The first Four-State Regional Environmental Conference provides an opportunity for members of the community to become aware of the environmental issues in our area.

The Jasper and Newton County Environmental Task Force sponsors this event, which takes place on March 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Missouri Southern.

Dr. Thomas Simpson, director of the Regional Economic Development Center, said that the goal of the conference is to promote awareness of environmental issues, because “the more we know about the environment the better we can take care of it.”

Simpson said that this is the first year the conference has been offered, but he hopes to have the conference every two years.

Persons wanting to participate can call 625-3016. The conference is open to the public. Students participate for free, but members of the public must pay a $25 registration fee. There is no deadline to register for the conference.