Meeet Our Contributors

Jul. 2001 - Vol. 62, No. 7

Mike Arduser A 10-year veteran of the Conservation Department, Mike Arduser is the regional natural history biologist at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. He says one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job is educating people about the importance of conservation in urban areas. He enjoys canoeing, hiking and fishing with his wife, Jane, and their three children.
Jim Auckley Before retiring in 2000, Jim Auckley worked 29 years for the Conservation Department as a writer and as managing editor of the Conservationist. Now, he spends his days reading and seeking out Missouri's finest fly fishing honey-holes. He lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Carolyn.
Bob Ball A resident of Springfield, Bob Ball is a volunteer naturalist at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, where he often leads nature photography and natural history programs. His photos have been published in some of America's most prestigious magazines, including Life, Atlantic Naturalist and Popular Photography.
David Fiedler David Fiedler lives in Fenton. He says he daily struggles between responsibility and play when he drives over the Meramec River on his way to work each day. This is his second article for the Conservationist. He and his wife have two children, a three-year-old son and a daughter born in February.
Joel Vance Frequent contributor Joel Vance retired from the Conservation Department. His articles often focus on his close and not-very-close calls with turkeys, so he wants everyone to know he killed two gobblers this spring. His latest book is "Down Home Missouri (When Girls Were Scary and Basketball Was King)," from the University of Missouri Press.