I Am Conservation

The Missouri Department of Conservation assists teachers and schools across the state with outdoor education materials, support, and opportunities. In 2014, Brian Flowers, outdoors skills specialist with the Department, helped secure a grant from the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation to purchase over $10,000 worth of equipment for outdoor education programs in the Columbia School District. Teachers Mason Mershon (left) of Hickman High School, Jon Mize (middle), formerly of Battle High School, and Jeff Bazat of Rock Bridge High School used the equipment to teach a variety of outdoor education courses in their schools, including the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, hunter education, fishing, shooting sports, camping, backpacking, and more. “With the help of the Department, we have lots of resources and equipment to demonstrate, and the students can engage in activities that enhance their awareness of the wilderness,” said Bazat. “Each semester our students get the opportunity to fish at Bethel Lake. The Department made sure to enhance our students’ experience by donating a rod for each student in the class.” The teachers said students are excited and enriched by the opportunities presented through the outdoor skills curriculum. “Brian Flowers has helped make our outdoor education classes successful at all three high schools,” said Mershon. “These Columbia teachers have been instrumental in mentoring their students in the outdoors,” said Flowers. “They’ve passed on an appreciation of our natural resources and a love of outdoor recreation.”

—photograph by Noppadol Paothong