The Katy Trail along the Missouri River. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Dept. of Conservation)

A river otter enjoys the water. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Dept. of Conservation)

The bottomlands are productive lands for many Missouri farmers. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Dept. of Conservation)

The Katy region hosts the largest contiguous block of forest north of the Missouri River, where the cerulean warbler is found.

A bluff along the Missouri River. (Photo courtesy National Resources Conservation Service)

Morning in the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Dept. of Conservation)

Missouri's largest population of the ruffed grouse is found in the Katy region. (Photo by Don L. Johnson)

The pallid sturgeon is rare, but still found in the Missouri River. (Photo credit USGS)

Development of natural and agricultural areas threatens our most cherished places.

Agriculture has a long history in the Missouri River Valley. (Photo courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri, www.shs.umsystem.edu)