Former Missouri Conservation Director honored for her legacy with new award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The first female Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation has been honored for her legacy and achievements with a new award.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says Deep Roots KC honored former Director of Conservation Sara Parker Pauley with the inaugural White Oak Award. The announcement was made before her keynote address during the annual Plan It Native conference.
Conservation officials noted that the award was given to Pauley as an acknowledgment of her career which built a system of multi-sector partners that care for and nurture the state’s natural systems.
“The White Oak tree is a significant keystone species in our region as it holds complex ecosystems together,” said Stacia Stelk, Executive Director of Deep Roots KC. “The White Oak Award recognizes that some humans can also serve as keystones. As this keystone human, Ms. Pauley is responsible for making our human-partner ecosystems stronger, making our natural systems stronger along the way.”
To commemorate the honor, MDC indicated that Paule received a plaque made of white oak wood, carved by Kansas City Art Institute student Emma Bland. She also got a white oak wood chair carved by artist and Deep Roots volunteer Michael Chapman. The chair will reside at the Anita B. Corman Discovery Center to honor her legacy.
“I am both honored and humbled to receive the inaugural White Oak award from Deep Roots,” said Pauley. “My career in conservation has been fueled by ion for the mission and collaboration with extraordinary colleagues and partners, and I share this award with them. Together, we understand that the stewardship of our environment is vital to our own well-being; we survive and thrive together or not at all.”
According to the Department, Paule was the first female director between 2016 and 2024. She is also the first person to have ever served as both director of the MDC and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Conservation leaders said more than 16,700 acres were acquired through purchases and donations during Pauley’s tenure. Key areas include grassland in the upper watershed of Little Clear Creek, woodland habitat vital to elk restoration and preservation of the endangered Ozark Hellbender, and a tract adjacent to Penn-Sylvania Prairie.
Pauley has long advocated for chances for underserved populations to experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.
For more information about Deep Roots KC, click HERE.
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