The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy in Missouri has concluded the largest campaign for conservation in the state’s history.  Individuals, corporations, and foundations contributed to the Campaign for Conservation, investing over $23 million in anchor projects such as native prairie restoration in the Grand River Grasslands and freshwater protection in the Ozarks.

The Conservancy works to protect our planet’s lands and waters to meet the needs of both natural communities and local economies.  Campaign funds helped launch the Howard and Joyce Wood Conservation Buyer Fund, which promotes watershed protection through proper forest management in the Ozarks.  In northwest Missouri, bison will be reintroduced onto the Conservancy’s Dunn Ranch this fall, forming a complete, fully-functioning prairie ecosystem.

“The success of the Conservancy’s six-year Campaign for Conservation shows how much Missourians care about our state’s freshwater, forest and grassland resources,” said Todd Sampsell, Missouri State Director for The Nature Conservancy.  “We achieved many conservation milestones during the Campaign and made great progress, but there’s much more to accomplish.  Current initiatives include creating conservation plans for the Meramec River, working with partners to increase the pace of protection for Ozarks forests, restoring native grassland habitat, and many more.  This work protects our natural communities, helps safeguard our drinking water sources, improves habitat for hunting, fishing, and bird watching, and benefits local economies and tourism.”

The campaign is co-chaired by Missouri Trustees Mr. John McPheeters and Dr. Ruth Grant.  Ms. Anita Gorman, Mr. Jonathan Kemper, Mr. John L. Morris, Dr. Peter Raven and Mr. Howard Wood serve as Honorary Chairs.

With support from donors and partners, the Conservancy has protected more than 145,000 acres of critical natural lands in Missouri since 1956.