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Our Founders: Back row (left to right): John Nichols, Shayla Eimer, Beverly Ash, Sheila Burns, and Krista Smith; Front row (left to right): Ava Velasquez, Sara Eimer, and Amera Wild
Friends of Cardinal Valley (FCV) is a volunteer-led nonprofit committed to the long-term restoration and conservation of the Cardinal Valley Habitat Restoration Area in Webb City, Missouri. The organization was founded by a group of Missouri Master Naturalists, bringing expertise and experience to guide our restoration efforts. Working in partnership with the City of Webb City and regional conservation collaborators, we honor the land’s history and the people who shaped it by helping protect and revitalize its natural character. Our efforts are grounded in stewardship, community engagement, advocacy, and environmental education.
As an all-volunteer organization, FCV grows at a sustainable pace, scaling projects based on available resources and community involvement. We operate without paid staff or heavy overhead, drawing strength from local relationships, goodwill, and grassroots participation. We value transparency and fiscal responsibility and carefully track our contributions—both financial and in-kind—to support long-term accountability.
Through volunteer stewardship, public outreach, partnerships, and fundraising, FCV helps restore natural habitats, enhance public access, and strengthen environmental engagement across the community
Mission Statement
To restore and protect Cardinal Valley, foster environmental stewardship, and create long-term opportunities for education, recreation, and community engagement.
Our Role:
Partnering with the City’s Property Manager, who advises and leads projects.
Supporting habitat restoration, citizen science, and public engagement.
Ensuring momentum continues beyond agency funding and temporary grants.
Our Values:
Stewardship • Sustainability • Community • Transparency • Leave No Trace Principles
Our Partners:
City of Webb City • US Fish & Wildlife Service • Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Department of Conservation • Missouri Master Naturalists, Chert Glades Chapter
Missouri Stream Team • Midwest Bat Hub
What We Do
Habitat Restoration & Stewardship
Planting hundreds of native species to restore prairie and woodland areas.
Building and maintaining bird blinds and nesting boxes.
Assisting with prescribed burns to sustain prairie health.
Supporting long-term wetland, prairie, and forest restoration.
Citizen Science & Monitoring
Water quality testing through MO Stream Team.
Bat monitoring with Midwest Bat Hub.
Reporting bird and monarch sightings on eBird and Journey North.
Uploading biodiversity observations on iNaturalist.
Contributing to science and attracting visitors.
Public Space Enhancements
Adopting a section of the Frisco Trail for cleanup and habitat improvements.
Adding benches, educational signs, and nature-viewing features.
Education & Outreach
Sharing the story of restoration through blogs, social media, and local workshops.
Conducting nature walks, school programs, and volunteer training.
Contributing photos, videos, and fundraising efforts to a locally produced 30-minute documentary about Cardinal Valley.
Responsible Recreation
"Encouraging "Leave No Trace Ethics"
Pack out trash and keep trails clean.
Use monofilament recycling bins for fishing line.
Avoid lead tackle to protect wildlife.
Stay on trails and observe wildlife respectfully.
Avoid disturbing plants, wildlife, and natural features.
How Care Becomes Action
Every volunteer hour, native plant, and citizen science observation helps Cardinal Valley thrive for future generations. Together, we can build lasting community support that carries this work beyond public funding, showing that when a community cares for the land, life returns and a legacy takes root.
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