Crowder State Park Superintendent Anna Persell has been selected as the State Parks and Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month for April. She was recognized for her service to the department and her efforts in organizing and hosting special events at Crowder State Park.
Persell manages Crowder State Park, located west of Trenton, which features a campground, a lake, a large day-use area, 17 miles of trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and a large group camp. She operates the facility alongside two full-time team members.
Persell is often seen trimming trails, hosting programs for visitors, and working on a variety of special projects. She routinely leads interpretive hikes and hosts “Toddler Tuesdays,” a program designed for preschool-aged children. She has also organized and hosted a variety of other events, such as a Dutch Oven cooking contest and an Amazing Race-themed event. Additionally, Crowder Park hosts Women in Nature events and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.
Recently, Persell partnered with the Missouri Veterans Commission to host 15 Missouri veterans for an all-inclusive managed deer hunt in the park. Each veteran was provided food, lodging, and hunting tags for the weekend, as well as a hunting guide and free deer processing. David Kelly, the director of Missouri State Parks, stated that Persell’s attention to detail made everyone feel at ease.
Dustin Webb, the northern region director of state parks, says it’s common to find Persell presenting an interpretive program on a Friday night in the campground, then she is busy cleaning the shower house at 6 a.m. the next morning. Webb describes Persell as always going above and beyond in the name of stewardship, public service, and interpretation.
Anna Persell joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in January 1998 and resides in Princeton.
