There is an old saying that, if you are living your dream, you’ll never really work a day in your life.
That’s true for Martin Mac Donald, who since his college days has championed the outdoors and, even better, found a tremendous platform 24 years ago to showcase his passion. That’s when he accepted an offer from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris to become Director of Conservation, Youth Development and Public Relations.
It’s been a terrific career ever since, and it’s why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame soon will induct Mac Donald as an Conservationist, Outdoorsman and Runner with the Class of 2018 during the Enshrinement presented by Killian Construction on Sunday, Jan. 28.
The Enshrinement features an 11 a.m. reception presented by Meek’s The Builder’s Choice at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield and then a 4 p.m. reception at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, followed by the 5 p.m. dinner and ceremony. For tickets or to support Martin’s induction in some way, call 417-889-3100.
“John is my personal hero for his unwavering passion for inspiring people to love, enjoy and conserve the great outdoors – not to mention him letting me do a lot of crazy stuff,” Mac Donald said.
Mac Donald has initiated countless conservation programs, sports events, outdoor recreation events and educational initiatives, reaching thousands of individuals. He co-founded Wonders of Outdoor World National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School, working with his mentor, Glenn Weaver, at the University of Missouri. That program is now in four Missouri locations.
He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for his work in establishing America’s first Fish Habitat Initiative. In cooperation with Morris and the Sportfish Boating Partnership Council, that initiative has created 680 projects in 50 states and restored more than 28,000 acres and 1,600 miles of rivers.
Mac Donald also had established the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days, a series of events focused on outdoor skills, conservation and outdoor adventures. Under the leadership of Jessica Hayes, Outdoor Days events reached more than 110,000 individuals in eight locations in 2017.
Martin also partnered with J.P. Sell, founder of Fish Tales, to create “Fishing Dreams in Honor of Jack Emmit”. Four events provide fishing experiences for both disabled youth and veterans in Missouri.
In 2016, Martin received the President’s Award from The Association of State Park Directors for his leadership in promoting the outdoors in his two decades of working with Morris.
These days, he holds the title of Director of Conservation of Bass Pro Shops. Mac Donald coordinates Bass Pro Shops conservation programs including overseeing its three key pillars of protecting wildlife and habitat, connecting new audiences to the outdoors and advocating for sportsman’s rights. MacDonald helped found and serves on the board of the James River Basin Partnership and is a board member of Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
“None of the conservation or outdoor programs would have been possible,” Mac Donald said, “without the dedicated staff of organizations such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, Wonders of Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and regional and city parks such as the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.”
Martin himself is an active runner, having participated in more than 250 5K and 10K runs. He became involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team N Training Program, whose mission is to train for marathons while raising money to fight blood-related cancers. He was so inspired by this organization that he ran in the Anchorage Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon eight times, serving as coach, mentor, and travel guide to team participants.
What a career it’s been for Mac Donald, a native of Louisiana in northeast Missouri who earned a bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Ecology – and later a master’s in Interpretive Outdoor Recreation – at Mizzou. It was Weaver, an outdoor recreation professor, who urged him to work for the MU Extension as a 4-H youth specialist. Mac Donald then 20 years with the 4-H program, and his path eventually led to southwest Missouri.
“I couldn’t have a more understanding and supportive family,” Mac Donald said, “considering my work, running and weekend outdoor events schedule.”
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Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s 2018 Enshrinement Ceremonies presented by Killian Construction
When: Sunday, January 28
Morning reception: 11 a.m., presented by Meek’s The Builder’s Choice, at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive in Springfield.
Afternoon festivities: 4 p.m. reception, 5 p.m. dinner & ceremony at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Springfield
Class of 2018: Mike Garrett (Kansas City Chiefs), Lee Smith (St. Louis Cardinals), Howard Richards (University of Missouri football), Jim Otis (St. Louis Football Cardinals & Kansas City Chiefs), Martin Mac Donald (Conservationist, Outdoorsman, Runner), football coach Gary Barnett (Northwestern University & University of Colorado), softball coach Holly Hesse (Missouri State University), Doug Elgin (Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner), Dr. Brian Mahaffey (Missouri State University, St. Louis Cardinals), shot putter Christian Cantwell (Eldon High School/University of Missouri/Olympics), basketball standout Kerensa Barr Cassis (West Plains High School/Mizzou), Dan Lucy (KOLR 10 TV Sports Director), Rockhurst High School football coach Tony Severino, basketball coach Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest Missouri State University, UMSL), Rick Grayson (PGA teaching professional), Learfield, the Lamar High School Football Program, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Independent Printing – John Q. Hammons Founders Award, Rick Todd of Herschend Family Entertainment – President’s Award.
Sponsorship opportunities: Tables of 10 are $1,500 and include an autographed poster (a rendering by renowned artist Dayne Dudley), recognition in the printed program and at the table. Individual tickets are $150. Numerous other sponsorships are available, including congratulatory ads, trading cards and 20-month calendars.
Call the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame: 417-889-3100.
