The Missouri River Cultural Conservancy hosted the fourth annual EcoArtFest on September 16 and 17 at Cooper's Landing outside Columbia, Missouri. "Our Local Treasures" was a very appropriate theme for the event, which featured local artists' work and music. Many local innovative artists had works from pottery to handmade jewelry to recycled wind chimes, for show and for purchase. Also, quite a few environmental groups had information booths set up to educate mid-Missouri about local natural "treasures," their importance to the community and how everyone can play a role in protecting them. 

 

One particularly active group is the Missouri River Relief. The River Relief group aims at educating younger people in hopes of continuing the movement of being environmentally responsible and more connected with the natural world around. They also organize many volunteer excursions throughout the state of Missouri with one mission: to relieve the rivers and watershed areas of the pounds and pounds of trash it accumulates. 

 

Saturday evening was filled with an intimate crowd relaxing around a large bonfire. Many were enjoying and dancing to the live music of various local musicians. Many also chose to camp for the night to really get the full eco-fest experience. The festival is held every year to celebrate the river environment, allowing people to get out of Columbia and re-connect to nature, as well as gaining a true appreciation of what valuable natural resources Missouri has to offer.