The Environmental Bulletin Board for the Ozarks Region
Photo Credit: Missouri Department of Conservation
Welcome to OzarksEnvironmentNews.com! This is your virtual bulletin board – a place to share information and celebrate your events, your accomplishments, your projects as well as a place to find info about organizations of like-minded folks, cool places to go to experience the outdoors at its best, and resources offering data, information, expertise. You are invited to share your news and enjoy the news of others! Got news? Report it to info@ozarksenvironmentnews.com Please note: we make every effort to ensure accuracy in our website; however, we cannot be responsible for info garnered from sites other than ours.
The mission of OzarksEnvironmentNews.com is to facilitate communication and to celebrate efforts and accomplishments among the environmental community of the Southwest Missouri Ozarks and to provide useful information to those who live in or visit the Region. Learn more...
Breaking News
Annual Report
Finding Nature News
Springfield Community Resource Guide
EPA
Native Plant Sales Click HERE to go to a dedicated page for native plant sales, 2024
Read to find out how to subscribe and see what events are coming up. Learn about composting, free workshops and more! Click HERE.
The Ozarks Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) Go HERE to find out more. and the Clean Air Action Plan
The Schoolcraft Ozarks Society
The Schoolcraft Chapter of the Ozark Society presents "Nature's Best Hope," a presentation by Doug Tallamy, best-selling author of Bringing Nature Home and The Nature of Oaks on Saturday, May 18, at 2 PM at the Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO. The City of Springfield's Environmental Services will also be presenting on their Yard Ethic program. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Ozark Society members can attend free. A native plant sale will also be held the same day at the Darr Center from 8 AM to noon (while supplies last).
To register for the event, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natures-best-hope-featuring-doug-tallamy-tickets-846457706787
To become an Ozark Society member, click here: https://www.ozarksociety.net/membership/
See Flyer here
Planet Unity Recycling Event, April 13, 9-12. Unity of Springfield is once again hosting a community-wide recycling event. You're invited to bring your old or unwanted paper, electronics and metal and we will recycle it for you. The paper shred truck charges $5 per box and the metal and electronics recycling is free. We will be accepting monetary donations.
James River Basin Partnership
Click to read the 2023 Annual Report
2024 JRBP EARTH DAY CLEANUP REGISTRATION
Celebrate Earth Day by making an impact on our beloved James River and Lake Springfield. Join us for our annual cleanup on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 pm.
DID YOU KNOW...that your kiddos can join the James River Partnership for free? There are some cool things for them when they join!
Go to: www.jamesriverbasin.com/cleanwaterkids
Watershed Center of the Ozarks
We are hiring Conservation Technicians!
Do you know someone interested in working with the National Park Service to restore and maintain our historic lands?
Please send them our way!
You can find more information here.
Dark Sky Missouri (Click here for more information)
Missouri Institute of Natural Science
We are looking for a part-time Museum Assistant to help with administrative tasks. Below is a job description. Let me know if you have any questions - Samantha Forir (MINS Board Member) Go to for more details: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=829612045838643&id=100063695647578&mibextid=qC1gEa
Missouri Environmental Education Association (MEEA)
Check out what can be recycled at Staples. https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Department of Natural Resources will host four free pesticide pickups in 2024
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 29, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will offer four free waste pesticide collection events in 2024. All of the events will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and are open to all Missouri farmers and households.
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April 6 – MFA Agri Services, 226 N. Walker St. in Montgomery City.
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Sept. 7 – Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, 14548 State Road H in Mount Vernon.
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Oct. 5 – 901 S. Main St. in Carrollton.
Accepted (Limited to 8,000 lbs. total product weight):
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Herbicides.
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Insecticides.
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Fungicides.
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Rodenticides.
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De-wormers.
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Fly tags.
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Fertilizers containing pesticide.
Not Accepted:
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Pesticide rinsate: For rinsate management information, visit mo.gov/document-search/pesticide-rinsate-management-pub2870/pub2870.
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Paint, explosives.
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Fire extinguishers.
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Yard waste.
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Electronics.
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Trash.
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Pesticides from businesses, pesticide-production facilities, pesticide distributors, pesticide retailers or similar entities.
Register for one of the collection events at pesticidecollectionregistration@dnr.mo.gov. More information about the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program is available online at dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/what-were-doing/events-collections-trainings/missouri-pesticide-collection-program.
Department of Natural Resources offers funding to improve water quality
April 2, 2024
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Join Webex Meeting
Teleconference Call Number: 1-650-479-3207
WebEx Meeting number (Access Code): 2632 651 7885
Meeting password: DNR
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has funding available for projects that will protect Missouri’s waters from pollution caused by stormwater runoff, also known as nonpoint source pollution. Responses to a new Request for Proposals for this federal grant funding are due by
May 1, 2024. An information session to learn more about this funding opportunity will be held
April 2, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. virtually via Webex.
To be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must implement pollutant-reducing land management practices from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and department-accepted
watershed-based plan. Watersheds with active watershed-based plans include: Black Creek (Shelby County), Deer Creek (St. Louis County), Spring River, James River, Keifer Creek, Perry County Karst, Town Branch-Piper Creek, upper Little Sac River, Greater Bonne Femme, and North and Middle Fabius rivers. Local governments, state agencies, educational institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the grant funding. Research, land purchase and NPDES permit requirements are not eligible.
Grant awards can range from $50,000 to $400,000 and projects can span up to three years. Authorized by Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act, the grant funding is provided by EPA and administered by the department.
Nonpoint source pollution occurs when excess surface runoff from rainfall or snowmelt carries pollutants, such as chemicals, bacteria, sediment and debris, into nearby waters. Nonpoint source pollution is the greatest threat to water quality in Missouri and the nation. Controlling this type of pollution is particularly challenging. Because stormwater runoff travels across the landscape collecting pollutants, it is difficult to pinpoint and address their specific sources.
To respond to the Request for Proposals, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/nonpoint-source-pollution-section-319/subgrants. For more information about the application process or about watershed-based plans, contact the department’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program at 573-751-5723 or 800-361-4827, or by email at MoDNR.NPSprogram@dnr.mo.gov.
Earth Day Festival Springfield, MO
𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
We are excited for a unique and diverse day of music!
Be sure to snag those tix at https://www.earthdayspringfieldmo.org/ and remember ALL PROCEEDS of your ticket purchase go to local environmental organizations!
EPA
There are upcoming webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. Let us know if you have upcoming webinars you would like us to include in future newsletters. Our previous webinars can be found here.
Federal Webinars
The following webinars are being offered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies this month.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) webinars
Portfolio Manager. ENERGY STAR offers several webinars on Portfolio Manager every month. These webinars explain how to navigate different parts of Portfolio Manager, from basics to advanced features.
Portfolio Manager – Ask the Expert. Every other Wednesday at noon, ENERGY STAR holds Portfolio Manager "Ask the Expert" webinars that give users an opportunity to ask their questions directly to EPA experts in an open forum. Want to talk to a “real” person? Have a question about how Portfolio Manager calculates your score? Want to learn more about switching to Green Power? Join this public forum to ask your Portfolio Manager questions.
Community Change Technical Assistance (CCTA) Webinar SerieS
Webinars will occur every Tuesday through at least March 2024. These webinars will provide information on the content and requirements of the Community Change Grants (CCG) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), available technical assistance, and answer questions about the grant application process.
March 19, 3 PM (ET) – Preparing a Grant Budget
Date To Be Determined, 3 PM (ET) – Project Evaluation
US Department of Energy (DOE) webinars
March 21, 1 PM (ET) - Energy Code Enforcement Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Communities
With fewer building department staff, longer distances to travel between job sites, and less opportunity for workforce education and training, energy code enforcement can present unique challenges in rural communities. This webinar will highlight some of these specific challenges faced by code officials and others in the field and describe existing solutions and new opportunities to help improve code enforcement and compliance.
Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) Energy Code Webinar Series
Join the DOE Building Energy Codes Program for the 2023-2024 Energy Code Webinar Series! This monthly webinar series, regularly scheduled for the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. (Eastern), will provide an opportunity to learn, discuss, and engage on timely and important energy code topics throughout the year. Each monthly webinar will be presented across a range of engaging formats, from topic-based lectures to expert panels and interactive discussions.
March 21, 1 PM (ET) – Energy Code Enforcement Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Communities Register Here
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Competitive Program Energy Planning Webinar Series
This webinar series, hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in partnership with the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, provides training in valuable tools for EECBG Program recipients.
March 19, 12 PM (ET) – Financing Upfront Capital and Revenue Register Here
Other Webinars
These webinars are not offered by federal agencies, but EPA thought may be of interest to you.
Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) webinar
Ozark Soul
Ozark Riverways Foundation
Ozarks Greenways
Missouri Department of Conservation
MDC names new conservation educator in southwest Missouri
Stacia Skinner will work with schools and educators in six counties.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Stacia Skinner hopes her love of the outdoors and her interest in working with teachers and students will result in showing how conservation can provide innovative teaching ideas.
On March 16, Skinner will begin her duties as a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Conservation Educator in MDC’s Southwest Region. She will work with elementary, middle school, and high school educators in Cedar, Dade, Dallas, Hickory, Laclede, and Polk counties.
“Working for the Missouri Department of Conservation is a dream come true, said Skinner, a Republic native and a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. “Learning from and working alongside MDC staff has only fueled my passion for the outdoors. I love getting people out into the fresh air and experiencing open spaces.”
Skinner may be new to her current duties, but she’s not new to MDC nor to the education field. Prior to accepting her current position, Skinner was an hourly at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center from 2022 until the present. Prior to that, she worked as a volunteer with MDC and the Missouri Prairie Foundation on a variety of habitat restoration projects.
Her experience in the classroom includes working with special needs students for three years (first as a paraprofessional, then as a teacher) in the Republic R-lll School District and then in Springfield (Mo.) Public Schools District.
Skinner will provide opportunities for teachers to work with MDC’s Discover Nature Schools (DNS) program. DNS is a statewide conservation-based education program that incorporates outdoors learning into a variety of school subjects. DNS emphasizes hands-on learning, teaches problem-solving and provides teachers with innovative outdoors-based options to add variety to their curriculums. Information about the DNS program can be found at:
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/teacher-portal/discover-nature-schools
Besides working with teachers on DNS curriculums, Skinner will also coordinate hunter education classes and certification for her six counties. She will also promote the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) and Discover Nature Fishing programs to schools in her counties.
She will work out of MDC’s Bolivar Office. He can be reached at 417-326-5189, ext. 1850 or at Stacia.Skinner@mdc.mo.gov. More information about MDC’s educational programs at be found at mdc.mo.gov.
"Fish Don't Want Your Meds" was created by the Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MOPSC), a coalition of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a national policy advocate and consulting nonprofit.
“People with unused medications in their medicine cabinets shouldn’t have to wait for a twice-yearly DEA take-back day to safely dispose of them,” said Angie Snyder, Chair of the MOPSC. “This campaign will help protect people and the environment.”
“Missouri’s new take-back campaign is a great way to educate consumers about pharmaceuticals responsibility,” said Scott Cassel, CEO and Founder of PSI. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Missouri Product Stewardship Council to make sure all residents connect with these valuable resources.” https://missouripsc.org/initiatives/pharmaceuticals/
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The people of Southwest Missouri are known for their ability to work together to solve problems. Communication is a critical component of those efforts. All advocacy work takes a toll on its warriors – we all need to celebrate our successes.
OzarksEnvironmentNews.com, created by Barbara Lucks, is a vehicle for both of these important components of a successful effort – communication and celebration.
Barbara Lucks grew up on a family owned and operated resort at the Lake of the Ozarks. Her father built the resort in 1932, just as the Lake was filling. She grew up with a love and respect for everything outdoors and of nature. Following graduation from Missouri State University, she stayed in Springfield and returned to a familiar pursuit – a career in corporate-level hotel management. In 1994, she joined the City of Springfield as the Materials Recovery/Education Coordinator and was instrumental in positioning Springfield as a regional recycling hub. She left the City in 2016, as the City’s first Sustainability Officer, to go into private consulting. She has an extensive resume – both professional and as a community volunteer leader.
Got news? Let us know!
Subject Line: Ozarks Environment News