MERAMEC HILLS CHAPTER MISSOURI NATURALISTS

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

2/02/09

 

  

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Workshop Schedule

2009 Introductory Level

 

In training for Water Quality Monitoring,  participants must undergo three levels of training: Introductory, Level 1, and Level 2.  Workshops for Introductory Level will take place at the following locations:

 

    St. Charles, Busch Wildlife Area, 2360 Highway D, Friday, March 27 - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

         (Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 11)

 

    St. Charles, Busch Wildlife Area, 2360 Highway D, Saturday, March 28 - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

        (Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 11)

 

    Springfield, Springfield Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman, Friday, April 17, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

        (Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 1)

 

    Mt. Vernon, MU Southwest Center Agricultural Experimental Station, Saturday, April 18, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

        (Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 1)

 

    Kansas City, Metro College - Maple Woods Campus, 2601 NE Barry Rd., Saturday, April 18, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

        (Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 1)

 

    Houston, MDC Houston Forestry Office, 7901 Highway 63 North, Saturday, April 25, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

        (Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 8)

 

    Jefferson City, MDC Headquarters, 2901 W. Truman Blvd., Workshop split over two days:

            Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Wednesday, April 29, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

                (Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 15)

 

Contact Carol Mahan to get a registration form or register on the Stream team Web Page (www.mostreamteam.org )

        Registration will be limited to 30 people per workshop

        Please bring a sack lunch.  Lunch will not be provided

        Wear outdoor clothing and boots or river shoes for wading into a stream

        For further information, contact Priscilla Stotts at 573-526-3406

       

    

FEBRUARY EVENTS

February 2 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of the chapter, United Methodist Church, Rolla, beginning at 6:00 pm.  January meeting was postponed to this date because of inclement weather.  Presentation by Adam Boman, project coordinator MDC on Middle Meramec Conservation Opportunity Area (MMCO), a new volunteer project for our chapter (The Dry Fork Riparian Restoration Initiative is part of the project that is in Phelps County.).  If you are interested in taking part in the project, contact Pat Perry (perrypineridge@embarqmail.com ) or send Adam Boman an e-mail (Adam.Boman@mdc.mo.gov )

    Refreshments:

        Janet McKean

        Judith Dudley

 

February 5 (Thursday)

"Out on a Limb: Saving an Ozark Treasure - Ozark Chinquapins," ONCRC (Ozark Nature and Cultural Resource Center), Salem, 7:00 pm.  Presenter is Steve Bost.  There is no cost for this program. 

 

February 6 (Friday)

Nature Close-Up class, Part I:  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area.

This is a class designed for teachers, but Carol Mahan has opened it up to Master Naturalists because of the shared goal - to introduce adults to the habits, habitats, etc. of some of our common winter animals.  Participants will get tips on how to get close to and videotape species such as turkey, songbirds, squirrels, furbearers, deer, etc.  There is no cost for this program.  For more information and/or to enroll, contact Carol Mahan: carol.mahan@mdc.mo.gov or 368-2225.

(3 hours advanced training credit)

 

February 7 (Saturday)

Nature Close-Up class, Part II: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area

For class description, see Feb. 6th entry.

(7 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

February 12 (Thursday)

Native Landscaping Part I: Planning and Design, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Cost is $12.00.  To make reservations, go to www.shawnature.org or call 636-451-3512.

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

February 20 (Friday)

Forum and Panel Discussion on Renewablel/Alternative Energy in Missouri and Proposition C - The Missouri Clean Energy Initiative, 7:00 pm, Phelps County Courthouse, Rolla. 

Representatives from Proposition C proponents, Tom Carnahan's windpower projects, MST's experimental pilot projects on renewable energy, Ameren, Intercounty Electric Coop, Rolla Municipal Utilities and Senator Frank Barnitz will be present.  Question and answer period to follow.  Sponsored by Jeffersonian Democratic Club of Phelps County.  For more information, contact Janet McKean (e-mail: jmckean@fidnet.com or tel: 573-364-7809).

 

February 23 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Rolla.

Sue Goodman will present a program on vermicomposting (composting with worms).

(1.5 hrs. advanced training credit)

Refreshments:

        Neil and Ineke Elfrink

 

February 26, 2009 - May 24, 2009 (every Thursday)

February 26 (Thursday)

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, "Role of a Naturalist"

 

UPCOMING EVENTS -MARCH

 

March 2 (Monday)

"Healthy Yards for Clean Streams: Why Connect Yards to Streams; Healthy Lawn Care," The Centre, Rolla, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

For more information and/or to enroll, call 573-458-6260 or visit the website: http://extension.missouri.edu/phelps

( 2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 3 (Tuesday)

"Healthy Yards for Clean Streams: Why Connect Yards to Streams: Healthy Lawn Care," Same program as presented on March 2nd, Pulaski County Courthouse, Waynesville.

For more information and/or to enroll, call 573-774-6177.

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 7 (Saturday)

"Project Wild," 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area

Training and materials provide many activities for teaching kids K-12.  Reservations required so that Carol can order materials.  Reservation must be received by Monday, February 16th.  Contact Carol Mahan (e-mail: carol.mahan@mdc.mo.gov or tel: 573-368-2225).

$20.00 for materials.  Lunch and snacks will be provided.

(7 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 9 (Monday)

"Healthy Yards for Clean Streams: Right Plant, Right Place; Rain Gardens and Native Plants," The Centre, Rolla, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

For more information and/or to enroll, call 573-458-6260 or visit the website: http://extension.missouri.edu/phelps

( 2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 10 (Tuesday)

Same program as for March 9, but the location will be Pulaski County Courthouse, Waynesville, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

For more information and/or to enroll, call 573-774-6177.

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 12 (Thursday)

"Mammals: Wildlife Damage"

 

March 12 (Thursday)

Native Plant Propagation from Seed, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Cost is $12.00.  To enroll, call 636-451-3512 or vist the website: www.shawnature.org 

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 14 (Saturday)

"Project Wet" and "Project Learning Tree," 9:00 am -4:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area

Training and materials provide many activities for teaching kids K-12.  Reservations required so that Carol can order materials.  Reservation must be received by Monday, February 16.  Contact Carol Mahan (e-mail: carol.mahan@mdc.mo.gov  or tel: 573-368-2225)

$20.00 for materials for Project Wet; $15.00 for materials for Project Learning Tree.  Lunch and snacks provided.

(7 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 16 (Monday)

'Healthy Yards for Clean Streams: Healthy Soils for Healthy Plants; Integrated Pest Management and Effective Use of Garden Chemicals," 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, The Centre, Rolla.

For more information, call 573-458-6260.

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 17 (Tuesday)

Same program as  March 16th but the location will be Pulaski County Courthouse, Waynesville, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

For more information and/or to enroll, call 573-774-6177.

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

March 19 (Thursday)

"History of Missouri's Natural Resources"

 

March 23 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, First United Methodist Church, Rolla.  Advanced Training Program: Dr Cheryl Seeger, MDNR / Missouri Geology and Mineral Resources

 

March 26 (Thursday)

Birds; Grasslands

 

March 28 (Saturday)

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS - APRIL

 

April 2 (Thursday)

Missouri's Ecological Classification System; Insects

 

April 4 (Saturday)

Nature Close-Up: Part III, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area

This is a class designed for teachers, but Carol Mahan has opened it up to Master Naturalists since they share the same goal - to introduce adults to the habits, habitats, etc. of some of our common wildlife.  Participants will get tips on how to get close to and videotape species such as turkey, songbirds, squirrels, furbearers, deer, raptors, etc.  There is no cost for the program.  For more information and to sign-up, contact Carol Mahan (e-mail: carol.mahan@mdc.mo.gov or call: 573-368-2225).

(3 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

April 9 (Thursday)

Wetlands; Amphibians

 

April 9 (Thursday)

Native Landscaping Part 2: Planting and Maintenance, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Cost is $12.00.  To make reservations, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

April 16 (Thursday)

Fish identification; Macro invertebrates

 

April 16 (Thursday)

Native Perennials and Grasses for Landscaping - Part 1: Spring Blooming, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit.

Fee is $12.00.  To make reservations, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

April 18 (Saturday)

 

April 23 (Thursday)

Woodland management; Prescription Fire

 

April 27 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Beaver Conservation Area

Program: Tree Identification led by Brian Hall

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

April 30 (Thursday)

Botany

 

UPCOMING EVENTS - MAY

 

May 2 (Saturday)

 

May 7 (Thursday)

Education and Interpretation

 

May 14 (Thursday)

"Common Garden Weeds: Identification and Control," 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

May 22 (Friday)

"Managing Your Land for Quail and Other Grassland Birds," 8:00 am - 10:00 am, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

May 15 - 17 (Friday - Sunday)

2009 Master Naturalists' State Conference, Kansas City

Reservations at Holiday Inn Plaza.  Camping is also available.  Details to follow.

 

There will be no regular monthly meeting in May due to the state conference.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 7 (Sunday)

Chapter social at the home and property of Bob and Pat Perry, beginning at 4:00 pm.

The Perrys have burned 20 acres this winter and plan to burn another 7 before March.  They are willing to lead a walk through the burned acres to discuss burning in the woods as well as habitat restoration efforts.  There should be both wildflowers and grasses up at that time.

Potluck will be shared beginning at 6:00 pm.  Spouses and significant others and families are welcome.

RSVP by calling 364-8440 or e-mail: perrypineridge@embarqmail.com

 

June 11 (Thursday)

Rain Gardening and Managing Storm Water Runoff, !:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hr. advanced training credit)

 

June 22 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, United Methodist Church, Rolla

Program: "How to Operate a Greenhouse" - Presenter: Norman Cox

(1 hr. advanced training credit)

 

July 9 (Thursday)

Native Perennials and Grasses for Landscaping Part 2: Summer Blooming, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 646-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs advanced training credit)

 

July 27 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalist, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area, Program: David Bruns - How to Identify Lichens

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

August 8 (Saturday)

Chapter field trip to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, tentatively from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  Members bring their own picnic lunch.

 

August 13 (Thursday)

Prairie and Savanna Restoration Part 1: Site Prep and Seed Collecting, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 636-451-3512 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs advanced training credit)

 

August 24 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area

Program: Carol Mahan - Creating Conservation and Nature Activities for Kids

(3 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

September 10 (Thursday)

Prairie and Savanna Restoration Part 2: Seeding and Maintenance, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  To make a reservation, call 636-451-3521 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs advanced training credit)

 

September 16 (Wednesday)

Managing Your Land for Quail and other Grassland Birds, 8:00 am - 10:00 am, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.    Call 636-451-3521 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

September 21 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, United Methodist Church, Rolla. Program to be announced.

 

October 8 (Thursday)

Native Perennials and Grasses for Landscaping Part 3: Autumn Blooming, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit

Fee is $12.00.  Call 636-451-3521 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

October 26 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Bray Conservation Area   Program: Carol Mahan - Mammal Skull Identification

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

November 12 (Thursday)

"Deer-Resistant" Native Landscaping, 1:00 pm - 3:000 pm, Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit 

Fee is $12.00.  Call 636-451-3521 or go to the website: www.shawnature.org

(2 hrs. advanced training credit)

 

November 23 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Missouri Naturalists, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Program to be announced.