Natural Environment
The natural environment remains one of the region’s most attractive, valuable assets, drawing new residents and millions of visitors annually. With the support of local governments, advocacy groups, educational institutions, and an army of educated, willing volunteers, it continues to thrive.
key metrics
4.75 inches
That's bigger than a softball, and the largest in more than a decade of records.
Across is the largest hailstone recorded in the last year (2026).
13%
Below the allowed ozone pollution standard on average each year.
The region remains in compliance with national standards, even after three reductions of allowed pollution.
2026 report
Water, wildlife, and air don't stop at city limits, and the Springfield Ozarks has spent decades caring for them together. Long-range plans like Renew Jordan Creek and the James River Water Trail build stewardship into growth, the region continues to enjoy excellent air quality, and conservation educators have served residents of every age for more than 25 years. What's at stake now: state and federal rollbacks of environmental protections, a 30-year-old solid waste program that serves five counties, and extreme weather that puts lives and infrastructure at risk more often.
Stewardship built into planning
Concern for the health of the natural environment has been included in long-range plans and projects.
Examples include the Lake Springfield Plan, Renew Jordan Creek, and James River Water Trail.
Natural communities are being recognized, restored and actively managed, and local water resources are being recognized as potential drivers of economic development, outdoor recreation, and quality of place amenities.
Professional and volunteer care
Our healthy natural environment is supported by local nonprofit, quasi-governmental, and educated volunteer organizations. These groups gather data, complete hands-on projects, cooperatively utilize various grant sources and track the success of their collective efforts.
Many local organizations – several in existence for more than 25 years – have active and effective environmental/conservation education initiatives for all ages and abilities with professional-level presentations from trained staff or volunteers.
Decades of conservation education
Local businesses and philanthropic individuals or foundations also support environmental/conservation education efforts.
On May 21, 2025, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Environmental Educational Pavilion at Lost Hill Park. The pavilion was made possible by support from Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Additionally, thanks to a partnership with Boulevard Brewery, a native food forest was planted in the park.
Outdated trash and recycling systems
Springfield/Greene County is a leader in environmental management, including sectors of wastewater, storm water, recycling, and solid waste/recycling and disposal, which includes the City’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System.
Yet Springfield still operates under an inefficient arrangement for the collection and transportation of residential trash, with services provided by as many as 12-15 private companies. This leads to multiple garbage trucks on residential streets, resulting in unnecessary vehicle emissions, wear and tear on the streets, and serious safety concerns.
Rollback of environmental protections
Unfortunately, the natural environment is regarded as a highly controversial and divisive political matter, with support shifting from administration to administration. The current federal and state administrations have both eliminated regulatory protection and agency staff and programs.
At the same time, direct steps have been taken to allow or encourage actions that damage our natural environment and the people whose job or vocation it is to protect it.
More frequent extreme weather
Extreme Weather remains a serious concern to the health and safety of our citizens and visitors.
Though considered mild, our climate does have its extremes – heat, cold, ice storms, tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding.
As catastrophic rain events occur more, the unfortunate accompanying loss of life is also increasing.
