Community Conservation

Taking Action

Forestkeeper Volunteers

• Group featured: Forestkeepers volunteers Pat and Bob Perry
• Group mission: Habitat restoration and conservation education
• Group location: Rolla
• To become a Forestkeeper: 1-888-9-FOREST
• For more information: see links listed below.

Pat and Bob Perry of Rolla, Mo. express their love of the outdoors by planting trees and seeds of knowledge about conservation. As volunteers with the Forestkeepers Network, the couple has planted several hundred trees in and around their hometown to restore habitat and to help young people learn about conservation.

The Perrys’ accomplishments include invasive plant eradication and habitat improvement projects at Tanager Trails, the Audubon Nature Reserve in Rolla, and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History in Salem. The projects were used as mentoring opportunities with the Americorps and Girl Scouts of America programs. The couple believes teaching youngsters to appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors is equally as important as being stewards for our outdoor resources. For their efforts the Perrys twice have received the Forestkeepers Network’s “Land Steward of the Year” award.

Go Fish

New program uses volunteers to teach fishing.

Few things can match the excitement of catching your first fish. You can help St. Louis-area youngsters experience the fun of fishing by volunteering with the Department of Conservation’s new GO FISH! program. GO FISH! gives kids 8 through 15 hands-on fishing instruction and teaches youngsters about aquatic conservation. Programs are offered at Suson Park, Bellefontaine CA and Forest Park. Donations of fishing equipment and other supplies are also accepted. For more information, contact Denise Otto at Denise.Otto@mdc.mo.gov or 636-300-1953, ext. 243.

Land Learning Foundation

Volunteers needed to provide hands-on training.

The Land Learning Foundation needs you. The non-profit organization, committed to educating youth about the importance of wetlands and riparian systems, seeks to expand programs for youngsters who have little or no opportunity to engage in the outdoors.

The organization needs volunteers to assist with a Youth Game Fair August 25 at their facility outside of Triplett in Chariton County and a new program it conducts with Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Central Missouri. Volunteers help provide hands-on training in wetlands management, waterfowl hunting, canoeing, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities.

To learn more about the Land Learning Foundation, call 660-634-2240 or visit online.