Henry Danforth: “in Missouri, Ed Stegner's name is virtually synonymous with conservation and responsible stewardship of our natural…”

“in Missouri, Ed Stegner's name is virtually synonymous with conservation and responsible stewardship of our natural resources. His countless contributions to the cause of conservation will be recognized on March 11. For those who wish to leave the world better than we found it, Ed's career offers many lessons. Ed Stegner was born on September 24, 1925, on a family farm near Bunceton, MO, in Cooper County. He now owns the farm where he was born and has added to the acreage. Wildlife management is his highest priority, particularly turkey and quail. He actively farms the land, demonstrating that wise use of the land is compatible with good habitat for wildlife. He acquired many of his values as a child who learned to hunt, fish, and trap with his father and brother. He saw quickly that abundant wildlife requires good habitat. He served as a gunner in the Army Air Corps in World War II, resuming his studies at Missouri University after the war, earning a bachelors degree in agriculture. After college, he taught vocational agriculture to veterans, contributing to the improvement of farming practices in our State. In 1953, he joined the Conservation Federation of Missouri as its executive secretary, a title later changed to executive director.”