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Winona, Mo. – Once important to both wildlife and humans in southern Missouri, the Ozark chinquapin’s abundance has diminished. Find out how you can make sure this tree remains part of the Ozarks landscape at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual event at 1 p.m. on Jan. 19.
Advance registration is encouraged and can be completed online here.
This free program will cover the tree’s role, how it impacted local ecosystems, how you can help, and the current efforts of the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, a local group which has been working for 15 years to save the species. The program is suitable for all ages.
“It was once a valuable species but has declined due to a fungal blight,” said instructor and MDC Regional Supervisor A.J. Hendershott. “Today it is seldom remembered and in need of conservation efforts.”
These trees produce tasty nuts and, during its abundance, it was known for its rot resistance when used for railroad ties, fence posts, and furniture.
Ozark chinquapin (Castanea ozarkensisis) is a chestnut tree and is different from chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), a white oak tree that is much more common.
More free programs can be found online here.
