Inbox

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

A Timely Visitor 

The day after I got the May issue, what do I see in my backyard? A grosbeak! I have not seen any visit my suburban yard since I moved here in 1993. 

Frieda Clark 

St. Peters

More Grosbeak 

Your magazine provides the general public with incredible stories and information about conservation in Missouri. However, I must express a level of disappointment in your May issue. When I saw the cover of the magazine, I was very anxious to delve inside to read a very interesting article about the rose-breasted grosbeak. Not finding one, I can only hope it may be on your future agenda to educate us about this long-range migratory bird like only your staff can do. 

Bob Allen 

Nixa 

Editors’ note: When selecting a cover image for the magazine, we strive to choose a photo that directly relates to one of the three features inside the issue. However, if one of the features does not lend itself to a striking cover image, we may select something seasonal, as was the case with the May issue. With that said, we are always looking for interesting natural history topics to explore and we could add rose-breasted grosbeaks to that list. 

Redbud Jelly 

We saw the redbud jelly recipe in the April issue [Page 8]. My wife and I had never tried to make jelly, but the recipe was easy. It turned out great. We both like it very much, and we plan to give some jars away as gifts. 

Randy Bordner 

Jackson County 

Nature Knights 

The letter by Dorothy Deckard in your May issue prompted memories of the Nature Knights program [Inbox, Page 2]. Our fifth-grade teacher at Stoutland had our class involved. We would listen to the Conservation Department’s radio broadcast during class. We all got involved with a variety of projects. I built bird houses and feeders, collected tree branch sections of different trees, and planted short leaf pine seedlings. This program is all I remember from that school year. 

Joe Jeter 

Lebanon 

A Trifecta ... and then some 

I recently had the most incredible day in our wild outdoors. After two years of trying to shoot my first turkey solo, I did it! I camped in my turkey tent the night before and the next morning I experienced the most beautiful hunt. Not only that, I found morels, three arrowheads, a four leaf clover, and caught three species of fish — catfish, crappie, and walleye. I will truly never forget this experience. Thank you for all of the many ways you help ensure people like me have the opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime. 

Marcy Maxwell 

Camden County