by Allison Vaughn, Communications Chair

The annual Conservation Federation of Missouri Conference was held in late February with Virtual Sessions, and then in person on March 6-8 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. CAS is a proud affiliate organization of CFM. On Saturday, I attended the Affiliate Luncheon and heard from several speakers; a representative from the Department of Natural Resources discussed the importance of voting Yes on Amendment 1 to renew the Parks and Soils Sales Tax. The 1/10th of 1% sales tax helps fund the state park mission for preserving natural landscapes and historic sites, as well as soil and conservation. The tax passed the last renewal effort by 80%, proving how important both soil conservation and our state parks and historic sites are to Missourians.

The annual Risberg Grant Awards were presented. This award is eligible for affiliates of CFM for ecosystem work and other conservation-related activities. While CAS applied for a Risberg Grant fresh off the heels of serving as the 2025 CFM Conservation Organization of the Year, we did not secure it this year. There were so many applications that the program had to consider, I feel confident we will apply in years to come for this meaningful grant. Our friends at DarkSky Missouri secured a grant, along with over 20 other affiliates.

During the Virtual Sessions, I served on the Ecology and Environment Resolution Action Committee for the 9th year. Our committee submitted over 10 resolutions to CFM. Among them was to Urge State and Federal Buildings to Install Birdstrike Prevention Treatments on windows and to Mandate that MDNR Test for PFAS in Drinking Water.  To see all of the resolutions from 2026, visit here.

I was proud to support CAS at the conference and to see so many other Audubon Chapters represented during the Affiliate Luncheon.