Journaling with Lewis & Clark
Journaling with Lewis and Clark: A Discovery of Outdoor Missouri is a state-wide activity, starting on June 1, 2006 and lasting through May 31, 2007, that encourages Missourians to visit nine Missouri Department of Conservation interpretive sites across the state and to complete a journaling activity related to Lewis and Clark at each site. The third year features all new activities and lapel pins and includes all nine sites from year two.
The Department’s Director, John Hoskins, has given Missourians a charge to observe “with great pains and accuracy” and to record their observations “distinctly and intelligibly for others, as well as yourself, to understand.”
At the first facility visited, participants will be given the Journaling with Lewis and Clark: A Discovery of Outdoor Missouri booklet in which to record their journal entries. The booklet includes a copy of “Your Charge…” from Director Hoskins, which is written in a style similar to what President Thomas Jefferson wrote in his instructions to Captain Meriwether Lewis. A copy of the “Your Charge…” letter in its entirety is shown below.
The journaling activities are explained in the booklet and focus on one specific animal or plant for each site. Once participants complete the journaling activity, they check in with a Department employee or volunteer to have their journal stamped and to receive a special lapel pin for that site. The participating sites and their respective animal or plant are listed below.
When participants have completed the journaling activities at all nine interpretive sites, they will have their journals certified by a staff member at the last site they visit. At that time they will receive a special lapel pin of the keelboat as a reward for completing the journey and will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize, which will be awarded in September 2007.
In addition to encouraging Missourians to visit MDC interpretive sites, we will encourage them to visit conservation areas along the river. The “Discover Lewis and Clark in Missouri” map is included in the journal. Participants who are interested will also receive other resources related to Lewis and Clark.
Participants can begin their exploration at any of the sites listed. Click on a site name to find its location.
- Burr Oak Woods Nature Center - Bur Oak Acorn
- Cape Girardeau Nature Center - Beaver
- Columbia Bottom CA - Trumpeter Swan
- Discovery Center - Sycamore Leaf
- Lost Valley Hatchery - Lake Sturgeon
- Powder Valley Nature Center - Northern Pike
- Runge Nature Center - Pale Purple Coneflower
- Shepherd of the Hills - Soft Shell Turtle
- Springfield Nature Center - Striped Skunk
Your Charge...
The object of your mission is to explore the Conservation Department's nature centers and various interpretive sites in Missouri through the most direct and practical path as you learn about conservation in Missouri. At each location, follow the instructions provided and complete the journaling activity requested.
Your observations are to be taken with great pains and accuracy, to be entered distinctly and intelligibly for others, as well as yourself, to comprehend. Your journal notes should be put into the care of the most trustworthy of your attendants, to guard them against the accidental losses to which they will be exposed.
Instruments for making your recordings shall be your journal, a writing instrument, and your great powers of observation. At each location, show your journal entry to an employee to have it stamped and to receive a lapel pin to reward you for your efforts.
In all your interactions with the “natives” and other travelers, treat them in the most friendly and conciliatory manner which their own conduct will admit; allay all jealousies as to the object of your journey; satisfy them of its innocence, of our wish to be neighborly, and our appreciation of the resources of their “homeland.”
Upon completion of your journey, have your journal certified and recorded at the front desk at the last interpretive site you visit; you will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize. The winner will be notified by September 1, 2007.
Now, go in safety and move in great speed. You will be rewarded greatly for your efforts in the end.
Given under my hand at the city of Jefferson City, Missouri Department of Conservation Headquarters, this 1st day of June, 2006.
This charge is adapted from President Thomas Jefferson's original instructions to Captain Meriwether Lewis of the 1st regiment of infantry of the United States of America on the 20th day of June, 1803. For Jefferson’s instructions to Meriwether Lewis, visit the Monticello website www.monticello.org/jefferson/lewisandclark/instructions.html.
