May 2025 vol 86 no 3

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

For more than eighty-nine years, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has served as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors.” Join in our efforts to secure our stronghold as advocates for our state’s wildlife and natural resources by becoming a dedicated member of our Founders Circle.

Your contribution will play an influential role in preserving Missouri’s rich outdoor legacy.

Each year, earnings from the endowment will be used to support CFM’s education and advocacy efforts. Special recognition will be given to those who reach each level of giving. Additionally, memberships will be recognized at our annual Convention.

Make your contribution today, to preserving our state’s conservation legacy.

Spring Into Action Celebrating CFM

Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and energy— and here at CFM, that energy has been on full display. From the momentum of an impactful Annual Convention to our continued legislative advocacy, the enthusiasm shared among our Board, staff, members, and partners is at an all-time high. As I celebrate my sixth anniversary as your Executive Director, I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished together this year. I am even more excited for what’s on the horizon.

A major theme this spring has been the power of partnerships. Amazing things happen when we bring together people, citizens, and organizations to align our strengths and work toward a common good. Whether it’s advancing conservation policy or mentoring young outdoor enthusiasts through our Conservation Leadership Corps, success at CFM is defined by how we move forward—together.

This year’s CFM Annual Convention was a resounding success, filled with energy, connection, and passing some important resolutions. There were so many powerful moments. For me, one of those was Saturday night, when hands shot up across the crowd—an unforgettable show of commitment—as attendees pledged to become Life Members and Founders Circle members. That wave of support truly captured the spirit of the weekend and the strength of the conservation culture we’re building. You can find the names of those who made that incredible commitment, and read about those resolutions our members passed, in this edition.

CFM also remains a powerful force in the legislative arena. We hosted a well-attended and highly successful Conservation Day in early April at the Capitol. Shags and Trevor were live on the airwaves, and so many members and affiliates spent the day networking and advocating for our causes. Special thanks to our lobbyist Kyna Iman; Vice President Steve Jones, who manages the Legislative Action Center; and Zach Morris, Chair of the Legislative Committee, for their tireless work. And a huge shoutout to you, our grassroots members, for stepping up and taking action. Your engagement matters. It’s strong proof that when we show up and speak out, we can protect the places we love.

Our 90th Anniversary is just around the corner! Join us on September 10 at the historic Tiger Hotel, in the very room on the very day where we were founded, for a celebration like no other. We’ll gather in Columbia to honor our legacy with a special event you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye out for ticket information as they’re sure to go fast. This will be a truly historic occasion in more ways than one.

Our goal is to ensure that CFM remains strong, relevant, and ready to continue leading Missouri’s conservation movement for years to come. Thank you for whatever way you continue to support CFM and our vital mission.

Yours in Conservation,

Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director, Editor

Tyler Schwartze takes a picture with CFM President Bill Kirgan and Ken McCarty at CFM's 89th Annual Convention. (Photo: CFM)

CONTENTS Features

Calling Them By Name

Frank/Ed Fishing Adventures

Twenty-Five Years of Keeping Nature Near with Grow Native

Wood Stove Warmth

Montauk

The Explosion

Missouri Family Fishing Vacations

The Conservation Commission: By the Numbers

Wild Turkey Baseball Team

Paddle Mo

Help Change the Lives of

STAFF

Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor

Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations

Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Manager

Trisha Ely - Development & Events Coordinator

Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistant

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee:

Bill Kirgan, President

Ginny Wallace, President-Elect

Steve Jones, Vice President

Benjamin Runge, Secretary

Ryan Verkamp, Treasurer

Board Members:

Richard Ash

Mossie Schallon

Gary Van De Velde

Dick Wood

Jake Swafford

Emily Tracy-Smith

Jim Low

Ralph Duren

Katherine Brookshire

Leanne Tippett-Mosby

Adam Sapp

Emily Schrader

Jennifer Battson-Warren

Bill Cooper

Governor Jay Nixon

Wes Swee

Dana Ripper

Zach Morris

Lisa Allen

Tom Westhoff

Mike Schallon

Katie Marsh

Kyle Carroll

Jean Nock

David Urich

Jeff Meshach

Kathie Brennan

Laurie Wilson

William Hall

Michael Meredith

Alexander Scott

Ryan Coovert

April Hoffman

Eric Rahm

Dave Murphy

Troy Beilsmith

John Hickey

Cydney Mayfield

Dr. Jane Williams

Kendra Varns Wallis

Pam Bollinger

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Conservation Federation (ISSN 1082-8591), Copyright 1938, is published 6 times a year in January, March, May, July, September, and November by the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), 728 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation. Call (573) 634-2322 to become a member. Periodicals Postage paid at Jefferson City, MO.

Send address changes to:

Conservation Federation 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101

FRONT COVER

Taken by Dan Bernskoetter in Boone County with a Canon R5 camera using multiple flashes on low power and a Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L lens at 100mm, shutter 1/200 of a sec, aperture of f/9 and ISO 100.

Thank you to all of our Business Partners.

Gold

Doolittle Trailer

Enbridge, Inc.

G3 Boats

Silver

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

Bronze

Association of Missouri Electric Coop.

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc.

Brockmeier Financial Services

Burgers’ Smokehouse

Central Electric Power Cooperative

Iron

AJ's Automotive & Air Conditioning

Bass Pro Shops (Independence)

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures

Big Bear Butcher Shop

Boone Electric Cooperative

Cap America

Central Bank

Custom Promotional Branding

Dickerson Park Zoo

Pure Air Natives

Redneck Blinds

Rusty Drewing Chevrolet

Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC

Mitico Quaker Windows

Starline, Inc.

St. James Winery

Drury Hotels

HMI Fireplace Shop

Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.

Missouri Wine & Grape Board

NE Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Ozark Bait and Tackle

Woods Smoked Meats

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

FCS Financial

Gascosage Electric Cooperative

General Printing Service

GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc.

Heartland Seed of Missouri LLC

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

Joe Machens Ford

Lewis County Rural Electric Coop.

Marble Graphics II LLC

Midwest Mailing Services

ModernLitho Jefferson City

Moneta Group

On Time Toner and Supplies LLC

Peapod Learning Center LLC

Remembrance Forest

Truman’s Bar & Grill

United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation. For all sponsorship opportunities, call (573) 634-2322.

Columbia

The Conservation Federation Banquet series is comin g to Columbia!

Raffles - Games and Activities - Silent and Live Auctions - Dinner

Thursday, July 10, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bass Pro Shops Columbia, MO

19th Annual Conservation Federation of Missouri SPORTING CLAYS

CLASSIC

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports, Columbia, MO

TOURNAMENT

PRIZES FOR CLOSEST TO THE PIN AND LONGEST DRIVE!

PRIZES BY FLIGHTS

Flights and cash payouts determined by number of teams.

Team registration will include food and drinks at the turn throughout the tournament.

Entry Fee: $400 per team of 4 golfers

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Proceeds will benefit CFM’s Share the Harvest program Share the Harvest is a statewide program that helps provide nutritious, locally-sourced venison to Missouri families in need. By partnering with hunters, processors, and community organizations, Share the Harvest works to reduce hunger while promoting wildlife conservation and responsible hunting practices. All funds raised through the golf tournament will support this impactful program, ensuring it continues to provide food security and support conservation efforts across Missouri.

President's Message

Turkey Camp

As I write this in late February and the thermometer reads negative 5 degrees, just thinking of the upcoming turkey camp in early May warms me. Turkey camp for me began a little over 60 years ago in the early to mid-1960s as the season began. Since then it has established it’s self on my calendar along with the other major Holidays.

I have been blessed to be able to live in my hometown of St. James for most of my life. I’m the third generation to call this home so I have lifelong friends who are the children of my parent’s friends and my grandparent’s friends. One of those friends has a farm that has the Dry Fork creek running through it and they have been generous to allow many of us to hunt turkey there. From that generosity, Turkey Camp has evolved into more than hunting but a social event.

It began when my father and a couple of his buddies camped by the river to hunt. All WWII vets, they soon discovered that they had spent enough time sleeping on the ground and the idea of building a cabin was born. The farms owner also owned a ready mix plant so a slab was poured and a frame cabin made of plywood over 2x4s was constructed by volunteers. Sixty years later, many a meal has been consumed, bottle emptied, card games played and stories told in that cabin in the two to three days of turkey camp.

A couple of stories told concerning my father I think you will enjoy. One morning as the four staying in the camp headed out to hunt in the dark they needed to cross the creek and they decided to walk across a fallen log to keep their feet dry. My father slipped off the log but was able to grab it with one arm as the current pulled him downstream, holding his beloved Browning Sweet Sixteen shotgun out of the water with the other hand as the river ran down the back of his collar. He reported his buddies stood shining their flashlights on him laughing for far too long before offering to pull him out.

Another hunt found my father hunting in a draw that had become marshy from recent rains. He was able to call in a large tom across the marsh and knocked it down with one shot. As he rushed to retrieve the turkey and pick it up by the neck, he discovered it had only been stunned and was vehemently opposed to being harvested. Turkey hunters can envision picking up a 20+ pound turkey that

is highly upset about being shot. In the ensuing struggle, the only solution my father came up with was to drown the turkey in the marsh waters. Those who witnessed him coming out of the woods said it was hard to tell who had won the fight.

All of that first generation of campers have now passed and their sons have continued the tradition for many years now. The menu for camp has expanded and mostly wine has replaced Walkers Deluxe bourbon as the drink of choice. Camp is scheduled for the last weekend of the season for warmth and less emphasis is placed on the hunt. The grandsons have “Jake” camp earlier in the season so the turkey camp tradition so the tradition will go on for many generations to come.

I know that many reading this have their own camp traditions whether it be turkey, deer, fish or waterfowl. The common denominator is that sharing an outdoor sport in a camp creates a comradery that is second only to brothers (and sisters) in arms. A coming together for a common purpose and reunion. It is amazing that sports like hunting and fishing can give one not only a solitary pause to be alone with your thoughts but also the opportunity to create friendships that last a lifetime. I hope if you don’t currently have a “camp” to look forward to each year, that you find a couple of like-minded friends and start one.

Bill Kirgan CFM President

2025 Events Schedule

50/50 Online Raffle - January - April - July - October

Take your chance at half the pot during our quarterly 50/50 raffles

th

89 Annual Convention - Virtual - Feb. 25-27, March 4-6; In Person - March 7-8

Let your voice be heard at the Annual Convention. The event will include meetings, awards, auctions, and so much more Held at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark.

Conservation Day at the Capitol - April 2

Join conservationists from across Missouri on the radio for a day of celebrating and supporting conservation and natural resources The broadcast will air from 6 am to 10 am on 96.7 FM or KCMQ.com

Conservation Federation Banquet: Springfield - April 10

Join us for a fantastic meal while networking and supporting CFM

Share The Harvest Golf Tournament - June 9

Tee off for a great cause at our golf tournament at Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City to support

Share the Harvest!

CFM Life Member Event - June 28

CFM will be hosting its 4th annual life member only event.

Conservation Federation Banquet: Columbia - July 10

Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Columbia banquet at Bass Pro, featuring great food, exciting auctions, and a chance to support CFM!

Mega Raffle - Starts in August - Drawing December 5

Enter our Mega Raffle for a chance to win big prizes and support CFM!

Pull for Conservation: Central - August 9

Take your best shot at the 19th annual Central clay shoot at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports

Fall Online Auction - September 8-19

Enjoy a fun and interactive online auction with many great trips and prizes

90th Anniversary Celebration - September 10

Join us at the historic Tiger Hotel, the birthplace of the CFM, as we commemorate this significant milestone

Enjoy special events and activities that honor our rich legacy and look forward to a bright future.

Affiliate Summit - September 10

CFM affiliate organizations are invited to network and learn.

Holiday Online Auction - December 1-12

Bid on many exciting items just in the time for the holidays.

Event dates are subject to change Please visit www confedmo org or follow us on social media for the most up to date schedule

CFM MISSION:

To ensure conservation of Missouri's wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state's rich outdoor legacy through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Why I Became a Life Member:

Mike Schallon, Past President CFM 2010-2012; Founders Circle 2023

Igrew up in South Saint Louis but always thought of myself as a country boy. Most weekends, you would find me and my family in Southeast Missouri, visiting my aunts and uncles on their farms. I spent most summers roaming the forested hills or wading the creeks to catch sunfish. Oh, and yes, many long days in the hay fields.

During those years I learned so much about the wildlife here in Missouri. The experiences led me to Southeast Missouri State University earning degrees in Biology and education while living on my Uncle Clois’s farm.

I spent my career teaching Biology, Wildlife Conservation and Earth Science. I found the Federation around 1981. It was a perfect match for me and my ability to speak to anyone interested in CFM and conservation, which I have been doing now for forty-four years. As Missouri citizens we must protect our forest, fish, and wildlife!

When the Life Member option became available, I was in the front of the line signing up and one of the first members of the Founders Circle. CFM is my way of giving back for all the wonderful days afield in my youth and as an adult on my “hobby farm” in Montgomery County.

My retired life has been centered around family, friends and especially my two young grandsons, introducing them early to the joys of the outdoors. I picture them becoming life members in the future and hopefully men who love Missouri’s outdoors.

In

Memory & Honor

Don Meissner

Jackie Reinsmith

Vernon Miller

Bill Kirgan

Hank Ashby

Bill Kirgan

LIFE MEMBERS OF CFM

Charles Abele

* R. Philip Acuff

* Duane Addleman

* Nancy Addleman

Tom Addleman

Nancy Addleman

* Michael Duane  Addleman

James Agnew

Carol Albenesius

Craig Alderman

* Allan Appell

Victor Arnold

Bernie Arnold

Richard Ash

Judy Kay Ash

Carolyn Auckley

Debbie Audiffred

Doug Audiffred

Ken Babcock

Bernie Bahr

Michael Baker

* James Baker

Dane Balsman

Timothy Barksdale

Lynn Barnickol

Jamie Barton

Michael Bass

Robert Bass

Don Bedell

Troy Beilsmith

Thomas Bell

David F. Bender

Rodger Benson

Leonard Berkel

Barbi Berrong

Jim Blair

John Blankenbeker

Amy Bloomfield

Tom Bloomfield

Andy Blunt

Jeff Blystone

Kim Blystone

Glenn Boettcher

Arthur Booth

* Dale Linda Bourg

Stephen Bradford

Marilynn Bradford

Robin Brandenburg

Mark Brandly

Kathie Brennan

Robert Brinkmann

Lon Brockmeier

Katherine Brookshire

Donald R. Brown

* Scott Brundage

Bill Bryan

Alan Buchanan

Connie Burkhardt

Dan Burkhardt

Charles Burwick

Brandon Butler

Randy Campbell

Brian Canaday

Dale Carpentier

Joe Cater

* Glenn Chambers

Bryan Chilcutt

Ed Clausen

* Edward Clayton

* Ron Coleman

Denny Coleman

Rhonda Coleman

Liz Cook

Bill Cooper

Elizabeth Copeland

Mark Corio

* Bill Crawford

Andy Dalton

DeeCee Darrow

Ryan Diener

Joe Dillard

Randy Doman

Tim Donnelly

Cheryl Donnelly

Ron Douglas

Chuck Drury

* Charlie Drury

Tom Drury

Ethan Duke

Mike Dunning

William Eddleman

Karen Edison

John Enderle

Theresa Enderle

Joe Engeln

Marlin Fiola

* Mary Louise Fisher

Howard Fisher

Andrew Fleming

Brian Fleming

* Charles Fleming

David Fleming

Howard Fleming

Kailey Fleming

Lori Fleming

Matt Fleming

Paula Fleming

Sara Fleming

Bob Fry

Manley Fuller

David Galat

Gene Gardner

Matt Gaunt

Jason Gibbs

Timothy Gordon

Blake Gornick

David Graber

Tim Grace

Jody Graff

Richard & Sally Graham

* Joseph Gray

Tom Gredell

Tyler Green

Jason Green

Gery Gremmelsbacher

Debbie Gremmelsbacher

Jason Gremmelsbacher

Bernie Grice Jr.

Mark & Kathy Haas

Tom & Margaret Hall

Christopher Hamon

* Deanna Hamon

J. Jeff Hancock

Herman Hanley

Keith Hannaman

Elizabeth Hannaman

Lonnie Hansen

Bryan Hargiss

John Harmon

* Milt Harper

Jack Harris

David Haubein

Jessica Hayes

* Susan Hazelwood

Mickey Heitmeyer

Loring Helfrich

* LeRoy Heman

* Randy Herzog

Todd Higgins

Bill Hilgeman

Jim Hill

John Hock

April Hoffman

Mike Holley

Rick Holton

CW Hook

* Allan Hoover

Amanda Horne

John Hoskins

Todd Houf

* Mike Huffman

Wilson Hughes

Larry Hummel

* Patricia Hurster

Kyna Iman

Jason Isabelle

Jim Jacobi

Aaron Jeffries

Robert Jernigan

Jerry Jerome

Roger & Debbie Johnson

* Don Johnson

* Malcolm Johnson

* Pat Jones

Steve Jones

John Karel

Thomas Karl

Jim Keeven

* Duane Kelly

Cosette Kelly

Junior Kerns

Todd Keske

Robert Kilo

* Martin King

Bill Kirgan

* Judd Kirkham

* Ed Kissinger

Sarah Knight

TJ Kohler

Jeff Kolb

Chris Kossmeyer

Chris Koster

Dan Kreher

Carl Kurz

* Ann Kutscher

Larry Lackamp

Kyle Lairmore

* Jay Law

Michael Leach

* Gerald Lee

Debra Lee

Mark Lee

Randy Leible

Wade Leible

* Joel LeMaster

* Norman Leppo

* John Lewis

Bill Lockwood

Leroy Logan

Christine Logan - Hollis

Bob Lorance

Ike Lovan

Wayne Lovelace

Kimberley LovelaceHainsfurther

Jim Low

Mark Loyd

Mary Lyon

Emily Lute-Wilbers

Martin MacDonald

Michael Mansell

Steve Maritz

Danny Marshall

Brenda Martien

Larry Martien

Edward Martin

John Mauzey

Cydney Mayfield

Bill McCully

Chip McGeehan

Teresa McGeehan

Justin McGuire

Nathan "Shags" McLeod

Jon McRoberts

Richard Mendenhall

Tom Mendenhall

Donna Menown

John "Mitch" Mertens

Cynthia Metcalfe

Walter Metcalfe

Larry Meyer

Stephanie Michels

Brooks Miller

Mitchell Mills

Joshua Millspaugh

Davis Minton

Bill Moeller

Lowell Mohler

John Moore, Jr.

Gary Moreau

Johnny Morris

Mary Morris

Zachary Morris

John Mort

David Mosby

Leanne Mosby

Steve Mowry

Diana Mulick

David Murphy

* Dean Murphy

Richard Mygatt

* Steve Nagle

Rehan Nana

Robert Naumann

Phil Needham

J. Roger Nelson

Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon

Gary Novinger

Frank & Judy Oberle

Larry O'Reilly

Charlie & Mary O’Reilly

Beth O'Reilly

Anya O'Reilly

Jeff Owens

Austin Owens

Jeffrey Panchot

Sara Parker Pauley

Scott Pauley

Randy Persons

Edward Petersheim

Albert Phillips

Jan Phillips

Glenn & Ilayana Pickett

Jessica Plaggenberg

Becky Plattner

Zach Pollock

Jerry Presley

Albert Price

Nick Prough

Kirk Rahm

Kurtis Reeg

John Rehagen

David & Janice Reynolds

Carey Riley

Kevin Riley

Mike Riley

Dana Ripper

John Risberg

Mary Risberg

Ann Ritter

Charles Rock

Derrick Roeslein

Rudy Roeslein

Charles Rogers

Kayla Rosen

Gerald Ross

Pete Rucker

Benjamin Runge

Tyler Ruoff

William Ruppert

Tom Russell

Jacob Sampsell

Bruce Sassmann

Jan Sassmann

Frederick Saylor

Michael Schallon

Mossie Schallon

* Evelyn Schallon

Thomas Schlafly

Pamela Schnebelen

Don Schultehenich

Deb Schultehenrich

Tyler Schwartze

* Ronald Schwartzmeyer

Timothy Schwent

Travis W. Scott

George Seek

Arlene Segal

* E. Sy Seidler

* Sara Seidler

Joshua Shadwick

Anita Siegmund

Emily Sinnott

Douglas Smentkowski

Gary & Susanna Smith  Zachary Smith

* M.W. Sorenson

* Ed Stegner

Jeff Stegner

Everett Stokes

William Stork Jr.

Robert Stout

Winifred Stribling  Norm Stucky

Mary Stuppy

* Mark Sullivan

Jacob Swafford

Jim Talbert

Norman Tanner

Travis Taylor

Richard Thom

Don Thomas

Tim Thompson

Jim Thornburg

* Jeff Tillman

Robert Tompson

Mike Torres

Matt Tucker

David Urich

Jennifer Urich

Alex Uskokovich

Gary Van De Velde

Barbara vanBenschoten

Lee Vogel

Albert Vogt

Frank Wagner

Ray Wagner

* Julius Wall

Ginny Wallace

Mervin Wallace

Jennifer Battson Warren

Randy Washburn

Mary Waters

* Henry Waters, III.

Daniel Weinrich

Michael Weir

Robert Werges

Evelyn Werges Bennish

Tom Westhoff

Gary Wheeler

Georganne Wheeler Nixon

Rayburn Whitener

Mark Williams

Dennis Williams

Dr. Jane Williams

Stephen Wilson

Michael Wilson

Laurie Wilson

Jonathan Wingo

Jon R. Wingo

Michael Wiseman

Daniel Witter

Brenda Witter

* Addie Witter

Olivia McKinney Witter

Owen Witter

Shirley Wolverson

Dick Wood

Howard Wood

Joyce Wood

Nicole Wood

Charles M. Wormek

Brad Wright

Evan Wright

Suzanne Wright

David Young

Judy Young

Dan Zekor

Daniel Zerr

Jim Zieger

Robert Ziehmer

Emily Ziehmer

Lauren Ziehmer

Colton Zirkle

Ethan Zuck

Guy Zuck

Mark Zurbrick

*Deceased

HMI Fireplace Shops

Specialty Hearth sales and installations for over 45 years. HMI has provided great fireplaces and stoves with secure and safe installation for thousands of Missouri residents. The partnership with CFM just amplifies our investment in wise, respectable, science based use of renewable resources.

HMI has provided great fireplaces and stoves with secure and safe installations for decades. With thousands of units in the field, many of our customers brag about enjoying the hearth of their home, and how fire connects them to the outdoors.

Seems like many relate memories of past relatives and cutting wood, or cooking a meal harvested on the land, on their families wood stove or fireplace. HMI and their products seem to go hand in hand with the hunter gather type we all seem to run into when afield. Could you really have a deer camp, or Ozarks fish gig without a campfire?

Central Trust Bank - Jefferson City

At Central Bank we provide professional solutions to all your banking needs. Central Bank is more than a financial institution. We want to be your business partner every step of the way and help make you vision a reality. Our business partnership with Conservation Federation of Missouri is important because we have a small role in helping ConFed succeed by providing sound financial advice and keeping their funds safe.

Government and Nonprofit

“Know no boundaries.” We embrace this mantra every day in Central Bank’s Government Division. We will find and develop a solution for you, our government or nonprofit customer, to meet your unique needs. We offer you a range of specialized solutions, including:

• Cash Management and Payments

• Online and Mobile Banking

• Investment Management

• Lockbox Services

• Financing Options

• Employee Benefit Packages

But we don’t stop there. We know that unparalleled customer service and flexibility are the keys to our success. We will listen to your needs and create a roadmap to success for your finances. We make local decisions.

We design efficient and effective solutions. One phone call to a government officer will set your solution in motion.

You’re trying to fulfill your mission. We’re here to help. At Central Bank, we have a history of supporting nonprofit organizations, and yours is next on our list. We provide banking and investment services specifically catered to nonprofits and associations. Our knowledge and experience helps us leverage new ideas to make your organization more effective and efficient. You have a mission to uphold and we’re ready to partner with you to meet it.

Every nonprofit has unique financial goals. Our team of bankers and investment specialists are ready to design a solution to help you meet yours. Call us today, and we’ll get started. Contact us at (573) 644-9727.

Affiliate Highlights

Scenic Missouri

Scenic Missouri is the only statewide organization exclusively focused on scenic conservation and the visual quality of our beautiful state.

Scenic Missouri believes that beauty, whether along the roadside, in the city or the countryside, lifts the human spirit. In so doing, beauty enhances economic vitality, protects property values and promotes tourism. We believe that while change is inevitable, ugliness is not.

Some of our services and initiatives include:

Scenic Communities

We work with cities and towns across Missouri to develop policies that enhance community character and appearance. We focus on policies related to commercial signage, tree preservation, landscaping standards, and streetscape design.

Scenic Byways

Scenic byway programs recognize highways rich in scenic, historic, and other special qualities. Scenic Missouri led the effort to develop the Missouri Scenic Byways Program, and by statute is represented on the Missouri Scenic Byways Advisory Committee. With Missouri’s abundance of natural beauty and historic small towns, our goal is to increase Missouri’s tourism assets by helping to establish one of the premiere scenic byway programs in the nation.

Scenic Highways

We educate public officials and the general public about the civic and economic benefits of roadside beautification, including context-sensitive highway design.

In addition, we promote public policies that limit the proliferation of outdoor advertising signs (billboards), the removal of nonconforming billboards, and the conversion of existing static billboards to digital technology.

Scenic Missouri: History and Vision

Scenic Missouri was established in 1993 with start-up funding from Hilda (Pat) Jones to address the threat of visual blight caused by the proliferation of billboards plaguing so many cities and regions of our state. Since then, we have become the foremost advocate and authority of scenic conservation in Missouri.

We assert that beauty is good for business and is important now more than ever. But the ugly truth is that despite Missouri’s natural beauty, our roadside character reflects an unfortunate image of our state. When our highways are known for an abundance of billboards, junkyards, and other forms of blight, we are sending the wrong message about who we are. Scenic Missouri believes our scenic resources are inherited treasures to be preserved for future generations. As a chapter of Scenic America, we are rising to the occasion to become a change agent for our state.

“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

--Aldo Leopold, The Land Ethic (1949)

View along the Ozark Run Scenic Byway on MO-21 near Arcadia/Ironton. A four-year effort by Scenic Missouri.

(Photo: Eric Hermanson, Scenic Missouri)

Affiliate Organizations

Anglers of Missouri

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Basshole Bass Club

Bass Slammer Tackle

Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City

Capital City Fly Fishers

Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment

Columbia Audubon Society

Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust

Dark Sky Missouri

Deer Creek Sportsman Club

Duckhorn Outdoors Adventures

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

Forest Releaf of Missouri

Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Gateway Sustainable Farmers Alliance

Greater Ozarks Audubon Society

Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri

Greenway Network, Inc.

James River Basin Partnership

L-A-D Foundation

Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance

Land Learning Foundation

Legends of Conservation

Magnificent Missouri

Mid Mo Prescribed Burn Assn.

Mid-Missouri Outdoor Dream

Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited

Midwest Diving Council

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation

Missouri Bear Foundation

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Birding Society

Missouri Bluebird Society

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Missouri Caves & Karst Conservancy

Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Coalition for the Environment

Missouri Conservation Corps

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Missouri Disabled Sportsmen

Missouri Ducks Unlimited- State Council

Missouri Environmental Education Association

Missouri Environmental Education Projects

Missouri Forest Products Association

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation

Missouri Master Naturalist

- Great Rivers Chapter

Missouri Master Naturalist

- Hi Lonesome Chapter

Missouri Master Naturalist

- Osage Trails Chapter

Missouri Master Naturalist

- Springfield Plateau Chapter

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Missouri Native Seed Association

Missouri Outdoor Communicators

Missouri Park & Recreation Association

Missouri Parks Association

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Missouri River Relief

Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc.

Missouri Rural Water Association

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Missouri Society of American Foresters

Missouri Soil & Water Conservation Society-Show-Me Chapter

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Missouri State Parks Foundation

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Missouri Trappers Association

Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association

Northside Conservation Federation

Open Space Council of the St. Louis Region

Outdoor Skills of America, Inc.

Ozark Chinquapin Foundation

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Ozark Land Trust

Ozark Rivers Audubon Chapter

Ozark Riverways Foundation

Ozark Trail Association

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Perry County Sportsman Club

Pomme De Terre Chapter Muskies

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

Renew Missouri

River Access Coalition

River Bluffs Audubon Society

Scenic Missouri, Inc

Scenic Rivers Invasive Species Partnership (SRISP)

South Side Division CFM

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

St. Louis Audubon Society

Stream Teams United

Student Air Rifle Program

The Conservation Fund

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club

Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers

Turtle Conservation Group

United Bowhunters of Missouri

Wild Bird Rehabilitation

Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation

WildHERness

Wonders of Wildlife

World Bird Sanctuary

A Legacy of Conservation: Honoring Verlin Beasley’s 96 Years of Dedication to Nature

When I was first asked what conservation meant to me, I struggled to fully answer. Growing up in a subdivision, I was far removed from rural land and hunting traditions. Conservation seemed like a distant concept. However, after working with the Conservation Federation of Missouri and reflecting on the stories shared in this magazine, my understanding of conservation has become clearer, largely shaped by the life of my husband’s grandpa, Verlin Beasley.

At 96, Verlin’s life is a testament to the power of conservation and the impact of personal dedication. Born in Plainview, Texas in 1929, his family moved to Missouri in 1938 to escape the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, with him riding a saddle the whole way in the back of the family truck. His father, Earnest Beasley, was a forester, building a fire lookout station in a large white oak tree in the 1940s. This deep connection to the land was passed down to Verlin, who became a member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri over 50 years ago.

Though his roots were in Texas, Verlin spent most of his life in Texas County, Missouri, becoming a central figure in his community as a cattle farmer, carpenter, and mechanic. His 73 year marriage to late wife, Faye, showed a beautiful example of mentorship, friendship and strength to not only their family, but also left a lasting impact on anyone they met.

Verlin’s legacy is most evident in his pioneering work as a tree farmer. Starting in 1947, he transformed his 750-acre property into a model of sustainable forestry, primarily growing shortleaf pine. He invented a new planting implement for efficiency. Over the years, he cleared acres of scrub timber, turning them into healthy forests. His achievements earned him numerous awards, including county and state Woodland Management Awards, as well as being featured in Missouri Conservationist magazine.

In addition to his conservation work, Verlin was deeply involved in the area. He served over 20 years on the Raymondville School Board and contributed to his church, the Gideons, and various other organizations. Verlin’s life is a powerful example of the lasting influence one person can have on the environment.

His work as a tree farmer and hosting statewide student workshops show that conservation is not just about protecting nature—it’s about building relationships, passing down a legacy of care, and shaping current conservation practices. It’s also teaching others to value and preserve the earth, as Verlin has exemplified for generations.

While I didn’t understand conservation at first, I now realize it’s about respecting and caring for the natural world in our own way, just like Verlin continues to do. His steady, thoughtful approach to life and conservation is a reminder that we all have a role in protecting the planet for future generations. Verlin may be the last of his generation, but his legacy will endure in the forests he nurtured, the family he built, and the countless lives he touched through his work, dedication, and wisdom.

Trisha Ely

Verlin Beasley, a CFM member for over 50 years, stands in his living room surrounded by his conservation accolades. (Photo: Ron Ely)

Looking Back Missouri’s Conservation History

Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes…Not!

Some of the earliest and most enthusiastic supporters of the 1936 initiative to establish the Conservation Commission were the members of the Women’s Garden Clubs of Missouri. Garden clubs had begun to form in many communities, during the early 1930’s, and had attracted members who loved gardening; be it flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs around the home, or even trees in the public places of their communities. When the initiative to establish the Commission was proposed, many of these clubs saw an opportunity to support a movement that intended to address one of the more pressing social needs of their time; i.e. conservation of the forest, fish, wildlife, and all bird resources of the State.

Many members of the clubs were not, (as the modern image might portray) “little old ladies in tennis shoes” trying to stand in the way of “progress.” No sir! These were women who wielded influence within their communities; either on their own, or because they were married to influential men in their towns. Many of the members were well-educated, and had a sense that they could make a difference even in the face of a male-dominated society.

(Photo: George O. White, MDC)

Local enclaves of clubs were particularly active in the urban areas of St. Louis and Kansas City, where elections were either won or lost, even in the 1930’s. There have been stories circulating for years that many a big time banker, politician, newspaper publisher, or other big wig, was convinced by his garden club spouse or relative that he should support the conservation initiative; or at least remain neutral and let his voting bloc people vote however they wanted on the issue. Many noted “big wigs” did do just that; i.e. remain neutral, rather than face the wrath of their wife, daughter, sister, cousin, or, (worse) mother!

One of the most active clubs was located in the Rolla area and was heavily-populated by spouses of foresters who worked for the newly established National Forests in Missouri. The federal foresters were strong supporters of the initiative, and were active in carrying petitions and gathering signatures; with the full blessing of the U.S. Forest Service. These folks loved the idea that forestry was to be included in the initiative, and they threw themselves into the efforts, and encouraged their garden club members to do the same. They did so, and many of them became active leaders in the statewide garden club organization.

After the resounding victory in 1936, and the establishment of the Commission in 1937, garden clubs continued to support the conservation effort in various ways. Several efforts were made to rebuff the people’s verdict in revising the constitution, and to return the management of fish, wildlife and forest resources back over to politicians.

In addition to the Conservation Federation, and others who opposed these efforts, the garden clubs added their voices (and behind the scenes clout) to the debate, and all the repeal efforts were squashed. The people were adamant that they did not make a mistake to establish the Conservation Commission, and any politician who tried to change the result of the 1936 election did so at his own peril.

When George O. White became the first State Forester, in 1938, he quickly enlisted the support of the garden clubs across the state, in an effort to begin reforestation of badly abused land that should be covered in trees. White was one of the Forest Service foresters at Rolla, before the Commission hired him, and he knew that “the ladies” could be a formidable force for good. The clubs wholeheartedly agreed with Mr. White, and donated money to the Department that implemented plantings on state land, and supported the production of planting stock at the Meramec (and later) Licking nurseries. Many honorary and memorial plantations were established through garden club donations, and were utilized as outdoor educational tools at various locations (Rockwoods Reservation was a particularly good location for these plantings). The clubs also encouraged others in their communities to plant trees and promoted the benefits of trees and conservation to local schools and service clubs.

The women’s garden clubs have changed through the years, as have most clubs and organizations, in order to stay relevant to the times. The most obvious changes have been reorganizing themselves, and becoming affiliated with the National Garden Club, and the inclusion of men in the membership. However, the federated clubs also continue to be influential leaders within their communities, and they still support a variety of conservation-related causes and programs; e.g. Master Gardeners, Grow Native, Missouri Community Forestry Council, etc. Garden club members also serve on a variety of other community service clubs and organizations, and are thus even more able to influence members of these organizations when it comes to conservation and environmental issues.

It seems, to this old forester at least, that they were never just “Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes.”

Still aren't.

Editor's Note

Missouri has a uniquely rich and welldocumented conservation history, which has played a vital role in shaping where we are today. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of staying committed to protecting our natural resources for future generations.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Joe G. Dillard, a retired MDC employee, who enthusiastically supported the idea of sharing conservation stories and offered to contribute his own experiences. He also suggested involving Gene Brunk, another retired MDC employee, in this effort. Over a cup of coffee, the three of us discussed the project, and they graciously agreed to share the bulk of these stories.

Maybe you have a unique story to add? I am eager to hear about your accounts, and share these, in hopes that they resonate with you as much as they do with me. Here’s to looking back and celebrating Missouri’s conservation history, and ensuring its legacy continues.

Tyler

Eugene L. Brunk

Calling Them by Name

On a clear, crisp afternoon in the first week in September, I spotted my first migrating Monarch butterfly of the year over a meadow of goldenrod at its peak. The butterfly’s presence prompted me to search for milkweed, its preferred food, and sure enough, we found it growing nearby.

In my biology classroom a few days before that sighting, I had talked about the relationship between this very insect and plant, so this observation was well-timed. Twenty of my biology students were with me in the field to see these creatures together first hand—and for the first time.

Over the course of that hour outdoors, I held up, pointed out, and named several dozen flowering plants and trees. Afterwards one young lady asked if we were going to be doing this kind of hands-on outdoor study again. “This is the way I learn best” she said enthusiastically, a fact about herself it seemed she had only that hour discovered.

Only two of a hundred and twenty students had raised their hands on the first day of class when asked who would be able to name a single wildflower in bloom in the nearest forest or pasture.

My students don’t see very deeply into nature, it seems, because they’ve not had much encouragement to look there. So many electronic and virtual distractions compete far too successfully for their attention. They have grown up in an era when our language in the digital world has grown rich while our vocabulary in the real world of nature has sadly become impoverished.

Outside of those kinds of plants and animals we see shrink-wrapped in the grocery store, many of us no longer can call our fellow creatures by name. The naming of things is essential to our understanding of them and to our belonging among them. My students are not sad in the way I am that the hemlocks are dying, because they don’t know a hemlock from a tulip poplar.

Maybe it is significant that God set man the task of naming the creatures early on in Genesis. It was the first and necessary part of assuming our responsibility as stewards. What we have names for we are less likely to ignore, abuse or take for granted. We know our friends by name, and attend to them better than we do rank strangers. Maybe we’d be better stewards if we knew nature’s citizens on a first name basis, and knew more about their families and their kin.

But what can a parent, a teacher or a newly-enlightened field trip student do to reclaim the names of the things we’ve forgotten and ignored from the places just beyond our classrooms, shopping malls and speeding cars? Can we learn our way around the meadow or forest where our children are so sadly out of touch? Yes, I think we can.

And I would suggest this as a first step: teach yourself to see by nurturing intentional vision. Look for the particulars. Go slowly in nature and stop often, and wonder. Take notes and draw sketches. Learn a dozen trees and recognize them in leaf, fruit and flower. Learn a few common ferns, and a dozen wildflowers from spring, from summer and from autumn.

And rekindle curiosity. Each insect or flower holds its own mystery and unique design. Explore it. Be able to name a dozen birds, first by sight, then by their call alone. Know some salamanders—while they last—and a few dragonflies and even some common spiders and snakes.

Then, teach your children your new skill of active and intentional observation.

On regular walks around your backyard, pasture, or woods, show them your own care for detail and watch how quickly they come to see the small world at their feet and call its creatures by name. Pick twigs from plants like spicebush, sassafras, and teaberry; scratch and sniff them and resurrect the neglected sense of smell that so powerfully builds memories in the out-of-doors.

Turn rocks, and pluck blooms (not entire plants.) Use a hand lens to see more deeply. And after seeing, find the names for the things you see. This has never been easier to do. The computer or smartphone are quick and convenient tools, but my first advice would be over time to accumulate a library of field guides you can carry with you and hold in your hands over the years. Study what you have found while sitting in the grass under the trees and ask for help from your children. Even the smallest can compare pictures to what you are holding in your hands.

Never before has the natural world needed each of us to know it, care for it and act on its behalf in such a way as it does in our times.

We cannot be responsible stewards of a threatened planet if its creatures are distant, anonymous and irrelevant strangers. Be more aware than you’ve ever been in this cathedral made without hands, as John Muir called our world.

Make friends of its inhabitants and call them by name.

Cover - A monarch caterpillar hangs out among swollen pods of common milkweed. (Photo: Fred First)

Left - The author's granddaughters (now 17 and 23) turn rocks for crawdads, exploring the cold waters of a spring-fed mountain stream. (Photo: Fred First)

Fred First

The Adventures of Frank & Ed: Ed’s Big Fish!

Well, this month’s story has a little change to it. You see, as the grandsons get older, a couple of things happen.

There is something called “school” that we all had to attend for a big part of our lives, and Frank is now in first grade. Just because Frank has to go to school doesn’t mean that Ed and I can’t go fishin’.

It’s also getting a little harder to give the needed attention to each grandson if there is more than one of them around. So, getting the boys outside one-on-one with me is often better—plus, it gives me a better reason to get outside more often to even up the adventures between the boys. It’s a win-win, as they say.

Ed and I are going fishin’ while Frank is off to school today. Ed comes flying outta his house as I pull up, towing the boat. He’s got his neat fishing shirt on and is yelling, “Whoa, cool! We’re going fishing in the boat today!”

Now, Ed’s been fishing in the boat before, but it’s always been with Dad and Frank along. But today, it’s just me and Ed. Ed rapidly fires questions at me on the way to the lake.

“Papa, can I drive the boat? Papa, what are we gonna use for bait? Papa, what kind of fish are we gonna catch? Are we going to keep and eat the fish? Will we see any turtles? Will we see any frogs? How about snakes or birds?”

Ed and I are soon on the water, fishing—and we’re doing pretty good, I might add. It’s a beautiful, bright, sunny day, and we’ve baited up our poles with pieces of nightcrawler worms.

The bluegill and green sunfish are hungry today. I hand Ed a baited-up rig, and he drops it straight down beside the boat. Soon, he’s reeling in another green sunfish. The catching slows down a bit, and we decide to move to a new location.

Ed says, “Can I drive the boat now?” “Sure,” I reply, as Ed sits between my legs and grabs ahold of the steering wheel. We slowly motor around for a while, spotting a Great Blue Heron fishing along the water’s edge. Next, Ed sees some Red-Eared Sliders basking on a log.

“Think we could catch one, Papa?” Ed says. “Maybe. I guess I could try and get one in the net,” I answer. I was able to scoop one up. Ed and I closely look over the green water turtle for a bit, then put it back in the lake and watch it swim away.

We find a nice spot in the shade to try our luck with the fish again. We are sitting in about six to eight feet of water, fishing our nightcrawler-baited hooks straight down, right beside the boat. Ed has just reeled in another colorful bluegill, and I’ve rebaited the hook and dropped it over the side. It hits bottom, and I reel up a couple of cranks on the reel when it’s almost jerked from my hand and the rod bends almost double.

“Whoa!!!” I yell, as Ed gives me a strange look. “Get the net, Ed! We got something big!”

Ed drops his pole and jumps to my side to help. I repeat, “Get the net! Get the net!” Ed finds the net and gets on his knees as I try to get the fish up to the boat. We get our first look at it as it splashes beside the boat.

Ed yells, “What the heck is that?” “Looks like a nice Flathead Catfish,” I exclaim.“Fathead? I know what a catfish is, but what’s a Fathead?” “Not Fathead! I said it’s a Flathead!”

In a couple of minutes, I have the fish boatside again, and Ed dips the net under it.“Papa, help me! I can’t lift it up!” I help get the fish into the boat, and we admire our catch.

“That’s about a ten-pound Flathead Catfish,” I tell Ed. Ed asks, “Are we going to keep it and eat it?”

“We can if you want to, but we already have enough bluegill and sunfish to eat. Besides, if we let it go, maybe we can catch it again, and it will be even bigger next time.” “Okay, let’s release it.”

After Ed looks it over and touches its skin and tail, looks into its gaping mouth with long whiskers on each side, and notices the flat, wide head, he picks it up like a kid picks up a puppy—hugging it close to his body—and then tosses it over the side of the boat. Water splashes into Ed’s face and eyes when the big catfish hits the water.

Ed wipes the water from his face and eyes, then looks up at me and says, “Papa, you should have let me reel it in!”

“Sorry, Ed, but I was afraid it might have pulled you into the lake.”

“Next time, I get to reel in the big one.”

Jeff “Papa” Blystone

Photos: Jeff Blystone

Owned by the members they serve, Missouri’s electric cooperatives do more than provide reliable and a ordable electricity. They are active in their communities, concerned for the well-being of their neighbors and devoted to the rural way of life that makes the Show-Me State a special place to live, work and play.

Missouri’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to protecting the land, air and water resources important to you and your quality of life.

Road trip. We didn’t choose the perfect playlist. Or program the GPS. But we did fuel the car that made you realize there are no wrong turns, only new adventures. When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, amazing journeys happen.

Twenty-Five Years of Keeping Nature Near® with Grow Native!

In 2025, the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program is 25 years old. For a quarter century, this native plant education and marketing program has been a significant catalyst for the growth of the native landscaping movement in the lower Midwest and beyond.

Initiated in 1999 with the Conservation Federation of Missouri as the “Bring Nature Home” program, Grow Native! took root in 2000 under the auspices of the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Through 2011, these agencies laid a strong foundation for increasing the supply of and consumer demand for native plant products and services, with the development of many native plant educational and marketing resources.

MPF became the Grow Native! home in 2012. Since then, the program has expanded beyond Missouri state lines to serve the lower Midwest.

Just a few of the many accomplishments of the program during this time include:

• Expansion of Grow Native! professional members, in membership and category of goods and services. For 2025, there are nearly 200 professional members.

• Expansion of the Grow Native! searchable Native Plant Database, with 370 plant species (and more to come!

• Establishment of the Grow Native! Professional Certification Program

• Grow Native! Gardens of Excellence

• Thirty Top Ten native plant lists

• 13 native garden designs

• Native Landscaping Toolkit for Municipal Professionals

• Free ebook: Native Plants for Stormwater Management Projects

• A popular webinar and master class series reaching thousands of people annually, and much, much more

Carol Davit Executive Director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and its Grow Native! program

A Special Edition Logo to Celebrate a Milestone Anniversary

To kick off Grow Native’s 25th-anniversary celebration, we share the vibrant illustration below by artist Melissa Bryant, commissioned to recognize this significant Grow Native! milestone.

“It was such an honor to be asked to create a celebratory wreath for the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program,” said Bryant. “I was able to incorporate some faunal associations that highlight the interconnectedness and support systems of native species. This focus has been a driving factor in my own work recently, so any chance I can help get the message out through art, it’s a perfect partnership!”

Learn more below about each native plant and animal featured in the artwork (clockwise from center top):

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) with spring azure (Celastrina ladon) larva and adult. Specific native plants, like dogwoods, provide vital food for thousands of insects. Learn about native plant host plants for butterflies at grownative.org.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is a small, springblooming native tree with white flowers and edible red berries that is ideal for small yards.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) with black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) adult. The caterpillars of these striking butterflies feed on plants in the carrot family, including golden Alexanders, dill, and parsley.

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a delicate but tough grass that grows in dense, arching tufts.

Copper iris (Iris fulva) with gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor). This native iris looks beautiful planted in rain gardens and around ponds.

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) with purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus) and green june beetle (Cotinis nitida). This small shrub offers visual interest spring through fall and is an excellent choice for formal landscapes.

Feature Story

Prairie coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) with sweat bee (Agapostemon sp.). Native to the tallgrass prairie, this yellowblooming species adds cheerful flowers to sunny gardens.

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) vines provide nesting structure for songbirds and hummingbirds feed on nectar from its tubular flowers.

Eastern blazing star (Liatris scariosa) feeds monarch butterflies in late summer as they migrate south.

Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) with Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) larva. A beautiful grass for landscaping, it is also a drought-tolerant host plant for numerous skipper butterflies.

White oak (Quercus alba) and other oaks provide food for caterpillars of more than 500 species of butterflies and moths as well as acorns that provide food for wild turkey, mammals, and other animals. Oak wood products from the lower Midwest are exported worldwide. Illustrated here with white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and fourteen-spotted leaf beetle (Cryptocephalus guttulatus).

Blue sage (Salvia azurea) with prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) and bee. This dramatic prairie plant blooms in late summer.

Wild plum (Prunus americana) with Henry’s elfin (Callophrys henrici) adult. Fruits from these small trees are relished by wildlife and are a treat for people.

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) with large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus). This monarch host plant adds brilliant orange blooms to sunny gardens and is a pollinator favorite.

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) thrives in dry shade and can be used as a groundcover.

Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) produces showy, magenta flowers along trailing stems from June into the fall.

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is one of the first trees to bloom in spring, with tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and many other native shrubs, can be used as replacements for invasive bush honeysuckle.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) with leafcutter bee (Megachile sp.) and cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Native fruits like persimmons are important food for wildlife and a delicious ingredient in desserts.

Elm-leaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) with American copper (Lycaena phlaeas) adult. This is one of many beautiful, well-behaved goldenrods to include in home landscaping. Goldenrods serve as host plants for caterpillars of more than 100 butterfly and moth species.

Sky blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) blooms in September and October, providing late-season beauty and nectar and pollen food sources

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) with wrinkled grasshopper (Hippiscus ocelote). This warm-season grass provides nutritious, drought-tolerant forage for cattle as well as food for insects and shelter for animals.

Emily Gustafson Director of Operations, Missouri Prairie Foundation

Wood Stove Warmth

They say a wood fire warms you twice. Once when you cut the wood and again when you burn it. I say it’s more like four or five times. You get your first workout when you cut, split and load the wood. Then you get warmed up again when you stack or pile it in a sunny place. Sometime in late summer, you get the third cardiovascular episode when you stack your wood in a dry place for winter. At some point in the fall, when the nights begin to get cooler, you move the seasoned firewood to a place closer to where it will be needed, and as the frost becomes more frequent, you get the best warm up of all when you light a fire in the stove.

Turns out there is a name for all this mitochondrial excitement. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), according to Wikipedia, NEAT is defined as “energy expended for any spontaneous physical activity that is not a structured exercise routine or sports-like exercise. This can include but is not limited to walking, leisure activities, fidgeting, and maintaining posture. They should have included “cutting wood” in their definition. Thermogenesis is the process of heat production in all warm-blooded organisms, swine being an exception. So, basically, you get warmed up when mitochondria in your cells burn fatty acids and oxygen, generating heat.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says a cord of seasoned oak firewood weighs about 4000 pounds. We use a couple of cords at my house each winter. A little more in the cold years. Using MDC’s weights, I figure I handle around 10,000 lbs. of wood each season, multiple times. Each step along the firwood path results in a multiplication of that total weight. All the cutting, splitting, loading, stacking, moving and handling to keep the fire going result in a considerable amount of exercise over six months or so of the year.

Walker Larson recently wrote in the Epoch Times, “A fire is a feast for the senses: it warms your skin; it delights and mesmerizes your eyes; its gentle crackle and click soothes the ear; its pleasant pinewood scent fills your nostrils. Yet, as philosophy professor John Cuddeback points out, a fire doesn’t absorb your attention in a way that makes you neglectful of your companions—like a TV might. Instead, it helps spark interaction and conversation, rather than smothering it.

A wood stove connects you to the past—and all the people who once relied on them for survival, not just comfort. It connects you to the people around you in the present, too. As everyone sidles up to the fire, conversation, laughter, and camaraderie naturally ensue

Wood cutting also gives you time to think. I always count the growth rings in a tree I cut down, especially the older ones, and then think about what history that tree lived through. I do this most likely because I’m always reminded of Aldo Leopold's essay, Good Oak, when I cut, stack or burn firewood. Leopold wrote about a tree that “spread its first leaves to the sun” about the end of the Civil War in 1865. (He was writing in the 1940s). He speculated that it might have been emigrant wagons that bared the ground where the tree he was working up sprouted.

He knew only one acorn in a thousand ever “grew enough to fight rabbits”, the rest were overwhelmed by the tall grass prairie. “It is a warming thought that this one wasn’t and thus lived to garner eighty years of June sun. It is this sunlight that is now being released, through the intervention of my axe and saw, to warm my shack and my spirit through eighty gusts of blizzard. And with each gust a whisp of smoke from my chimney bears witness, to whomever it may concern, the sun did not shine in vain.”

Leopold ends his essay with this paragraph: “These things I ponder as the kettle sings, and the good oak burns to coals on white ashes. Those ashes come spring, I will return to the orchard at the foot of the sandhill. They will come back to me again, perhaps as red apples, or perhaps as the spirit of enterprise in some fat October squirrel, who, for reasons unknown to himself, is bent on planting acorns.”

Don’t look at getting a load of firewood as a chore. Think of it as exercise, a connection to nature and the past, an investment for next fall and winter.

Kyle Carroll

Top - Leopold's shack where he wrote the essay, Good Oak. (Photo: Courtesy of Kyle Carroll)

Montauk

Even an outdoor writer needs to get away from it all occasionally. Such feelings prompted me to journey to Montauk State Park recently for a few days simply to relax and enjoy a change of scenery.

Montauk is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River, much of which is administered by the National Park Service as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Montauk’s springs combine with the minuscule Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day.

The cool spring waters provide perfect habitat for rainbow trout. Montauk is one of four trout parks in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation, in cooperation with the parks, provides a trout fishery that is very popular with anglers.

Picnic areas and two picnic shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet lunch or a family reunion. Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park. Tours of the gristmill, built in 1896, give visitors a taste of the past and help them learn about the history of the Ozark region.

For visitors wanting to spend the night, the park offers a variety of choices, including a modern campground, rental cabins and motel rooms. The modern dining lodge will satisfy any appetite. Montauk's campground offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.

The park’s store carries a variety of camping supplies. You are now able to reserve your Missouri State Parks campsite up to 12 months in advance, expanding from the previous six-month window. To make a reservation or view campsites details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the "Make a Reservation" link below and start planning your trip today. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Printable campground maps are available for your reference by clicking on the "Map" links.

I arrived at Montauk on Sunday afternoon. Check-in time is after 3pm, with checkout at 2pm. I met a number of campers leaving the park, after a weekend stay. As I drove through the spacious campground, well over half of the campsites were vacant. I pulled my popup camper into my chosen site, which I reserved several weeks in advance. It was located very near to the stream that courses it way past the campground. I could literally walk 40 yards to start fishing, if I wanted.

I quickly set up a comfortable camp and started a fire. Temperatures were chilly and predictions were that it would drop into the low 20s during the night. A little warm up felt great. Too, one of the major attractions of camping is enjoying a camp fire. Most camps within sight of my site had plumes of smoke rising as well. Everyone enjoys a campfire.

After settling in, I drove to the park store to purchase a daily trout tag. I had a couple of hours to fish before dark and looked forward to casting a few flies to the wary trout in the crystal clear waters of the stream. I brought a selection of fly rods, but chose to use a 4-weight Sage rod, which is small. A 5-weight fly rod, reel and line are the standard for fly fishing in the trout parks and small rivers of the Ozarks. I love the challenge of handling fish on a rod a bit lighter than normal. It adds to the thrill of playing a fish gingerly and bringing it to hand.

I rigged the rod with one of my favorite trout patterns, a pink San Juan Worm. It sported a small, gold bead head, which would help get the fly down in the soft current. Drifting free in the current the tiny worm resembles the real thing, as it tumbles and wriggles its way downstream.

I could watch the worm pattern as it made its way downstream. Several feet into the drift, a brightly colored rainbow made a mad dash toward the worm pattern, and I inhaled it before I could set the hook. It always takes a few minutes to wake up my reflexes. The old saying that he who is slow on the hook set eats less.

Back at camp, I cooked an evening meal to warm my bones, then sat by the campfire with a cup of coffee while being serenaded by a pair of Barred Owls. Life was good. While I had been fishing, two families moved into adjoining campsites across from me. It proved to be great fun watching the kids play with the family dog and the families interactions.

They were camped in tents, but well clothed and prepared for a cold night ahead. And I became pleasantly surprised to see how quiet and respectful the two families were of other campers. Just to be neighborly, they brought me over a couple of Rrice Krispie treats.

Jimmy Hanger, of Salem, was the campground host at Montauk. A friendly sort, he stopped to visit. He indicated that most people are very respectful of others, but that a few do like to play music a bit too loud. That’s when he steps in to ask offenders to quiet down. Hanger performs his duties well, keeping the campground tidy and in order. “Trash in the fire pits is another problem,” Hanger said. “People just don’t realize the problems it causes for park staff.” Day two on the trout stream began at noon for me to avoid the extreme cold. A cream colored midge hatch began and I had a blast catching trout on the fly. Steak and trout by the campfire that evening sure hit the spot. And I’ve got two more days to enjoy Montauk.

Bill Cooper

Cover Top - The cool spring waters provide perfect habitat for rainbow trout. The spring branch is stocked daily from March 1 through October 31. Cover Bottom - Montauk State Park is one of four trout parks in the state of Missouri. The daily limit is four trout. Top - Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

MDC is Working With Great River Habitat Alliance to Protect and Enhance Waterfowl Opportunities in St. Louis

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) recently entered into a cooperative agreement to protect habitat and add public and educational opportunities on nearly 785 privately-owned acres of prime wetland habitat in St. Charles County previously known as the Whistling Wings Duck Club. The Missouri Conservation Commission formally recognized the new partnership at its Feb. 7 open meeting in Jefferson City.

The property lies just outside of St. Louis within the Confluence Region, an area recognized by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as a priority Waterfowl Conservation Region. This is an important “Conservation Opportunity Area” and is specifically identified in Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy as an area in need of conservation. The property is a mix of natural and agricultural habitats and holds a 330acre refuge which is a significant migratory stopover for ducks, geese, and shorebirds during spring and fall migrations.

The former private duck club was recently acquired by GRHA from Ducks Unlimited. GRHA will own and operate the property for the purpose to forever protect, preserve and conserve the agricultural and natural areas for significant public benefit. The property will serve as GRHA’s new headquarters and be a center for education, scientific research programs, landmanagement workshops, and managed public-hunting opportunities. The headquarters will be named the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education and Conservation Center in honor of the Henges Foundation financial support to GRHA. Jay Henges also served as a Conservation Commissioner from 1987 to 1993.

“We are thrilled about the creation of a conservation and education partnership with MDC and our shared vision to protect and conserve the property for generations to come,” said GRHA President David Bub. “We look forward to developing public-use programs that align with GRHA, and MDC’s mission including conservation demonstration, education, research, and hunting.

Hunting programs will focus on recruiting new hunters, youth, veterans, women, educators, and first responders."

The cooperative agreement includes $2 million in financial support from MDC to GRHA to help with acquisition of the property and to maintain critical wetland and waterfowl habitat on the area. These funds will also support mentored hunting opportunities for new hunters, veterans, youth, and others. The property will not be a part of MDC’s managed waterfowl hunt program.

“The Missouri Department of Conservation is excited about our new partnership with the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance and the new opportunities we will have to provide high-quality mentored hunting on the property,” said MDC Director Jason Sumners. “MDC staff will also be able to use the property to offer educational programs and habitat workshops.”

GRHA was founded in 2000 to protect the confluence 100-year floodplain of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers through policy, protection, conservation, public awareness and education. GRHA collaborates with partners such as MDC to restore wetlands and to protect their conservation, flood storage, and habitat values in perpetuity by teaming up with farmers, duck clubs, and other land stewards to protect land and land-use practices important to wildlife, waterfowl, and people. Learn more at grha.org/.

MDC and MU Extension Thank Missouri Master Naturalists for 2024 Accomplishments

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension thank the Missouri Master Naturalists for volunteering thousands of hours to conserving Missouri’s natural resources in 2024.

Missouri Master Naturalists participate in a chapterbased natural resource education and volunteer program within their community that is sponsored by MDC and MU Extension. They sometimes assist with MDC research or conduct habitat improvement projects, but they often serve at educational or special-event programs that are conducted with numerous chapter partners within the community. Participants first must enroll in a core training with approximately 40 hours that is focused on Missouri’s ecological systems and conservation. Core training is conducted at the chapterlevel and led by chapter advisors with both MDC and MU Extension. Master Naturalist chapters provide a corps of well-informed volunteers to serve nature and natural resources in their community.

According to Bob Pierce, Program Coordinator with MU Extension, there are 12 Missouri Master Naturalist Program chapters: Boone’s Lick in Columbia, Chert Glades in Joplin, Confluence in St. Charles, Great Rivers in St. Louis, Hi Lonesome in Cole Camp, Lake of the Ozarks in Camdenton, Loess Hills in St. Joseph, Meramec Hills in Rolla, Miramiguoa in Washington, Mississippi Hills in Hannibal, Osage Trails in Kansas City, and Springfield Plateau in Springfield.

2024 Program Snapshots

Rebecca O’Hearn, MDC Program Coordinator for Missouri Master Naturalists, reports that during 2024, the Missouri Master Naturalist Program celebrated its 20th year of programming. One of Missouri’s very first chapters, the Boone’s Lick Chapter, hosted a successful Statewide Conference in the Columbia area to commemorate the anniversary. In addition, 11 of the 12 Master Naturalist Chapters trained more than 230 new volunteers, and the Program’s volunteers dedicated record numbers of service hours to taking care of Missouri’s natural resources and to educating Missourians about those resources.

Through December 2024, with combined efforts of 12 recognized Chapters, 3,346 volunteers have been trained as Missouri Master Naturalists since the program was first organized in 2004.

• Since 2004, Master Naturalist volunteers have provided more than 965,000 hours of service to local communities.

• During 2024, volunteers provided over 75,000 hours of volunteer service to local communities. This volunteer activity is equivalent to over 36 fulltime equivalents of professional time and provides an important metric for measuring the impact of the Master Naturalist Program.

• Master Naturalist volunteers participated in over 14,000 hours of advanced training during 2024.

• Over 880 volunteers became Certified Missouri Master Naturalists, maintained certification, or were active members during 2024.

• Approximately 135 organizations have partnered with Master Naturalist chapters at the local level to accomplish natural resource education efforts and service projects within the community.

• The economic impact of Missouri Master Naturalist volunteer service during 2024 is valued at $2,930,815. The cumulative economic impact of Missouri Master Naturalist volunteer service is valued at $29,364,112*.

Read more about the Missouri Master Naturalist chapters’ accomplishments and highlights in the 2024 Annual Report, available online https:// extension.missouri. edu/programs/ missouri-masternaturalist

To learn more about the Missouri Master Naturalist Program and how to get involved, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missourimaster-naturalist/missouri-master-naturalist-overview/ faq-about-missouri-master-naturalist

Wild Areas in Missouri State Parks Expanded MISSOURI STATE PARKS

2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964, establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System and authorizing Congress to designate wilderness areas across the nation. To celebrate that anniversary, on Dec. 31, 2024, Bryant Creek Hills Wild Area became the 13th designated wild area in the Missouri State Parks system.

Bryant Creek Hills Wild Area, located in Bryant Creek State Park near Ava, Missouri, is in the park’s northeast quadrant, spanning the forested hills and hollows that lie between Bryant Creek and Highway N. This scenic, undeveloped portion of the park is characterized by mature oak-pine forests, deep fern-lined hollows, weathered sandstone outcrops and overhangs, small spring runs, wet-weather waterfalls, cane breaks and tall bluffs overlooking Bryant Creek’s clear waters.

Another wild area highlight concerns Goggins Mountain Wild Area located within Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This 5,000-acre wild area was expanded by another 800 acres and now bridges the gap between Goggins Mountain Wilderness Area and Bell Mountain Wilderness Area (9,143 acres) in the Mark Twain National Forest.

With the state park and national forest lands combined, there is now a total of nearly 15,000 acres of continuous wilderness. This makes the area second only to the 16,2777-acre Irish Wilderness Area, located near the southern portion of the Eleven Point River.

“The addition to Goggins Mountain Wilderness Area and connection to Bell Mountain Wilderness Area make a great through-hike on the Ozark Trail, consisting of rugged topography, igneous glades and spectacular vistas for the wilderness users,” said Allison Vaughn, natural resource ecologist with Missouri State Parks. “This connection has long been a wish-list item for the wilderness community in Missouri.”

The Wilderness Act defines wilderness in part, as “… where the earth and its community of life…appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable…” Missouri State Parks is proud to manage these areas in accordance with Missouri State Park’s Wild Area Policy to preserve their wild quality, natural condition and opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation for future generations, according to the official Wild Area Designation Form.

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.

New Missouri State Parks’ Natural Resources Management Program Director Named

After Ken McCarty’s retirement as the Missouri State Parks’ Natural Resources Management Program director at the end of 2024, the parks’ leadership team was left searching for his replacement. Fortunately, they didn’t have to look too far.

Chris Crabtree is a name well-known around MSP. Crabtree, who has been working full time for MSP since 2008, was offered the position in late February. His experience with MSP, however, dates back further to when he worked as a seasonal naturalist and maintenance worker at Prairie State Park.

“I’m looking forward to carrying on the torch that was lit by my predecessors,” Crabtree said. “My goal is to ensure the protection of our natural resources as we build the future.”

In his latest role, Crabtree served in the Ozark Region as an ecologist who assisted with land management and various organismal research and monitoring projects. He will continue to have these responsibilities but will expand it to statewide coverage. Not only that, but Crabtree has also initiated stewardship and restoration projects that include glade and woodland restoration with the additional development of the prescribed fire program for the parks.

Crabtree also worked at Big Oak Tree State Park, researching macrofungi of swamps and bottomland forests, conducting floristic assessments of swamps and bottomland forests, and performing mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian surveys. He also has experience presenting outreach and education programs and creating interpretive displays.

Crabtree has goals and aspirations for the division, including the continued care and stewardship of the finest examples of Missouri’s natural landscapes, while preserving cultural landmarks and providing healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities for all.

“It is an honor to assist in carrying forth the legacy of natural resource management in Missouri State Parks, and to continue to build upon the foundation laid by Ken McCarty, Paul Nelson and all of the individuals who have assisted in making the landscapes of Missouri State Parks what they are today,” Crabtree said.

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.

Looking for a way to coax your kids to unplug, climb off the couch, and get outside? Then check out Xplor, the Conservation Department’s free magazine for kids and kids at heart. Six times a year, Xplor serves up eyepopping art, photos, and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters. The magazine is free to Missouri residents (one subscription per household, please). Outof-state subscribers pay $7 per year; out-of-country subscribers pay $11.

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The Explosion

One of our early family vacations was a houseboat trip on the upper Mississippi River along the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. This trip didn’t turn out well because the motor broke down, stranding us on the river. Plus, I spent much of the trip learning how to control a large houseboat while approaching a lock or marina. But it was a unique experience and the houseboat operator offered 50% off on another rental to compensate for the breakdown. I told this story in the last edition of this magazine titled, The Houseboat.

So we traveled to Redwing, Minnesota with our three sons to rent the houseboat again. This time we took a canoe tied to the top of our station wagon because it would offer better fishing opportunities and we could explore the backwater areas and marshes.

The marina operator gave us the best houseboat with an inboard V8 engine which was recently overhauled. He assured us the engine was tested and we would have not any problems. Sadly, I believed him. I had a 5-minute refresher course from the marina staff on how to steer and control the houseboat. We headed down the river and I was much better this year at keeping the houseboat on a straight course since there was a significant delay from when I turned the steering wheel until the boat responded. The first night we anchored on the edge of an artificial sand pile which was sediment dredged out of the navigation channel by the US Army Corps of Engineers to keep the water deep enough for barges. We used the canoe to explore some wetlands and to fish.

The next day we continued south on the river passing through one lock. By mid-morning I noticed the engine temperature gauge was going up and soon it was in the red zone. I beached the houseboat on another sandbar and turned off the engine. The engine compartment was under a thick metal hatch cover about 4 feet across and wide. It was so heavy it took Mrs. Urich, our oldest son and me to lift it up. I checked the engine oil and there was no indication on the dipstick of oil in the engine. Since there were no cell phones at this time, I couldn’t call for help. I checked the map and there was a small town on the Wisconsin side of the river about an hour canoe trip away. All five of us loaded into the canoe and we paddled through a marsh loaded with carp splashing constantly at the surface. Some of them were huge and our sons were fascinated.

There was a gas station and bar combination at the edge of the river, which was very lucky. I went into the building and I could see quarts of oil on a rack. Once again this was fortunate. I explained to the owner our houseboat needed oil. When I picked up oil containers, the owner screamed at me to put it all back because it was not for sale and I needed to get out. His anger at me was very apparent and I immediately set the oil down. The owner said in enraged language spiced with expletives the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was putting him out of business because he refused to construct containment berms around the above ground gas tanks to prevent petroleum from getting into the river if there was a spill. He told me he was glad the houseboat engine was out of oil and I needed to call the Wisconsin DNR for oil. I thought he was going to hit me so I backed out of the door.

One of the customers came out of the bar and told me there was a gas station and quick shop on the highway which was about a mile walk. I called the marina operator from a payphone to report my problem. He said a newly reconditioned engine will often use oil until all the parts are seasoned and seated properly. There was silence on the phone when I asked why he didn’t tell me this and included a supply of oil. Since the motor looked like a standard V8 car engine, I suspected it took five quarts. I bought all the oil this store had including different brands and viscosities thinking the engine may need more oil as the parts became harmonized.

Then it was a mile walk back to the canoe carrying a lot of oil. But I fortified Mrs. Urich and our sons with an ice cream cone before we left and loaded up on Hostess snacks for the walk and hour-long canoe ride. It was getting late, and they would need sustenance, especially while canoeing in the dark.

As it turned out, the engine didn’t need any more oil on this trip plus there was no more overheating. We stopped at several of the small towns along the river so Mrs. Urich could visit antique shops. The canoe was an excellent addition to the trip which allowed us access to backwater areas of the river and improved the fishing. We could maneuver into areas with smallmouth bass and walleye.

We stopped one night on a dredge spoil sandbar in the river. We were sitting on the deck eating dinner when there was a huge crash knocking one of the chairs off the boat into the water. After our initial shock, I realized the boat was hit with a water balloon. I walked up the sand hill with our sons and on the other side of the sand island were two houseboats. Both boats had set up huge metal water balloon slingshot launchers about six feet tall with flexible straps several feet long. The water ballon had traveled over 150 feet before hitting our houseboat. Our sons immediately wanted to try it out. There were several teenagers lobbing water balloons at our houseboat. I had to talk to their parents about the damage a big water ballon can cause, especially if it hit one of us. I suggested some alternate targets.

Cover - Kirk, Tim and Aaron Urich jumping off an anchored houseboat on the Upper Mississippi River. (Photo: David Urich)

Left - Tim, Aaron and Kirk Urich taking a refreshment break on the Upper Mississippi River in Minnesota. (Photo: David Urich)

We were down to the last two days of the trip, heading upriver to the marina. We had just emerged from the upstream side of a lock along with other recreational boats. A barge was approaching to enter the lock and we needed to get out of the way. As I maneuvered the houseboat to the outside of the barge into open water, there was a huge explosion in the engine compartment blowing the hatch cover off and the engine stopped. We had not cleared the path of the oncoming barge and barges can’t turn out of the way of recreational craft. The wind started pushing the houseboat towards the gates on the dam which would be a serious situation. I tried the engine several times and it wouldn’t start.

Mrs. Urich pulled the canoe alongside the houseboat because it looked like we needed to abandon ship. I checked the engine and noticed there was no clamp on the gas line hose to the carburetor and the gas was dripping onto the engine. The clamp was on the metal nozzle of the carburetor but had never been attached after the engine was rebuilt. I tightened the clamp with a screwdriver. By this time, the boys were in the canoe with their life jackets on, and a panicked Mrs. Urich was urging me to get into the canoe. Both the barge and the Corps of Engineers staff were blowing warnings which were not helpful. The Corps staff used a megaphone to tell me to move the houseboat out of the way. Fortunately, I’m excellent at remaining calm and analytical during periods of crisis. I tried the engine one more time and it started. But there was not enough time or space for me to move the houseboat to the open river. I turned toward the bank and we tied the houseboat to trees. The wake from a barge is about 3 feet tall and the waves overtopped the deck of the houseboat rocking it into the trees. But the engine was still running.

After the barge passed and the waves subsided, we proceeded north toward Red Wing, Minnesota. We spent one more night on the river. When I turned the engine off for the night, I wondered if it would start in the morning. Luckily, it did and we made our way to the marina. The attendant asked about the missing engine hatch cover.

I said it was at the bottom of the river immediately upstream from Lock and Dam 5 and should be easy to find. The owner offered another discount for a future houseboat rental, but this time, I declined. I said we wanted to have a fun, relaxing outdoor summer vacation and renting these houseboats was not a positive experience plus it was dangerous.

Our next vacation the following summer was a 2-week camping trip to Maine and Nova Scotia which we thought would be much less hectic. But bad luck seemed to zero in on our vacations and our camping trip was interrupted by Hurricane Bob. Even today I think about which trip was the worse, almost being run over by a barge on the Mississippi River or enduring a hurricane on a camping trip. Sadly, there were other nerve-racking trips also competing for the designation as the most traumatic Urich family vacation.

David Urich

Kirk, Aaron and Tim Urich playing on a huge dredge spoil sand island on the Upper Mississippi River. (Photo: David Urich)

Missouri Family Fishing Vacations

When I was a kid, I always cherished our summer trips to Branson and Table Rock Lake more than any of our other family vacation excursions.

Wading in the frigid waters below Table Rock Dam was worth the early morning chills because Dad and I could easily catch our limits of rainbow trout and occasionally hook into a lunker.

Our family would spend the rest of the day swimming, sightseeing or visiting Silver Dollar City amusement park or Shepherd of the Hills outdoor theater. Then in the evenings Dad and I would try some of Table Rock’s excellent bass fishing.

When I moved from St. Louis to Lake of the Ozarks with my own family, we spent a lot of our summers at home where my daughters learned to fish, swim and water ski. We also visited most of the local attractions including Big Surf Water Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, the Bagnell Dam Strip and Bridal Cave.

So I have spent a lot of family fishing outings at two of the top vacation spots in the state, but I have also discovered throughout the years that other locations in the Show-Me State can offer vacations filled with fishing, sightseeing and family fun. Here’s a look at some of the best locations in the state for a family-friendly fishing vacation.

Feature Story

Branson

“The whole experience there is nice because there are numerous restaurants, shows and activities after you get off the water,” says Brian Snowden, a guide at Table Rock. Branson offers families fine dining, shopping malls, music shows, museums, Silver Dollar City and White Water theme parks and Shepherd of the Hills historical site.

Branson visitors can also enjoy some of the best trout and bass fishing in the state at Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake. Snowden suggests even novice anglers can catch trout throughout the summer, and Table Rock offers excellent topwater action for bass in June and good bluegill fishing in the heat of summer.

For early morning rainbow and brown trout action in the trophy area below Table Rock Dam, Snowden tries either 2 to 3 inch jerk baits, micro jigs or small marabou jigs to catch trout on spinning tackle. He rigs the micro or marabou jig with a float set about 2 to 3 feet above the lure.

Fly fisherman of all skill levels can catch plenty of rainbows in the trophy area. Low water flow during this time makes wading ideal in the trophy area. Down lake a wide variety of live or scented baits such as pieces of nightcrawlers or Berkley Power Bait Eggs in chartreuse or pink work wonders for anglers of all ages.

Early risers vacationing at Table Rock can experience some fun topwater action for bass with Cotton Cordell Red Fins and Heddon Zara Spooks around the pole timber on main and secondary points. Later they can catch fish in the same areas throwing crankbaits or dragging split shot rigs along the bottom of gravel points.

The best action for summertime bluegill at the Rock is to hook crickets, red worms or a piece of nightcrawler on a drop-shot rig and lower the rig around cedar trees, pole timber or docks.

Lake of the Ozarks

Heavy recreational boat traffic makes fishing tough on my home lake during the summer, but families can still catch plenty of fish if they pick the right times and locations.

When I guided on the lake, I would usually take my clients out bass fishing early in the morning and try to get off the water before noon. We would catch keeper bass and plenty of sub-legal fish on Texas-rigged plastic worms, medium-diving crankbaits, topwater chuggers and Carolina-rigged plastic lizards.

Catfish provide plenty of action at Lake of the Ozarks. Blue and channel catfish can be taken on juglines, trotlines or drifting with cut shad or tight lining from the resort docks with stink baits, nightcrawlers or chicken livers.

Kids can catch bluegill and green sunfish all day long off the resort docks or seawalls. Attaching a small bobber to their lines and baiting their hooks with red wigglers, crickets or even pieces of bread or hot dogs will keep the kids busy. Resort owners usually sink brush piles around their docks, which makes these spots ideal for catching crappie on minnows at night under the lights.

The lake area offers families plenty of amenities and attractions when they come off the water. Popular activities include visiting Super Splash USA water park, Miner Mike’s Indoor Family Fun Center, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave and the Bagnell Dam Strip.

Mark Twain Lake

While visiting the birthplace of Missouri’s most famous author, families can also indulge in the good fishing this 18,600-acre reservoir has to offer.

The best bass action in early June is with topwater chuggers or buzz baits inside the points. Later in the month visitors can catch bass on the points with a Carolina-rigged plastic worm.

Mark Twain crappie will either be spawning or in the post-spawn stage during June. Try tube jigs tipped with minnows or Berkley Crappie Nibbles in the shallow timber. Fishing for catfish is phenomenal in June with cut bait either tight lining along the bank or drifting in a boat.

Smithville Lake

Only 15 miles north of the sprawling Kansas City metropolis, this Corps of Engineers reservoir features a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities for families.

“We get some people who come up or call for guide trips that are down at Worlds of Fun or come to the races (at the Kansas Speedway),” says Gary Burton, former owner of Burton’s Bait and Tackle in Smithville. Families spending a fishing vacation at Smithville can also take the short trip to Kansas City to attend a Royals baseball game or take the kids to the Kansas City Zoo, Science City, Worlds of Fun and Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope.

Bass fishing is good at Smithville, but it can be challenging for novices. “There are lots of trees so everything looks good,” says Burton. He suggests the easiest way for newcomers to catch Smithville bass is to run shallow-diving crankbaits along the riprap around the bridges and in marina coves.

Smithville crappie can be found in the tree rows suspended over a depth of 20 feet. “They will always eat a minnow,” says Burton. “It is a little slower fishing, but if you want to keep moving, fish a jig.”The lake also contains countless small bluegill for kids to catch with a small bobber and worms or crickets.

Smithville’s catfish are shallow in June and will bite on stink baits, worms, livers and shad sides. “Catfish are not fussy,” Burton says. “The whole trick is to be where there are some catfish and generally they will eat it.” The lake’s best fishing for catfish is usually above the bridges in the Camp Branch and Platte River arms

When the kids get out of school try one of these locations for a fun family fishing vacation.

John Neporadny Jr.

Cover - Missouri offers families lots of fishing opportunities during vacation time (Photo: John Neporadny Jr.)

Left - Bass are a popular catch for anglers vacationing at one of the state’s large reservoirs. (Photo: John Neporadny Jr.)

Right - Families on vacation in Missouri will find catfish are abundant and easy to catch most anywhere in the state. (Photo: John Neporadny Jr.)

The Conservation Commission: By the Numbers

Very soon, Missouri’s newly elected governor, Mike Kehoe will have his opportunity to become part of a conservation success story unmatched anywhere in the U.S. when he selects two non-Republican members to the Missouri Conservation Commission. So, given the timing, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the history around the Commission since its beginnings in 1936.

I’ll not repeat the well-documented story, for those interested in knowing more I recommend Charlie Callison’s book, Man and Wildlife in Missouri (1953) and Jim Keefe’s book, The First Fifty Years (1987). Let’s just say prior to 1930, most fish and game management agencies were pretty disjointed, lacked professional guidance, and were run primarily by political patronage. At the same time, the field of conservation was evolving, as old and new voices were coming together to propose a pathway for the restoration and management of our fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

An important moment occurred when the American Game Policy was adopted at the 17th Annual American Game Conference in 1930. This policy described a model for success calling for trained professionals to lead conservation work, broad thinking and cooperation among interest groups, and the need for adequate funding. The Policy also emphasized the need for agencies to have freedom from “political overturns” and influence, enough authority to govern its own work, and that the cost should be carried by everyone because the work of conservation results in “public betterments.”

Missouri took this message to heart eventually building a system often referred to as the Missouri Model of Conservation, and the cornerstone of the model is the enshrinement within the state constitution of a Conservation Commission with specific authorities. A wonderfully simple system of agency governance that has worked remarkably well for an extraordinarily long time.

On November 3, 1936 the voters passed Constitutional Amendment No. 4 by a margin of 71 percent, an amendment created and proposed by the citizens using the initiative petition process.

Shortly thereafter, newly elected Governor Stark selected the first Commissioners to their prescribed terms, E. Sydney Stephens, Wilbur Buford (four-year terms), John Case (twoyear term), and Albert Greensfelder (six-year term).

If we tease apart history a little bit an interesting picture arises regarding how the system has functioned over time, keeping in mind that the system is built around the idea of minimizing political influences or least keeping the majority of politics to one side of the fence (i.e., the Governor’s power to appoint and the Senate’s power to advise and consent).

Number of Governors – Eighteen individuals have served as governor since 1937, most for a single term, a few serving two terms, and four serving partial terms. By party affiliation there have been Democrats (11) and Republicans (7), including Mr. Kehoe. During this time, 15 have had the opportunity to shape the Commission during their watch. One governor did not have an opportunity to make an appointment (Wilson) and another (Grietens) made an appointment but it was later withdrawn. Governor Kehoe’s opportunity to appoint two Commissioners arrives this year.

Number of Appointments (62) Number of Appointments Confirmed (57) – It should be mentioned that being appointed is just the first step. When the constitution was amended in 1972, language was added requiring Commission appointments to be confirmed by the Missouri Senate. This change has made for some interesting moments on the political side of Missouri conservation. Subsequently, four individuals that were appointed did not become Commissioners, two of which failed to be confirmed (R. Talbot (Appointed 1974, withdrawn, appointed/ confirmed later 1975); G. Dement (Appointed 1974 and unconfirmed); T. Dollar (Appointed 2013 and unconfirmed); N. Wood (Appointed 2017, 2018, withdrawn).

Average Term (6 years) – Even when considering reappointments, the average term for Commissioners has been six years. The range of years served (1-15 years) has been influenced by a number of factors, for example, the first Commission had prescribed staggered terms at the very beginning with Stephens being the first to be re-appointed for a full term after completion of his first partial term. Two Commissioners (Gaylord, Talbot) died while serving their terms. Others were temporary, serving out vacated unexpired terms, and another (Pippin) served almost 16 years after being appointed three times by two different Governors.

Number of Commissioners Reappointed (10) –Reappointments were a little more common in the early years (seven by 1965). The reappointment of Stephens, his first term limited to four years, made sense during the time when it was important to have continuity in leadership during the infancy of the Commission. Subsequent reappointments were often more analogous to political reward and favor, merit, and personal desire. Since the 1970s, there have been only three reappointments (Powell, Gorman, Bedell).

Political Party of all Commissioners Past and Present –Republican (32); Democrat (21); Independent (4). The dominant political parties over time have always been the Republican and Democratic parties. Of course, the are many other recognized political parties in Missouri but none of these have ever played a significant role in the state politics. The declaration of being independent is a bit of an enigma. First of all, independent is not a political party, therefore, it’s a non-declaration. The question has been, are so-called independents really a Republican or Democrat in disguise, thereby allowing a governor to game the system and stack the deck contrary to the spirit and intent of the constitutional requirement that no more than two Commissioners shall be of the same political party.

Gender of all Commissioners Past and Present – Men (52); Women (5 – Gorman, Metcalf, Plattner, M. Bradford, Eckelkamp). It’s taken a long while but women have played a substantial role on the Commission during the modern era (1990 – present). Since 1993, the Commission has had at least one woman serving, except for a brief period between M. Bradford and Eckelkamp.

Race of all Commissioners Past and Present – White (56); African American (1 – Johnson). This an area where Missouri has fallen short. Commissioner Johnson was a dedicated member of CFM and an outstanding member of the conservation community before he was appointed Commissioner and continued in that vein during his term (2007-2013). Prior, he earned his B.S. degree in zoology from Howard University and was an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam war.

Commissioners from Primarily Urban Areas (27) – Generally, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City, Joplin, St. Joseph are considered urban areas.

Cover - Two great conservation books are Charlie Callison’s book, Man and Wildlife in Missouri (1953) and Jim Keefe’s book, The First Fifty Years (1987). (Photo: Dan Zekor)

This is a little hard to pin down without doing substantial research and parsing but for the sake of providing some contrast, I include this descriptor because there has often been a debate about urban versus rural representation on the Commission. I’d say the historical split between urban and rural Commissioners is roughly 50/50 keeping in mind places like Jefferson City, Joplin, and St. Joseph were once probably more rural in character than today. The main point here is that most Commissioners historically have hailed from communities with a strong rural connection.

Most Commissioners Appointed and Confirmed by a Single Governor – Bond (6), Starke, Hearns, Parson (5), Teasdale, Ashcroft, Carnahan, Nixon (4). Before 1965, governors could only serve one term, so their opportunity to make appointments was limited. Starke had more opportunity because the original Commission had staggered terms at the onset. After 1965, two-term governors got multiple opportunities with Governor Bond being the first with nonconsecutive terms expanding his opportunity.

Number of Directors Appointed by the Commission (10) – One of the most important responsibilities of the Commission is the authority to select the Department’s Director. The Director subsequently selects agency staff. This is an important piece of the firewall that minimizes the role of politics within Department operations. The Commission has selected nine men and one woman to serve as Director, in order: Irwin T. Bode, William E. Towell, Carl R. Noren, Larry R. Gale, Jerry J. Presley, Jerry M. Conley, John D. Hoskins, Robert L. Ziehmer, Sara Parker Pauley, Jason Sumners. The last “political” director was Wilbur Buford (pre-1937) who was later appointed to the first Conservation Commission.

Average Years Served by Directors (8) – When considering the environment of public service at the highest levels, longevity is not a word that gets used very often. In fact, the inside joke used to be that the average lifespan for a fish and wildlife director nationally was about the same as a pheasant in South Dakota. Because of the authority given to the Conservation Commission and its relatively political-free nature, Missouri has selected well when it comes to directors, and those directors have performed well enough to maintain their positions for a respectable amount of time, giving the Department unprecedented stability in leadership. The range of service for the eight directors has been 5 – 19 years with I.T. Bode (1937-1956) serving the longest, followed by Noren, Gale, Presley, Pauley, Hoskins, Ziehmer, and Conley.

The Next Commissioners (2) – As Governor Kehoe prepares to make his selections to the Conservation Commission, CFM looks forward to being a partner in his deliberations. If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing an appointment on the Commission, reach out to CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze right away to discuss the process. In 2021 CFM adopted a policy statement regarding the Conservation Commission:

“It shall be the policy of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) to ensure, to the degree possible, that gubernatorial appointments to the Conservation Commission are made consistent with the meaning, spirit and intent of the language of Article IV, Section 40 (a) of the Constitution of the State of Missouri.”

Given our history, CFM is and should always be the standard bearer for what is right for conservation in Missouri, and especially as it applies to the legacy of Amendment No. 4. Therefore, it is incumbent upon CFM to communicate and promote the spirit and intent of the words within the constitution and to help define the desired qualities and attributes necessary for being a successful Conservation Commissioner.

Dan Zekor

David A. Risberg Memorial Grant and Affiliate Luncheon

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has awarded the annual David A. Risberg Memorial Grants during a lunch program at our 89th Annual Convention. These grants honor the memory of David Risberg, who was passionate about conservation, by making conservation projects possible across Missouri. These grants are only available to CFM affiliate organizations.

“Thanks to the generosity of John and Mary Risberg, we are in our 8th year awarding these grants for bootson-the-ground conservation work across our landscape and waterways in Missouri,” said Tyler Schwartze, CFM Executive Director.

The 23 CFM Affiliates who received a share of the $32,700 distributed this year through the annual David A. Risberg Memorial Grants are:

• Capital City Fly Fishers

• Duckhorn Outdoors Adventures

• Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

• Forest ReLeaf of Missouri

• Greater Ozarks Audubon Society

• Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, Inc

• Mid MO Prescribed Burn Association

• Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

• Missouri Disabled Sportsmen

• Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

• Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.

• Missouri Prairie Foundation

• National Wild Turkey Federation

• Outdoor Skills of America, Inc

• Ozark Fly Fishers

• Ozark Trail Association

• River Relief, Inc. (DBA: Missouri River Relief)

• Scenic Missouri

• Southwest Missouri Fly Fisher

• St. Louis Audubon Society

• Student Air Rifle Program

• The Open Space STL

• wildHERness

CFM is continuously raising funds to grow this important endowment, which will support many more of our partners' worthy projects and better our natural world.

If you are interested in donating to the Risberg Memorial Grant Fund, you can do so by www.confedmo.org/donate and selecting "Risberg Challenge," in the dropdown menu.

Wild Turkey Baseball Team

Baseball season is here and the wild turkeys by my lake are practicing. Recently I watched them take infield before moving to the outfield and shag some fly balls. Occasionally, one would sprint to another part of the ballpark, possibly chasing foul balls.

Well, actually they were looking for food like a fan craving over-priced nachos, especially grubs or any kind of worm in the outfield. Their infield practice was accessing coarse sand or fine gravel—grit required to digest their food. So instead of digging out ground balls, they were digging out worms and any unfortunate creature they may deem edible.

Their breeding season is interwoven with The Royals early baseball schedule. Now, at the end of winter, they are traveling in big groups, mostly hens and poults. But the group doing wind sprints around our ball diamond included a few young gobblers, probably one-year olds that were mixed in with the flock. The big gobblers are currently hanging together in so-called bachelor groups like the traveling team, staying away from these minor leaguers.

Gobblers are establishing a pecking order to determine the starting lineup. The dominant bird will do most of the breeding in April, although the rookies might get some playing time.

Wild turkey breeding is triggered by the increasing length of daylight or in other words, not playing under the lights. More sunlight causes a hormonal response. Unusual swings in temperatures, warm or cold, will increase or lessen the turkey's desire to breed. Turkeys and baseball players, love warm spring days.

Loud gobbles vibrating through the woodlots are common during breeding season, sometimes rivaling a drunken fan yelling at the visiting team. Gobblers are vocal from their roost and sometimes on the ground. Turkeys are cautious to gobble when swift-moving predators like coyotes, bobcats and fox populations are plentiful. Predators pick off a gobbler’s sign and wait for them to make a move—yeah, like base stealers. Everything in the woods wants to eat a wild turkey, so silence can be golden for its survival.

Gobblers love to find dry dirt areas to roll in for dusting, much like a baseball player rubbing dirt on their hands before batting—or at least we used to do that. Dusting can be comical to watch, as the bird crouches or lies on its side and flaps its wings wildly, effectively coating its body in dirt like a ball player stretching out before a big game.

Wild turkeys dust to keep their feathers from becoming greasy or matted and to control lice, mites and other parasites. Sunning and preening often follow a dust bath as part of their grooming regimen. Look for dust bowls when traveling dirt roads and trails with sandy, powdery soils like a well-manicured infield.

Gobbling from their tree perch is often answered by a hen’s tree yelps that are course and low pitched, letting the gobblers know her location. Major League baseball players no doubt hear something similar from ladies wanting to meet them.

Often the big male will fly from its roost and land on the ground close to where the hen seemed to be, very similar to a ball player diving in the stands for a fly ball and to say hi to a pretty girl—well, at least I did. Producing tree yelps in dark woods is how hunters locate roosting gobblers. Predators pay attention to their night-time gobbles as well and try for pickoff plays.

Gobblers often go silent, much like a batter sitting on the bench by himself and pouting after striking out with bases loaded in a very close game. But gobblers don’t swing a bat and become silent due to hunting pressure. In many cases the bird has evaded a swarm of near deadly hunters' shot that erupted from a shotgun at close range. Of course, predators are another reason to shut up!

Hens nest in hidden areas where hopefully predators can’t find them. During this critical time, the hen puts herself in danger to stay on the nest day and night for about 28-days. She needs to bulk up with nutritional foods prior to nesting and may take a brief recess period around mid-day to feed on protein-packed insects, grain or weed seed. Eventually the babies hatch and mom and the kids will again start running and feeding like fans rushing to the concession stand for hotdogs.

The ever-cautious turkeys love clear-cuts because they can see in every direction, a valuable asset for an infielder. Turkeys can spot predators approaching and hens can easily find them like a ball player at a bar having drinks and meeting female baseball fans.

But getting back to the turkey’s baseball team I saw by my lake on the ball diamond. Maybe we could call them the “Wild Turks.”

Cover - Kent Campbell

Top - Kenny Kieser

Kenneth L. Kieser

Conservation Federation of Missouri's

89th Annual Convention

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s convention's success.

The Natural Resource Breakouts were held virtually from February 25th to 27th and March 3rd to 5th. On March 7th and 8th, attendees gathered in person at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake of the Ozarks for an engaging and memorable weekend.

On Friday evening, we celebrated our Conservation Achievement Awards, emceed by Ginny Wallace and Zach Morris. It was a wonderful evening filled with inspiring people and great conversations.

Saturday’s educational seminars covered various topics, including Dark Sky as a Natural Resource, creating native landscapes in your backyard, backyard birding, updates on fishing in Missouri, and navigating the 2025 Legislative Season.

The Annual Banquet on Saturday night featured Jason Sumners, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, as our keynote speaker. The event was accompanied by numerous silent and live auction items, fun raffles and games.The convention also provided ample networking opportunities for conservationists to connect with old friends and new acquaintances.

The Conservation Leadership Corps students continued their journey of learning about conservation, gaining essential skills and insights to become the next generation of leaders in the field.

Six resolutions were passed thanks to the dedication of the Resource Advisory Committees, the Resolutions Committee, and the General Assembly. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s input during this vital process.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous financial support: Bass Pro Shops, Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, Missouri River Bird Observatory, HMI Fireplace Shop, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Ozark Bait and Tackle, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Mike and Mossie Schallon, Shelter Insurance, and the National Wildlife Federation.

A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and to those who contributed auction items. This event wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication and support.

Lastly, thank you to all those who traveled to be part of the fun, fellowship, and business of CFM this year. Your continued support means so much to us.

2025 Resolutions

A key activity performed by the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is the monitoring of conservation and natural resource issues, followed by the development of an organizational stance or position based on the best available information and science. Resolutions, supported by members and the board, are often crafted as a means of expressing CFM’s support, opposition, recognition, or advice on specific topics. These resolutions serve as one of the most powerful ways we, as a conservation organization, can express our collective opinion and influence the future of conservation policy.

Resolutions were voted upon and approved at CFM's 89th Annual Convention on March 8th, 2025. These can be viewed online at confedmo.org/listed-resolutions-throughthe-years/.

2025 Resolutions

2025 - 1: Advocating for Conservation Education to be added to the Missouri Learning Standards (Education and Outdoor Recreation)

2025 - 2: Implement Wildlife Crossings in Missouri (Public/Private Lands)

2025 - 3: Protect the Initiative Petition Process (Public/Private Lands)

2025 -4: Mandatory Boat Draining and Plug Removal to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Missouri (Rivers, Streams, and Fisheries)

2025 - 5: Support for the Muskie Fishery Program in Missouri (Rivers, Streams, and Fisheries)

2025 - 6: Defend Federal Agencies and Employees in Natural Resource Conservation (Environment and Ecology)

Conservation Achievement Awards

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is proud to announce the recipients of our 2024 Conservation Achievement Awards. These individuals represent the very best of Missouri, exemplifying the values CFM stands for and making significant contributions to the betterment of Missouri's outdoors through their personal efforts in 2024 and throughout their lives. We extend our congratulations to our award winners, who were honored during the CFM Annual Convention Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 7th, at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake of the Ozarks.

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement – Ken McCarty

Ken McCarty is retiring after 38 years with Missouri State Parks, where he played a key role in natural resource management and restoration. He led efforts in prairie, savanna, and woodland rehabilitation, pioneered prescribed fire programs, and contributed to regional conservation projects. His leadership and research have left a lasting impact on Missouri’s landscapes and conservation policies.

hare the Harvest – Feeding Missouri

Feeding Missouri, a coalition of six food banks, has been instrumental in the Share the Harvest program, distributing donated venison to food-insecure families. Through advocacy, fundraising, and logistical support, they have expanded the program’s reach and encouraged greater hunter participation. Their efforts have provided millions of meals, fostering a culture of generosity and community engagement.

Corporate Conservationist – Midwest Mailing Service

Midwest Mailing Service has been a committed partner of the Conservation Federation of Missouri for 12 years. The company processes millions of mail pieces annually and operates a recycling business that diverts 30,000 pounds of electronic waste weekly. Owner Stan Fredrick and his team also support youth hunting programs and actively participate in conservation efforts.

Conservation Communicator – Brad Kovach

Brad Kovach founded Terrain Magazine in 2014, establishing it as Missouri’s leading outdoor recreation publication. Through print, digital content, and community events, Terrain promotes outdoor activities and fosters an inclusive recreation community. Brad’s dedication has made outdoor experiences more accessible and strengthened Missouri’s outdoor culture.

Conservation Educator – Paul Epps

Paul Epps, a teacher at Central High School, has spent 16 years inspiring students in conservation through hands-on learning and service projects. He leads environmental clubs, mentors students in science competitions, and oversees conservation projects like school gardens and rainwater initiatives. His influence extends beyond the classroom, guiding students toward conservation careers and lifelong stewardship.

Conservation Organization – Columbia Audubon Society

The Columbia Audubon Society (CAS) manages two nature properties, restoring habitats and supporting local biodiversity. They contribute to conservation initiatives, fund teacher training, and sponsor student field trips. Their commitment to habitat restoration, education, and research makes them a vital force in Missouri conservation efforts.

Forest Conservationist – Chris Lohmann

Chris Lohmann is a consulting forester and leader in Missouri’s forestry community, providing landowners with management plans and timber sales services. He actively supports the Missouri Tree Farm Program, mentors students, and ensures financial stability for forestry organizations. His dedication to sustainable forestry has strengthened conservation efforts statewide.

Hunter Education Instructor – Richard Brown

Since 2004, Richard Brown has mentored youth and adults in hunter education, ensuring high standards of safety and training. He organizes specialized clinics, supports diverse communities, and volunteers for veterans’ outdoor programs. His passion for education and conservation makes him a truly deserving honoree.

Professional Conservationist – Brian Davidson

Brian Davidson has led major restoration projects in the Mark Twain National Forest, including the Missouri PineOak Woodland Restoration and invasive species control initiatives. His collaborative efforts have improved forest resilience and reintroduced the Brown-Headed Nuthatch. His dedication to conservation has made a lasting impact on Missouri’s landscapes.

Water Conservationist – Wally Iman

Wally Iman founded Mitico, an environmental services company that has restored nearly 15 miles of streams and 280 acres of wetlands. His projects prevent 100,000 tons of sediment from entering Missouri’s waterways annually. A strong advocate for clean water policies, Wally continues to lead conservation efforts even in retirement.

Soil Conservationist – Jim Plassmeyer

Jim Plassmeyer led Missouri’s Soil and Water Conservation Program through severe drought, securing a record $50 million budget to protect over 361,000 acres. His leadership ensured the continuation of conservation efforts, expanded partnerships, and advanced Missouri’s long-term soil and water sustainability.

Youth Conservationist – Jackson Byrd

Jackson Byrd is a passionate conservationist and artist, leading environmental clubs, contributing to research projects, and creating artwork that highlights conservation issues. His work with the Conservation Leadership Corps and local conservation initiatives showcases his dedication to nature and community engagement.

Wildlife Conservationist – Joe Coy

Joe Coy manages 2,360 acres of grasslands, using innovative techniques like Patch Burn Grazing to improve habitat for species like Bobwhite quail. His partnerships with conservation organizations and local landowners enhance grassland restoration. His dedication to conservation and teamwork make him a valuable asset to Missouri’s natural resources.

Conservation Legislator of the Year – Rep. Dirk Deaton

Representative Dirk Deaton played a key role in passing legislation to regulate industrial wastewater application, protecting Missouri’s natural resources. As Budget Chair, he ensures strong financial planning for conservation efforts. His leadership and policy work support sustainable land and water management.

Conservation Legislator of the Year – Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore

Representative Bridget Walsh Moore co-chairs the Missouri House Sportsman’s Caucus and actively supports conservation initiatives. She serves on the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and engages in outdoor advocacy. Her leadership strengthens Missouri’s commitment to environmental protection.

Conservationist of the Year – Sara Parker Pauley

Sara Parker Pauley, former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, made history as its first female leader. She championed conservation efforts, earning national recognition, including the Pugsley Award. Her visionary leadership has left a lasting legacy in Missouri’s conservation community.

GOOD FOR LAND. GOOD FOR LIFE.

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Paddle Your Way

Through the Great Rivers State

There are many reasons Missouri is known as the "Great Rivers State," and Stream Teams United wants to help people experience firsthand some of those reasons. One way the program does that is by sponsoring Paddle MO trips on rivers large and small.

Stream Teams United (STU) is a state-wide non-profit 501c3 organization that supports stewardship, education and advocacy for Missouri rivers and streams. STU launched Paddle MO in 2016 with a five-day journey on the Missouri River. Since then, the program has expanded and explored new destinations.

This year, STU is offering three fully supported river trips, one on the Grand and Missouri rivers in September, one on the Meramec in October, and one on the Current in August. At press time, the Current River trip was sold out, but spaces remain for the other two trips.

As Mary Culler, executive director for STU, explains, the Paddle MO program began as a way to introduce paddlers to the Missouri River and connect them to the river’s ecology and history.

“For the first six years of the Paddle MO program,” says Culler, “the river adventure hosted paddlers on the last 100 miles of the Missouri River, beginning in Hermann and ending a mile downstream of the confluence with the Mississippi River.”

Seeking to provide paddlers with new experiences and introduce them to additional places and towns along the rivers, the STU team added new options.

”In 2022, the Paddle MO program explored a new stretch of 70 miles of the Missouri River, beginning in Atchison, Kansas, and ending in Kansas City, Missouri,” says Culler. “In 2023, Paddle MO launched from Jefferson City for the first time, with the ‘Capitol to Capitol’ trip, paddling 115 miles over five days and ending at St. Charles, our state's first capital city.”

This year’s Missouri River trip will explore 109 miles on a completely new route for Paddle MO, from Brunswick on the Grand River to Jefferson City on the Missouri River.

“The 2025 adventure begins on Saturday, September 13, in Brunswick, the pecan capital of Missouri,” says Culler. “Participants will paddle three miles on the Grand River, and then have the option of paddling just for the weekend or for five days, as the group travels downstream on the Missouri to the towns of Glasgow, Rocheport, Boonville and Jefferson City. The final evening of the five-day journey will include a riverside celebration at Coopers Landing.” Paddlers can choose a two-day, three-day or five-day option.

Some folks prefer paddling on smaller streams, so STU began offering multi-day educational river trips in the Ozarks in 2019. This year's Paddle MO Ozarks offerings include both the Meramec and Current rivers. Paddlers on the October 3-5 trip will explore 21 miles of the upper Meramec River, one of the nation's most biologically diverse rivers. The Current River trip in August is sold out, but you can ask to be added to the waiting list.

Trip details and registration information can be found on PaddleMO.org. Space is limited, so it’s a good idea to sign up soon. For other questions, contact Mary Culler at mary@streamteamsunited.org or 573-586-0747. The Paddle MO program serves as a fundraiser for Stream Teams United through the support of sponsors and participant registrations.

Since the beginning of the Paddle MO program, STU has partnered with the Missouri educational nonprofit, Earth's Classroom and its co-directors Bill and Jody Miles, who serve as the lead on-water guides and educators. Missouri Stream Team volunteers and Stream Team staff provide support both on the water and as ground crew. The beauty of the program is that it takes care of all the logistics, making it easier for people to get out on the rivers and enjoy multi-day adventures that they might be hesitant to try on their own.

As Culler notes, a popular saying for Paddle MO is, “Bring your boat and gear, and we take care of the rest. If you don’t have a boat, let us know and we can help find one for you.” SYOTR! (See You On The River!)

Note: As a veteran of numerous Paddle MO trips on the Missouri and Current rivers, I can highly recommend these journeys. You’ll travel with a friendly group of adventurers, ranging from novice to expert, accompanied by skilled support crews on both the ground and the water. The food is exceptional. The educational components are enlightening. Best of all, everything is taken care of; you just have to show up, paddle, and have fun.

Paddle MO trips aren’t all paddling. Stops along the rivers provide ideal opportunities for educational activities, such as here at Welch Spring on the Current River. (Photo: Barbara Gibbs Ostmann) Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

Help Change the Lives of Special Kids

Iremember Vicki and Penny from back in the 1950s. Friends of my parents, brought them home one day. I grew up with them, not realizing until later that I had never seen them as babies.

When I asked my mother about that, she explained that they were not born into their family. They were adopted into their family because their parents could not or would not take care of them. They were special kids.

Later in life, my cousin Nancy and her husband, adopted two young boys who were special kids. They were brothers named Shane and Sean. Our kids grew up with them. They spent many happy times together during holidays and family get-togethers.

When our youngest son Kelly and his wife Lexi married, they could not have kids. So, they adopted our grandson Ty from Guatemala. The following year, they adopted his brother Sam and brought him home to be with his brother. They are special kids to Grandma and I.

Instead of a tough life growing up on the streets of Guatemala, they grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. They helped take care of the chickens and sheep. One of their favorite things with their Dad was target shooting with pellet guns or bows and arrows. Ty was a deer hunter with his Dad and me. Sam stuck to hunting squirrels with a pellet gun that I got him.

They have fished, camped, hiked, and played in the water both at their cabin on a Wisconsin river and when they visited us at our cabin in Missouri. Making smores around a campfire was a popular thing to do at both places.

They loved their Wisconsin cabin. They grew up on the water fishing with Mom and Dad from their pontoon boat or from kayaks. They loved to catch more fish than their Papa when him and grandma came to visit.

Kelly, Lexi and our special Guatemalan boys have hiked and fished in many of our national parks all over America. When Ty graduated high school, he wanted, as a graduation gift, his Mom, Dad, and brother to all go to another national park together.

They would have never been able to do all the outdoor things they have experienced in America if they were still living in Guatemala. Ty is now in college. Sam graduates high school this year. They are young men now and always in our thoughts and prayers. I have no doubt they will pass on their love of the outdoors to their kids someday. Our prayer is that our son, who is battling cancer, will be there when the time comes to help teach his grandkids to enjoy the outdoors.

There are more of these special kids in my life. Greg and Jennifer Porter from our church were also unable to have kids, so they went through the foster care system. Ado and Avayonna are brother and sister. Ado was three and Avayonna was two when they got them. They adopted them in 2014 and they are now eighteen and sixteen.

Ashlynn and Feinoxx came from different families and also through the foster care system when they were both one-year-old. They were adopted in 2013 and are now fourteen.

For Christmas a few years ago they sent me a picture of all of them. It hangs on the wall in my home office. It says on it – There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family. Sometimes I look at that picture and wipe a tear away.

I have watched them grow up into fine young people. They are blessed to have grown up in the country. They too love the outdoors and have a great Mom and Dad that does things with them. They are all very special to me and always will be.

Ado plays in the band at one of our church services. He can play several musical instruments and loves cars and old trucks. He even has a car detailing business. Feinoxx posts the stories for me I write for my blog. She likes to go deer hunting with Dad.

Avayonna loves the outdoors too. She is quiet but still gives me hugs. Ashlynn has special needs and is nonverbal. Her eyes shine when she is around someone she loves. Her smile will melt your heart.

I cannot imagine what their lives would have been like if they did not have Greg and Jennifer. These special kids will also have kids one of these days. Grandma and Grandpa will be there with them teaching their grandkids to also love the outdoors.

Also at our church, another family is a special part of my life. Austin and Ashton Hartweg already had daughters, Emma and Arlie. They decided to try to adopt a boy. Instead of one, they adopted four brothers from the foster care program.

The day Aiden, Charles, Ryder, and Jace were officially part of the Hartweg family. (Photo: Courtesy of the Hartwig’s)

Feature Story

Eleven-year-old Aiden is the oldest, followed by nineyear-old Charles, eight-year-old Ryder, and six-year-old Jace.

If I were to tell you how these boys had to live before Austin and Ashton brought them home, your heart would break. No kids should ever have to grow up like they were. But, kids are going through things in their young lives all over America that they should not have to go through.

What they did for these boys changed the lives of four brothers forever. Because of them, they are enjoying the outdoors and love it. They fish, hunt squirrels, target shoot, help build campfires, and more. Learning to enjoy the outdoors can help change anyone.

They also have chores like feeding chickens, gathering eggs, feeding livestock, helping in the garden, and other things. They are learning life lessons and growing up in a family they know loves them.

A new grandson named Beau recently joined the family. He will grow up with these special boys. I know all this because they call me Grandpa Larry. I am honored and blessed to have been adopted by them. I even got to help baptize Emma, Arlie, Aiden, and Charles. When Ryder and Chase are ready to make that decision, I will baptize them too.

Many children, like these, need what these kids have. Adoption and foster care are about stepping into the world of a child and promising you will love them, protect them, defend them, advocate for them, teach them, support them, actively listen to them, and absorb their hurt and pain. You can give them the comfort, safety, and stability they need.

The most important thing is to keep your promise no matter what. No matter if medical issues change how the child lives, reacts, responds, behaves, learns, and loves. No matter if they want to find their birth parents and leave you. No matter if they cannot give you emotionally what you give them. Keep your promise to them.

Also, always remember that it is not about you. It is about a child deserving a home they did not have, for whatever reasons. You need to want to help and be committed to the kids. You will not only bless the lives of these special kids, but also yourself.

Your reward is when they put their arms around your neck and say thank you or, I love you! As it says in the first part of Mark 9:37 - Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.

Some of you have read this and would like to help. But, you do not think you could ever do what these people have done and are doing. There are other ways you can help. Go online and search for organizations you can donate money to help with what they do for kids. Or donate a little time to help with their efforts.

The best thing that you can do is to adopt or foster parent these kids and take them fishing, camping, and all the other things there are to do in our great outdoors. That will help change the lives of special kids.

Larry Whiteley

Cover - Our teenagers Ty and Sam on a Florida fishing trip with their Dad and Uncle. (Photo: Mrs. Whiteley)

Top - Our Guatemalan grandson's lives were changed. (Photo: Larry Whiteley)

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