Volunteer shares his love of nature through photo exhibit

Charlie Wilson wants to make people better stewards of the earth.

To that end, his photo exhibit, "A Walk from Winter into Spring," is on display at the Conservation Campus Nature Center at Cape County Park until April 28.

"A lot of people go so fast they don't get a chance to understand about nature," Wilson said. "It teaches you patience. Farming takes a lot of patience. But while I don't have patience for farming, observing and recording nature in photographs may enable others to value or enjoy the beauty and lessons it teaches."

Wilson, a volunteer since the Nature Center opened, said his photography is a way to make people curious about nature. Curiousity can lead to learning, which can lead to understanding. With understanding, he said, people become better stewards.

The display of 20 photos greets visitors at the Nature Center entrance. Many of the photographs were taken at the White Oak Trace trail behind the Nature Center.

Charles Wilson has photos such as this one on display at the Conservation Campus Nature Center. (Charles Wilson ~ submitted photo)

The photos promote a DVD available at the Nature Center by donation, produced by Wilson. The DVD is a montage of photos from the exhibit combined with relaxing music.

Proceeds from the DVD will go the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, which has earmarked funds for the Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center. The foundation promotes awareness and public support of Missouri Department of Conservation programs.

The foundation has enabled the area nature center to provide wetland and wildlife restoration, outdoor classrooms that benefit area schools and offer programs that teach outdoor skills.

Assistant Nature Center manager Steve Juhlin said of Wilson, "He uses his skills and talents to conduct programs, create exhibits and demonstrates his servant heart by completing any task at hand. He instills a sense of wonder in children and adults, exhibits appreciation and understanding, and shares his great desire for people to practice conservation and get outdoors."

The nature center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. DVDs still will be available after the photo exhibit ends April 28.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133