Conservation : publication
Editor's noteThe following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.Sara M. PetersCenter for Agroforestry
Barn owls are desirable predators that play an important role in controlling nuisance rodent populations in farmsteads, agricultural ecosystems and urban environments alike. Learn how to create, place and maintain nesting boxes to attract barn owls to your property.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Learn how to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your property by understanding their behavior and providing suitable habitat and food sources.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Discover the diverse bat species in Missouri, their ecological benefits, and guidance on safely managing bat encounters in homes.
Help the pollinators and harvest your own honey: Become a beekeeper! Learn the basics, from where to locate your aviary to how to keep your bees healthy, in this beginning beekeeping guide from University of Missouri Extension.
This guide provides information on woodcock biology, their life cycle and habitat needs, as well as an overview of management techniques that landowners and managers can use to improve habitats for woodcock on their property.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Frank Nelson
Wetland Ecologist
Big Rivers/Wetlands Field Station
Missouri Department of Conservation
Learn about bluegill sunfish aquaculture in Missouri, including species info, spawning, pond prep, and water quality management.
Pollinators are critically important for natural ecosystems and crop production. Learn why pollinators are crucial, the major threats confronting them, conservation steps being taken, and how you can help in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Robert A. Pierce
Extension Fish and Wildlife Specialist
Flooding displaces many rodents from their natural habitat. As a result, these animals are seeking areas that can provide food and shelter, such as homes, sheds, barns and other buildings.
Converting Unused Agriculture Facilities for Aquaculture Use: Swine Barn Conversion for Fish Culture
This guide provides basic information on recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology and converting a swine barn into an aquaculture enterprise.
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Mourning doves are among the most popular migratory game birds in Missouri. Doves’ quick flight, erratic movements and edible meat make them a popular species among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in Missouri, where the annual harvest of mourning doves is greater than that of other game bird…
Learn how cover crops can provide seasonal habitats for wildlife and pollinators while also improving soil health and providing agronomic benefits in crop systems.
Learn how to successfully establish and manage trees and shrubs for wildlife benefits. This guide includes a table of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs recommended for planting in Missouri to attract specific types of wildlife.
Learn about the species of native warm-season grasses with potential for biomass production, livestock forage and wildlife habitat in Missouri — switchgrass, indiangrass, big bluestem, little bluestem and eastern gamagrass — in this MU Extension guide.
Learn how to make and maintain field borders to reduce soil erosion from wind and water, protect soil and water quality and provide wildlife and pollinator habitat.
Freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) can be successfully and profitably produced in mid-Missouri. Learn about culture and management techniques that have been successful in producing freshwater prawns in this MU Extension guide.
Find government and private funding programs to finance practices such as alley cropping, windbreaks, riparian buffers, silvopasture and forest farming.
Learn about the honey bee, from its life cycle, to its various races, to its pest problems, the benefits it provides, and how we can aid its success in this University of Missouri Extension guide. Become a Master Pollinator Steward!
Mourning doves are protected: It is illegal to bait a field for the purpose of hunting them. Learn about baiting regulations and the differences between baiting and what constitutes a normal agricultural operation in Missouri in this MU Extension guide.
Get an overview of important habitat components that wild turkeys require and two evaluation tools you can use as you make plans to enhance habitats on your property.
Increasing plant diversity, especially with native plants, enhances the potential for attracting more wildlife species to your property. Create habitat that provides their basic needs: food, cover, water and space. Learn how in this MU Extension guide.
Help your farming operation become more drought resilient by learning about conservation programs and practices and the answers to frequently asked questions.
Explore insects' roles in nature as pollinators, environmental indicators, predators, and pests in this Master Pollinator Steward guide.
Learn how to integrate wildlife-friendly practices into biomass crop production in Missouri, including using mixed stands and strategic field layouts.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Hank Stelzer
Forestry State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
John Dwyer
Associate Professor of Forestry
School of Natural Resources
If you're leasing property for hunting, then learn about lease arrangement options, prices or rates to charge, liability, and how to write a contract.
This aquaculture and fisheries guide is one in a series being developed jointly by MU Extension and Lincoln University.Robert A. Pierce IIFisheries and Wildlife State SpecialistSchool of Natural Resources
Learn techniques to manage oak woodlands for increased acorn production, enhancing food sources and habitats for Missouri wildlife such as deer and turkeys.
This fisheries and aquaculture guide is one in a series being developed jointly by MU Extension and Lincoln University.
Charles E. Hicks
Aquaculture Specialist
Lincoln University
This fisheries and aquaculture guide is one in a series being developed jointly by MU Extension and Lincoln University.
Charles E. Hicks
Aquaculture Specialist
Lincoln University
A private pond can be a great asset on a property. Learn how to properly plan, construct and manage a watershed pond for recreation, as a livestock water source, and more in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
This fisheries and aquaculture guide is one in a series being developed jointly by MU Extension and Lincoln University.
Charles E. Hicks
Aquaculture Specialist
Lincoln University
Learn about the Missouri Master Naturalist program. Along with an overview of this statewide volunteer conservation program, this manual details certification, training and volunteer service requirements and offers operation and program marketing tips.
Bruce Barrett
Division of Plant Sciences
James Quinn
Regional Horticulture Specialist
Richard Houseman
formerly of Division of Plant Sciences
Damon Hall
School of Natural Resources
Editor's note
The References section was updated in June 2017.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Robert A. Pierce II
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Robert S. Hayward
Associate professor
MU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Joe Parcell and Chris Boessen
Missouri Value Added Center
MU Department of Agricultural Economics
Pollination is one of the most fascinating processes in nature. Visit our site to learn about Pollination Mechanisms and Plant-Pollinator Relationships.
Robert A. Pierce II
Fish and Wildlife State Specialist
School of Natural Resources
Learn how to establish, manage and maintain beehives to foster healthy bees and produce surplus honey to use or sell. Flowering periods for Missouri honey plants are included in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Robert A. Pierce II, Fisheries and Wildlife State Specialist, School of Natural Resources
Ray L. Wright, Research Specialist, MU South Farm Research Center
Clark J. Gantzer, Professor, MU School of Natural Resources
Missouri's wild turkey population was in danger of disappearing. Visit our site to learn about Wild Turkey Biology and Habitat Management in Missouri.