Trailing nature with Candice Davis

Candice Davis says some of her earliest and best memories have to do with nature. She didn't exactly plan on a career with the Missouri Department of Conservation -- she has a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology and spent nine years as a U.S. Navy journalist -- but when a media specialist job came available in Cape Girardeau, it was meant to be.

Now, Candice works with the media and the public to spread her love of nature near and far. Even when she's off the clock, you'll likely find her outdoors with her husband, Greg, and 10-year-old son Liam.

"Greg, Liam and I love to get in the truck and go exploring," she says. "We leave early and make a big circle, just stopping at conservation areas. We get out, walk the trails, wade in water if there's water access, look under rocks and then continue down the road until we get to the next area. It's fun to explore and discover new things with them. Greg and I also enjoy working in the yard; I adore my flowers."

Read on as Candice tells more about her love of nature, and how you can get out there and enjoy it, too:

Flourish: We know you're a huge advocate for the outdoors through programs at the Nature Center, your semissourian.com blog, getting the word out through the media and more. Why are you so passionate about the outdoors?

Davis: There is no doubt in my mind that spending time outside (connecting to nature) is just downright healthy. Studies show that people who spend time in nature tend to be more physically fit and less stressed than those that don't. I tend to do my worst thinking when I'm indoors and my best thinking while hiking, digging in my flower beds or even just staring at the river. Even for people who can't go hiking or do something strenuous, just sitting outside watching hummingbirds can melt away stress. It's so easy to forget that there's a valuable resource right outside our doors. Often all that's needed is a reminder and an idea of what to do.

Flourish: What are some of your most memorable experiences with nature?

Davis: Well, I love venison, but I'm not a very successful hunter if you rate success by the harvest. I tend to harvest memories more than meat. I loved hunting with my dad when I was young, simply because I craved the time with him and I treasure those memories. Last year Greg and I took Liam deer hunting for the first time. He didn't get a deer, but we still had a blast. He'd been practicing his barred owl call and just as we were coming in from the woods he heard his first live barred owl. It sounds simple, but the surprise, wonder and recognition in his eyes were enough for me. I melted. He jumped up and down as he told the story later. We counted five different species that we were able to watch during that hunt and we will never forget it.

Flourish: What are your favorite ways, and places, for women to explore the outdoors in Missouri? (Especially this fall and winter!)

Davis: As you can probably tell from my answers, time in nature is usually centered on relationships for me, and I think that's probably true for a lot of women. There's certainly no outdoors activity that is off limits to women, and most outdoor activities are even more fun when shared. In fact, I know a mom who spends her spare time teaching her son how to trap furbearers. For my family it's about exploring together. In the fall, we like to hike trails and enjoy the autumn colors, go fishing and hunt together when possible. I get really excited when the bald eagles are here in December through February. Duck Creek Conservation Area and Millstream Gardens are probably my personal favorites, but we have so many gorgeous areas, it's hard to choose. I like to pull up the online MDC Conservation Area Atlas and find areas we haven't seen before.

Flourish: What if we're not the really the outdoorsy-type? How can we start exploring nature in a way that is safe and enjoyable?

Davis: I'm going to be bold and suggest that we might all be born with a built-in appreciation for our natural world. It could be our technological culture and busy schedules that have eroded that natural connection. So, to reclaim it -- it's all about taking that first step, perhaps setting a few hours aside to unplug and find out what your connection is. A "tame" activity could be growing native plants, and autumn is a great time to add trees to your landscape. Take your kids or your loved one on a picnic. Make your own holiday decorations from natural items. Just start small and see where the trail leads you. You can also seek out ideas from programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The naturalists at the center are very knowledgeable and patient. It's a great atmosphere for fun and learning for all ages and skill levels.

Flourish: What else would you like readers to know about enjoying the great outdoors in Southeast Missouri?

Davis: Southeast Missouri is full of opportunity. We have many public natural areas that you can explore and the department works hard to ensure there are opportunities for all ages of Missourians to engage in the outdoors. I encourage those who are skilled in the outdoors to share those skills by mentoring someone. If you don't know where to go, log on and explore the Department website, www.mdc.mo.gov, or text the word "nature" to 91212 on your cellphone for Nature Center alerts. There's pretty much always something to do if you know where to look for opportunities.