Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri is home to more black walnut trees than any other place in the world. Its wild nature and distinct flavor means the black walnut often gets passed over for more popular European varieties — the kinds you normally see in grocery stores and restaurants. But these Missourians are making sure that the state’s native nut, and its importance to the culture of this region, gets its day in the sun.

Missouri conservationists have reached an important milestone in their effort to save hellbender salamanders. In August, the number released into the wild topped 10,000. Scientists say it’s an important moment for the endangered species.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has planted roughly 14 fields of sunflowers throughout the 4,300-acre Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake.

Lake sturgeon are ancient creatures that have survived cataclysmic events over millions of years. But scientists worry they might not survive us.

Hellbenders once thrived in cold, fast-moving Missouri streams, but their populations have plummeted since the 1980s.

Missouri state officials are considering whether to extend the harvest seasons for eight wildlife species.

St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg answer your questions about Missouri politics.

Wild turkey populations in Missouri have taken a nosedive in the past 15 years. Biologists say the declines are connected to dwindling numbers of baby turkeys statewide.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act could provide state agencies with money to protect habitats of endangered and threatened plants and animals.

The fields of sunflowers will be in bloom from mid-July to mid-August for public viewing and photo-taking.