Box turtles are fascinating animals that lend 
themselves to long-term observation by amateur naturalists. They do not survive long in captivity, however, and the Missouri Department of Conservation urges nature lovers to leave turtles where they belong – in the wild. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo)
Three-toed box turtles are fascinating,…[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…[more]
Through the department’s Web site, national Web site http://www.airnow.gov and local media alerts, air quality control staff will notify the public what the air quality index is expected to be the following day, so individuals can take appropriate precautions.
“The air quality index forecast will be based on ground-level ozone and particulate matter data and local weather information from the National Weather Service,” says air quality coordinator…[more]
In the northern hemisphere, the Summer Solstice ushered in the longest day of the year—and continued relief from Spring’s record-setting motor gasoline prices.
Although the temperature continues to rise, for the 4th consecutive week, Missouri and U.S. average retail gasoline prices continued to fall, moving near or below $3 per gallon. On June 21, Missouri’s average retail price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.83 per gallon, $0.19 or…[more]
While the stories of a few southwest Missouri 
businesses that raised prices in the wake of the January ice storms may be well known, Attorney General Jay Nixon says it is important to recognize the many business owners who did whatever possible to help their neighbors – even if it meant taking a…[more]
Hotspots of the Japanese beetles are popping up rapidly in larger numbers than last year, causing concern for corn producers and homeowners alike.
“We are seeing quite a few insects showing up. In most of these areas we see problems on corn that is tassling,” said University of…[more]
After a nationwide competition involving 93 
cities, The U.S. Conference of Mayors announced recently that the City of St. Louis has the Best Tasting City Water in America.
Ninety-three cities each submitted 16 gallons of city tap water to be judged based on taste, clarity and aroma. After the Conference of…[more]
Attendees to this year’s Rainbow Family gathering have already started showing up the Ozark National Forest.
The event, slated for July 1-4, is being held in Arkansas for the first time since 1975 and is expected to draw about 5,000 to 10,000 people, a much lower attendance than in…[more]
The Department of Natural Resources has been criticized recently as “being too lenient” when handling Missouri Clean Water Law violations. The fact is that 
the department’s first job, and statutory obligation, is to protect the quality of the waters of the state, and the department has many means to accomplish this.
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt announced 25 Missouri communities will be recommended to the National Park Service to receive more than $755,000 in federal grants to assist with park and recreation needs. The grants are part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is a federal program that can be used to acquire, develop and renovate outdoor recreation projects.
“Missouri’s many outdoor recreation opportunities, from playgrounds to parks,…[more]
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