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Since 1997, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has provided more than $12 million for conservation and outdoor recreation. In 2011 alone, we funded over 30 projects totalling $1.3 million. In 2012, we funded over 32 projects totaling a more than $142,000. |
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Bennett Spring Fishing/Viewing Platform Dedication Set
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Platform Replaces Old Concrete Slab |
Construction of the fishing/viewing platforms at Bennett Spring State Park is finished and the fundraising
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Disabled Accessible Platform |
efforts of MCHF have now ended. The Foundation is happy to report that over
$60,000 has been raised toward this project. The platforms are now available. A donor thank you event, dedication of the platforms and unveiling of the donor plaques is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2013 in conjunction with the popular Kids Fishing Day event at Bennett Spring State Park.
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Foundation Approves $37,000 in Grants and Projects
At its Board meeting on February 13, 2013 in Jefferson City, Missouri the MCHF Board approved funding for ten projects for the Missouri Department of Conservation. This funding is made possible through private donations to MCHF and revenue from MCHF Conservation License Plate donations:
Community Archery Grant Program for City and County Parks: $5000
Slabtown Access (Big Piney River) Construction Project: $4,000
Missouri Girls Discovering Nature (Northeast Missouri): $2,500
Missouri Girls Discovering Nature (St. Louis Area): $1,500
Missouri Girls Discovering Nature (Northwest Missouri): $3,000
Missouri Girls Discovering Nature (Ozarks): $2,500
Smithville Lake Disabled Deer and Turkey Hunt and Youth Deer and Turkey Hunt and Smithville Lake Eagle Day Fiberglass Blinds: $4,500
Stone Mill Spring Recreation Area Disabled Angler Access Project: $7,560
Southeast Missouri Feral Hog Eradication Program: $1,500
Joplin Tree Replanting: $5,350 |
Conservation Pioneers Raise Money to Benefit Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Volunteers
The Missouri Conservation Pioneers, an MDC retiree group, has published a book containing seventy-three original stories that were the basis of Trails Past articles in Conservation Currents, an in-house newsletter of MDC. Retirees Gene Brunk, Joe Dillard, and many others authored the stories. The well-illustrated, 200-page paperback takes us back to unusual and sometimes amazing events from the past seventy-five years of MDC history.The Pioneers have not only helped capture highlights of MDC history, but once again will help to fund conservation programs. Half of the $20 price of the book will be given to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation as seed money for a new account within MCHF. Several Pioneers including Gene Brunk, Jerry Presley, and Rick Thom, who is also Executive Vice President of MCHF, brainstormed on potential projects at a recent Pioneer's coffee. They decided to use the money to support the many fine and generous people who volunteer their time for various MDC programs. MCHF has established the MDC Volunteer Support Account. Proceeds from the Trails Past book, plus a donation from a private individual, Aaron Jungbluth, will be used to kick start this volunteer fund. Mr. Jungbluth contributes each year through the Boeing volunteer gift matching program. The money received into this account will be used for anything that benefits volunteers including incentives, equipment, field trips, training, or anything else that MDC considers important to support its volunteers. Books are available for $20 (which includes postage). Make checks to Missouri Conservation Pioneers and send them to David Urich, 53069 Hughs Rd., Centertown, MO 65023. Or, you can contribute any amount to the Volunteers account by sending your donation to MCHF, PO Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and indicate that it is for Volunteer Support or make an online donation by credit card. |
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Springfield Conservation Nature Center - 25 Years of Discovering Nature
On a bright sunny day in October 1988, with the snip of a ribbon, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center (CNC) was opened to the public. One of the promises made with the 1976 passage of the Design for Conservation one-eighth of one-percent sales tax was a system of nature centers in urban areas. First fulfilled with the opening of Burr Oak Woods CNC in 1982, today there are seven Conservation Nature Centers and five interpretive facilities. The Springfield
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A mother & child discover nature at Springfield CNC
Photo by Nappadol Paothong |
CNC will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the weekend of October 4 through 6 with special programs and activities.
The Springfield CNC, nestled in 79 acres of the Ozarks, has hosted more than 2.4 million guests inside the building and nearly double that number have enjoyed the three miles of trails. More than 32 percent of the guests entering the building (nearly 800,000 people) have learned about conservation directly by participating in hundreds of presentations that are offered annually to organized groups of all ages and for the general public both onsite and in various offsite locations.
A recent visitor exit survey found that the average visitor made seven trips to the nature center annually spending nearly an hour and a half during each trip; many respondents visited the center daily. Hiking the trails was the primary reason for visiting followed by attending programs and viewing the exhibits. Nearly 87 percent listed their experience as "excellent." Using the survey, economists estimated that the total value that Springfield CNC provided to the public is $2,125,000 per year, or just over $11 per visit.
But the center's most important value is giving individual's experience with nature. For many, their experiences at the Springfield CNC are priceless.
Linda Chorice, Nature Center Manager
You can direct a donation to MCHF for the Springfield Nature Center, either online or by check made payable to MCHF, PO Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102. |
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Former Conservaton Commissioner Chip McGeehan Joins MCHF Board of Directors
At its December 7, 2012, the MCHF Board of Directors approved Chip McGeehan as its newest member. Mr. McGeehan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Missouri - Columbia. He went on to pursue a career in business, but remains dedicated to wildlife management and conservation. He sustainably grazes herds of bison on his 1,000-acre ranch along the James River in Webster County, where he also hosts annual hunting and fishing opportunities. He enjoys bow hunting and angling, and he is very active in the recruitment of youth hunters. He served as a Missouri Conservation Commissioner from 2005 to 2011 and was instrumental in the Department's elk restoration program. He is a lifetime member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri and serves on the Federation's board of directors. |
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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. |
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