MU Extension, partners host Birding and Habitat Walk on June 14
WILLIAMSBURG, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a Birding and Habitat Walk 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg. During the free event, participants will learn about birds and their habitats such as prairies, woodlands and forests. Experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri River Bird Observatory will…
Protecting your home and buildings from wildfire
COLUMBIA, Mo. – May is a good time for Missouri landowners to take proactive steps in protecting homes, barns and other structures from the threat of wildfire, says Joni Harper, field specialist in natural resources for University of Missouri Extension.
Invasive plants workshop set for May 30 in West Plains
Free workshop on May 30 in West Plains covers invasive plant ID, treatment and safe pesticide use; includes field tour and lunch.
Master Pollinator Steward program begins May 5
The Master Pollinator Steward program starts May 5, teaching ways to protect pollinators vital to our environment and food supply.
New MU weather station measures soil moisture in forest
A new weather station at Echo Bluff State Park in Shannon County marks the 46th station in the Missouri Mesonet, the state’s expanding weather station network. University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor says the location was chosen in part to more closely monitor weather conditions in forested environments.
Speaking for the trees
BRAYMER, Mo. – Jim Ball says his motivation to plant trees comes from his love for the outdoors developed while growing up hunting, fishing, hiking and camping in Braymer, Mo. Ball put that outdoor experience to use during Army training in places like Panama, where he was designated a jungle expert, followed by a yearlong tour in Vietnam.
Report: Missouri forests play role in long-term carbon storage
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new report from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources outlines the critical role of forests in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant material.
Lingering effects of recent cicada emergence
The cicada symphony may be coming to an end, but the effects of the performers are becoming apparent. Calls and emails are beginning to come into University of Missouri Extension offices from homeowners reporting the ends of many tree branches are turning brown and dropping off. “In the past few days I have answered more than a dozen inquiries related to cicada damage,” said Hank Stelzer, MU Extension’s forestry state specialist.
NE Missouri couple learns about forestry on 55th wedding anniversary
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A forestry field day might seem like an unlikely place to spend a wedding anniversary, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Brian Schweiss. But a northeastern Missouri couple thought it sounded like “a good outing to someplace we had never been before” to celebrate 55 years of a marriage as strong as the forest’s trees.
Tips on selling your timber
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – There are important steps to take when considering selling timber, says University of Missouri Extension forester Hank Stelzer. In addition to providing additional revenue, harvesting timber can improve the health and vigor of woods and wildlife. Most landowners don’t know the value of their woodlands, Stelzer says. Too often, landowners make uneducated decisions on selling their trees and underestimate their value.
Check ash trees for emerald ash borer
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The invasive emerald ash borer may eliminate the ash tree from North America. In Missouri, EAB is present in 89 counties and the city of St. Louis.“Just like the Dutch elm disease that killed our native American elm trees, EAB is capable of eliminating all ash trees from our forests and cities,” says University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice. “This makes it one of the most serious threats now facing North…
From Idea to Fruition
ROLLA, Mo. – Men have long dominated the forestry industry, but within the last 30 years women have made great strides in forestry, according to the United States Forestry Service. University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Sarah Havens is one individual helping women find their passion in the field of forestry.
Money does grow on trees
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Money does grow on trees, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Sarah Havens. Just how much money depends in part on knowledge and planning by the landowner, Havens says. At the recent Pixels of Production conference for women in agriculture, Havens told participants how to improve profits and forest health. Pixels took the place of the annual Pearls of Production hands-on conference.
Hannibal residents recognized as Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri (FWAM) and the Missouri Tree Farm System will honor Art and Jana Suchland, of Hannibal, at the virtual Annual Tree Farm Conference on Oct. 20.
MU Extension offers timber workshop
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-night session in Hillsboro on June 13 to help landowners learn how to market timber.Too many landowners sell their timber for only a fraction of its worth, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly.
MU plant scientist to speak on Callery pear at April 13 event in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Reid Smeda, University of Missouri plant scientist, will speak on the Bradford pear tree and its cousins at a Callery pear educational event hosted by the Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force. Smeda studies invasive species in Missouri and serves on the task force.The free event is 2-3 p.m. Friday, April 13, at MU Health Care South Providence Medical Park, 551 E. Southampton Drive, which is on land infested with Callery…
Second annual Mid-Mo Expo set for backyard gardeners, small farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The second annual Mid-Mo Expo for backyard gardeners and small farmers offers presentations and demonstrations to improve productivity and profits.The event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Battle High School, 7575 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia. University of Missouri Extension in Boone County hosts the event.
Missouri's white oaks add depth to world’s wines and whiskey
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many of the world’s finest wines and whiskeys begin in Missouri’s hardwood forests.University of Missouri Extension forester Hank Stelzer shared Missouri’s role in wine and spirit production during the recent White Oak, Whiskey & Wine tour. Due to popular demand and positive reviews, Stelzer plans to make it an annual event.