Sense of Community: Climate Change in the Ozarks
In this latest Sense of Community series on Climate Change in the Ozarks, Ozarks Public Broadcasting is exploring the changing weather patterns, flash flooding, and rising temperatures that are affecting our regions agriculture, waterway health and public safety. Interviews with conservationists, agriculturists and researchers are helping residents understand both the challenges and the local solutions being developed right here in our region.
Sense of Community provides an in-depth look at public affairs and social issues affecting our community. Produced quarterly, this series is designed to provide context, explore complexities, and present the often-unseen personal stories that define challenges people in the Ozarks face every day.
Sense of Community: Climate Change in the Ozarks - Broadcast Episode
Sense of Community - Climate Change in the Ozarks - Broadcast Episode
Listen to KSMU Climate Change Stories
KSMU's Sense of Community series captures climate change in the Ozarks, from scorching heat waves and floods impacting health, waterways, and infrastructure, to struggling wildlife and farmers adapting to erratic weather. Local groups and individual actions, like weatherization and habitat restoration, offer hope—tune in for inspiring stories that could spark change in your world.
Climate Change in the Ozarks - Video Features
Climate Change in the Ozarks - Broadcast Premiere Sept, 22 at 9pm
Floating wetlands present a unique solution to the problem of algal blooms in the Ozarks.
Experts weigh in on the impacts of climate change on the Ozarks and suggest possible solutions.
A local farmer describes the challenges of growing crops in a changing Ozarks climate.
As a growing population in the Ozarks consumes more water, the need for new sources arises.
Ozarks researchers work diligently to provide solutions to agricultural challenges
Climate change creates greater rainfall in the Ozarks, negatively impacting our rivers.
Native plants serve as a unique solution to the obstacles faced by Ozarks wildlife and habitat.
Climate Change in the Ozarks Resource List
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
