Jeff Cantrell

Volunteer Engagement Specialist (Southwest and Ozark Regions)

There have been no other options for Jeff’s career and life direction than the conservation route. Jeff grew up in the Sac River watershed and his family fished and played on weekends on Christian & Taney County’s Bull Creek, Swan Creek, and the Finley. He attended MSU (SMSU) and earned his BS degree in Animal Science and Wildlife Conservation. Special studies and bio graduate students involved him in stream work and darter research. He took special interest in water conservation while working for the Springfield Greene County Health Department in Vector Control. Where he was introduced to the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. His concern for the environment led to an educational and biological control for the area’s mosquito program.

After six years he went back to MSU for his masters in biology. He studied a riparian bird, the Prothonotary Warbler’s behavioral ecology along the James River, Lake Springfield, and Wilson’s Creek. At this time, he enjoyed ecological studies of white suckers, madtoms, sculpins, and other native fishes with fellow bio graduate students including founding Stream Team 153 on Galloway Creek.

Jeff started with the Stream Team Program in September of 2023 after 27 years in the Naturalist and Conservation Educator roles of MDC. Prior to MDC he held various part-time positions with the MO National Guard, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society conducting a variety of field work on bat, bird, and botany crews.

Jeff is a solid volunteer for the environment having been a MDC volunteer, and currently in leadership with non-profits such as MO Prairie Foundation, Grow Native, and MO Birding Society. He advocates for volunteers at all levels of conservation projects and planning. He highlights the importance and accomplishments of volunteers in water conservation and proud to be part of the current team! 

Phone: 417-629-3423, Ext. 4542

Email: Jeff.Cantrell@mdc.mo.gov