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By MDC | November 1, 2024
From Missouri Conservationist: November 2024
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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

Got You Covered

The cover of the September issue of the Conservationist is one of the most attractive I’ve seen. Job well done.

Dale Criss, via email

Perfectly Persimmon

My sincere compliments to Jan Wiese-Fales on A ‘Verie Good Fruit’ [September, Page 17]. What an awesome and ‘verie’ timely article. This time of year, my walks in the forest are a lot more enjoyable, not only because of the fine weather, but also because of persimmons on the forest floor.

The softer and soggier the fallen fruit, the tastier and deliciously sweeter they are. As John Smith once said, they are “as delicious as an ‘apricock,’” but I say they are more delicious.

And who needs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration? I can tell what the coming winter will be like just by the shape of the sleeping embryo in the persimmon seed’s cotyledon.

A ‘Verie Good Fruit,’ indeed.

Alfredo I. Custodio, Florissant

Appreciating Spiders

My family and I love your magazine. We all read it cover to cover, enjoying the beautiful photos, the different articles, and many topics about our wonderful state.

Your September 2024 issue talked about spiders [Nature Lab, Page 4]. I never liked spiders, but after reading your article, we all found it very interesting. We had no idea how many different spiders there were in the world, in North America, and in Missouri.

My family was really fascinated by all the different varieties of spiders and that they are still finding new species.

Dandridge Family, via email

Conservation for the City, Too

I just completed the magazine survey [September, inside front cover], but hoped there would be an opportunity to comment on why I like the Missouri Conservationist so much. I am a “city person,” growing up in St. Louis County and living in towns all my life. But I love this magazine! The information contained in each issue about nature and wildlife is fascinating to me. I am not a hunter or fisher, but there are always topics that interest me.

I particularly liked Sara Parker Pauley’s commentary and hope the new director continues.

Thanks for publishing a really great magazine. I can attest it appeals to — and educates — a broad audience.

Terry Weston, Columbia

Director Jason Sumners is carrying on former Director Sara Parker Pauley’s Up Front column. You can find his words of wisdom and thoughts on future conservation challenges and opportunities in each issue on Page 3. —The Editors

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Connect with Us!
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Conservation Headquarters

573-751-4115 

PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO

Regional Offices

Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730

Central/Columbia: 573-815-7900

Kansas City: 816-622-0900

Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420

Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880

Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100

St. Louis: 636-441-4554 

Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161

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Have a Question for a Commissioner?

This Issue's Staff

Magazine Manager - Stephanie Thurber
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Designer – Lyndsey Yarger
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale