Missouri conservation leaders to be honored at St. Louis awards ceremony
The 2026 Lewis & Clark Conservation Awards will recognize former Gov. Mike Parson, Ted Turner Reserves, Drury Outdoors, and other honorees September 24 at Grant’s Farm.
Latest from Zach Smith
How the Ozark chinquapin is making a remarkable comeback
Twenty years of research, cross-pollination, and volunteer conservation efforts have helped restore the once-common native tree—and produce a new generation of blight-resistant chinquapins.
Gateway Outdoor Summit aims to shape the future of outdoor recreation in St. Louis
The August 20 event will bring together outdoor leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore how trails, parks, and recreation can drive economic growth, expand access, and strengthen the region.
Paddle After Dark returns to Simpson Park with nighttime floats and a cleaner-water mission
The annual Open Space STL fundraiser invites paddlers onto Simpson Lake for an evening of kayaking, paddleboarding, live music, food, and bonfires—all while raising money for one of the nation’s longest-running river cleanup efforts.
Team chasing Missouri River world record is on pace for historic finish in St. Louis
Four ultra-endurance paddlers are attempting to break the 46-year-old speed record on North America’s longest river.
Blazing trails for Midwest rock climbers
The Illinois Climbers Association does far more than organize outings—it preserves climbing areas, maintains routes, and advocates for access across Southern Illinois’ rugged landscape.
GO! St. Louis keeps momentum going with a summer of races
The nonprofit is offering everything from trail relays to social evening runs for newcomers, families, and seasoned racers.
Cool caves to explore within driving distance of St. Louis
The Midwest is home to a range of caverns and cave systems, offering intrepid and novice explorers alike the opportunity to witness the beauty beneath the earth’s surface.
SciFest invites St. Louisans to explore the great outdoors through STEM
From Shakespeare and scouting to telescopes and superconductor hockey, the Saint Louis Science Center’s free Great Outdoors Expo connects curious minds of all ages with the science behind nature, recreation, and discovery.
A guide to fishing around St. Louis this spring
From free beginner classes to big-river catfish and stocked trout lakes, here’s how—and where—to cast a line.
Terrain Trail Runners spreads ultra marathon sport one mile at a time
Shalini Bhajjan is growing St. Louis’ trail running scene, making ultrarunning more inclusive, sustainable, and open to anyone willing to show up and take the next step.