HONORING A LEGACY
Remembering Our Friend
To honor John’s years of dedicated guidance and extraordinary service to The Nature Conservancy, a scenic overlook platform at Dunn Ranch Prairie will be named for him as a constant reminder that his ongoing vision keeps watch over the fields of native flowers and wandering bison he so dearly loved.
John McPheeters, a longtime supporter, trustee and dearest friend to The Nature Conservancy, passed away in June 2020. John clearly understood that our actions today forge the future. He foresaw the exponential growth of TNC programs and led strategic planning and capacity-building efforts to ensure a future that would be vibrant and sustainable. “Our dad chose a path connected to nature from an early age,” recalled John’s children, Lizzy, Katherine and Alex. “On our family farm in Clarksville, Missouri, he implemented changes that will have an immensely positive impact on the environment and future generations. We are grateful for his work and vision.” John served as a TNC trustee from 1999 to 2015, and as board chair from 2002 to 2005, demonstrating leadership, insight and long-range vision. After retiring from the board, he continued to be a valued adviser on complex land and water issues. His impact outside TNC was remarkable, as well. As co-founder of Magnificent Missouri, John raised vital funding for Missouri conservation through public events and education. Committed to bringing nature into the city, John and his wife, Connie, opened Bowood Farms nursery and organic food restaurant Café Osage, bringing their farm-grown plants and produce to St. Louis. He was also deeply engaged with the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Garden Club of St. Louis, and the Center for Plant Conservation, making important contributions and lifelong friends in every organization. “Our dad taught us to value the impact the natural world has on all of us, not only out in the fields, woods and rivers but also in urban parks and backyard gardens,” said his children. “His influence will always be with us as we continue his advocacy for nature and conservation, so that our children and future generations will live in a state where nature and people thrive together.”
14 MISSOURI: ACTION AND IMPACT
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