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By MDC | February 1, 2025
From Missouri Conservationist: February 2025
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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

December’s issue

The photos are breathtaking. By these photographers sharing their individual perceptive eye, they grant us such a generous gift. Thank you!
Lynn Ricci
via email

Finding hope in conservation

I had been deleting old stuff off my cell phone and came across numerous keepsakes from where I lived on Bull Creek in rural Christian County. I was struck in particular by a recording I’d made of whip-poor-wills, Chuck-will’s-widows, and three or four frog species, all singing at night. The recording was made as recently as 2022, and I haven’t heard a nightjar since.

I have a granddaughter now, and I see environmental changes that my own grandmother was reflecting on before she died years ago. I am struck by the evolving modernity of our society, and that so many people have no idea what they’re missing. How the world is changing and it is unlikely that we’ll get back the things we’ve lost. I wonder if my granddaughter will ever hear a whip-poor-will.

So, I was thoroughly depressed when I cracked open the December Conservationist. You pointedly mentioned ”how you can help” North American birds, both in the Nature Lab article and regarding the Christmas Bird Count. Your director summed up my feelings nicely with his discussion of the word ”awe,” which is what I feel when I reflect on this fortunate planet of ours.

Thanks for fighting the good fight, MDC. You gave me hope.

Lawrence Ireland 
Fair Grove

Start them Young

My 18-month-old grandson (top photo) loves your magazine. The December issue is his favorite with all the photos of animals and birds. We read it often and he even picks it up and goes through it himself. Just shows you all ages relish your publication.

Kathy Crow 
Hillsboro

My 3-year-old grandson (bottom photo) loves to look through your magazines. It gives us joy watching him look at the wonders of Missouri outdoors.

Geoff Crosby 
via email

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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 – Kate Morrow
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale