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Letters to the Editor Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Email Magazine@mdc.mo.gov or write to us:

MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST
PO BOX 180
JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65102

NEW FORMAT

The new format of the Conservationist is terrific. It is eyecatching and helps sustain interest. The articles are excellent, as usual. I especially like the Wild Guide feature.

Arlene Segal, Gladstone

SOLAR ECLIPSE

I viewed the eclipse at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. What an awesome, outstanding, and informative experience it was for this once-in-a-lifetime event! I can’t say enough about the knowledgeable staff on hand at Busch — wildlife exhibits and information, including eclipse time charts and eclipse trivia, telescope viewing, shady areas, immaculate restrooms, and air conditioning if needed in the visitor center. I just can’t say enough about how great our visit was. Thanks Busch staff!

Kathy Kruse via Facebook

A friend from California joined us to watch the total eclipse, and we didn’t want to disappoint. Kansas City was forecast with heavy clouds, so we went to Hart Creek Conservation Area that was right in the eclipse path and forecast for good viewing. When we arrived, we met A.J. Campbell, an MDC forester.

He said Hart Creek and Three Creeks conservation areas were prepared for eclipse viewing. Trails were trimmed, large areas were mowed, and porta potties were nearby. Three Creeks is closer to Columbia, where most viewers went, so we had Hart Creek to ourselves. What a perfect day! We hiked the trails that overlooked the Missouri River and the Katy Trail.

We watched the eclipse in clear skies and even had A.J. join us. He answered our endless questions about Missouri’s conservation programs and truly made the eclipse trip memorable.

Thank you MDC and A.J. Campbell for giving us great memories.

Scott and Susan Bennett Kansas City

TOP-NOTCH PUBLICATION

My daughter, Randi, of Florissant, introduced me to your publication last year. I subscribed and each month look forward to the next. I can’t say enough about the diversity of the subject matter and the accuracy of the content. I read every article word for word and am so impressed with the emphasis on conservation and recreation. I am learning so much about what we, who are interested in conservation and ecology, need to understand. Be assured that I place your publication at the top of my list over NWF, WWF, and National Geographic, although you are reaching a smaller audience. You have achieved excellence. Thanks so much!

Jim Anderson Batavia, IL

READER PHOTO HASHTAG

I love this idea of reader photos [Page 3]. As a dad who spends a lot of time outdoors with kids, this gives me a chance to engage. I am sure I am not alone. However, most young parents stick to Instagram to share their experiences in Missouri conservation areas and parks. Your hashtag is just too long! If you found something shorter and easier to remember, I would definitely tag MDC in photos.

Phil Stroessner via email

With so many hashtags floating around in cyberspace, it is difficult to find one that is unique. Our hashtag, #mdcdiscovernature, may be long but it gets our message across in one quick package. And the great thing about hashtags — once you use it, your account remembers it and it will come up automatically, so you never have to retype it! —the editors

PERMITS

I got an email about the fall hunting permits, and I must say, I purchased all my permits in less than three minutes. Thanks for having such a great system! Our MDC is awesome!
Mitchell M. Keithley via Facebook

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