MERAMEC HILLS CHAPTER MISSOURI NATURALISTS

MARCH NEWSLETTER

03/05/08

MARCH EVENTS

March 23 (Easter Sunday) - Rain date: March 29

Workshop on Nature Photography, presented by Dave Dawson (professional photographer), Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, Salem, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  There will be an optional Sunset Photo Shoot along the Current River following the workshop.  Both programs count as Advanced Training Hours.

The workshop is suitable for novice and professional photographers - film or digital cameras.  Learn basic photo techniques, macro photography, tips/tricks, using lens filters, stalking wildlife, and composition.

Registration is required to ensure enough handout materials are available.

To register contact:

        Hank Cornet at 573-729-8442 or e-mail: hkcornet@earthlink.net  or

        Emily Brown at 573-762-2727 or e-mail: nature97@socket.net

Note: A minimum of 10 people must be signed-up for the Workshop or it will be cancelled.

March 24 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Hills Chapter Master Naturalists, Ozark Natural Cultural Resource Center, Salem, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Presenter: Amy Buechler, "Teaming with Wildlife" or Justin Thomas, "Invasive Species ID"

Refreshments: Peggy Jo Campbell

                      Kathy Walker

March 28 (Friday)

"Evening with Wildlife," Salem.  Details to follow

March 29 (Saturday)

Rain date for March 23 workshop on Nature Photography

March 29 (Saturday)

Camp Brimshire Capstone Project Workday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Projects include:

    1)Spread cedar/oak mulch along Blind Trail

    2)Clean/rake/trim nature trail

    3)Clean and enlarge wildlife waterhole

    4)Cut/trim low-hanging branches

    5)Control burn prairie restoration (weather dependent)

    6)plant grass at new building site to re-establish lawn area

    7)Cut down cedar/spruce trees in forest

    8)Fence line clearing and repairs

    9)Work on firing range and archery range

    10)Prepare and plant wildlife food plots and native grasses

    11)Install new signs throughout campus

Choose your own activity.  Bring trimmers, cutters, clippers, chain saw if you have them.

Sing up by March 25th by contacting Rich Hashagen at brmshire@socket.net .

Lunch will be provided by Rich and Sherry.  Bring beverage of your choice

Spouses are welcome, but no pets.

 APRIL EVENTS

April 15 (Tuesday)

Workshop 4: "Public and Student Learning Skills: Snakes," 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Bray Conservation Area

Presenter: Carol Mahan

Register with Carol so that enough materials will be available.  She can be contacted by phone: 573-368-2590 ext. 29 or e-mail: carol.mahan@mdc.mo.gov

April 19 (Saturday)

Workday at Bray Conservation Area, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm - Volunteer Opportunity

Continue projects begun at February and March workdays: developing "pods," interpreting trails, planting native plants.

For more information, contact:

    Connie Schmiesdeskamp at 573-368-2489 or connie.schmiedeskamp@mdc.mo.gov

    Pat Perry at 573-364-8440 or e-mail: perrypineridge@embarqmail.com

April 28 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Camp Brimshire, St. James

Program: Regional Planning

Refreshments: Ineke and Neil Elfrink

                      Rich Hashagen

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 16-18 (Friday - Sunday)

State Convention Missouri Master Naturalists, Springfield.  Details to follow.

There will be no regular monthly meeting of our chapter in May

June 8 (Saturday)

Family Day at Camp Brimshire.  Details to follow.

June 23 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Chapter Missouri Naturalists, St. Robert

Refreshments: We need two people to sign up

July 28 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Chapter Missouri Naturalist, Salem

Program: Dr. Tragger - "Ants" (tentative)

Refreshments: We need two people to sign up

August 25 (Monday)

Regular monthly meeting of Meramec Chapter Missouri Naturalists, Rolla

Refreshments: Pat Perry

                        We need one other person to volunteer