WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Debra Mayers, left, assistant professor of biology at Missouri State University-West Plains, recently received an award of appreciation from the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) for her “development and oversight of conservation partnerships in Missouri.”  Beginning in 2010, Mayers signed up her biology students to participate in the NRCS’ Earth Team Volunteer Program to help educate area youngsters about the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources.  Since that time, 81 biology students have taught natural resource lessons in 20 area communities reaching 1,529 children and educators.  Mayers received the award from NRCS State Earth Team Coordinator Mary Giles.  (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)