AGENT SHARES NATURE; GENE MYERS LIKES DEPARTMENT DUTIES

As an agent for the Missouri Department of Conservation, a big part of Gene Myers' job is sharing nature with others. It's a part of the job he enjoys a great deal.

"We do a good variety of programs for people of all ages, but all of them have the same idea of being informational and hopefully educational," explained Myers. "Our basic idea is to make the public more aware of the natural world around them."

Myers, who has been with the department for 15 years and stationed in Cape Girardeau County for almost seven, does about 50 nature programs a year to adult service clubs, nature and hunting organizations. Most of his presentations are given to school groups, scouting groups, and other youth organizations.

"A lot of times a Scout group will be working on a certain badge and need some special area covered; other times it will be more general, depending on the age group we are working with," said Myers.

"I don't have a prepared program as such; I just try to customize my programs to the interests and age of the group."

Often, Myers turns to other conservation staff members who specialize in other areas for programs such as staff from the forestry or fisheries division.

He said he senses an increased interest in nature the last few years.

"A lot of young people now are being exposed to environmental issues from kindergarten on up, and for that reason there is probably an increase in the enjoyment of the outdoors," Myers said. "Schools are getting more involved in teaching environmental issues and the public is generally more aware of the environment."

Many grade schools in the area are involved with the conservation department in a program where the department provides environmental material to the teachers. "There is a study plan to get the students involved and thinking about the natural world," said Myers. "Quite often, when they are working on a special segment, they call me to come in and work with the students."

A most popular program for youth groups is one where he displays a fur collection and talks about fur-bearing animals and why hunting and trapping seasons are held.

The department also has a variety of films and printed materials available. One of the most popular films now is one that talks about the wild turkey and its history.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of sharing nature, Myers said, is making people aware of just how much wildlife there is to enjoy in Cape County.

"People are often surprised about the wildlife we have in Cape County," he said. "We have a variety of wildlife species, and being on the river, this is a natural migration route for waterfowl and migratory birds. A lot of what they can see is seasonal, but during the course of the year there is a lot of variety in this area.

"The old saying, `You can't see the forest for the trees,' applies here. People tend to take wildlife for granted or don't look close at the wide variety we have."

Many times, Myers said, people tend to think of wildlife as being deer and turkey and they overlook a lot of the non-game species like song birds. "People see little yellow birds, yet don't take the time to identify them," he said.

Because of that diversity in this area, a variety of programs are requested, which, he said, makes his job much more interesting. As part of each nature program, there is always a time for questions, and Myers said he finds that enjoyable, especially with children.

"They always come up with something new that you have never thought about. Everyone has an interest; sometimes you have to peak that interest to get them started."

The questioning process is a learning one for him, Myers said, because, if he doesn't know the answer to a question, he does some research to find one.

Last summer the conservation department opened a regional headquarters to serve 13 counties in the Cape Girardeau County North Park. Eventually, some permanent displays will be placed in the center to focus on the unique and diverse natural features of Southeast Missouri.

Construction is also under way on a nature trail that will run through several acres of natural area in the park. Once it is finished, Myers said the trail will provide people another opportunity to get out and appreciate nature.