Director's Message

Remembering Ron

Losing a conservationist, friend and CFM Past President in Ron Coleman has been heartbreaking for many of us. He fought a courageous battle with cancer right up until the very end. You may recall seeing his smiling face at our convention in March. Ron was the ultimate outdoors guy, being involved in parks, recreation, conservation, and natural resources. You will never find a more dedicated person to so many aspects of the outdoors than Ron.

Ron’s leadership and involvement with CFM spanned many decades and culminated with his Presidential term ending in 2018. He was also our long time representative to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). He engaged counterparts on conservation and natural resource issues and always stood up for what he thought was right. When Missouri hosted the NWF meeting last year in St. Louis, Ron was the star of the show and proudly shared with other states the many abundant resources that Missouri has to offer. Sadly, at this year’s Annual Meeting, a moment of silence was held in his honor.

During his career, he worked for the City of Ellisville as Director of Parks & Recreation, Ozark Greenways Executive Director, the City of Chesterfield as Director of Parks & Recreation and Open Space Council’s Executive Director. Not only was he Director in all these positions, but he was also the first person in each of them as well. Ron knew how to start, lead, finish, and bring parties together for the greater good. In February, he was inducted into the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association’s Hall of Fame.

Ron was President in 2016-2018 when I came to work for CFM, and I have many fond memories during his term at the helm. I have a couple of handwritten notes from Ron that I will always cherish. One in particular, he sent me was when I became Executive Director last year. In his letter, he encouraged me to be my own person and my own leader. That is the way Ron was, and that is the way he led. He was a legend in time that shaped the way our organization and others will forever be better off.

We have so many legends like Ron here in Missouri. But what makes a legend or a conservation hero? I guess it depends on who you ask and what they are remembered for. I have many mentors and legends that I look up to. Yet to some, they just might be another friend, neighbor, or person down the street. But to us, they are so much more, and will be remembered for how they change our lives.

Tyler and Ron at NWF Annual Convention in St. Louis last year. (Photo: NWF)

Ron’s amazing wife Rhonda shared with CFM some of Ron’s books from his library. A special bookmark will be placed in each of these so that when you see them, you can enjoy a special remembrance of him. I was amazed as he had every important book in Missouri’s conservation and outdoors history. Many of these books were signed and personalized to him. He knew so many people and cared so much for our incredible natural resources. She also shared an envelope that he kept in his desk with my name on it. It was the notes that I had sent thanking him for various volunteer efforts he did for us over the years. I was certainly touched by that.

Ron gave us many moments to remember him by, and he left us the way he lived. By living every day to the fullest and embracing each day until his last. His smile, emotion and passion could be seen far from across the river bank or any trail that he was on.

Missouri’s streams, rivers, communities and parks are a better place because of Ron, and he will forever be missed. Our organization is better because of his unselfish leadership, and I am a better leader because of him. May God bless him, his family and those that will miss him.

Yours in Conservation,

Tyler Schwartze

CFM Executive Director

CONTENTS

Features

52

46

34

6 26 28

32 34 42 46 52 58 62

Immerse Yourself in the Outdoors

First Fishing License Frog Season is Open Missouri's Ground Squirrels Sandbar Archeology The Outdoors are Open Exploring the Ozarks with Paddle MO How I Survived a Copperhead Snakebite The Eagle Sees the Round Rainbow Fun in the Sun with Sticks and Strings

Departments

3 8 11 13 14 36 Director's Message President's Message New Members Gear Guide Affiliate Spotlight Agency News

Highlights

16 18 21 30 45 61 CFM Events Schedule Where Will You Go with CLC? Columbia Event Flyer What is CFM? Finding a Place to Hunt What's New with the Katy Trail?

Conservation Federation July 2020 - V81 No. 4

OFFICERS

Mossie Schallon - President Richard Mendenhall - 1st Vice President Zach Morris - 2nd Vice President Ginny Wallace - Secretary Randy Washburn - Treasurer

STAFF

Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor

Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations

Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Development Coordinator

Colton Zirkle - Education and Communications Coordinator

Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistance

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

CFM Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members. Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation. Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to: Postmaster Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101

FRONT COVER

Two boys fishing together at sunset.

Thank you to all of our Business Alliance members.

Platinum

Gold

Bushnell Diamond Pet Foods Doolittle Trailer Enbridge, Inc.

Silver

Custom Metal Products Forrest Keeling Nursery Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina

Bronze

Association of Missouri Electric Coop. Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Burgers’ Smokehouse Central Electric Power Cooperative Drury Hotels

Iron

Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures Blue Springs Park and Recreation Boone Electric Co-op Brockmeier Financial Services Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Community State Bank of Bowling Green

G3 Boats MidwayUSA Pure Air Natives Redneck Blinds

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery Mitico Simmons Sun Solar

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. HMI Fireplace Shop Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Missouri Wine & Grape Board NE Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Custom Screen Printing and Embroidery Dickerson Park Zoo Explore St. Louis Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Gascosage Electric Cooperative GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc. Grundy Electric Coop. Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Lewis County Rural Electric Coop. Riley Chevrolet Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC

Starline, Inc. St. James Winery Trailerman Trailers

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Ozark Bait and Tackle POET Powder Horn Gun & Archery

Missouri Native Seed Association Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. REMAX Boone Realty Say Insurance Shady Lanes Cabins and Motel Tabor Plastics Company Truman’s Bar & Grill United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation. For all sponsorship opportunities, call (573) 634-2322.

Immerse Yourself in the Outdoors

Missourians and the nation have been dealing with unprecedented challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The OAKs Committee is an advocate for the outdoors and the principles of how important natural places are for emotional and physical wellbeing.

It’s hard, during times of uncertainty and stress to find a silver lining in this crisis, but a few things come to mind: more time together as a family, creative ways to keep kids entertained and engaged while continuing to learn and have fun.

Throughout the spring, typical activities slowed in Missouri enabling us to observe and see things maybe we hadn’t for some time due to busy and often complicated life styles. Things like a spider building a web, a song bird we never saw or heard before, a night sky filled with stars and the slow transition out of the cold of winter. The virus may be around for a while, which means we need to adjust to a new normal to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

The OAKs Committee’s Education sub-committee wanted to point out some real benefits of being outdoors that will contribute to your health and wellness and also provides some resources to help maintain safe distances, engage your mind, and fun ways to discover nature no matter if you are a novice or a veteran naturalist.

For adults, did you know: studies have shown that walking in the woods can improve blood pressure, boosts mental health and immune systems, and decreases cancer risk. Walking in nature could improve your short-term memory. Spending time outside reduces inflammation and sunlight mitigates pain as well as provides vitamin D. Outdoor experiences can help fight depression and anxiety. Being outdoors can eliminate fatigue and give you more energy, may improve eyesight, can help you stay focused and increases creativity. Read more about it: www. businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-timeoutside-is-healthy-2017-7 and www.mentalfloss.com/ article/70548/11-scientific-benefits-being-outdoors.

For children, did you know: science has shown being in nature builds confidence, promotes creativity and imagination, teaches responsibility, and provides different stimulation centered on seeing, touching, hearing, and smelling. Getting outside gets kids moving and thinking, they lose weight and stay more focused and as they discover more, they ask more questions which can be especially positive for kids with Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD). Experiencing the outdoors also reduces stress and reduces fatigue. Read more about it: www.childmind. org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/ and www.nwf.org/Home/Kids-and-Family/Connecting-Kidsand-Nature/Health-Benefits-and-Tips.

Simply put, being outdoors heals the mind, body and spirit www.nwf.org/Home/Kids-and-Family/ConnectingKids-and-Nature/Health-Benefits-and-Tips. Reaping the benefits of being outdoors does not have to be structured like organized sports or an exercise regimen. The Oaks Education Sub-Committee has explored ways to help during trying times you have a guide on how to get kids and yourselves to absorb the magic of nature in ways that can be fun and involve the entire family.

Richard Louv, esteemed author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” recently wrote of ways to deal with the virus and our isolation by getting outside, whether you live in the city, a small town or in the country. One idea: pick a “sit spot” where you know it both in day and night and in all kinds of weather, where you can identify/observe birds, small mammals, and the vegetation. This can be in the back yard or at a nearby park. Visit that spot frequently with an activity to get you immersed. Find your inner artist, poet, biologist, writer, teacher, etc., and take advantage of the things you see while interpreting that sense of wonder through an activity. Visit www.childrenandnature. org/2020/03/16/10-nature-activities-to-help-get-yourfamily-through-the-pandemic/.

Take a hike along a trail in the forest/grassland of a Missouri Department of Conservation Management Area, a Department of Natural Resources State Park, a U.S. Forest Service National Forest, a National Wildlife Refuge, or a local city park. Make the hike fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt to find 10 critters or signs of critters (foot prints, scat), 10 tree leaves/ flowers, etc. Let kids use imaginations by bringing along some props/costumes. Take pictures of the flowers and identify them when you get home or have a flower art contest. For hot summer days visit a stream and explore the water’s edge and make a log of what you see. Make sure you are maintaining social distances while on public lands for the safety of everyone. Plant a native pollinator garden in the backyard to attract monarch butterflies, remember to plant native milkweed like common, swamp, and butterfly. Visit www.moprairie.org/ GrowNative for excellent advice. Welcome the birds by putting out a bird feeder near a window, then visit Audubon.org for information on the birds you see or download Merlin Bird ID to your smart phone and have an interactive opportunity to learn about birds, their songs and where they live.

There are some valuable resources that you can take advantage of to help you and your family connect with nature. Take advantage of time to nurture yourself and others by being outdoors. Here are some additional resources to help you:

nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/teacher-portal dnr.mo.gov/education/hkfc.html www.nwf.org/Kids-and-Family/Connecting-Kidsand-Nature outdoorclassroomday.com/resources/ activeforlife.com/18-ways-to-get-kids-outside/ healthpoweredkids.org/lessons/get-out-and-enjoynature/ davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/ connecting-youth-with-nature/ www.fws.gov/refuges/features/health-and-nature. html

For more information on the science of the healing power of the outdoors visit:

positivepsychology.com/positive-effects-of-nature/ naturemed.org/contact-with-nature-is-good-foryour-health/

While there is uncertainty in what lies ahead related to the pandemic and Covid-19, we can find ways to deal with that in a positive way helping each other connect to nature in valuable ways for our wellbeing. Be safe, stay healthy and immerse yourself in nature.

Kelly Srigley Werner and Kathy Craig

(Photo: Courtesy of USFWS)