People Making A Difference

New Arkansas Champion - Tyler Campbell finds new Arkansas State Champion Tree. While still in the 11th grade during a December 2011 hunting trip, Tyler makes a discovery of a lifetime.
More Research Test Plots - removing trees for new research test plots of Ozark Chinquapins with resistant genetics in January 2011. Lots of hard work for a good cause.
Cheyne Matzenbacher with a seedling he found in the wild.
Cheyne Matzenbacher with a seedling he found in the wild.
Success! In 2011 Mike Fiaoni pulls down a branch from an Ozark Chinquapin that produced the very first seed from our research test plots.
Andy Elder of Ozark County Missouri has been an active member of OCF since 2011. This tree was planted by him on his property in Missouri in 2011 and grew over 4 feet the first year. OCF Membership support like Andy's allows this important recovery work to continue.
A.J. Hendershott receiving his award in 2013 for his outstanding work to educate the public and save the tree
Journey to Save an Important Tree - In March 2012 Teacher Kathy Rusert, four of her 8th grade students, along with another teacher, Patty Carmack, made a very long 13-hour round trip from their school at Mena Arkansas to West Plains Missouri to attend the annual meeting of the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation.
SUCCESS!!! - A happy Chris Wyatt, Eddie E., Shawn Smith and Steve Bost (L to R) stand with rare seed produced from coordinated pollination efforts across state lines. Pollen collected from seven large trees were crossed to produce seed for research test plots.
Tree Hunt Continues - Chris Wyatt Arkansas Forestry) and Mr. Taylor with another great tree discovery.
Ooh-nee-gee-n - Mark Dunham, Natural Resources Specialist for the Cherokee Nation, from Tahlequah Oklahoma, describes historic importance of the Ozark Chinquapin to the Cherokee. At the West Plains meeting in March he also told us how the Cherokee referred to it also as the "Bread Tree" and ground up the high protein nuts to make a flour to cook with.
Singing for the Trees!! - Donna and Kelly Mulhollan presented a dulcimer made of Ozark chinquapin wood. They organized a concert to raise money for the Ozark chinquapin tree. Their incredible efforts, all of the volunteers and people in attendance made a huge difference in the recovery efforts of the Ozark Chinquapin tree.
Out on a limb to save the Trees Eddie Estes (far left) and Shawn Smith (back right ) were awarded plaques for their incredible work to save and restore the tree.
A World of Thanks - Larry Stroud, Editor of the Batesville Daily Guard on the left, being presented a plaque of Ozark Chinquapin wood by Steve Bost. Larry has written for years about the plight of the tree at his newspaper and has gone above and beyond to to raise public awareness and support for the Ozark Chinquapin.
Making a Difference - Everyone has talents that can make a difference and it is a gift to for wildlife and our children to inherit.
FRED PAILLET - Professor of Geosciences University of Arkansas (on the left) is being presented a plaque by Steve Bost. Fred has put years of meticulous work and research into learning about the blight, unraveling time lines with tree ring analysis, authored articles and got others involved in making a difference as well as educating the public.
Mina Marsh receiving her award at the 2014 Roaring River State Park meeting. Her dedicated work made possible our 501C3 non profit status for the foundation. We will miss you.
A rainy day in the woods - The dedicated members of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation have made incredible contributions to the recovery work of this tree. Their dedicated work in conservation have and will continue to make a difference in this tree's recovery.

2017 Meeting at Twin Pines Conservation Area at Winona Missouri.

A very special Thank You for the partnership and work of everyone involved saving and restoring the Ozark chinquapin back to its native range. Without your support and efforts, ……. none of this would be possible.

Sincerely,

Stephen bost