Control Nuisance Animals
Are critters treating your place like a bed and breakfast? Learn to prevent wildlife from becoming a problem, and find humane, effective methods of controlling those that do.
Habitat Helpers for Hire
Need someone to implement conservation practices? Visit our database of conservation contractors. Their business is helping landowners help habitat.
It Pays to Be a Partner
Does your land lie within a priority focus area? If so, you could be eligible for an exceptional combination of benefits, including consultation, cost-share programs and technical support.
Control Nuisance Animals
Are critters treating your place like a bed and breakfast? Learn to prevent wildlife from becoming a problem, and find humane, effective methods of controlling those that do.
Wildlife-friendly landscapes
Attract more birds, butterflies and other kinds of fun-to-watch wildlife. The Grow Native! Program shows you how to use beautiful native plants to create diverse, easy-care habitat.
Help for Trees and Forests
Forest habitat makes communities healthier and more economically vibrant. Find technical support, funding and recognition for establishing and maintaining community forests.
Build Better With Nature
Conservation-friendly development policies and designs can make your community better for wildlife and people, too. See plans and examples.
Turn Stormwater Into Infrastructure
Find out how new, budget-friendly green infrastructure techniques can change your community's runoff problems into wildlife habitat and landscape amenities
Land/Water Care
Hot Topics
Who's My Local Contact?
Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists or your MDC regional office with our quick lookup system.
- Animal Management Topics in this section help you manage your land for wildlife, control invasive and nuisance animals, and learn about some common wildlife diseases.
- Caves and Karst Management If your land lies above karst (sinkholes, springs, losing streams, etc.) or a cave, you can play a special role in protecting and improving Missouri's water quality and local cave life. This section includes management recommendations to help landowners limit their impact on and conserve these unique systems.
- Communities Find information, technical support, funding opportunities and recognition programs to improve your community's stormwater management, fire protection, tree and urban forest management and conservation-friendly development.
- Fire Management Topics in this section help landowners and local fire departments prevent and control wildfire, and it helps landowners use prescribed fire to managed wildlife habitat.
- Forest Management Topics in this section help you learn how to manage and protect your land's forests and trees.
- Heritage Program The Missouri Natural Heritage Program (MONHP) identifies species and natural communities of conservation concern in each Missouri county.
- Homeowners Browse techniques for tree care and creating wildlife-friendly landscapes.
- Invasive Species Management "Exotic," "alien" or "non-native" species describe plants, animals, fungi or other organisms that have been accidentally or purposefully introduced to an area outside of their origin. These invasive organisms displace native wildlife and consume their habitat. Learn to identify and control them, and avoid introducing them in your area.
- Lake and Pond Management Learn how to make the most of your private lake or pond. This section includes guidance on construction, stocking and long-term management.
- Landowners and Farmers Find information and instruction on a range of land-management topics, including alternative watering sources, assistance programs, endangered species, habitat development, root plowing and soil testing.
- Plant Management The right kinds of plants can improve your land's habitat and beauty, as well as your farm's profitability. This section shows you how to promote and manage beneficial native plant communities and to control the invasive plants that threaten habitat and crops.
- Priority Focus Areas Priority Focus Areas are places where Missourians can do the most for wildlife. If your land or town lies in a Priority Focus Area, you're eligible for enhanced funding opportunities and technical support. Check the Priority Focus Area map and call your regional office to learn more.
- Stream and Watershed Management Maintaining streamside vegetation and using other watershed-protection practices are vital for the health of all aquatic resources. Use this section to learn about stream and watershed management and to find help with the challenges of living, farming and doing business along streams.
- Wetlands Management Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world, and they provide many important benefits to us humans. Learn how to manage your wetlands for wildlife, water quality, recreation and profit.
- 2011-2012 Seedling Order FormOrder a variety of seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks and erosion control, as well as wildlife food and cover. The Seedling order form is available yearly from Nov. 15 to April 30.
- Shoot Feral Hogs on SightThe Conservation Department asks that all hunters who encounter a feral hog shoot it on sight. Doing so will reduce the feral hog population and keep the spread of this destructive pest in check.
- Guide to Snaring Nuisance CoyotesPlacing snares around the perimeter of a pasture is the most effective way to catch the coyote that is killing livestock.
- Invasive Species Management"Exotic," "alien" or "non-native" species describe plants, animals, fungi or other organisms that have been accidentally or purposefully introduced to an area outside of their origin. These invasive organisms displace native wildlife and consume their habitat. Learn to identify and control them, and avoid introducing them in your area.
- The Basics of Selling TimberSome woodland owners sell their timber for only a fraction of its value because they do not market it properly. This page leads you through eight steps to get the most return from your timber sale.
- Types of Control MethodsDifferent types of control methods for nuisance wild geese.
- What to do with an Expiring CRP ContractMany landowners, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts don't realize the looming deadline. More than 21 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts will expire over the next five years.
- How Quail Habitat Management Can Help Your Deer SeasonThe next time you visit the local feed store, take a look at the back shelf.
- Winter Prescribed Burns and StrategyA while back, I helped a friend with a winter prescribed burn at his farm in central Missouri.
- Quail Habitat: Putting the Numbers in PerspectiveIn my work as a Private Land Conservationist, I frequently work with landowners interested in managing their property for quail.
- Is Anyone Seeing Quail This Spring?Habitat is the Key! With a tough winter behind us and wet spring after wet spring it makes you wonder how the quail did.
- Can You Find the Quail in This Photo?While you ponder the number of quail in this shrub thicket, consider that quail rely on dense shrubs every day.
- After the Blizzard of 2011, Can You STILL Find the Quail in this Picture?Even after last week’s snowstorm, the quail are still alive and still under the shrub thickets shown in the photo from last week’s post.
- Snow Melt - Oh, What A Relief For Wildlife!Is there anything we can do to help the birds the next time we get a tough winter?
- Winter Covey Headquarters Newsletter Now AvailableThe Winter Covey Headquarters Newsletter is now available. Sign up for it now.
- Ever Seen a Bird Dog Parade or Strolled Down Bird Dog Alley?If you love dogs, you need to put this event on the calendar! For the first time, Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will be held February 17, 18 & 19, 2012, at the Kansas City Convention Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
