Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are studying the status of black bears in Missouri. Black bears were abundant in the state during the 18th and 19th centuries, but have been considered almost extinct in Missouri since the late 19th century. The results of the MU study will be used by the Missouri…[more]

Missouri offers plenty of underground adventure for travelers wishing to beat the summer heat. From Meramec Caverns to Fantastic Caverns, the “Cave State” boasts more than 6,000 surveyed caves, offering naturally air-conditioned underground adventure for everyone from families with small children to serious spelunkers.

Want-to-be spelunkers can experience geology, anthropology and…[more]

Missouri now has a second paddle-sports race on its namesake river. Unlike the original, this contest has a category for those not looking for an aquatic marathon.

The Race for the Rivers is a 68-mile challenge for highly competitive kayakers and canoeists. Paddlers will start Aug. 25…[more]

ROLLA, Mo. – Three new recreation passes give visitors access to recreation sites managed by five federal agencies.

The $80 a year Interagency Annual Pass has two signature lines and any two individuals can use the pass to get access to recreation sites managed by US Forest Service, US Bureau of Land Management, US Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation. In Missouri, US…[more]

To the delight of zoo guests and zookeepers, the birth of a giraffe calf today at Dickerson Park Zoo made the day very special.

The calf, which stands between five and six feet tall, was born shortly before noon. The mother, Cheka (pronounced CHEE-kah), is a 14-year-old giraffe that came to Dickerson Park Zoo from the San Diego Wild Animal Park in May 1995. The calf, Cheka’s sixth,…[more]

The city of Pine Bluff is justifiably proud of its new $4.2 million Saracen Landing and is wasting no time when it comes to scheduling special events for it. Grand opening was June 16 and is being followed by a full slate of activities throughout the summer and into fall.

A…[more]

JEFFERSON CITY-Frog season is almost here, and the Missouri Department of Conservation has cooking tips for this seasonal delicacy.

Missouri frogging season opens at sunset June 30 and continues through Oct. 31. The limits are eight bullfrogs or green frogs in the aggregate daily, and 16 in possession.

Frogs…[more]

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are studying the status of black bears in Missouri. Black bears were abundant in the state during the 18th and 19th centuries, but have been considered almost extinct in Missouri since the late 19th century. The results of the MU study will be used by the Missouri Department of Conservation to help manage Missouri’s black bear population.

The researchers - Kaitlyn Faries,…[more]

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – Hummingbirds will provide the theme and Gravois Mills will provide the setting for the second annual Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, June 23.

The family-friendly event at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the ball field on Troutdale Road, one-quarter mile off Highway 5 in downtown Gravois Mills. Hummingbird and gardening experts,…[more]

Black bears normally are shy and elusive, but the Missouri Department of Conservation urges those few Missourians lucky enough to see bears to keep them at arm’s length. Keeping bears wild not only protects people and property, it protects bears, too.

Missouri’s bear population is small. The Conservation Department estimates their number at fewer than 500, nearly all of which live south of the Missouri River. Bear numbers…[more]