed upskilling opportunities for our workforce,” Tracy said.

“This initiative will help meet the demands of high-growth industries, increase ECC enrollments, and establish new partnerships with employers and other key stakeholders.”

ECC has already established apprenticeships in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, focusing on opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and CNA Preceptors, who serve as mentors to guide CNA students. With the support of this grant, ECC will expand these efforts into more diverse, high-demand fields, strengthening the regional workforce.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages deer hunters to share their harvests to help feed hungry Missourians. MDC also reminds deer hunters of mandatory and voluntary chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing opportunities and other CWD regulations.

Missouri’s deer season opened with archery hunting on Sept. 15 and runs through the close of archery season on Jan. 15 with firearms portions during this time. Get more information on deer season portions and dates at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Share the Harvest

MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvests by donating surplus venison to the Share the Harvest program to help feed hungry Missourians. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries.

Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors.

The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC and has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992.

The National Institutes of Health state that children need protein in their diets for proper growth and development, and adults need it to maintain good health. Yet many Missourians can't afford or can't get to good sources of protein. Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat.

Deer harvested from CWD Management Zone counties may only be donated to Share the Harvest if they are tested for CWD. Hunters can take their deer to a processor participating in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program or have their deer sampled at another location prior to donation. Deer harvested outside of the CWD Management Zone do not need to be tested for donation to Share the Harvest and may be taken to any Share the Harvest processor.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.

Follow CWD Regulations

CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that threatens Missouri’s deer population, hunting culture, and economy. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD has been found in Missouri and MDC continues its efforts to limit the spread of CWD by finding new cases as early as possible and managing the disease to slow its spread to more deer in more areas.

MDC has added the following counties to its CWD Management Zone: Audrain, Boone, Cole, Dent, Douglas, Howard, Lewis, Maries, Monroe, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Randolph, Saline, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, and Webster. The CWD Management Zone consists of counties where CWD has been found and those within 10 miles of where CWD has been found.

Because these counties are now in the CWD Management Zone, the antler-point restriction (APR) has been removed from Audrain, Boone, Cole, Howard, Lewis, Maries, Monroe, Osage, Phelps, Randolph, Saline, Scotland, and Shelby counties. According to MDC, removing the APR in the CWD Management Zone helps slow the spread of CWD by minimizing the chances of young bucks that have CWD dispersing and introducing the disease to new areas.

As with all counties in the CWD Management Zone, grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round.

“Deer are social animals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t slow the spread of CWD by implementing regulations such as the feed and mineral prohibition that prevent the high degree of close contact and accumulation of infectious proteins in the soil at these sites,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle.  

Hunters within the CWD Management Zone must also follow carcass transportation regulations and all hunters must follow these regulations when bringing parts of harvested deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state.

“Hunters can help reduce the spread of CWD by following the carcass transportation regulations and properly disposing of deer carcasses,” said Isabelle.

According to MDC the best way for hunters to dispose of deer carcass remains is to place them in trash bags and dispose of them through trash collection or a permitted landfill, bury them at or near where the deer was harvested, or leave them on the property where the deer was harvested.

All counties in the CWD Management Zone are open during the CWD portion of deer season.

During the Firearms November Portion opening weekend, Nov. 16-17, hunters who harvest a deer in designated CWD Management Zone counties must take the deer (or its head) on the day of harvest to a mandatory CWD sampling station.

CWD Sampling and Testing All Season

As part of its efforts to find cases of CWD early and help slow its spread, MDC is again offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state, including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors.

MDC also offers self-service freezer drop-off locations within the CWD Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the sites. Get more information on voluntary sampling and drop-off locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within four weeks or less from the time of sampling.

Get More Information

Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri, Share the Harvest, and CWD from MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available online and where permits are sold.

Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or through MDC’s free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play or the App Store.

Fall isn’t far away and for some families, that means it’s time to get out and explore some of Missouri’s remote places on a backpacking or a hiking trip.

People wanting to learn more about good backpacking and hiking locations should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Where Can I? Backpack.” This free virtual program will be Oct. 9 from noon-12:30 p.m. The program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. It is part of the Shoal Creek staff’s “Where Can I?” series of programs, which will be held the second Wednesday of each month. The Oct. 9 program is open to all ages. People can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202169

At this program, MDC Office Supervisor Tim Smith will have information about some great MDC areas in this region that offer backpacking and hiking opportunities.

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive. People can stay informed about upcoming virtual and in-person programs at the Shoal Creek Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. They can sign up for Shoal Creek Center text alerts by calling 417-629-3434.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Temperatures are cooling down and trees are beginning to change color – a sure sign fall has arrived. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to enjoy fall foliage through camping, driving tours, hiking, or even floating. To help, MDC offers weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor.

“Our fall color reports are a convenient resource for the public,” said MDC Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Russell Hinnah. “The reports begin in mid-September and are updated weekly. They show users where trees are beginning to turn and also suggest best places to see the changing leaves.”

Predicting the peak of fall color can be difficult, but much depends on the weather.

“Much of the state is still very dry and we are also still feeling the effects of last year’s drought,” noted Hinnah. “With this pattern we could see an earlier fall with less color. It’s also possible some trees may shut down earlier with no color at all.”

Chilly, fall evenings are critical for leaves to change color. 

“Sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by the cool autumn nights,” Hinnah explained. “Those sugars are the building blocks for the rich red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Cooler temperatures cause the breakdown of green pigments in leaves, allowing fall colors to show.”

Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning. The peak of fall color usually hits around mid-October.

“Trees like maple, ash, oak, and hickory are at the peak of their fall display by the middle of October,” Hinnah noted. “Normally by the end of the month, colors are fading and leaves are falling.”

Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes.

“MDC conservation areas or Missouri state parks are wonderful places to take in the fall color,” suggested Hinnah.

And fall color isn’t just limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries.

MDC provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what species of trees are turning and suggestions on best places to see them. The updates run September through November.

Hummingbirds fascinate humans for a variety of reasons. The way these tiny birds hover at feeders and dart back and forth makes them a favorite of many people.

People interested in learning more about these birds that charm and captivate us should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Birds: Hummingbirds.” This free virtual program, which is being put on by the staff of MDC's Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, will be Sept. 27 from 1-2 p.m. At this program, MDC Naturalist Wendy Lott will describe these birds’ interesting life cycles and how people can attract them to their yards. She will also discuss why this time of year is a good time to see hummingbirds because large numbers are migrating through this area. This program will not be recorded. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202937

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

People can stay informed about the Sept. 27 program and other upcoming events at MDC’s Twin Pines Conservation Education Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who want to know how to sign up can call 573-325-1381. The Twin Pines Center is located just east of Winona at 20086 Highway 60.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is presenting a program designed by women for women who are curious about the outdoors.  

Women in the Wilderness is a free program happening at the nature center Thursday, Oct. 26 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.   The event is open exclusively to women ages 18 and up.

Participants will learn about and experience a variety of outdoor skills—from birding to archery to outdoor cooking—create friendships with other likeminded women and spend a day enjoying what wild Missouri has to offer.

During this all-day event, participants will rotate through 45-minute cycles, each focusing on a different outdoor skill, such as nature journaling, hiking safety, and BB gun shooting. Participants are asked to pack plenty of water and bring their own lunch which does not require refrigeration. Participants should also dress for the weather as this program takes place primarily outside and features several hikes on paved trails.

Women in the Wilderness is free to the public; however, openings are limited, so individuals must preregister online for this program at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rk.  Each member of a group must sign up separately.

For more information about the event, contact MDC Naturalist Lauren Baker at: Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov.   

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

(This release was re-issued to correct a faulty registration link.)

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

East Central College’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) welcomed 611 students this year in more than 100 classes in Union and Rolla.

There were 446 students participating in Union and 165 students in Rolla, resulting in 1,015 total enrollments across the service region.

SLA provides enriching, educational, and fun classes at no cost for children and teens ages 5-18. The academy ran from July 8 through Aug. 8.

A total of 718 seats were filled in Union, and 297 enrollments were in Rolla. Many students enrolled in more than one class, contributing to the total number of enrollments.

 Here is what SLA students said about the classes:

• "I enjoyed learning a new skill that I will definitely use in the future."
• "Entertaining and fun class. Very educational."
• "I had a wonderful time. Seeing the finished project was my favorite part."
• "I enjoyed the class. I liked using my creativity to my advantage. Being with my friends and getting to make many things was my favorite part of the class."
• "I love to crochet! Please offer this class again next year. You can’t make it better—it’s already perfect."
• "I met amazing people and really vibed with the teacher."

More SLA Comments

Parents of the children who attended classes, like Patrick Pigeon, also expressed their appreciation for SLA.

“This is a great opportunity for our son to stay engaged and learn something new over the summer. Keep those classes coming,” he said.

Elaine Grover shared that her grandson thrived in the Colors Galore class and learned from the Internet Safety class.

“Excellent classes—my grandson had a great time and learned a lot in both classes,” she said. “The projects in Colors Galore were especially enjoyed, particularly the 'stained glass' project. He’s still talking about how to rate passwords from the Internet Safety class."

Another parent expressed gratitude for the free, educational offerings.

“Our children have participated in the program for several years. It's wonderful that they are exposed to a variety of subjects and classes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’d like to thank the taxpayers and sponsors. It’s really great that these classes are free—we need more of this!”

Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for the Center for Workforce Development, said the goal of the Summer Learning Academy is to offer a diverse range of enriching and engaging classes for the entire college service region.

“I love seeing the happy and enthusiastic faces of both students and parents. Year after year, I’m so proud of every class we offer,” Kaiser said. “It’s wonderful to have classes led by community members and our own ECC community.

“Many of these classes even provide a preview of the quality credit courses students can take in the future at ECC,” she added. “The instructors are incredible and passionate about what they teach—sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the students or the instructors!”

SLA Sponsors

SLA was free for participants this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including local Taco Bell restaurants and their parent company, W&M Restaurants; Rotary Clubs of Franklin County (Sullivan, Union, and Washington); local Jimmy John’s restaurants; and the ECC Foundation.

“It never ceases to amaze me how generous our sponsors are, allowing us to continue offering these classes at no cost to the youth in our ECC communities in Union and Rolla. It truly gives students an amazing experience,” Kaiser said.

Additional SLA sponsors include 3R RV Service Center, Bank of Washington, Bank of Franklin County, Brewer Science, Central Methodist University, Edward Jones — Andrew Clary, First State Community Bank, Mercy, Pepsi, Phelps County Bank, and Union Lions Club.

There may be more than 400 bird species found in Missouri, but learning a handful of basic characteristics can help a beginning birder get to know a significant number of them quickly.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding Bird ID for Beginners program Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 10 – 11 a.m. at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood.  The event is free and open to those age 15 years and older. 

Participants will discover the various feathered visitors they’re likely to encounter in the Show-Me-State throughout the year. This program reviews more 20 common Missouri birds, their physical characteristics, and what foods attract them.  Participants will learn how noting traits like size, shape, color patterns, behavior, and habitat are key to nailing a bird ID.  The class will also learn tips on how to create a bird-friendly environment that will bring in birds to their backyards.

At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to go on an optional bird hike along some of Rockwood Reservation's paths.  According to the St. Louis Audubon Society, Rockwoods Reservation is part of the Lower Meramec Hills and Valley Important Bird Area.  The forest habitats in this area harbor fascinating bird species such as red-shouldered hawks, red-eyed vireos, and prothonotary and Cerulean warblers.

Bird ID for Beginners is a free program, however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4aL.

Rockwoods Reservation is located at 2751 Glencoe Road, off Highway 109 between I-44 and Highway 100. 

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will host an open house-style public meeting on Missouri Route 47 on Tuesday, September 24 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Union Community Center. The center is located at 1329 Union Ave, Union, MO 63084.

There will be no formal presentation. Participants may attend the meeting at any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The purpose of the public meeting is to provide the public and stakeholders with the opportunity to provide comment and learn about the conceptual study that spans from Missouri Route 47 from Route 100 in Washington through Union to Interstate 44 in St. Clair.

This study is a critical step to preparing for future projects on Missouri Route 47 in Franklin County and gathering input to ensure the Purpose & Need reflects the identified needs of roadway users.

As part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), MoDOT budgeted an estimated $75.7 million for the construction of the safety and congestion improvements along the Route 47 corridor in Washington, Union, and St. Clair. Congestion is a major concern along the corridor. The study will involve analyzing areas of the corridor such as Route 50/Route 47.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the study and submit questions and/or concerns during the meeting. An online copy of the survey will be available up to two weeks after the meeting to submit comments.

To learn more information about the project and sign up for project updates, visit  Missouri Route 47 Conceptual Study in Franklin County | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).

Pine trees are recognizable by their appearance, but these well-known conifers can add flavor to your next meal on a camping trip or at home.

People can learn more about how to transform parts of a pine tree into tasty food items at the Sept. 25 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Outdoor Survival: Bushcraft Series – Pine Needle Program.” This online program will be from noon-1 p.m. and is being put on by the staff at the MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/199955

At the Sept. 25 program, MDC Conservation Educator Andy Rhodes will explain how parts of the pine tree can be used to make tea and also can be used as flour for cookies. Though this program is free, registration is required. People must register so a program link can be sent to them.

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the facility by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about the Sept. 25 program or about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shoal Creek Center can call 417-629-3434.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is presenting a program designed by women for women who are curious about the outdoors.  

Women in the Wilderness is a free program happening at the nature center Thursday, Oct. 26 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.   The event is open exclusively to women ages 18 and up.

Participants will learn about and experience a variety of outdoor skills—from birding to archery to outdoor cooking—create friendships with other likeminded women and spend a day enjoying what wild Missouri has to offer.

During this all-day event, participants will rotate through 45-minute cycles, each focusing on a different outdoor skill, such as nature journaling, hiking safety, and BB gun shooting. Participants are asked to pack plenty of water and bring their own lunch which does not require refrigeration. Participants should also dress for the weather as this program takes place primarily outside and features several hikes on paved trails.

Women in the Wilderness is free to the public; however, openings are limited, so individuals must preregister online for this program at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ab.  Each member of a group must sign up separately.

For more information about the event, contact MDC Naturalist Lauren Baker at: Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov.   

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

Owensville Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) will be hosting the next Fidelity Flick this Friday, September 13, at Buschmann Park, located at 402 S 4^th St., starting at approximately 7:15pm. This free community movie (Encanto) is made possible because of generous sponsors: Fidelity Communications and Owensville Lion’s Club. Families are encouraged to pack snacks, bring lawn chairs/blankets and join the fun. In the event of bad weather, the rain date is set for the next evening (Saturday), same time and location.

For more information, please contact 573-437-8231 or email parkrec@cityofowensville.com.

If you’re wild about nature and the great outdoors, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Shaw Nature Reserve are hosting the ideal event for you and the whole family. 

Wild about Nature Festival is a family event happening Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit.  It’s a day of exploring nature and hands-on outdoor activities for nature lovers of all ages.  There will also be opportunities to meet and talk with conservation and nature experts and organizations.

Have you ever wanted to try fishing?  Wild about Nature includes multiple fishing activities that will engage both adults and children, from fly tying, backyard bass fishing, to a chance to see—and catch— live fish. There’ll even be the opportunity to go fishing at Cypress Lake. 

If you’re archery-curious, the event also features opportunities to shoot a bow and arrow, as well as peewee archery for the kids.  Adventurous sorts will appreciate a go at kayaking and hiking, while those wanting to commune with nature will want to explore yoga and forest bathing.

Educational stations cover topics ranging from reptiles and amphibians, to mammals, to wildflowers and native gardening—plus water critter explorations with Missouri Stream Team.  There will even be a chance to meet and greet MDC’s K-9 agent, Bertie.

Other conservation partners on hand will include the World Bird Sanctuary bringing live feathered friends, the Endangered Wolf Center, and the Missouri Disabled Sportsman Club.

If it has to do with nature or the outdoors, you can expect to find it at the Wild about Nature Festival.

Admission to the Nature Reserve during the Wild About Nature Festival is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12.  Admission for Missouri Botanical Garden members is $5, and their children are free.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at shawnature.org\events. 

Food vendors Yonder Eats and Stacked Coffee House will also be present.

Shaw Nature Reserve is in Gray Summit at 307 Pinetum Loop Road, on the south side of I-44 off exit #253.  As Wild about Nature takes place outdoors, participants should come dressed for the weather.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

It started in November 2023 with a report to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) of a mature bull elk found shot dead and left to rot near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. It ended recently with 15 charges being filed in court against three Missouri men.

A local 14-year old-deer hunter reported finding the dead mature bull elk near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County during the 2023 opening weekend of firearms deer season, Nov. 11 and 12. Shannon County Conservation Agents Brad Hadley and Logan Brawley led the investigation and found the entire animal left at the scene. The carcass was transported to MDC’s Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center in Columbia for a necropsy and further investigation.

Over the nine months of the poaching investigation, conservation agents from MDC’s Ozark, Central, St. Louis, and Southeast regions interviewed numerous deer hunters in the area along with other people passing through the area for information related to the investigation. They deployed two conservation K-9 agents that logged more than 28 miles while searching the immediate area for clues and evidence. The agents also contacted local businesses and used their surveillance-video footage, along with footage from elk-population-monitoring cameras in the area, to help identify the poachers. Agents served five search warrants and submitted numerous items of possible evidence to forensics labs.

The investigation recently ended with three men from the Bonne Terre area being charged for multiple violations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

“The three men also killed deer that they failed to Telecheck and were therefore in illegal possession of,” explained Agent Hadley. “The illegal elk killing and wanton waste by leaving the carcass represent two charges each, the deer killing without Telechecking and illegal possession of the deer represent two charges each, and the littering charge for each make five charges each.”

Hadley added that the resolution of this senseless act speaks to how much people in Missouri value our wildlife and support efforts to conserve and protect it.

“From the 14-year-old hunter who first reported it, to the other hunters and people passing through the area who provided tidbits of information, to the local businesses who gladly shared their pertinent security videos, to the prosecutors and courts that granted the search warrants, to the forensic examiners who quickly analyzed items brought to them – THANK YOU!”

Agent Hadley added that every person who helped was appalled by the killing and complete waste of the elk, and every one of them contributed considerably to the success of the investigation.

“Public support of conservation is critical to conservation success,” said MDC Protection Chief Randy Doman. “Our conservation agents work hard to build public trust by thoroughly investigating incidents reported by the public. We could not have solved this case without the many members of the public who helped us. Thank you!”

Poaching — the taking of wildlife outside of season, without the proper permit, or in other violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri — hurts Missouri wildlife and those who appreciate it as hunters, anglers, and nature watchers.

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office responded to the 100 block of Hickory Street in New Haven for an unconscious child who was not breathing.  After EMS intervention and the application of Naloxone (Narcan) to the unconscious child, he recovered and was transported to the hospital for further care and observation.  Due to the possibility of the child being exposed to a narcotic analgesic, Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into this matter.

During the investigation, investigators learned the child might have been exposed to Fentanyl pills.  Information was also learned the child’s father was in sole care of the toddler and that the pills the child accessed were most likely his.

Detectives worked with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and obtained charges on Dean Lockhart, 28 yar old male, from New Haven, MO, for 1^st Degree Endangering Welfare of a Child.  Currently Mr. Lockhart has no bond. 

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be posted if there is any new information.  I would like to thank Chris Miller and the team of emergency medical professionals at the New Haven Ambulance District because their efforts saved a child’s life.  I am also grateful to Mercy Hospital in Washington and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for their efforts to keep children safe.

There were 1,015 attendees in more than 100 Summer Learning Academy (SLA) classes at East Central College in Union and Rolla this year.

SLA is an initiative that provides enriching, educational, and fun classes at no cost for children and teens ages 5-18 at the Union campus and in Rolla.

There were 718 students in Union and 297 students who attended SLA in Rolla. Classes were held from July 8 through Aug. 8. Here is what SLA students said about the classes:

• "I enjoyed learning a new skill that I will definitely use in the future."
• "Entertaining and fun class. Very educational."
• "I had a wonderful time. Seeing the finished project was my favorite part."
• "I enjoyed the class. I liked using my creativity to my advantage. Being with my friends and getting to make many things was my favorite part of the class."
• "I love to crochet! Please offer this class again next year. You can’t make it better—it’s already perfect."
• "I met amazing people and really vibed with the teacher."

More SLA Comments

Parents of the children who attended classes, like Patrick Pigeon, also expressed their appreciation for SLA.

“This is a great opportunity for our son to stay engaged and learn something new over the summer. Keep those classes coming,” he said.

Elaine Grover shared that her grandson thrived in the Colors Galore class and learned from the Internet Safety class.

“Excellent classes—my grandson had a great time and learned a lot in both classes,” she said. “The projects in Colors Galore were especially enjoyed, particularly the 'stained glass' project. He’s still talking about how to rate passwords from the Internet Safety class."

Another parent expressed gratitude for the free, educational offerings.

“Our children have participated in the program for several years. It's wonderful that they are exposed to a variety of subjects and classes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’d like to thank the taxpayers and sponsors. It’s really great that these classes are free—we need more of this!”

Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for the Center for Workforce Development, said the goal of the Summer Learning Academy is to offer a diverse range of enriching and engaging classes for the entire college service region.

“I love seeing the happy and enthusiastic faces of both students and parents. Year after year, I’m so proud of every class we offer,” Kaiser said. “It’s wonderful to have classes led by community members and our own ECC community.

“Many of these classes even provide a preview of the quality credit courses students can take in the future at ECC,” she added. “The instructors are incredible and passionate about what they teach—sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the students or the instructors!”

SLA Sponsors

SLA was free for participants this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including local Taco Bell restaurants and their parent company, W&M Restaurants; Rotary Clubs of Franklin County (Sullivan, Union, and Washington); local Jimmy John’s restaurants; and the ECC Foundation.

“It never ceases to amaze me how generous our sponsors are, allowing us to continue offering these classes at no cost to the youth in our ECC communities in Union and Rolla. It truly gives students an amazing experience,” Kaiser said.

Additional SLA sponsors include 3R RV Service Center, Bank of Washington, Bank of Franklin County, Brewer Science, Central Methodist University, Edward Jones — Andrew Clary, First State Community Bank, Mercy, Pepsi, Phelps County Bank, and Union Lions Club.

For anyone looking to showcase a new golf swing or break in a fresh set of clubs, the 2024 Falcon Golf Tournament provides the perfect setting.

The East Central College Foundation is seeking teams and sponsors for the annual tournament, set for Friday, Sept. 27, at Wolf Hollow Golf Club. Each year, the event raises essential funds to support the ECC Alumni Association and ECC Athletics, providing vital resources for both current and former students.

The day will begin with check-in and lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. After a day on the course, participants will enjoy dinner.

The ECC Foundation invites the community to participate in a day of golf at Wolf Hollow, all while supporting the next generation of ECC students and athletes.

For more information or to register a team, contact the ECC Foundation at foundation@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6505, or visit www.eastcentral.edu/alumni/golf-tournament/.

The ECC Alumni Association, one of the primary beneficiaries of the tournament, offers a range of valuable resources and opportunities for ECC alumni, including:

• Job skills workshops and resources
• Networking opportunities with fellow alumni and professionals
• Social events that foster community connections

The Alumni Association welcomes all former ECC students, including those who did not earn a diploma. Many alumni credit ECC as a key factor in their success.

The tournament also supports ECC Athletics, which empowers student-athletes to excel both on and off the field. To find out more about the ECC Foundation www.eastcentral.edu/foundation/.