Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund

06/09/2026

FINAL WEEK TO REGISTER FOR THE 2026 MOSTF WORKSHOP

Registration is still open, but time is running out. Join us on Tuesday, June 16, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for the 2026 MOSTF Workshop: Building Strong Proposals.

Whether you are planning to apply for future MOSTF funding or simply want to learn more about the program, this FREE workshop will provide valuable information on:
• Developing competitive grant applications
• Securing matching funds
• Understanding MOSTF priorities
• Tips and best practices for a successful proposal

Doors Open: 9:00 AM
Workshop: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Lunch Provided
Compliments of the MOSTF Coalition featuring fried catfish and all the fixin's prepared by the MDWFP Cooking Team.

Social at the Museum
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Enjoy food and drinks courtesy of the MOSTF Coalition.

With the next MOSTF application cycle opening August 3, now is the perfect time to learn how to strengthen your project proposal.

Tickets are limited and registration will close soon.

Register today:
https://2026MOSTFWorkshop.eventbrite.com

06/05/2026

MOSTF is excited to see this extremely unique recreational opportunity being developed in Columbus, MS.

Just another prime example how the Mississippi Legislature’s appropriations to MOSTF are Making Mississippi A Better Place Through Outdoor Stewardship.

https://cdispatch.com/news/propst-park-kayak-launch-moves-into-design-phase/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASQKolleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGOPppC83H0emlcJVzgHAxAyBeK0F9dx5daT7Tx6BVNPOlBKJovg40rMkX0Q_aem_NpFiNl4KI4TgTItvUcsmoQ

Propst Park is one step closer to being the city’s top destination for recreation as progress continues on the long-floated plan for a kayak and canoe launch on Luxapalila Creek.

06/04/2026

Know someone looking for a career position in the wildlife conservation field? Here is an opportunity open with one of our conservation partners.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsMKoet21/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Wildlife Mississippi

06/02/2026

05/28/2026

🚨 MOSTF Applications Open August 3, 2026 🚨

The Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) was awarded $15 million during the 2026 Legislative Session.

We are incredibly thankful to the Mississippi legislators who worked diligently throughout the session to continue investing in Mississippi’s outdoors. This funding will make a lasting impact on the future of the Mississippi outdoors for generations to come.

The next MOSTF Project Proposal Application Cycle will open August 3, 2026, with an expected application deadline of September 18, 2026. The MOSTF Board of Trustees is expected to begin scoring applications in October 2026. Funding awards are anticipated in January 2027, with awarded projects expected to begin in April 2027. We encourage all eligible applicants to begin preparing now by reviewing the sample application linked below. We look forward to seeing the many amazing projects and ideas submitted from across the state.
https://www.dfa.ms.gov/sites/default/files/MS%20Outdoor%20Stewardship/Grant%20Application/2026%20MOSTF%20Application.pdf

Want tips and tricks on building a stronger application? Join us for the 2026 MOSTF Workshop at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science on Tuesday, June 16.
Doors open at 9:00 AM
Workshop: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Tickets are FREE and limited, so register now.

Workshop Registration:
https://2026MOSTFWorkshop.eventbrite.com

05/26/2026

MOSTF Executive Director, Ricky Flynt was able to make a site visit on May 21, 2026 to the Jordan Natural Area in Jackson County near Van Cleave, MS. MOSTF is funding a permanent conservation easement, low-water crossing, longleaf and pitcher plant flat management and restoration, and other ecological and water conservation practices on this important property that is situated between the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and the Desoto National Forest. As hoped, this property would be managed to improve its attraction to Mississippi Sandhill Crane (an Endangered Species) use.

Wildlife Mississippi staff biologists, Robert Smith and Jacob Goff provided an update presentation and tour of the most recent habitat work being utilized on the 734 acre Natural Area.

The tour included visits to various timber stands that had been prescribe burned over the last 6 months to see the response of the local native plants like Savannah Meadow Beauty, Goldencrest, and Pale Pitcher Plant.

The tour was topped off with a hike to offer a view of a nesting pair of Mississippi Sandhill Cranes tending their nest.

This is just another great example of how MOSTF is Making Mississippi a Better Place Through Outdoor Stewardship all across the state. Wildlife Mississippi

05/18/2026

🚨 Reminder: Registration is still open for the 2026 MOSTF Workshop: Building Strong Proposals. Tickets are going fast!

Join us Tuesday, June 16 at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Doors open at 9:00 AM, and the workshop will be held from 9:30 AM–3:30 PM.

This FREE workshop will cover:
• Developing strong grant applications
• Securing matching funds
• Better understanding MOSTF priorities

Lunch will be provided at 12:00 PM compliments of the MOSTF Coalition, featuring fried catfish & all the fixin’s prepared by the MDWFP Cooking Team.

Stay after for the Social at the Museum from 3:30–5:00 PM with drinks and food provided by the MOSTF Coalition.

Register here: https://2026MOSTFWorkshop.eventbrite.com

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

ANOTHER GREAT STEWARDSHIP PROJECT COMPLETED!

The Freedom Ridge and Purple Creek Basin Improvements in the , Mississippi is an excellent example of how the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) is Making Mississippi a Better Place Through Outdoor Stewardship.

MOSTF awarded $1M for this project from a $10M appropriation during the 2022 Legislative Session. An additional $2M in other federal and state matching fund sources completed this $3M project.

The City of Ridgeland hosted a ribbon cutting event at Freedom Ridge Park on May 11 to unveil the new Eco Park. This transformative initiative was designed to enhance both environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation.
The new park includes a scenic loop trail around the Purple Creek Basin. This new trail expands mileage within the park and features interpretive markers highlighting the area’s unique ecosystem, offering both educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. “This project represents what can happen when infrastructure, environmental stewardship, recreation, and long-term planning all come together with a shared vision,” stated Alan Hart, Director of Public Works.
The project was centered around five key objectives: Stream bank stabilization, Water quality protection, Flood risk reduction, Wildlife habitat restoration and preservation, Expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities

“These investments are helping create a stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful Ridgeland for generations to come,” stated Mayor Gene McGee.
The $6.5 million multi-phase Purple Creek and Freedom Ridge Drainage Project was funded through a combination of federal and state resources, including ARPA funds, MCWI funding, a $1 million grant from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF), and a $500,000 grant from Madison County.