The August primary election is more than a month away, and I am already sick and tired of the television advertising. The ballot includes multiple issues, and big spenders are flooding the airwaves with relentless mischaracterizations for and against the proposals. At the very least, the deluge could discourage voter participation. Who wants to beContinue reading “Funding for state parks on crowded August ballot”
Tag Archives: travel
First visit found much to like about Montauk
When I interviewed new Jefferson County conservation agent Dominick Montileone III earlier this month, I was not surprised to learn that one of the places he identified as part of his indoctrination to the outdoors was in the woods and water at Montauk State Park. Our new agent, who begins his assignment on July 1,Continue reading “First visit found much to like about Montauk”
Turtles on the road again with spring weather
The deluge of overnight rain certainly played a part, but I was surprised to see so many box turtles crossing the road during a recent morning trip through central Missouri. This is the time of year when they are most active, and the good news was that most of them I saw along the countyContinue reading “Turtles on the road again with spring weather”
Rail-to-trails organization celebrates 40 years of success today
All conversations about rails-to-trails conversions in our state begin with the story of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor. The MKT rail line property is now the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park from near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to Clinton, southeast of Kansas City. Acknowledged since 2008 by the national Rails To TrailsContinue reading “Rail-to-trails organization celebrates 40 years of success today”
Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend
For nearly six decades the Open Space Council has been taking to the rivers and creeks around St. Louis to fight the effects of flooding, illegal dumping and careless littering with an army of thousands of dedicated volunteers. More are always welcome. On Saturday, Aug. 23, participants in the 58th annual Operation Clean Stream willContinue reading “Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend”
Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year
For the first time in a decade, deer hunters in Jefferson County will not be required to take their harvests to a chronic wasting disease sampling station on opening weekend this year. Since the disease was first discovered in Franklin County in 2015, the state Department of Conservation has mandated testing in Jefferson on theContinue reading “Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year”
Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard
On more than one occasion I have advocated for state residents to subscribe to the free Missouri Conservationist magazine. Its spectacular photography and stories about the outdoors and wildlife are a true treasure. I know that I have been a fan of the magazine for as long as I can remember, and even longer thanContinue reading “Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard”
State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri
The chances for a bear encounter in Jefferson County for this year diminishes as summer fully sets in and the wandering young bruins of spring are settling into the more comfortable environs in the rural areas of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Even if we have already missed the opportunity have a black bear close toContinue reading “State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri”
Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning
A friend of ours asked for recommendations for local places to take her children during their summer vacation. She planned to visit one new location each week for the kids to explore and learn. I thought it was a great idea, so I assembled my ten best suggestions. She did not put any restrictions onContinue reading “Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning”
Scenic course experience exposes popularity of disc golf
While it might not come to mind as a traditional outdoors sport, it would be difficult to play disc golf anywhere except outside. Jefferson County has several locations, so I have had many opportunities over the years to give the game a shot. Many decades ago when I was in college, we played what weContinue reading “Scenic course experience exposes popularity of disc golf”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 