I Am Conservation

Mike Doyen of Rolla developed a deep appreciation for nature through hunting and fishing with his dad. “Dad had a deep respect for nature and a true ethic of conservation,” said Doyen, who decided to put his background in sales and marketing to use by promoting nature and conservation in Missouri. “Over 18 years ago, I organized a group of volunteers from our local Audubon chapter, with the goal of purchasing 70 acres on the south edge of Rolla for a nature center,” said Doyen. The result is the Audubon Trails Nature Center. Nine years ago, Doyen started a monthly radio show, “The Backyard Birder,” on his local public radio station. “Like the nature center,” said Doyen, “my goal is to educate our listeners and get them involved in bird habitat and bird conservation.” Doyen’s latest venture is the Great Missouri Birding Trail. “Bird conservation begins at home is my byline,” said Doyen. Working with the Department and other partner organizations and agencies, Doyen developed a compilation of hundreds of the best publicly accessible birding locations across the state. The purpose of the trail is to give nature lovers a one-stop shop for learning about the best birding spots in the state, as well as to focus attention on conservation efforts that benefit birds and other species. Learn more at greatmissouribirdingtrail.com. —photograph by David Stonner