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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

Nature Knights

Many years ago, I attended Phillipsburg, MO grade school, which is no longer in existence. On Fridays of my fourth-grade year, we had a program called Nature Knights. I loved that class. We learned all about nature.

I remember my father cutting twigs off many kinds of trees, attaching them with twine to a piece of cardboard along with the name of each tree. My teacher was so impressed. I have never heard of Nature Knights since. I was wondering if you were familiar with it?

Dorothy Deckard Grovespring

 Editors’ note: The Missouri Conservation Commission launched Nature Knights in 1939. It was a program that introduced children ages 6–16 to nature, conservation practices, and environmental stewardship. Participants could engage in activities and earn awards and certificates, which were designed by Walt Disney. The program was discontinued in 1959.

Missouri’s Least Wanted

I have been a long-time reader of the Missouri Conservationist. I grew up reading it and now I share it with my kids. I love that you include the section Missouri’s Least Wanted. After learning Japanese honeysuckle vine is invasive, my boys, Emmett (5) and Ian (3), and I have set out to rid our woods of it. We live on 30 acres of timberland and honeysuckle vine has taken over large swaths of it, choking out saplings and making hiking difficult. Since last fall, we have been able to restore part of a stream that flows behind our house.

Haley Brannan Sheldon

A Legacy

My father, Herbert Gerard Schuler Sr., recently passed, and my family was looking for a way to honor his life and help leave a legacy. While looking through some of his belongings, we found stacks and stacks of the Missouri Conservationist magazines that he had kept over the years. My dad was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and being surrounded by nature. He really treasured his issues of your magazine and looked forward to their arrival. Especially in his older years when it was harder for him to be active and get outside as much.

In honor of my father, we asked for donations to the Missouri Department of Conservation in his obituary. Friends and family did not disappoint, and we were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. My dad would have been truly blown away and so grateful as well. I’m so thankful for the Missouri Department of Conservation and every time I see these magazines, I smile and think about my dad.

Rachel (Schuler) Eise via email