CONSERVATION FOUNDATION OF MISSOURI 
CHARITABLE TRUST

WHO WE ARE

The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust is a 501 (c) (3) public foundation established by the Conservation Federation of Missouri in 1971. 

​The Trust’s major emphases are natural resource related college scholarships, grants for conservation research and information dissemination, youth mentoring and other CFM programs, and projects related to the cross-state KATY Hiking and Bicycling Trail including the Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts, Missouri.

SCHOLARSHIPS

For years, the Trust has provided matching funds for several scholarships and youth education grants in cooperation with the Federation. While continuing these scholarships, known as the Charles P. Bell scholarships and grants, the Trust now has a much expanded program.
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The Ed Stegner Natural Resource Scholarships are given in partnership with the five professional societies which make the selections from the applicants in their areas. The endowment established by Ed Stegner is utilized to provide five individual $1,000.00 scholarships in five natural resource areas, Fisheries, Wildlife, Forestry, Parks and Recreation and Soil and Water Conservation.

A woman is standing in a library holding a laptop and a piece of paper.

​In 2011, five graduate scholarships of $1,000.00 in each of these areas were added to the program. This program, entitled the Carl Morrow Natural Resource Graduate Scholarships, is named in honor of the Trust’s longtime Chairman. Finally two more scholarships were established in 2011, a $1000.00 Minority Scholarship and a $600.00 scholarship from the Mississippi Valley Gun Club for a student from Ralls or Marion counties.

GRANTS

Although the Trust is not large, each year the Trust awards thousands of dollars under its Carl Morrow Small Grants Program. ​Examples include the Federation's Conservation Leadership Corps, a mentoring program which is working to get more youth involved as active volunteer conservationists, the Federation's Conservationist of the Year awards and funding for award-winning Stream Team projects.

Charles W. Schwartz Bronze Wildlife Sculptures​

The Trust owns one of the few complete collections of the bronze sculptures of Charles W. Schwartz. Using the “lost-wax’ method, Charles W. Schwartz, Missouri’s famous artist/biologist/cinematographer, had only a few castings struck from each of his fifteen wildlife originals. It is a unique and beautiful collection that can be used as a fundraiser or as the centerpiece for a conservation education forum. 


​The Trust makes part or all of the collection available for special events at no charge to other non-profit conservation organizations. When not on loan, the collection is on display at the Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.

DONATING TO THE TRUST

There are many ways to support any of the above programs or the Trust in general. People donate in memory of a departed friend or relative, in honor or in celebration of a birthday, graduation, wedding or anniversary. The Trust acknowledges all such gifts.

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If you are considering a gift through your will or estate, we will be happy to help you. Please contact us today.

katy trail shelter

One of the Trust’s biggest endeavors is the Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts, MO.


This charming two-story building, generously gifted by the Turner family, has been upgraded with restrooms, showers, multiple bunk beds, dressers, heating, air conditioning, and running water.


In addition, it offers a range of amenities designed to accommodate non-profit youth groups seeking an affordable lodging option while exploring the Katy Trail.


Thousands have experienced the unique comfort of this exceptional home away from home located along the Katy Trail.