WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.360 --> 00:00:03.927 The Bonfem Watershed is home to some of the most ... 2 00:00:03.927 --> 00:00:06.559 unique natural resources in central Missouri. 3 00:00:07.200 --> 00:00:09.957 Located within Boone county, the headwaters for the ... 4 00:00:09.957 --> 00:00:12.651 Greater Bonfem Watershed begin on the south side of ... 5 00:00:12.651 --> 00:00:14.719 Columbia and the north side of Ashland. 6 00:00:15.360 --> 00:00:18.634 Local streams flow together to form the Little Bonfem and ... 7 00:00:18.634 --> 00:00:21.839 Bonfem together known as the Greater Bonfem Watershed. 8 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:24.000 Before they all join the Missouri River. 9 00:00:25.200 --> 00:00:28.054 Several streams in Greater Bonfem Watershed are ... 10 00:00:28.054 --> 00:00:30.977 designated Missouri Outstanding State Resource ... 11 00:00:30.977 --> 00:00:33.900 Waters due to their exceptional clarity and value ... 12 00:00:33.900 --> 00:00:35.918 as natural resources of the state. 13 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:39.470 U.S. highway 63 marks the divide ... 14 00:00:39.470 --> 00:00:43.279 between two distinct ecosystems within the greater watersheds. 15 00:00:43.760 --> 00:00:46.866 East of the highway lies the southern tip of the Ten Mile ... 16 00:00:46.866 --> 00:00:48.959 Prairie formed by glacial deposits. 17 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:51.725 There you can find an abundance of grasses and ... 18 00:00:51.725 --> 00:00:53.519 colorful prairie wildflowers. 19 00:00:54.200 --> 00:00:57.615 But west of Highway 63 is the Ozark Karst Region, 20 00:00:57.615 --> 00:01:01.799 featuring rolling hills, limestone sinkholes and caves. 21 00:01:02.520 --> 00:01:05.243 The Ozark Karst Limestone has openings allowing ... 22 00:01:05.243 --> 00:01:08.232 rainwater to flow freely into underground channels, 23 00:01:08.232 --> 00:01:11.354 increasing the potential for contamination of the land ... 24 00:01:11.354 --> 00:01:13.147 from stormwater, fertilizers, 25 00:01:13.147 --> 00:01:15.405 oil and gas, and thereby affecting water ... 26 00:01:15.405 --> 00:01:17.796 quality in groundwater and in the streams. 27 00:01:18.440 --> 00:01:21.664 This watershed is rich in diverse habitats and contains ... 28 00:01:21.664 --> 00:01:24.957 a variety of natural resources that support the lives and ... 29 00:01:24.957 --> 00:01:27.838 activities of wildlife, farm animals and people. 30 00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:30.835 The Bonfam Watershed is home to research focusing on ... 31 00:01:30.835 --> 00:01:33.430 understanding how people impact our water and how we ... 32 00:01:33.430 --> 00:01:36.319 can have a more positive relationship with our waterways. 33 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:40.334 Located within the watershed is the USGS Environmental ... 34 00:01:40.334 --> 00:01:41.359 Research Center. 35 00:01:41.600 --> 00:01:45.011 This institution studies streams restoration efforts ... 36 00:01:45.011 --> 00:01:47.043 and the ecology of our waterways, 37 00:01:47.043 --> 00:01:49.438 not only locally, but around the world. 38 00:01:50.080 --> 00:01:53.202 And just down the road is the University of Missouri's ... 39 00:01:53.202 --> 00:01:55.561 Bradford Farm, an outdoor classroom and ... 40 00:01:55.561 --> 00:01:59.238 research laboratory studying agricultural practices such as ... 41 00:01:59.238 --> 00:02:01.666 cover crops, prescribed burns and native ... 42 00:02:01.666 --> 00:02:04.718 plants that have a positive impact on our waterways. 43 00:02:06.800 --> 00:02:10.034 Recreation and open spaces are a main draw for people ... 44 00:02:10.034 --> 00:02:12.239 who live in and visit the watershed. 45 00:02:12.560 --> 00:02:14.527 Parks are a key part of these open areas, 46 00:02:14.527 --> 00:02:17.150 serving as a place for our community to come together ... 47 00:02:17.150 --> 00:02:18.879 and connect with the environment. 48 00:02:20.080 --> 00:02:22.542 Located within Bonfem Watershed, 49 00:02:22.542 --> 00:02:25.768 the MKT along the banks of the Missouri River, 50 00:02:25.768 --> 00:02:29.503 Gan's Creek Recreation Area, Gan's Creek Wild Area, 51 00:02:29.503 --> 00:02:32.898 Three Creeks Conservation Area and Rockbridge ... 52 00:02:32.898 --> 00:02:36.718 Memorial State park, home of the Devil's Icebox Cave. 53 00:02:37.760 --> 00:02:40.708 Deep below the ground, the Devil's Icebox Cave is ... 54 00:02:40.708 --> 00:02:42.793 home to many different creatures, 55 00:02:42.793 --> 00:02:44.878 one of which is the Pink Planarian. 56 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:48.545 This animal is so special because it can only be found ... 57 00:02:48.545 --> 00:02:51.439 in this cave and not anywhere else in the world. 58 00:02:53.040 --> 00:02:55.541 What we do on our land directly impacts our ... 59 00:02:55.541 --> 00:02:58.399 watersheds and the life these streams support. 60 00:02:59.920 --> 00:03:02.497 We can have a positive relationship with the Greater ... 61 00:03:02.497 --> 00:03:04.898 Bonifm Watershed, ensuring future generations ... 62 00:03:04.898 --> 00:03:07.358 can enjoy the natural resources for years to come. 63 00:03:08.160 --> 00:03:19.057 You can learn more about the Greater Bonfem watershed ... 64 00:03:19.057 --> 00:03:30.439 and upcoming events by going to cavewatershed.org Sam.