POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
We’ve all heard the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Modern conservation is no different. “It takes the strength of partnerships, the innovation of collaboration, and the support, engagement and enthusiasm of everyone to accomplish goals,” said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Throughout the years, The Nature Conservancy and MDC have collaborated on numerous projects, including grassland restoration, woodland/savanna management, Topeka shiner recovery efforts, critical work to improve and sustain the health of the Meramec River Basin, and much more. “We both have world-class staff, immense passion, and true grit when it comes to solving challenges and capitalizing on conservation opportunities,” said Sara. “That only increases the impact our work has on our natural resources and Missouri’s unique biodiversity.” Missouri Conservation is a Shared Responsibility
Fulfilling Her Dream Sara Parker Pauley always knew she wanted to pursue a career in conservation. “My grandmother really inspired me. She was so confident in the outdoors and had such a connection to the land,” said Sara. “I always wanted to be right there with her.” A native of Columbia, Mo., Sara received her law degree and bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri— Columbia, and did post-graduate studies in Australia as a Rotary Fellow. “I feel fortunate to work in this field with our partners, staff, and our citizens,” she said. “MDC’s history was created by the citizens and well-funded by the citizens. Our very existence is dependent on citizens’ support. I never want to forget that.” “I pursued my journalism degree with the hopes of writing for Conservationist Magazine ,” she said. “Now, I get my own column every month,” she joked.
Missouri is bordered to the east by the mighty Mississippi River and bisected by the Missouri River. “As a result, Missouri houses an incredible diversity of natural communities and associated native flora and fauna,” Sara said. From showy native prairies to desert-like glades to deep, dark caves, our rich natural heritage offers unique conservation challenges and opportunities. Sara’s hope is that together, conservation partners and Missouri citizens, can build and sustain a strong conservation ethic that supports healthy, diverse landscapes for future generations. “It’s our shared heritage, but it’s also our shared responsibility. No one entity can conserve and protect Missouri’s vast biodiversity alone.”
LEARN MORE about Biodiversity in Missouri at nature.org/mobiodiversity
NATURE.ORG/MISSOURI 7
THIS PAGE top Sara Parker Pauley. © Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker