Category Archives: Outdoor/Nature

MDC reminds people to be BearWise to avoid conflicts with black bears. Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside secure buildings or in bear-proof containers.

With warming weather and the many wonders of nature awakening in spring, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to be BearWise.

Missouri’s estimated 1,000+ black bears are waking up and are focused on fattening up after a long winter’s sleep. Unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings could attract the attention of a hungry bear.

MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste.

“Black bears are super-focused on finding food in the spring,” said Bowersock. “The quest for calories keeps bears active. When the eating is good, a bear can put on two to three pounds a day.”

Bowersock added that keeping areas free of food attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. “If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food,” he said

Intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous because it makes them comfortable around people and can lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for food.

“When bears lose their fear of humans, they could approach people in search of food or may become defensive of the food sources they find near people, which could lead to conflict,” Bowersock said. “When this happens, the bear cannot be relocated and has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Click to read more about tips to avoid attracting black bears from the MDC below.

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The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with a special event at the Tiger Hotel in Columbia — the very place where the organization was founded in 1935. Affiliates, members, and supporters from across the state gathered to honor nine decades of conservation leadership and to witness the unveiling of CFM’s new logo.

“CFM has been making a vitally important impact on Missouri conservation and the outdoors for 90 years,” said Tyler Schwartze, Executive Director and Editor of CFM, “I’m very excited about the history of what we’ve accomplished, and equally optimistic about what lies ahead for the members of the Federation protecting our precious resources for generations to come.

Since its founding at the Tiger Hotel 90 years ago yesterday, CFM has grown into Missouri’s largest citizen-led conservation organization, uniting individuals, businesses, and partner organizations to protect the state’s fish, forests, and wildlife resources.

The 90th anniversary not only celebrated historic achievements but also marked the start of a new chapter as CFM continues to engage Missourians in conservation for the future.

“The Conservation Federation of Missouri is the leading advocate for thriving wildlife, clean air and water, and vibrant lands throughout the Show Me State,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).”

The new logo not only captures the breadth and depth of the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s mission, but also the deep history and dedication to conservation across the state.  Conservation Federation of Missouri — one of NWF’s 52 state and territorial affiliates — continue to help wildlife and people thrive for future generations in Missouri.

About the Conservation Federation of Missouri:

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources. Founded in 1935, CFM represents thousands of individuals and more than 100 affiliated organizations across the state. For more information, visit www.ConFedMo.org.

(This EE story comes courtesy of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators)

Photo: MDC

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ozark Land Trust (OLT) have partnered to acquire an ecologically critical 80-acre tract of land located immediately adjacent to the City of Perryville.

The property — containing eight sinkholes and a key entrance to the biologically rich Moore Cave system — will be restored to natural habitat, benefiting the federally endangered grotto sculpin and other cave fauna.

The grotto sculpin is found only in Perry County and depends on clean, undisturbed cave and karst habitats. The newly protected property contributes directly to the recharge zone that sustains the Moore Cave system’s water quality and ecological function.

“This acquisition will enable the restoration of 80 acres of habitat of great benefit to the grotto sculpin, help protect the Moore Cave system and the diverse wildlife it supports, and provide valuable opportunities to connect people to nature,” said MDC Fisheries Biologist Levi Frazier. “We are thankful for OLT’s willingness to take on ownership and stewardship of this important property and so appreciative of all our partners who made this project possible.”

OLT will begin restoring the former farmland to natural habitat to support both surface and underground species.

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The St. Louis Audubon Society is a great source to learn about native birds and the fun, interesting, and fascinating hobby of birdwatching.

Learn more about the St. Louis Audubon Society HERE.

ST. LOUIS STATUS OF THE FOX SPARROW: Can be very numerous some days in March and April and again in late October and November, in brushy and semi-wooded habitats as well as urban and suburban parks. In winter, widespread but generally in small numbers. May visit feeders at times.

Learn more and listen to the songs and calls of Fox Sparrows HERE.

by Don Corrigan

Since 1994, members of Missouri Outdoor Communicators have been telling great nature stories, snapping great photos, as well as just plain promoting the great outdoors. They’ve been making their mark for more than 30 years, and they’re revving up for a great 2026.

“MOC is a group of professional journalists, authors, bloggers, photographers, videographers, biologists, naturalists, companies and communities intent on celebrating all the outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed in Missouri,” said Kyle Stewart, long-time MOC Board Member.
According to Stewart, the mission of MOC is to advance knowledge of natural resources and related recreational pursuits, to improve MOC members’ communications skills, to promote the outdoors, to encourage appropriate use and conservation of natural resources.

Of course, another mission is to attract and to mentor the next generation of outdoor communicators. The need for a new generation to treasure the outdoors and to take up the efforts of MOC is critical.

“MOC is about championing the great outdoors and all its beauty, inspiration, and life lessons,” Stewart said. “It’s about building meaningful professional relationships and lasting personal friendships while fostering healthy communications.

“It’s also about spending time in both familiar and unfamiliar environments and learning new tips and techniques along the way,” he added. “MOC is about protecting and promoting the things that mean the most to us – the natural world and its inhabitants.”

For more information about MOC or joining the group, please call Kyle Stewart at 573-619-3296 or email him: kylewaynestewart@gmail.com. He and other MOC members will gladly assist you.

Photo courtesy Saint Louis Zoo

Four-month-old quintuplet cheetah cubs—Asha, Bozzie, Chirpa, Milani and Wickett—are now making public appearances at the Saint Louis Zoo. The cubs and their mother gained access to the cheetah habitat at River’s Edge starting, Sept. 17, 2025. The cheetah cubs will be visible for extremely limited hours over the next several weeks as they adjust to their new space. Cora and her quints will frequently have access to their public habitat first thing in the morning (typically between 9 and 10 a.m.). The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but there are no guaranteed times when the cubs will be visible.

The quintuplet cheetah cubs were born May 5, 2025, to first-time parents Cora, age 4, and Vader, age 8, and were soon dubbed “Cora’s Quints.” In their first months of life, the cheetah cubs have bonded closely with their mother and each other behind the scenes in a private habitat at the Zoo. The Animal Care Team has gradually introduced them to new enrichment and experiences to aid their development and prepare them for public debut.

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