A Short History
Citizens for Environmental Action was started in 2000 as a response to a community need for a recycling program. Members collected recycling in the local Wal-Mart parking lot so that it could be transported to the nearest recycling center. Since then, CEA has hosted numerous Earth Day festivals, sponsored public forums, improved and maintained Turkeyfoot Prairie near West Park, and created a variety of programs/events hoping to improve the health and environmental sustainability of our community.
Board of Directors
Angela Palmer, serving as president, has a biology degree from UCM, a BSN from Rockhurst/Research College of Nursing, and directs a nature and play-based early childhood program in Warrensburg. She oversees the planning of Earth Day at the Farm, an annual event at the UCM farm. She enjoys outdoor adventures, creative projects, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Vernon Elsberry, serving as vice-president, has a biology degree from UCM, taught biology for 11 years, and worked as a real estate appraiser for 26 years. He is now retired. He is an active board member for the Missouri Prairie Foundation and oversees the maintenance of Turkeyfoot Prairie near West Park. He is a birder, fisherman, woodworker, and enjoys being with family and friends.
Steve Mohler, serving as treasurer, lived most of his life in Johnson County. With a master’s degree in fisheries biology from MU he retired from the UCM biology department in 2005. He is one of the founding members of CEA and continues to be an active member though he currently lives in Gallatin County, MT. Steve is also active in Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Northern Plains Resource Council, Green America, Gallatin Invasive Weed Alliance, and Montana Native Plant Society.
Membership Info
CEA is always seeking out new community members that wish to help make Warrensburg and Johnson County more sustainable. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Warrensburg Community Center. If meetings are not your thing, we would still love to have you as a member. We offer volunteer opportunities throughout the year which will be posted on this site. Annual dues are $20 (due in April) and will support outreach and educational programs, prairie restoration efforts, and furthering environmental projects in the community. Dues may be submitted to Vernon Elsberry in person or by check mailed to Citizens for Environmental Action c/o Vernon Elsberry, 265 NE 35th Road, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Please consider joining to help us make a positive difference!
Diversity and Equity Mission
We believe that the health of our community members is directly tied to the health of our environment. We value all members of our community and are committed to work that is inclusive and celebrates diversity. We believe that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from one another. We are sharply aware that the negative impacts of environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us and we are committed to deepening our awareness and working together so that everyone is included, heard, and empowered.
