A Naturalist Voice: Have a Little Faith, Enjoy a Personal Journey
Field notes by J. Cantrell
Photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation
It’s January and time for setting goals and taking on new hobbies and adventures. Those who love nature and are intrigued by its adaptations, life histories and relations may want to further their interest by a deeper dive into a self-journey being a naturalist.
First, our exposure to the outdoors is good for us. A walk or outing in nature may relieve stress, lower blood pressure, improve muscle tone and a person’s flexibility. Activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, nature photography and camping provide a wonderful pastime with friends and family members. All these topics have value, and it’s hard to place an actual dollar figure on them; the value is often not seen but felt and realized.
The self-journey of being a better or more skilled naturalist reaps those sorts of benefits. Often the goals or levels of observations are noted in a journal or diary of sorts. Sometimes it’s a nature journal or application on your phone like iNaturalist or eBird, and most commonly it is a shared outdoor adventure discussed over a meal or campfire with like-minded friends. There is never an expert level; naturalists find themselves always wanting to know more about their favorite subject or many natural pursuits. For example, a naturalist who loves turkey hunting in April may find themselves very interested in mushroom identification or reading animal sign along a trail. A smallmouth bass angler starts to “read” the stream habitat and sees relationships in the riparian forest along a favorite creek through the seasons.
Personally, I find myself intrigued by the animals that are cryptic or camouflaged not just by their colors and patterns but by their movements and behaviors. With the outdoor activities I seek, whether stream fishing, kayaking, birding, hiking, etc., I’m aware that I’m among wildlife that plays important roles in our environment. I have faith that if the habitat looks intact and healthy, I might get the opportunity to observe one of these hidden treasures.
This spring on my hikes among budding trees and spring wildflowers, I might discover an obscure ringed salamander under the leaf litter. Cave salamanders among the twilight area of small caverns along a bluff could be indicators of high-quality cave life, thus a sign of hopefully healthy groundwater. And as a naturalist, I have anxious concern for our endangered species.
We, the volunteers and naturalists involved with Missouri Stream Team, monitor water and conduct litter pick-ups of trash and tires. We may not see the elusive and now rare eastern or Ozark Hellbenders in their historic home range waters. But we have faith they are there, and part of our New Year’s resolutions are, by helping the aquatic habitat, we are assisting with their survival even if we don’t observe them. All these outdoor activities have a win-win: we love what we do, enjoy the outdoors and so many times it benefits the wild animals and places of the Show Me The Ozarks region.
All the best, and Happy New Year to all the readers. May this New Year of 2026 be fulfilling and healthy for you, and I hope to see you out on our shared trails and waters. - Jeff
Jeff Cantrell is a MO Stream Team biologist and volunteer engagement specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He covers a 31-county area in the Ozarks and may be reached at jeff.cantrell@mdc.mo.gov.