Missouri Department of Conservation

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Homeowners

Browse techniques for tree care and creating wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Backyard Tree Care

From pruning guidelines to tree selection and planting, this section covers everything you need to know to take care of your backyard trees. More

Backyard Wildlife

Missouri's great patchwork of prairies, streams, forest, glades, savannas and wetlands provide habitat for thousands of native plants and animals. More

Christmas Tree Care

Christmas Tree
Holiday celebrations often center around the Christmas tree. Picking the right tree and caring for it properly can ensure a safer, longer-lasting tree. These simple steps show you how. More

Constructing With Care

This downloadable four-page booklet helps you protect your valuable trees during home construction. More

Naturescaping

Image of purple coneflower
Naturescaping is landscaping based on nature's model—local, native nature, that is. While exotic horticultural favorites can add instant color to your spring and summer landscape, they can't sustain native wildlife the way native flowers, shrubs, vines, grasses and trees can. These species are adapted to Missouri's soils and climate, and they are an irreplaceable part of many native animals' life cycle. More

How Old is That Tree?

You don't need to cut down a tree and count its growth rings or use an increment borer to find out how old it is. You can make a fairly good estimate of a tree’s age using this simple formula published by the International Society of Arboriculture. More

Related Information

  • Get InvolvedPut your mind, body and resources to work for what you love. Help us conserve Missouri's wildlife and their vital habitat. Browse this minisite for conservation volunteer and donation opportunities throughout the state.
  • Free Publications

    Our free publications help Missouri landowners, homeowners, teachers and students improve their acres, learn about animals and plants, enjoy more fishing and hunting, attract fun-to-watch wildlife with native plants and get involved in special programs. Download this form to browse or order dozens of free publications from MDC's distribution center. Note: you must be a Missouri resident to receive our free printed publications.

  • Missouri Forestkeepers

    The Missouri Forestkeepers Network is an opportunity for all Missourians--urban and rural--to get involved in understanding and gaining important information about the condition of trees and forests. By joining the network, you play an essential role in the future of Missouri's trees and forests. Join us.

External Links

  • Report Stream Pollution

    To report a chemical spill in Missouri, call the Department of Natural Resource's 24-hour environmental emergency hotline at 573-634-2436.

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MDC protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource management activities, and provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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