Deanna Armstrong
Deanna Armstrong
Photo courtesy of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
Deanna Armstrong
Welcome to OzarksEnvironmentNews.com! This is your virtual bulletin board – a place to share information and celebrate your events, your accomplishments, your projects as well as a place to find info about organizations of like-minded folks, cool places to go to experience the outdoors at its best, and resources offering data, information, expertise. You are invited to share your news and enjoy the news of others! Got news? Report it to info@ozarksenvironmentnews.com Please note: we make every effort to ensure accuracy in our website; however, we cannot be responsible for info garnered from sites other than ours.
The mission of OzarksEnvironmentNews.com is to facilitate communication and to celebrate efforts and accomplishments among the environmental community of the Southwest Missouri Ozarks and to provide useful information to those who live in or visit the Region. Learn more...
Breaking News
May MOPSC Meeting
Building EPR Wins in the Midwest:
Insights from the Illinois Product Stewardship Council
May 14 | 9:00am - 10:30am CT
Product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR) are transforming how states manage waste, and Missouri is right in the middle of it.
Join Christina Seibert, Executive Director of Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County in Illinois, to hear about the function, progress, and achievements of the Illinois Product Stewardship Council (ILPSC).
The ILPSC is a coalition co-founded by local governments in Illinois and the Product Stewardship Institute that has worked since 2010 to successfully advocate and pass EPR laws for pharmaceuticals, paint, and batteries in the state.
Christina will share what it took to get there in Illinois, and how we can apply those lessons to our work here in Missouri.
Topics include:
How the ILPSC was established, how it is funded, and how members share leadership roles
Educating legislators and building relationships at the capitol
Working with state agencies, industry, and retail associations to move EPR legislation forward
What program launch looks like once a bill passes
Advice on growing membership and what a Product Stewardship Council delivers
Insights on building long-term stability and permanence as a coalition
GUEST SPEAKER
Christina Seibert
Executive Director, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County in Illinois (SWANCC)
Christina Seibert is the Executive Director for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), an intergovernmental agency facilitating waste management operations, programs, and policy for its 23 member municipalities and 800,000 residents in north and northwest Cook County (suburban Chicago). She has 25 years of experience developing and implementing solid waste and waste diversion plans and policy, driving pragmatic and community-minded strategies.
Christina is the President of the Illinois Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), chair of the Illinois Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council, chair of the Illinois Electronics Recycling Task Force, co-chair of the Illinois Task Force on Recycling Contamination Solutions, and President of the Product Stewardship Institute’s Board of Directors.
The Product Stewardship Institute is a policy expert and consulting nonprofit that pioneered product stewardship in the United States. Since 2000, PSI has helped enact 150 extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws across 22 product categories in 34 states and the District of Columbia— the bedrock on which the circular economy is built. We work with businesses, nonprofits, academia, and governments to ensure that products are responsibly managed from design to end of life.
The Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MOPSC) is a coalition of local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders that aim to reduce waste, increase reuse and recycling, save local governments money, and support jobs. We take a product stewardship approach, which seeks to share responsibility with product manufacturers and creates accountability for managing waste, particularly at the post-consumer stage.
CONTACT: Carol Davit, MPF Executive Director, 573-356-7828, carol@moprairie.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Missouri Prairie Foundation Recognizes 60th Anniversary in 2026
For six decades, this conservation organization has been protecting priceless prairie for current and future generations to enjoy
Jefferson City, MO (March 24, 2026)—In 2026, the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) is 60 years old. For six decades, MPF has been a leading advocate for the protection and appreciation of prairie. Today, MPF owns and manages 36 properties totaling more than 5,000 acres—including some of Missouri’s most biologically rich old-growth prairies. MPF’s stewardship sustains the stunning biodiversity and natural integrity of these prairies, making them irreplaceable sites for prairie wildlife conservation and research.
“MPF is highly respected by other state and national conservation groups and is a nationally accredited land trust,” said MaryKay O’Donnell, Midwest Senior Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance. “The organization’s excellent governance, assertive advocacy, fiscal responsibility, educational programming and materials, as well as outstanding land stewardship are admired throughout the conservation community. MPF’s leadership also helps protect thousands of acres owned by partners, inspires and supports related conservation actions by other groups and individuals, and elevates the significance of Missouri’s prairie and native plant heritage as state and national treasures.”
A few of MPF’s many accomplishments throughout its history include:
– Accelerated ownership of prairie in recent years for permanent protection. Since 2013, MPF has acquired more acres of remnant prairie in Missouri than any other entity in that time frame. MPF’s 36 properties are open to the public to enjoy on foot.
– Support for dozens of prairie research projects via small grants, funded species surveys on its properties, and access to MPF prairies for approved data collection.
– Development of a vigorous prairie education program, with numerous free guided prairie hikes throughout the seasons, an annual prairie bioblitz and campout, publication of the Missouri Prairie Journal since 1979, presentations about the functions and values of prairie to dozens of groups every year, native plant sales organized throughout Missouri, and outreach with free educational materials available at scores of community events annually.
– Serving as the home of the Grow Native! program since 2012, MPF has greatly expanded this native plant and landscaping marketing and education program, with nearly 200 professional members, a Professional Certification program; Grow Native! Gardens of Excellence program; 30 Top Ten native plant lists; 14 native garden designs; Native Landscaping Planning Toolkit for Municipal Professionals; the publication of a free e-book, Native Plants for Stormwater Management Projects; a searchable native plant database with 400 species for home gardening; a popular webinar and master class series reaching thousands of people annually; and much more.
– Serving as the administrative home, since 2015, of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), an interdisciplinary group of professionals working to make early detection and control of invasive plants a statewide priority. Among MoIP’s accomplishments are the establishment of an annual Callery Pear Buyback Event, in 23 cities in 2026; obtaining rigorous public input to support a proposal to halt the sale of select invasive plants; and successful advocacy that supported passage of legislation to this effect in 2025.
Individuals interested in learning more about prairie and native grasslands are invited to visit an MPF prairie, participate in MPF’s many programs, explore its online resources, and attend MPF events including upcoming native plants sales, free webinars, guided prairie hikes, the MPF Prairie BioBlitz on June 6 and 7, 2026, among others planned for this anniversary year.
“Thanks to MPF members and other financial contributors, colleagues with other conservation groups, and private prairie landowners, we are making a positive difference for Missouri’s prairie legacy,” said Carol Davit, MPF executive director. “We invite prairie enthusiasts to learn more about our work at moprairie.org and become part of the MPF community.”
Learn about the plants and animals featured in MPF’s special edition anniversary logo here.
James River Basin Partnership
Missouri Department of Conservation
Ozarks Clean Fuels Coalition
Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
Solid Waste Management District O
EPA
Please visit and bookmark the EPA Grants Webinars page where you will find tips for preparing for EPA webinars, presentation materials, helpful resources, and webinar recordings. We also invite you to visit and bookmark the Community Library of Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to questions about EPA grants that were asked by previous webinar participants.
Missouri Environmental Education Association (MEEA)
L-A-D Foundation
Incorporated in 1962, the L-A-D Foundation is a Missouri private operating foundation dedicated to the responsible management of Pioneer Forest as a working demonstration of renewable resource use compatible with the long-term carrying capacity and health of the land and water. The Foundation also acquires and preserves in the public interest outstanding areas of natural, geologic, cultural or historic interest. In addition, the Foundation provides support to various projects consistent with its conservation goals, with a particular focus on the Missouri Ozark region.
2024 Annual Report
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Prairie Foundation
Ozark Society
(see flyer, click here)
The Ozark Society is a non-profit organization established in Arkansas in 1962 to protect the Buffalo
River and its surrounding wilderness area from development, thus allowing it to remain a free-flowing
and scenic river. Today, the Ozark Society continues to advocate for conservation of natural resources,
preservation of scenic places, and environmental education.
SW Missouri Local Government Briefings
Missouri Butterflies, host plants and Caterpillars
Go here to see a great poster of common butterflies and their caterpillars!
Watershed Center of the Ozarks
Children and Nature Network
Springfield Community Resource Guide
Read to find out how to subscribe and see what events are coming up. Learn about composting, free workshops and more! Click HERE.
The Ozarks Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) Go HERE to find out more. and the Clean Air Action Plan
The Schoolcraft Ozarks Society
Dark Sky Missouri (Click here for more information)
Staples https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling
Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MP PSC)
Check out their informational flyer HERE
Missouri Master Gardener Conference
June 4-7, 2026
Springfield, Missouri
Special Conference Packages Have Been Added
Gardeners across Missouri are invited to dig deeper into their passion this summer as registration continues for the 2026 Missouri Master Gardener Conference. You do not have to be a Master Gardener to attend.
This event will bring together gardening enthusiasts, volunteers and
horticulture experts for education, connection and inspiration June 4-7 at
the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield.
In addition to the full conference lineup, several special packages have been included to make the conference experience more flexible for attendees. Conference enhancements include stand-alone tour packages, individual classes, and a banquet package featuring keynote speaker Mitch McCulloch, "The Seed Hunter".
20 beautiful gardens will be featured on four unique tour routes Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. Each of these tours can be purchased individually by by clicking here and selecting "Reserve a Spot". NOTE: Registration for tour packages closes May 11.
Additionally, individuals interested in the Floating Wetlands Workshop can register specifically for that workshop by clicking here and selecting "Reserve a Spot".
If you love the social aspect of visiting with other gardening enthusiasts, you can register for the Friday night mixer featuring live music and premium hors d'oeuvres by clicking here and selecting "Reserve a Spot".
You may also register for the conference banquet to be held Saturday, June 6 by clicking here and selecting "Register Now". The banquet features Mitch McCullough, author of "The Seed Hunter: Discover the World's Most Unusual Heirloom Plants".
The conference's extensive course line-up for Sunday, June 7, is also available for special registration pricing. Select and pay for the courses that interest you by clicking here and selecting "Reserve a Spot".
The annual conference features a lineup of expert speakers, garden tours,
hands-on workshops, educational sessions and opportunities to learn about
topics ranging from sustainable gardening practices to plant health,
pollinator support and food production.
The conference is designed for gardeners of all experience levels, from
beginners planting their first seeds to seasoned Master Gardeners looking
to expand their knowledge.
“Whether you’re growing vegetables, cultivating native plants or simply
trying to make your landscape thrive, this conference offers practical,
research-based information you can use right away,” said Kelly McGowan,
Field Specialist in Horticulture at the Missouri University Extension office in
Springfield.
Attendees can expect:
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Educational sessions led by horticulture specialists and experienced gardeners
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Opportunities to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts from across the state
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New ideas and techniques to apply at home and in community gardens
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Master Gardeners will earn Continuing Education credit for all classes, tours, and workshops attended
Registration for tour packages closes May 11. Registration for all other packages and for the full conference experience closes May 26. Those interested are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. All Friday tours and the Missouri Department of Conservation's floating wetlands workshop include transportation and a box lunch. Registration for the full conference or the Saturday night banquet with keynote speaker can be completed here. . Registration for individual classes, tours, activities, or events can be found here.
The Missouri Master Gardener Conference is part of a statewide effort to
promote research-based gardening education and community engagement
through the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program.
Seeds to Table: Cultivating Health and Sustainability
This year's conference theme "Seeds to Table: Cultivating Health and Sustainability" reflects the public's growing interest in learning the art of growing healthy food sustainably. Join Master Gardeners and garden enthusiasts from around the state to learn sustainable, successful growing practices. Additionally, learn about environmental stewardship through the use of native plants and other ecological practices.
Conference classes include such timely topics as: Cold Frames and Hot Beds, All About Herbs, Seed Saving, Sustainable Landscape Design, Planting for Pollinators, Vermiculture, Backyard Greenhouses, Growing Backyard Tomatoes, and many more. To see a complete list of classes, workshops, and tours, click here.
Meet the Keynote Speaker
We are very fortunate to have Mitch McCulloch as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Master Gardener Conference. Mitch is a London-born former chef turned gardener, author, and "seed hunter" dedicated to preserving rare and endangered heirloom vegetables. Mitch is widely recognized for his work in regenerative agriculture and his efforts to protect global food biodiversity. Mitch's latest book "The Seed Hunter" will be available for purchase during the conference and Mitch will be available to sign his book before and after the keynote address on the evening of June 6. The banquet and keynote address are included in the full conference registration. If you wish to attend only the banquet with keynote speaker, click here and select "Register Now".
Did you Know?
The 2026 Master Gardener Conference features 42 different classes, 5 hands-on workshops, tours of 20 different locations, and a marketplace featuring 20horticulture related vendors. All tours, classes, workshops, and the banquet with keynote speaker Mitch McCulloch are open to the public. To find out more, click here.
Build a Floating Wetland
The 2026 Master Gardener Conference will provide an exciting opportunity to help construct a floating wetland that will be deployed by the Missouri Department of Conservation at Water Valley Mill Park. Floating wetlands are built from lightweight aluminum and a recycled glass aggregate so light it actually floats. Floating wetlands provide a variety of benefits to aquatic animals, as well as topside bugs, birds, bees, and other pollinators. The native plants placed in floating wetlands develop root systems that help remove pollutants found in almost all bodies of water. As a result of deploying a floating wetland, the need for chemicals to clean water is reduced/eliminated. More information on the Missouri Department of Conservation floating wetlands project can be found here.
This hands on workshop will cover the uses and benefits of floating wetlands and the specifics of floating wetland construction. This workshop also provides the unique opportunity for participants to make a small floating wetland, including native plants, for their own water feature, pond, or lake. This workshop is open to the public and includes transportation and a box lunch. Those Master Gardeners who attend the floating wetland workshop will earn Advanced Master Gardener training credit. For more information on the full conference, clickhere. To register for the Floating Wetlands workshop alone, click here and select "Reserve a Spot".
Garden Tours
One of the highlights of the 2026 Master Gardener Conference will be the numerous garden tours. A total of 20 different locations will be featured on four tour routes. The gardens on display range from residential flower and vegetable gardens, to public specialty gardens, to water gardens and more. All garden tours on Friday include transportation and a box lunch. Don't miss your opportunity to tour the incredible Baker Creek Seed Warehouse in Seymour, Missouri. There is truly something for everyone on these tours. To learn more about the full conference, click here. To register for individual tours, click here and select "Reserve a Spot". Please Note: Registration for individual tours closes May 11.
Meet your webmaster, Shae Johnson. She is a Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist, a Greene County Master Gardener, a docent at the Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House, and she wears many other hats. She is also an artist.
Meet the owner of this website. Barbara Lucks has developed it as a central place
for patrons to find all sorts of environment related news and opportunities.
