In the current Climate Change in the Ozarks series, we are shining a light on how changing weather patterns, flash flooding, and rising temperatures are affecting agriculture, rural economies, and public health. Interviews with conservation scientists, farmers and high school climate advocates are helping residents understand both the challenges and the local solutions being developed right here in our region.  

“Sense of Community” is Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Ozarks Public Radio’s signature quarterly public affairs series. Each edition centers around a single topic of vital relevance to the people of the Ozarks, produced with in-depth reporting, authentic storytelling, and a deep commitment to public service journalism. The series builds empathy, connection and understanding through the voices of local residents, subject-matter experts, and those with lived experience. 

Missouri Department of Conservation
https://mdc.mo.gov
State conservation impact and efforts 

Natural Resources Conservation Service
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov
Conservation programs and initiatives for agriculture

Springfield-Greene County Park Board
https://www.parkboard.org
Restoration projects, community education

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks 
https://watershedcommittee.org/
Clean waterway management, native plant nursery and initiatives, and educational programs.

City Utilities of Springfield
https://www.cityutilities.net/
Utility service that operates in collaboration with conservation efforts like pollinator plots and a solar farm. Also offers rebates ( https://www.cityutilities.net/save/residential/ ) on various energy efficiency/weatherization upgrades

Grow Native (Missouri Prairie Foundation)
Keeping Nature Near - Grow Native!

Missouri Botanical Gardens 
Natives for Home Gardens

Xerces Society
Pollinator Conservation Program | Xerces Society

Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management
Office of Emergency Management
Disaster preparedness

NASA Vital Signs for the Planet 
Climate Change - NASA Science
Climate change data

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation
https://oac.ac/weatherization/
Free weatherization services

Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute - Missouri State
https://oewri.missouristate.edu/
Research, site assessment, lab and field services. 

SWMO Water
South West Missouri Water – Ensuring Water For Our Future
Site really only has more information about the org and their mission

Fruit Experiment Station
Fruit Experiment Station at Mountain Grove - Darr College of Agriculture - Missouri State
Provides their publications and research, and information for home and commercial growers focused on grapes and “small fruit” 

American Bird Conservancy
American Bird Conservancy: Bird Conservation Results Across the Americas
Provides a lot of information and research on birds

Missouri Master Naturists – Springfield Plateau Chapter website
Missouri Master Naturalists - Springfield Plateau Chapter

Dr. Toby Dogwiler / School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability - Missouri State
Information about program and degrees as well as research, resources and blog posts. 

James River Basin Partnership
James River Basin Partnership
Resources, education and volunteer opportunities

Renew Missouri
Resources – Renew Missouri
Information and resources

Center for Regenerative Agriculture, MU
Resources | Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Information and fact sheets