Missouri Conservationist online

Tim Ripperger became a Conservation Agent in 1977 and is now Northwest Regional Supervisor, based in St. Joseph.

Amber Cox, originally from Monett, works part-time for the Conservation Department while earning an MBA from William Woods University, where she is also helps coach the basketball team.

Debra J. Sheffer describes herself as a "wife, mother of two, writer, wildflower artist and professor at Park College."

Mitch Jayne, whose soul was forged in the Ozarks, sang and told stories with the bluegrass-playing Dillards, which regularly appeared on the "Andy Griffith" TV show.

Perpetually young Joel Vance has written more than 300 articles for the Conservationist since 1969.

Freelance writer Suzanne Wilson shares her rural homesite in Joplin with her husband, three dogs, a cat and visiting hawks and deer.