Missouri Department of Conservation

MU Extension is partnering with The Nature Conservancy, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Prairie Foundation to offer a summer-long native plant identification workshop series.

The Missouri Department of Conservation's St. Joseph office is purchasing native tree and shrub fruits and seeds from the public to support statewide forest regeneration efforts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will begin lowering Kendzora Lake north of Kansas City later this month as part of a major renovation project.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Community Forestry Council are accepting nominations for the 2026 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence.

The Missouri Department of Conservation's K-9 units were deployed 183 times in 2025, according to numbers provided by the department. Additionally, the department's nine K-9 units attended 328 outreach programs.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking residents to help monitor the state's wild turkey population by participating in its annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey this summer.

Weighing bear cubs and measuring teeth are part of Nate Bowersock’s regular workday with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Lanter, a Northwest Missouri State graduate who oversees a 31-county region, highlighted opportunities such as viewing fall foliage, wildlife watching, hiking, and visiting conservation areas like Bluff Woods, Bilby Ranch Lake, and the remnant tallgrass prairie at Pawnee Prairie. He encouraged visitors to research locations in advance, pack essentials, and practice safety—especially during hunting season by wearing blaze orange. Lanter also discussed fishing, birding, winter activities like ice fishing and camping, and urged students and newcomers to let curiosity guide their outdoor exploration.

Rifle season for deer hunting in Missouri opened on Nov. 15. It comes during a seasonal transition that is bringing cooler weather, a changing landscape, and a great time to explore the outdoors. Alek Lanter, a recreational use specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation overseeing the Kansas City and Northwest Regions, spoke with KXCV’s Gavin McGough about hunting regulations, staying safe, and getting outside.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging landowners to watch for invasive plant species on their property as late fall and early winter make them easier to identify.