I Am Conservation

I Am Conservation

Dana Ripper and Ethan Duke are co-founders of the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), a nonprofit organization for the conservation of Missouri’s birds. “We saw there was a niche for a bird observatory in Missouri that could assist a wide variety of agencies with monitoring and research work, as well as provide statewide education programs,” said Ripper, who serves as director of MRBO. The organization grew out of her work on a songbird migration-monitoring station at Grand Pass Conservation Area. “Data from the station identified how important the Missouri River corridor is to migrating songbirds,” said Ripper. “Grand Pass is known for its waterfowl numbers and hunting opportunities. Our work highlighted the importance of the conservation area for nongame birds as well.” Duke, who serves as assistant director of the observatory, grew up with an appreciation of nature acquired through hunting and fishing in rural western New York State. “There is no better place to join the conservation effort than in Missouri,” said Duke. “The natural communities of this state are uniquely diverse, and it would be safe to say that the MRBO would not exist in its current form without the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Department has clear goals and objectives for conservation, and a cohesion and dedication within the agency that we have never seen anywhere else.”

photograph by Noppadol Paothong