Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Scientists have discovered that certain types of trees, like beech and oak, that end up trying to grow in nutrient-poor forest soil will cultivate certain root microbes that create the food compounds the trees need to survive.

“In acidic forest soils, availability of inorganic nutrients is a tree-growth-limiting factor,” Stéphane Uroz, one of the researchers, explains. “These microbes are exceptionally efficient at turning inorganic minerals into nutrients that…[more]

The CADDIS Fly Fishing Club is hosting a fly-tying clinic October 9th,10:00AM at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join the CADDIS fly tyers and learn techniques for tying flies, and you can also try your hand at tying. The CADDIS fly fishing club is located in Russellville.

For more information about the club and meetings, visit their website at http://www.caddisflyfishers.org.

Admission: Free

CONTACT: [more]

In 1824, three years before he began to publish his famous “double elephant folio” The Birds of America, John James Audubon (1785-1851), the eminent artist of American birds and animals, created a drawing of a running grouse for use in the design for a New Jersey bank note. Although the artist mentions the drawing and the resulting engraved paper money in two separate diary entries, no one has ever been…[more]

Even though the park closed in 1993, Dogpatch (near Jasper, Arkansas), is still getting visitors. These visitors are from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

It seems the ADEQ is continuing to test the waters of Mill Creek, which runs through the decaying remains of a theme park and tiny community surrounding it. Those tests are in preparation of a lawsuit alleging that the community is dumping…[more]

If your drinking water comes from a private well, it’s important to test water annually and inspect your well regularly for possible contamination, said a University of Missouri Extension water quality specialist.

“Well water can become contaminated from various sources. There are no federal or state monitoring regulations for private wells,” said Bob Broz.

By law, community water supplies must undergo regular testing, with results disclosed…[more]

“Greening of Arkansas,” a program that offers grants in support of developing community gardens, parks and high-profile green spaces, has opened the applications for the 2011 grant year.

The deadline to submit applications is September 1, 2010. Grants are funded by proceeds from the annual Arkansas Flower & Garden show, which will mark its 20th year in 2011.

“This program was developed to encourage neighborhoods, community…[more]

They can detract from an otherwise perfect time in the Ozarks outdoors. Plus, diseases like West Nile and malaria are spread by mosquitoes. We spray ourselves up to ward them off and towns fog the air we breath in an effort to kill off the thirsty pests. But new research from a university in Israel has uncovered a different, more natural means, of controlling mosquito populations.

Prof. Leon…[more]

Missouri landowners have shown vast interest in participating in the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI), says J.R. Flores, state conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Because so many applications have already been received, Flores said NRCS will rank applications on July 23, which is a week before the August 1 cutoff date.

“I am grateful and proud of Missouri farmers and landowners for stepping up to…[more]

It’s amazing what types of fishing contraptions you’ll find in a lake. Earlier this month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission cleaned-up Lake Overcup, located just north of I-40 near Morrilton.

The purpose of the project was to remove illegal fishing devices and structures, in addition to metal stakes and rebar that create boating hazards. AGFC wildlife officers found an amazing array of equipment during the clean-up. The…[more]

Splashing around in a swimming pool on a hot summer day may not be as safe as you think. A recent University of Illinois study links the application of disinfectants in recreational pools to previously published adverse health outcomes such as asthma and bladder cancer.

Each year, 339 million visits take place at pools and water parks across the United States. Not only is swimming fun, but it’s…[more]