Purchase Native Trees, Shrubs
Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native at MDC’s George O. White State Nursery
Incorporating native trees and shrubs into your landscape can help wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while improving the appearance and value of your property. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes.
The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedling varieties include pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others.
Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is a $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15 percent discount, up to $20, off seedling orders with a Permit Card or Conservation ID Number.
The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly. Occasionally some seedlings succumb to uncooperative weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts.
Learn more and place orders through MDC’s 2021–2022 Seedling Order Form. Find it at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov.
Place orders now through April 15, 2022. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May.
Honor Missourians Who Contributed to Conservation
The Missouri Conservation Commission is seeking nominations for the MDC Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame.
Both awards recognize citizens who make outstanding contributions to conservation. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased Missourians while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes only deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor are:
- Missourians who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri.
- Employees of conservation-related agencies who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri.
Anyone can submit a nomination, which should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography.
Criteria and nomination forms for the Master Conservationist Award are available at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zyp. Similar information for the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZyG.
Please submit nominations by Dec. 31 to Julie Love, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 or email to Julie.Love@mdc.mo.gov.
A screening committee appointed by the MDC director meets annually to consider nominees, with the commission providing final approval.
Corporal Doug Yeager
Platte County
Conservation Agent
Whether you hunt waterfowl, turkey, deer, or small game, the fall hunting seasons are in full swing. This year, I challenge experienced hunters to take the time and opportunity to pass their knowledge and experience to a young person who is just starting out. Teach them firearm safety, wildlife identification, hunting regulations, and respect for game. Teach them that hunting is not only about taking an animal as much as it is about the comradery of the hunt. The time I’ve spent hunting with family and friends created memories I will never forget. Help a young hunter create some memories that will last them a lifetime.
Gem-Studded Puffball
These pear-shaped, golf-ball-sized mushrooms are adorned with spines that eventually turn brown and fall away, leaving behind pock-mark scars. Appearing in late summer to early fall, puffballs grow singly or in clusters in lawns, open woods, pastures, or on decaying wood. Though edible, it is best to consume them young, when the flesh is still white. The puffball should be cut in half and the color of the flesh examined before consuming.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Stephanie Thurber
EDITOR
Angie Daly Morfeld
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Larry Archer
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Cliff White
STAFF WRITERS
Dianne Van Dien
Kristie Hilgedick
Joe Jerek
DESIGNERS
Shawn Carey
Marci Porter
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Noppadol Paothong
David Stonner
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Laura Scheuler