The Missouri Department of Conservation awarded the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) $10,000 through a Community Conservation Grant (CCG).
- Provide support for terrestrial and aquatic habitat improvement in urban areas,
- Coordinate efforts among similar organizations which share the common goal of improving urban habitats and supporting community conservation efforts,
- Train partner organization staff in native habitat restoration and long-term management practices of sustaining natural landscapes, and
- Engage the public through conservation education and volunteer opportunities.
How will the Watershed Committee use these funds?
With these goals in mind, WCO will use the grant funds to hire a part-time position titled “Watershed Center Habitat Improvement specialist.” This person will work to improve the ecological health of the Watershed Center site through removal of invasive species, implementation or the Forest Stewardship Management Plan, and other work to improve the human/nature interface. The project will also provide focused way to incorporate volunteers and create educational opportunities. The grant will begin in the spring of 2016 and last for one year. WCO it thrilled about the opportunity to enhance our stewardship efforts at the Watershed Center.