Missouri Department of Conservation named ‘4-H Bridge Builder’

COLUMBIA, Mo.–The Missouri Department of Conservation was honored with the Missouri 4-H Foundation Nelson Trickey Bridge Builder award Sept. 20 in Columbia. The conservation department has been a dedicated Missouri 4-H partner for more than 50 years.

“We value the strong, long-standing partnership between 4-H and the Department of Conservation, and are honored to receive the Nelson Trickey Bridge Builder award,” said MDC Outreach and Education division chief Michael R. Huffman. “The focus of 4-H on youth and families is helping develop future generations of Missouri leaders. The partnership between the department and 4-H is helping develop the next generation of citizen conservationists.”

The conservation department’s work with Missouri youth began in 1939 with “Missouri Nature Knights,” an education initiative adopted by 4-H clubs that promoted activities to restore wildlife habitat. In 1958 the department began leading 4-H programs covering youth hunter safety training, wildlife education, water facts, fishing skills and boat safety; overall, the department has contributed thousands of hours of outdoor education to Missouri 4-H.

For contributions to outdoor education and safety development, Missouri 4-H honored the conservation department with the Friend of 4-H award in 1977. The department’s support continues today in all 4-H outdoor education and natural resource programs.

“The Missouri Department of Conservation is committed to the continued growth of Missouri 4-H programs,” said Missouri 4-H Foundation executive director Cheryl Reams. “We are very grateful for this extraordinary partnership that makes possible so many opportunities for Missouri’s young people, and MDC is very deserving of this honor.”

The Missouri 4-H Foundation Nelson Trickey Bridge Builder award is presented to individuals or organizations for their exceptional service bridging youth and community.