Category Archives: Outdoor/Nature

Working Together To Save Missouri’s Bats

Little brown bat; close-up of nose with fungus, New York, Oct. 2008.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Photo courtesy Ryan von Linden/New York Department of Environmental Conservation

Little brown bat; close-up of nose with fungus, New York, Oct. 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Photo courtesy Ryan von Linden/New York Department of Environmental Conservation

The race is on to find solutions and inform the public about a disease killing millions of bats in the United States – White-Nose Syndrome. The disease continues to spread and has been reported in 25 states, including Missouri.

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Urban Chicken Keepnig Grows In Popularity

Urban Chickens in Kirkwood, checking out their yard at the home of Bill Ruppert. Photo by Holly Shanks

By Holly Shanks

Egg-laying chickens and chicken coops are no longer a sight seen only in rural areas. Coops are popping up in suburban backyards like Webster and Kirkwood. Sustainability and a desire to reconnect with natural food sources seems to be driving the popularity of keeping the feathery egg-laying pets.

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Viewpoints Differ on Management of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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Ozark National Scenic Riverways Photo provided by Holly Shanks

By Holly Shanks

Clashing viewpoints on a proposed new general management plan (GMP) for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) have resulted in some heated debate between environmental groups and regional interests.

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