Note To Our Readers

Small Groups Make Big Changes in Conservation

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

I am often reminded of this quote when I think of conservation. When you consider the extraordinary natural resources that have been well-kept at the local, state, national, and international level, you recognize that their safeguarding generally started with a small group of determined individuals whose passion for the outdoors motivated them to rally and provide leadership for a cause.

Leadership is at the heart of Margaret Mead’s quote and it is in the heart of so many individuals and groups who drive and support conservation efforts today — farmers who take charge of their soil and water resources by implementing erosion control practices, outdoor writers and educators who use the outdoors and outdoor experiences to communicate about our human role in the environment, community groups who adopt streams and road rights-of-way to demonstrate their initiative and community pride, universities and government agencies who engage in conservation research and help direct best management practices, and individuals whose energy and passion simply motivates their friends and neighbors to adopt conservation-friendly practices.

This month’s issue contains an article about Missouri’s master naturalists. They represent just one of the small, thoughtful, committed citizen groups we have in Missouri who take regular action in hope of changing the world; I’m familiar with their work so I know they are making a difference. And you will, too. Just taking the Missouri Conservationist demonstrates your passion for Missouri’s conservation heritage and provides a testimony to others that you are committed to a conservation ethic. So I thank you, as one committed citizen to another, for helping us change the world.

—Jennifer Battson Warren, deputy director