A new study suggests that overgrazing and other factors increase the severity of cheatgrass invasion in sagebrush steppe, one of North America's most endangered ecosystems. Researchers said one of the most effective restoration approaches would be to minimize the cumulative impact of grazing, by better managing the timing, frequency of grazing and number of animals.

The gardener’s best friend, the earthworm, is great at protecting leaves from being chomped by slugs, suggests new research. Although they lurk in the soil, they seem to protect the plants above ground. Increasing plant diversity also decreases the amount of damage slugs do to individual plants.

The sacred lotus is a symbol of spiritual purity and longevity. Its seeds can survive up to 1,300 years, its petals and leaves repel grime and water, and its flowers generate heat to attract pollinators. Now researchers report that they have sequenced the lotus genome. Of all the plants sequenced so far -- and there are dozens -- sacred lotus bears the closest resemblance to the ancestor of all eudicots, a broad category of flowering plants that includes apple, cabbage, cactus, coffee and tobacco.

Botanic gardens, museums, science centres, universities, schools, and many others worldwide will all be celebrating the wonders and importance of plants on Saturday 18th May 2013 for the second ever international “Fascination of Plants Day” (FoPD), whihc coincides with Plant Conservation Day

Written By:  Bill Graham

Farm pond angling opportunities are one reason Missouri is a great place to fish.

Kansas City, Mo. – A free workshop on pond management will be offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, in Concordia at the Concordia Community Center, 802 S. Gordon St.

The workshop will cover all aspects of pond management such as stocking fish, managing fish populations, vegetation control and solving other pond problems. This workshop is designed for anyone building a new pond for those seeking advice for managing an existing pond. Farm pond angling opportunities are one reason Missouri is a great place to fish.

Key Messages: 

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish.

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The loss of eastern hemlock from forests in the Southern Appalachian region of the United States could permanently change the area's hydrologic cycle, reports a new study.

The sun provides the most abundant source of energy on the planet. However, only a tiny fraction of the solar radiation on Earth is converted into useful energy.

Biologists have created the first large-scale evolutionary family tree for every snake and lizard around the globe.

Before rice cultivation became prevalent, ancient populations on the southern coast of China likely relied on sago palms as staple plant foods, according to new research.

Enzymes could break down cell walls faster -- leading to less expensive biofuels for transportation -- if two enzyme systems are brought together in an industrial setting, new research suggests.

America's urban forests store an estimated 708 million tons of carbon, an environmental service with an estimated value of $50 billion, according to a recent study.

Written By:  Bill Graham

Bradford pear has become invasive species that harms native plants and trees which support wildlife.

Kansas City, Mo. – An oft-planted ornamental tree – Bradford pear – has become an invasive species that harms native plants or trees that support wildlife. Property owners and managers are urged to consider native alternatives, such as the downy serviceberry tree, as they plant new trees this spring.

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We work with you and for you to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.

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Having a neighborly chat improves seed germination, finds new research. Even when other known means of communication, such as contact, chemical and light-mediated signals, are blocked, chilli seeds grow better when grown with basil plants. This suggests that plants are talking via nanomechanical vibrations.

The Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxyphium sandwicense), a beautiful, spiny plant from the volcanic Hawaiian highlands may not survive the ravages of climate change, according to a new study in Global Change Biology. An unmistakable plant, the silversword has long, sword-shaped leaves covered in silver hair and beautiful flowering stalks that may tower to a height of three meters.

Written By:  Jim Low

Jim Greenstreet has seen a lot of change while hunting in every spring turkey season since 1960.

CROCKER–The history of turkey hunting in Missouri has been chronicled in books, magazines, and newspapers, but for capturing the excitement of the early years and the progress made, it’s hard to beat spending a morning with Jim Greenstreet.

Greentstreet was 25 years old in 1960. He and his father, Dave Greenstreet, bridged a historic gap of sorts that year.

Key Messages: 

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish.

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Written By:  Jim Low

Hunters’ ability to top last year’s harvest in spite of dismal hunting conditions indicates a continuing rebound of Missouri’s wild turkey flock.

JEFFERSON CITY–Hunters shot 42,220 turkeys during Missouri’s regular spring turkey season. That is an increase of 1,773, or 4 percent, from 2012.

Top harvest counties during the regular spring turkey season April 15 through May 5 were Franklin with 996 birds checked, Texas with 879, and Callaway with 710.

This year’s spring turkey season was the safest on record, with only one firearms-related hunting incident reported. That incident was nonfatal and occurred during the regular season.

Key Messages: 

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish.

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Written By:  Joe Jerek

LINN CREEK, Mo. -- More than 85,000 shots rang out from the Missouri Trapshooters Association home grounds in Linn Creek on April 27 for the 26th Annual Missouri FFA and High School Trap Championship. More than 850 students from all over the state participated.

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Conservation pays by enriching our economy and quality of life.

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Written By:  Dan Zarlenga

High Ridge, Mo. — Team Henges Trapshooting Club, comprised of youth from all over the St. Louis-area and representing the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Jay Henges Shooting Range, took multiple top honors at three recent trapshooting competitions.

Most recently, the team competed with 878 other shooters at the Paul Larsen Memorial High School Shoot in Linn Creek. Despite difficult weather conditions – rain and cold – the team left with multiple awards, including:

Key Messages: 

We work with you and for you to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.

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Written By:  Jim Low

Smart choices can prevent problems.

JEFFERSON CITY–Stately oaks that once shaded front yards lost the battle with drought. Ornamental pear trees that used to bid ironic farewells to winter with blizzards of white blossoms were wrecked by winter storms. As home and business owners set about replacing lost landscape trees, the Missouri Department of Conservation has a word of advice – natives.

Key Messages: 

We work with you and for you to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.

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