The Ozark National Scenic Riverways visitor information center previously located in the lobby of the park headquarters building in Van Buren has moved to the newly reopened historic entrance station at Big Spring. Last year, renovations were completed on the Big Spring entrance station. The original Missouri State Parks once used this historic building, continuing…
A lifetime commitment to the Riverways for Darrel Blackwell By William Terry VAN BUREN, Mo. — Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a special place. Indeed, it boasts the first two protected rivers in our nation and some of the most spectacular natural and cultural resources found anywhere. But some of the most precious resources are…
A National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey will be conducted on Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) from October through September 2023. The information gathered is useful for forest planning and to help MTNF officials align their recreation program and facilities in a way that provides the best customer service. The NVUM provides National Forest managers…
In my travels to western states, seeing burn bans in place is not that unusual. Honestly, it seems almost commonplace to turn on the news and see a wildfire in California or Colorado that destroys public and private property. In horrific instances, wildfires end lives. Yet, here in our neck of the woods, burn bans…
By Bob Brennecke Osage orange, also called hedge apple, bow-wood, French Bois d’Arc, naranjo chino, or horse apple, and monkey brain are a few of its names. This fruit, when cut open, has many small seeds surrounded by a sticky, milky sap-like liquid that can produce dermatitis in humans. The Osage orange is often trained as a hedge row along a…
The eastern musk turtle, or stinkpot, is Missouri’s smallest species of turtle and one of the smallest turtles in the world. These darkly-colored aquatic turtles only grow to 4.5 inches and have a more dome-like shell than other aquatic turtles. The name “stinkpot” suggests a smelly reputation and this turtle does not disappoint! Its official…
The Missouri Conservation Commission (MCC) met March 25 for its regular open meeting at MDC Headquarters, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City, Mo. Commissioners also attended a field workshop at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area in Boone County on March 23. Commissioners attending the open meeting in person or online were: L. (Barry) Orscheln, chair;…
The following information is from an article posted in the Airstream forum and written by Bruce Haedrich: I thought this was entertaining and had some very useful information for all of us to use. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. It is a bit long-winded but very good information to follow. When I…
