News

Note from the President

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Hi all I hope you’ve been able to get outside and enjoy some of this spring weather that we’ve been experiencing. It has been a bit crazy with some wild temperature swings, but this week has felt more normal and there is even a promise of rain. Dark Sky week happens this month. Read Allison’s

International Dark Sky Week April 13-20

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

As many of you know from previous newsletters, CAS has partnered with DarkSky Missouri to seek Urban Night Sky Place designation for Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The preapplication has been submitted (submitted Feb 26, 2026) but I have been (as my dad would say) birddogging this response if we need to proceed. This is

CANS-Missouri Conservation Corps Workday: Or Will Work for Pizza!

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Here are some photos take by Stephen Bybee at the CANS work session (honeysuckle pull).  There were 26 participants who scattered across the hill sides to pull honeysuckle.  Conditions were perfect.  The temperature was warm not sub-zero and the ground was moist enough to facilitate pulling the honeysuckle sprouts by hand (a few exceptions noted).

Missouri Birding Challenge 2026

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

CAS has donated $1,000 to the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge as a partner organization. This is the second year MDC is hosting this event, and the second year that CAS is a partner! If you receive the Missouri Conservationist magazine, there is an article recently published. The press release and resources including informational webinars about

Small Trees for Landscaping Program at Mizzou Botanic Garden

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Benefits of planting trees on your property are well-documented, including cooling shade, increased property values, more bird song and the fact that spending time under a tree can improve your mental health. Not every home landscape can support a majestic oak, but one or two beautiful mid-Missourifriendly smaller trees might fit right in. In celebration

CAS at the Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Conference

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

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

Mizzou Botanic Garden Happenings

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

The Mizzou Botanic Garden has cordially invited CAS to their garden events. Feel free to click on the flyer below for more details! The first event is April 2. Garden Gatherings at Mizzou Botanica Garden

Draft March Board Meeting Minutes

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Columbia Audubon Society Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday March 18, 2026 Boone County Electric Building Present:  Lottie Bushmann, Emma Buckingham, John Besser, Vickie Park, Eric Seaman, Greg Leonard, Shelby Thomas, Bill Mees, Ben West Meeting called to order:  6:02 pm Previous minutes: Bill Mees moved to accept the February minutes as written.     John Besser seconded

The Nominating Committee Wants YOU!

Sun. Feb. 1, 2026

Lottie Bushmann, CAS President, has appointed a Nominating Committee composed of Lisa Schenker who is chair, Nancy Bedan, and Bill Mees.  This committee is charged with recruiting individuals who will serve on the Board of Directors of Columbia Audubon Society.  The Board is composed of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer each serving a

Background on a Growing Issue at Gans Creek Recreational Area

Wed. Oct. 1, 2025

Gans Creek Recreation Area Fact Sheet Gans Creek Recreation Area shares a common border with Gans Creek Wild Area within Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. These public lands together form an important, core natural habitat that has been recognized by national and statewide organizations.  No other City Park land is so ecologically important based on

Note from the President

Tue. Apr. 1, 2025

Spring has finally sprung!  I love seeing the daffodils and crocuses, along with all the buds on the trees. Bird activity has certainly picked up, and the migrants are continuing to drop in. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for another migratory season of confusing and exhilarating bird song. Every year it takes

Article with CAS Representing on the Big Business of Birding

Mon. Mar. 3, 2025

Here’s a nice article several CAS members contributed to last year on the economic impact of birding: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/industries/booming-birding-business-spurs-spending-encourages-conservation-in-missouri/article_921f6230-e8c8-11ef-a458-3314da13ea2f.html