MDC offers grant opportunity for local communities

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has long realized that urban areas are important components of habitat in the state. Creating and/or improving these urban habitats is the goal of a grant program that helps communities develop conservation strategies and create urban areas that are beneficial both to residents and wildlife.

MDC’s Community Conservation Grant (CCG) program provides 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.

• Springfield: 9 a.m., June 5,  MDC Southwest Regional Office, 2630 N. Mayfair
• Joplin: 9 a.m., June 8, Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center Boardroom, 201 Riviera Drive

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.