May 2011         
 
IN THIS ISSUE
MCHF Donates Toward Exhibit
Young Girl Donates to Foundation
* Foundation Awards $40,000 for Projects
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Since 1997, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has provided more than $11 million for conservation and outdoor recreation. In 2010 alone, we funded 33 projects.
 
MCHF Donates toward Exhibit at G. Andy Runge Conservation Nature Center
  
On April 16 staff at Runge Conservation Nature Center dedicated a bronze sculpture of a three-toed box turtle.  The sculpture recognizes the commitment of the center's volunteers who donate 7,500 hours annually to support conservation education in Jefferson City.  Seven hundred people attended the event.  "April is volunteer appreciation month, so what better tVolunteers Honored With Sculptureime to dedicate this wonderful sculpture to our volunteers who are our backbone, our heart, and our soul," stated Kathy Cavender, Nature Center Manager. "Our mission is to connect people to nature.  Building strong connections to Missouri's outdoors is imperative for a high quality of life and wise stewardship of our resources.  This sculpture will help us accomplish our mission."

A grant from the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, and many private donations, funded the sculpture.  About half of those donations came from MDC staff and nature center volunteers. Tom Schulte, a nationally recognized artist, donated most of his time and energy to this project.  Tom's art graces private collections, universities, and state Capitols.  Schulte has personal connections to the nature center; three of his children have served as volunteers there. Read More
  
 
Young girl celebrates her birthday and love of the outdoors by making a donation to MCHF!!
 
 

Foundation Awards $40,000 for Projects  
  

At its Board meeting at Lake of the Ozarks on February 25, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation approved three projects benefiting conservation at an amount of $40,000.  MCHF approved funding for the following:

 

Missouri Elk RestorationElk

The Foundation approved $35,000 for the Department of Conservation (MDC) for trapping, holding, relocating, testing and monitoring elk in early 2011.  Funding will help cover costs related to building holding pens in Kentucky and Missouri, feeding, research and monitoring, trapping, transportation and veterinarian supplies.  Read more; View a Video; View 2nd Video

 

Rangers of the River

The Foundation approved $1,000 for this outreach program that serves at-risk young men between the ages of 14 and 18.  The 30-40 candidates enroll in an intense two- month course which follows a military style regimen of early mornings, hard work, career planning and above all - community service.  Last year, MDC staff led the group on a wilderness adventure in the Missouri Ozarks.  Funds will help cover the cost of the adventure, which includes canoeing, fishing, and camping on the Current River.

 

Trail and picnic shelter in Grundy County for Boy Scouts

The Foundation approved $4,000 for the construction of a picnic shelter house and half-mile interpretive trail on property owned by the Grundy County Boy Scouts of America.  The property is located southwest of Trenton on Highway 6. 

MCHF considers projects that contribute to one or more of MDC's strategic goals, help promote hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation; promote Missouri's fish, forest and wildlife resources; improve habitat; engage existing and new partners; and leverage other funds. 

 

Since 1997, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has provided more than $11 million in funding for conservation and outdoor recreation. Follow this link to learn more about MCHF, or to make a tax-deductible donation:  Read more

The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1997 to help meet financial needs placed on natural resource conservation and conservation-related outdoor recreation.

The Foundation is separate from the Missouri Department of Conservation but supports that agency's mission of protecting the state's fish, forestry, and wildlife resources for all Missourians. We are governed by a volunteer board comprised of conservation, community, and business leaders. By working with Missouri Department of Conservation staff, who partner with conservation groups statewide, we fund projects that immediately address conservation and outdoor recreation needs. Since it was created in 1997, the Foundation has provided more than $11 million for conservation projects. The Foundation receives funding from several sources, including Conservation Heritage License Plate donations; private donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations; and payments to the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund.

The Foundation offers volunteer opportunities and a variety of conservation giving opportunities. If you would like to speak to a Foundation staff person for more information, call 1-800-227-1488.