Two Conservation Nonprofits Declare April as Missouri Outdoors Month
"The month of April serves as an excellent opportunity for people to get outside with friends, families and pets to explore all Missouri has to offer.”
Tricia Burkhardt
(319) 610-5215
[email protected]
(JEFFERSON CITY, MO, March 15, 2022) – Spring in Missouri is magical. The days get longer. The woods come alive with tiny buds on trees. Dainty wildflowers spring from the earth. Peepers are peeping, turkeys are scratching, coyotes are calling, owls are hooting, and birds are singing. This is the time of year to Explore More, for finding a new turkey hunting or crappie fishing spot, for biking or hiking new trails, and for birding, camping, kayaking, and canoeing in places you’ve never been.
In partnership with the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) is pleased to announce the month of April as Missouri Outdoors Month. April is traditionally when warm weather brings out nature’s best and this partnership encourages and challenges individuals and families to Explore More and enjoy the outdoors.
Tyler Schwartze, CFM executive director, said declaring April as Missouri Outdoors Month is a great way to kick off the recreational season.
“CFM is happy to partner with the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation,” said Schwartze. “The month of April serves as an excellent opportunity for people to get outside with friends, families and pets to explore all Missouri has to offer.”
CFM is a private organization made up of thousands of Missourians who work together to better Missouri’s natural resources and represent the state’s citizen conservationists. They ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources and preservation of Missouri’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education, and partnerships.
Tricia Burkhardt, MCHF executive director, said an outdoors month will help all conservation organizations by providing them with a platform to encourage and inspire people to go outside and enjoy Missouri’s natural resources.
To honor Missouri Outdoors Month, retailers may ask customers to round up their purchases to the nearest whole dollar at checkout during the month of April. Proceeds raised during the Round Up go to support conservation and outdoor-related projects in Missouri.
The partners are working with the Governor’s office to obtain a proclamation for a Missouri Outdoors Week within the month of April. This will provide even more recognition for Outdoors Month and challenge more people to go outside.
“The outdoors is for everyone,” said Burkhardt. “From trails to waterfronts and vast wildlife, Missouri offers plenty of activity. We encourage everyone to find those hidden outdoor gems in Missouri, discover what’s over the next hill and listen to the animals, wind, and water around you during the month of April and beyond.”
MCHF is always looking for more partners interested in the Round Up program during Missouri Outdoors Month. People are also encouraged to share their outdoors experiences on social media, raising awareness of the month. Stay tuned for the announcement of more activities to celebrate Missouri Outdoors Month. For more information, call 800-227-1488.
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The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded in 1997 to advance conservation and appreciation of Missouri's natural resources, including fish, forest, and wildlife. MCHF works with donors and other conservation partners to financially support the mission and priorities of the Missouri Department of Conservation at the statewide, national, and international level. Having raised and invested more than $24 million in conservation programs, MCHF continues to invest in projects like migratory bird program, youth hunting and fishing events, and endangered species habitat protection. MCHF supports the state's nature centers, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing activities - anything that allows Missourians to enjoy the outdoors in urban or rural areas.
The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a private organization made up of thousands of Missourians who work together to better our natural resources and represent Missouri’s citizen conservationists. Actively involved in state and national issues that relate to conservation, the Federation has long been a prominent and effective voice before the Missouri general assembly, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The members of CFM are the conscience of hunters, fishermen, foresters, campers, trappers, hikers, paddlers, birdwatchers, and more. CFM speaks for sportsmen and sportswomen whenever and wherever it is necessary, to support our collective opinions on the future of Missouri outdoors. In fact, most of the conservation legislation in Missouri today exists, because of the federation’s strong advocacy work.