Environmental Echo’s Don Corrigan hawked outdoor books to support the blog started by Webster University environmental students 10-years ago.
Coopers Landing in Boone County, Missouri, hosted the first annual Conservation EXPO 2024 on Sept. 7-8. The weekend event showcased organizations with a mission to advance state conservation education.
Brie Vonyo of southwest Missouri picked up a guide to nature sites in the Show-Me State at the EXPO.
The EXPO featured exhibits by more than 30 groups including local and state agencies, as well as educational institutions. Conservation EXPO hosted rural and urban landowners, citizens engaged with community conservation and new educational projects.
Among the exhibitors:
· Conservation Federation of Missouri, which was organized with the purpose of taking conservation out of politics, raised awareness of its citizen wildlife initiatives and CFM’s more than 100 affiliate organizations with thousands of members.
· Environmental Echo, which is a blog created by Webster University environmental students, raised funds for the website with book sales. It also highlighted the “Save the Hellbender” wines of Stone Hill in Hermann.
· Magnificent Missouri, which has promoted the beauty and recreational value of the Missouri River Valley in eastern Missouri, released its new coffee table book, “Trails Across Missouri: The Katy Trail and Rock Island.”
· Legends of Conservation brought its life-size illustrations of some of the top environmental and conservation leaders in U.S. history. These include such leaders as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold.
· Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, which has a mission of enriching communities by planting and growing trees, explained its efforts to promote a resilient tree canopy that supports heathy habits and a healthy planet.
· Sierra Club/Mid Missouri Group, which sponsors walks for the climate and protection of public lands, welcomed inquiries about its legislative work and outdoor volunteer activities.
Cooper’s Landing proved to be an excellent site for the EXPO with live music, picnic dinners and “glamping” along the Missouri River.
“This event’s mission was encapsulated in its title, ‘Connecting the Community to Conservation Resources,’” said Bill Ruppert, a key organizer of EXPO. “I was thrilled by comments from attendees who were surprised so many conservation-related organizations existed.
“Many productive conversations occurred during this two-day event,” added Ruppert. “The diversity of conservation organizations made for a very unique event. And, the Cooper’s Landing setting, along with fine weather, conditions, really helped with accomplishing the EXPO mission.”
In addition to educational exhibits, Saturday featured river boat rides operated by Missouri River Relief, as well as morning children’s crafts hosted by Adrienne. Sunday featured pony rides for children, thanks to Blair’s Barn of Ashland.
On Sunday KOPN 89.5 FM radio broadcast live at Cooper’s Landing with Morning Coffeehouse hosted by Kevin Walsh and Rootin’ Tootin’ Radio by Radio Ranger. EXPO interviewees included Dan Burkhardt of Magnificent Missouri, Don Corrigan of Environmentalecho.com, and Lesli Moylan of Missouri Environmental Education Association
The EXPO was held on the west side of the Katy Trail, which in this area of Missouri is known for classic views of the Big Muddy River.
Bicyclists came to the EXPO via the Katy Trail. They came from the north via the McBaine Trailhead and from the south via Easley and the Hartsburg Trailhead. Cars found plenty of parking near Cooper’s Landing.
Bill Ruppert, Missouri horticulturalist and a force behind the 2024 Conservation EXPO, said the 2025 Conservation EXPO will likely be held again at Cooper’s Landing. He described the location on the Missouri River as “stellar.”
“Moving forward, we plan to assemble a steering committee consisting of representatives from participating exhibiting organizations to discuss what the next edition of Conservation EXPO looks like,” said Ruppert. “Greater focus on youth and family conservation education, and fun activities, really makes sense.”
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