MDC offers grant opportunities to communities

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has long realized that urban areas are important components of habitat in the state. It's hoped that MDC's Communty Conservation Grant (CCG) program will help communities develop conservation strategies that will create urban areas that are beneficial to human residents and wildlife.

MDC's CCG program will provide conservation-oriented development opportunities for government entities (civic governments, municipal and county park departments, public schools, etc.) or non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. The goals of the grant program are:

• To provide support for terrestrial and aquatic habitat improvement in urban areas
• To coordinate efforts among similar organizations which share the common goal of improving urban habitats and supporting community conservation efforts
• To train partner organization staff in native habitat restoration and long-term management practices of sustaining natural landscapes
• To engage the public through conservation education and volunteer opportunities.

Parties interested in MDC's Community Conservation Grant program are encouraged to attend one of two meetings in southwest Missouri in May.

• Joplin: 9 a.m., May 13, Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center Boardroom, 201 Riviera Drive in Joplin
• Springfield: 9 a.m., May 14; MDC Southwest Regional Office, 2630 N. Mayfair, in Springfield

Food and refreshments will be provided at both meetings. To register for either meeting, contact MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Ashley Schnake at Ashley.schnake@mdc.mo.gov or 417-895-6880, ext. 1637.