Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley

I traveled with colleagues to Peck Ranch Conservation Area this fall in hopes of hearing a mighty Missouri elk bugle — and gratefully several bulls accommodated just as the sun set over the Current River valley. This was only to be outdone the next morning as we watched the sunrise atop nearby Stegall Mountain, one of Missouri’s highest elevations. As light slowly unveiled the morning, the vibrancy of fall color began spreading across the hills as if an imaginary paint brush was doing all the work. We snapped pictures throughout, hoping the images would somehow capture the morning’s splendor. The photos will forever remind me of that glorious sunrise and the beauty of the Ozark landscape.

For the first time ever, the Missouri Conservationist’s feature spread this month is a selection of photographs taken by readers of our magazine, people just like you (See Pages 11–27). The photos are spectacular, reminding me of the power of images. Studies suggest that we remember vastly more of what we see, than hear or read. Add to that the power of nature — studies conclude the benefits of nature, including the power to heal, connect, restore, and inspire, are gained merely by looking at images of nature.

The thing about such visual treasures is that it takes a moment in time to capture them, yet they can be enjoyed by you or keepsakes for others forever. So, let’s get to it dear readers — and snap away!

Sara Parker Pauley, Director

SARA.PAULEY@MDC.MO.GOV