MDC offering up to $75,000 in grants to help local communities implement conservation projects

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) works with and for communities to sustain healthy fish, forests and wildlife.  One of the ways in which it does this is by offering funding for conservation-friendly projects in the St. Louis area through two partnership and funding opportunities: the Community Conservation Grant Program and the Back to Nature StL Grant.

Application periods for both grants are open now through September 15, 2017.

These conservation grants support urban wildlife habitat improvement, encourage organizational partnerships for land stewardship, and support the training of partner staff to manage natural landscapes.

The Community Conservation Grant is open to government entities including parks departments and public schools, non-profit organizations within the greater metropolitan area, including St. Louis County and City, St. Charles, Jefferson, and incorporated areas of Warren, Lincoln, and Franklin Counties.  It offers grants up to $30,000 with a preference for projects which utilize match or in-kind contributions.

The Back to Nature StL Grant is funding available for habitat restoration and/or reconstruction on a public park property in St. Louis County or City. This grant opportunity will be offered every other year and offers grants up to $75,000, distributed over a three-year period. 

Eligible projects for either grant include native plant establishment such as prairie or native warm-season grass reconstruction, forest management, wetland enhancement, exotic species control, interpretive signage related to the project, and staff training for natural landscape management.  All project applications should have a long-term management plan.

Information about how to apply for both grants can be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/STLCCGPFY18.pdf.

Additional details are available from each grant’s respective coordinator:

• Community Conservation Grant Coordinator Erin Shank, 314-301-1506, ext. 4207 or Erin.Shank@mdc.mo.gov .
• Back to Nature StL Grant Coordinator Josh Ward, 314-301-1506, ext. 4213 or Josh.Ward@mdc.mo.gov .

Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on September 15, 2017.