Young conservationists honored

KANSAS CITY Mo - Triston and Trinity Gilbert have hands-on experience with an essential ingredient to their recently successful deer hunt -- habitat.

They co-authored a story about wildlife habitat restoration on a relative’s farm that appeared in the August/September issue of “Xplor,” the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) kids’ adventures-in-nature magazine. On Monday, MDC Education Specialist Jeremy Soucy went to the Woodland Elementary School in the Lee’s Summit School District to present them with an appreciation plaque and a poster of their story.

“This is our thanks for participating in our magazine and for your caring about preserving our forests, fish and wildlife,” Scoucy said.

Triston, 12, is a sixth grader at Woodland Elementary. Trinity, 8, is in the third grade. Their parents are Craig and Jeannette Gilbert of Greenwood. Triston shot a 10-point buck and Trinity bagged a doe in the recently completed youth deer season. Both children love the outdoors, their parents say.

But as their story says, they’re also experienced at planting native grasses and wildflowers and setting out seedling trees such as oaks and pecans.

“I like improving things for wildlife and getting a greater abundance of species,” Triston said. “And I like being outdoors and spending time with my family.”

Trinity likes hunting, but also just being outdoors.

“I like being around the animals,” she said.