Pictured: David Slane climbing the Redwoods in California. All photos provided by David Slane.
“Redwoods are just amazing,” said Slane. “It was awe-inspiring to be on trees 15 feet in diameter, to be on trees that are 2,500 years old, 500 years before Jesus Christ was on this Earth. I am still mind-boggled by the whole experience.”
By Holly Shanks (2014)
St. Louis native, Don Dill, 88, started studying mushrooms 60-years ago. It started when he and some friends were at the Lake of the Ozarks. He went outside one morning to check their leaky boat tied in the water and discovered an amazing sight. He said he went out the porch door and encountered what looked like a “flower garden.” As far as he could see down to the water was covered with mushrooms.
“I never saw so many. They were all kinds, different colors and shapes,” Dill said. “Boy, I decided right then I wanted to know more about those things because they were so interesting.”
Pictured above: Jennifer Schamber.
What’s the best way to start a garden from scratch? Wondering what type of tomato to plant? How can you garden on a budget with success? Well, Environmental Echo has some answers to those questions.
Jennifer Schamber, the general manager of Greenscape Gardens, gives gardening advice and tips in this informative podcast. She talks about a variety of interesting gardening topics, including the importance of soil type, the place to find free plastic pots, the tried and true collection of veggies from Gateway Greening’s Perfect Picks, and even why many grocery store tomatoes don’t have that great homegrown tomato taste.
Schamber also explains how St. Louis is at the forefront and a leader in the awareness of issues facing pollinators, like bees and the Monarch butterfly.
Photos courtesy Doug Wolter.
“Gardening helps kids build self-esteem, teaches them to respect the environment and it teaches them about the science of plants,” said Doug Wolter, longtime horticulturist with St. Louis County Parks & Recreation Department. “Better still, it’s an inexpensive hobby and just outside your back door.”
Photo of flooding at 141 at I-44, courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The December 2015 record-breaking flooding was the topic discussed by Lower Meramec River government agencies and other interested parties at a public meeting held recently.
One issue highlighted was the new high water marks established at Pacific, Eureka, and Valley Park.
“Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites: Exploring Our Legacy,” is an updated comprehensive guide to each of Missouri’s State Parks unique opportunities to enjoy the State’s outdoor spaces.
Susan Flader, Ph.D., talks to Don Corrigan about the new State Parks added to the book, the 100th Anniversary of the parks system, and several surprising facts and issues surrounding Missouri’s State Parks.
Susan Flader, the editor of the new book, is a Professor Emerita at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has spent her career teaching and writing about the environment and Missouri history. She has authored numerous articles and books and is also active in the leadership of many environmental and outdoor boards and committees.
To hear the interview continue reading below.
Nature Stock Photo
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) 2016 holiday closing schedule for their offices, nature centers, and staffed shooting ranges is available. “Trails and other outdoor offerings at MDC nature centers and interpretative centers are still available for public use on most days the facilities are closed.”
Continue reading below for more information and a list of dates from the MDC.
Deer hoof print in the snow. Photo by Holly Shanks.
John Vogel, Missouri Department of Conservation’s Wildlife Regional Supervisor for the St. Louis area, talks to Environmental Echo about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), changes to the upcoming deer hunting season regulations and other issues affecting Missouri’s deer population.
Photo by Holly Shanks
The Missouri Prairie Foundation and its Grow Native! program recognizes “outstanding efforts to conserve prairie and to use and promote native plants” by awarding efforts by individuals around the state. This year, there were 18 awardees.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently released a video of accomplishments and successes from 2015.
Environmental Echo 