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It is with deep sadness we want to let the Ozark Society members know that Bob McKinney passed away this afternoon after months of complicated health issues.  He was one of those human beings that was full of mischief, a trickster, a gourmet cook, and above all, a planner of great trips, especially France and Italy. Bob was a leader in the OS for many years, back in the 70s and 80s.  He was President of the Pulaski Chapter, 2nd Vice President of the Ozark Society, lead many adventurous outings - a Grand Canyon float trip back in 1973 (53 people on 3 huge rafts) for a week;  Bob organized and lead two canoe trips for the OS, to the  Nantahala and Chattooga Rivers in the late 70s.  Everyone survived!  He was also a dedicated runner and led many "Hash House Harriers" distance runs in the U.S. and Europe. Bob was an electrical engineer working for Southwestern Bell and AT&T until retirement. He also worked in Iran,  China and was an ardent traveler throughout Europe and the U.S.  

From President David Peterson: The Ozark Society wants everyone to stay strong and healthy and we recommend people follow all State and Federal guidelines for limiting contact at this time.  Most of our group activities are being postponed for now but it is still okay for each of us to walk outdoors. In fact it is a great way to get exercise and boost your mood and maybe your immune system!

We are pleased to announce that the Schoolcraft Chapter in the Springfield Missouri area is renewing its mission and will be meeting soon.  Here is an article by Andy Ostmeyer from the Joplin Globe on the details: Andy Ostmeyer: Battles with CAFOs spark new interest in Ozark Society Battles with CAFOs spark new interest in Ozark Society A fight over a large hog farm on a tributary of the Buffalo River in Arkansas has become a catalyst for a new round of conservation action, including in the Ozark Society.  Sixty years ago, efforts to protect the Buffalo River in Arkansas launched the Ozark Society, which led the fight to save the river. A more recent fight to protect the river has sparked new interest in the Ozark Society. A dormant chapter of the Ozark Society in southern Missouri is being revived.  It’s a good sign for Ozark rivers and our public lands.  This timing is no coincidence, either, but the latest proof of a pattern that repeats throughout the Ozarks as surely as our rhythm of hill and hollow. I’ve seen it happen time and again: Residents, busy with their lives and trusting politicians and regulators to protect their water, air, [...]

Ozark Forest Forensics: The Science Behind the Scenery in Our Regional Forests By Frederick Paillet and Steven Stephenson This book interprets our natural surroundings in a way that enhances a simple walk in the scenic deciduous woodlands of the Ozark Mountain region. Explanations go beyond trees and their habitat to include other diverse subjects: the leaf litter beneath a hiker’s feet, strategies used by wildflowers for pollination and seed dispersal, diseases that can ravage our forests, and forces active in the landscape that impact conservation efforts. Simplified line drawings demonstrate specific points of interest in a way that visually cluttered photographs cannot do. Includes: 163 line drawings, a list of species used in the text, a glossary, and a reading list. $24.95 Order it now using our Book Order Form or by contacting Emily Roberts at outreach@ozarksociety.net.