Friends of Cardinal Valley

Restoring the Past, Protecting the Future

When people come to understand Missouri’s natural lands as havens for wildlife and places of renewal for people, they begin to care for them and invest in their future.

In Webb City’s Cardinal Valley, we have a rare opportunity to restore native landscapes and bring back the thriving wildlife that once defined this place.

Friends of Cardinal Valley is a volunteer-led nonprofit supporting this restoration because together we are inspired to take care of the things we understand.

Why Cardinal Valley Matters

Cardinal Valley is a living example of recovery and resilience.

For decades, this land was heavily impacted by lead and zinc mining, leaving behind disturbed soils and degraded waterways. Through EPA remediation and partnerships with the City of Webb City, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Missouri Department of Conservation, the land began a long process of healing.

Today, Cardinal Valley continues to recover, and ongoing community care plays a vital role in shaping its future.

Man-made wetlands filter Webb City’s wastewater while supporting a rich web of life, including more than 200 bird species, along with amphibians, reptiles, fish, pollinators, and native plants.

Upland prairie and bottomland woods along Center Creek provide habitat for pollinators, mammals, and migratory birds.

Trails invite people to connect with nature, reflection, and renewal.

This is a place where restoration benefits both wildlife and the community.

Today, more than a thousand acres have been cleaned up through EPA efforts, with restoration continuing for years to come. A community Friends group can cheer that healing on, support Webb City’s ongoing work, and help preserve this special place for future generations.