Exploring the Missouri River by Boat (PCFT1)

Two of our nation’s largest rivers meet in Missouri, sites of major initiatives for restoration, mitigation and environmental management taking place on each. Join several of those involved in current projects on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to explore the Big Muddy (the Missouri River). The purpose of this field trip is to get up close and personal for two days with one of the largest rivers in the world. We will be on the water approximately 50 miles of the Missouri river by boat. Along the way we will stop at a variety of sites to learn about the river, its history, past and current management, and key issues. We will camp on scenic sandbars, tell stories around the fire, and enjoy one of our nation’s most treasured resources. Guides are experienced river rats with a wealth of river knowledge.

You Will Learn About the ecology and resource management issues of the Missouri River, one of the nation’s largest rivers.

Schedule Saturday afternoon October 23 to Monday afternoon October 25 (2 evenings/2 days). The trip will begin on October 23 at 1 pm at the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge (Overton Bottoms Unit) and end at noon on October 25 at the Mari-Osa River Access (Missouri Department of Conservation).

Leader(s)

• Jeff Barrow, Missouri River Relief, 573-443-0292

Meals All meals are included in the field trip fee.

Lodging Two nights of camping on a Missouri River sandbar. Bring a tent and sleeping gear.

Approximate Driving Time Participants will have the option of signing up to take a shuttle from the St. Louis Airport (Lambert Field) to the starting point (this shuttle service will also bring participants to the conference site on October 25 from the field trip end point and then back to the St. Louis airport on October 29). The field trip will begin at the Overton Bottoms Unit of the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge. The field trip starting point is approximately 2.5 hours drive time from St. Louis and a 20” drive from Columbia. From the field trip end point to the conference location is approximately an hour and 15” drive.

Gear Needed Boats, life jackets and food and water will be provided. We will be on the river and camping for two days. Weather in October can be hot or cold, dry or wet in Missouri although it’s typically dry and cool. If it is hot you will want wading shoes and quick dry clothes. If it is cold and rainy raingear and rubber boots are a minimum. Bring appropriate field gear for spending two days out on a large river. You will need to provide a tent and sleeping gear. Remember head gear (hats), sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant.

Difficulty Moderately strenuous. You should know how to swim and be comfortable in water in the rare case of a capsized boat. Some walking on river banks, sand bars and islands will occur. It could be muddy. In general a normally fit person will not find the field trip overly strenuous.

Capacity 8-16 people

Fees $100 person base fee. $150 per person with the airport shuttle service option.

Additional Resources

• Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge
• Missouri River Relief

Current River Hills — Ozark Highlands Ecoregional Tour (PCFT2)

This trip will include intimate visits to a cross section of the Missouri Ozarks including a daylong canoe trip on a pristine Ozark river, the Current River (river conditions permitting); visits to many typical natural communities (dolomite and igneous glades, fens, woodlands, springs, riparian forest), discussion of natural community management on public lands, and an introduction to the cultural history of the Ozarks as it relates to past and present use of natural resources.

This trip will take place in the Current River watershed which is the highest-priority landscape for The Nature Conservancy in Missouri and also is the site of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways a unit managed by the National Park Service. The Current River is fed by some of the nation’s and world’s largest freshwater springs. The river is a hot spot of aquatic biodiversity and includes a number of fish species endemic just to the Ozark Highlands ecoregion. The rugged river hills surrounding the Current River are home to some of the most botanically diverse natural communities in the Midwest. In addition this area of the Ozarks is an Audubon Important Bird Area as it is a source habitat for dozens of species of neotropical migratory songbirds including such rare species as the Cerulean Warbler and more common species such as the Worm-Eating Warbler.

You Will Learn About the amazing biological diversity and the land use history of the Ozark Highlands and current efforts to restore and maintain this natural landscape.

Schedule The trip will begin at 1 pm on October 23 in Eminence, Missouri. The trip will conclude on October 25 by 3 pm in Eminence.

Leader(s)

• Rick Thom, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, 573-522-4115 x3193
• Susan Farrington, Missouri Department of Conservation, 417-255-9561 x307
• Dan Drees, National Park Service, 573-323-8234 x26
• David Bowles, National Park Service

Meals Two lunches, snacks and canoes are included with the field trip fee. Participants will pay for their breakfasts and dinners on their own. There are restaurants and a grocery store in Eminence.

Lodging Participants will pay directly for their lodging. Make reservations at the Rivers Edge Resort (573-226-3233) in Eminence. Singles or doubles are about $80 per night.

Approximate Driving Time From Columbia to Eminence is approximately a three hour and 20" drive. From Eminence to the conference site is approximately a three hour drive. From St. Louis to Eminence is about a three hour and 20" drive. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from Eminence.

Gear Needed Appropriate field gear for hiking and canoeing in Missouri in October. You will want hiking and canoeing clothes and footwear. Remember head gear (hats), sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant. Remember to bring rain gear, a day pack, and a small dry bag (for the canoe trip). Missouri weather in October is highly variable. Lunches and snacks will be provided for the field trip.

Difficulty Moderately difficult. Participants should know how to swim and be comfortable in water in the rare case of a capsized canoe. You will be hiking for a number of miles in hilly and rocky terrain and canoeing on a challenging river.

Capacity maximum of 10 people

Fees $75 to cover canoe rental and shuttle, site transportation, lunches and snacks.

Additional Resources

• Ozark National Scenic Riverways
• Current River Fact Sheet from The Nature Conservancy
• Current River Hills Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

White River Hills: 30 Years of Glade Restoration (PCFT5)

Participants will tour some of the largest glade natural community sites in Missouri and the mid-continent. At least 400 plant species characterize Missouri glades including several endemics. The core distribution of Missouri glades centers on the Ava Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest. Participants will join experts on glade ecology and management from the U.S. Forest Service on a tour of the heart of Ozark glade country along the Glade Top Trail (a scenic gravel road). On this trip you will enjoy viewing panoramas of glade-covered hills and walking through glades and oak woodlands experiencing diverse and distinctive flora and fauna.

You Will Learn About the distribution, extent and classification of Missouri glades. Leaders will discuss their global significance, disturbance history and management challenges.

Schedule Participants will meet at the Ava U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Station at 9 am on Monday October 25. Participants will leave from there to tour the Glade Top Trail scenic drive with the leaders. You will return to the Ava Ranger Station at approximately 2:30 pm the same day (10/25). (Ava District Ranger Station)

Leader(s)

• Reggie Bray, Mark Twain National Forest, 417-683-4428 x114
• Paul Nelson, Mark Twain National Forest, 573-341-7433

Meals A lunch will be provided with the field trip fee.

Lodging Not applicable — just a day trip.

Approximate Driving Time From St. Louis to Ava is a three hour drive. From Springfield, Missouri to Ava is an hour and 40-minute; drive. From Ava to the conference site is a two hour drive.

Gear Needed Gear for a day hike over rocky terrain. Remember head gear (hats), sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant.

Difficulty Somewhat strenuous with hiking through varied rocky terrain.

Capacity 10 – 30 people

Fees $15 for lunch

Additional Resources

• Mark Twain National Forest
• White River Glades and Woodlands Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Cuivre River Hills & Missouri River Hills
Woodland Restoration and Management (PCFT6)

Participants will enjoy touring and hiking through two large designated Missouri Natural Areas that are at the center of active prairie, woodland, glade and forest conservation efforts in the Cuivre River Hills and Missouri River Hills regions of Missouri. View highly diverse oak woodlands that are being managed with a variety of tools including prescribed fire, thinning, and herbicide spot treatments (for exotic, invasive plant species). You will get to see and hear from natural area managers from both Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation. These two lead conservation/natural resources related state agencies in Missouri have different natural resource mission statements and it will be of interest to participants to see how the two agencies differ in their approach to ecosystem management. As you hike through the Lincoln Hills Natural Area and Razor Hollow Natural Area you will be treated to a diversity of fall blooming plants while overhead characteristic songbirds will fly between the trees.

You Will Learn About the ongoing restoration and management efforts of two large dedicated Missouri Natural Areas that feature a diversity of plant and animal species characteristic of both the Ozark and Glaciated Plains ecoregions.

Schedule The field trip will begin on Sunday October 24 at 12:30 pm at the Cuivre River State Park visitor’s center. The trip will conclude by 4 pm at the Daniel Boone Conservation Area on Monday October 25. This trip features two days and one overnight.

Leader(s)

• Bruce Schuette, Cuivre River State Park, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 636-528-7247
• Jeff Bakameyer, Missouri Department of Conservation, 636-441-4554

Meals A dinner on Sunday evening (10/24) and a continental breakfast and lunch on Monday (10/25) will be provided by the field trip fee.

Lodging One overnight with lodging in a rustic C.C.C. era building in a state park group camp or tent camping in the park is provided for free. Anyone wishing to stay in a local motel will have to make their own arrangements.

Approximate Driving Time From St. Louis to the field trip starting point at Cuivre River State Park is about an hour and 15-minute drive. From the field trip end point at Razor Hollow Natural Area to the conference location is a two hour drive.

Gear Needed Camping gear for tent campers. If staying in the group camp lodge then you will need to provide bedding and towels. Gear for long day hikes over rocky and hilly terrain will be needed. Remember head gear (hats), sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant.

Difficulty Moderately difficult with both trail and off-trail hiking over rocky terrain.

Capacity 5 – 15 people

Fees $40 fee covers three meals, lodging and handouts. Meals include dinner on Oct. 24 and breakfast and lunch on Oct. 25.

Additional Resources

• Cuivre River State Park
• Cuivre River Hills Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet
• Missouri River Hills Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Large River Natural Communities: Ecology and Management (FT1)

Two of our nation’s largest rivers meet in Missouri, sites of major initiatives for restoration, mitigation and environmental management taking place on each. Join several of those involved in current projects on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to explore topics of large river ecology and management on the Missouri River itself. We will be spending a day out on and along the river with experts who have plied the Big Muddy’s and Old Man Mississippi’s waters investigating its biota and resource management issues.

You Will Learn About methodologies for fish sampling on large rivers; how to apply ecological theory to observations in the field; how hydroacoustic mapping is done, and how logistics and experimental design influence large river faunal surveys.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28. We will be hiking along the river as well as boating on the river during the trip.

Leader(s)

• Robert Hrabik, Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-243-2659 x21

Approximate Drive Time 1 hour, 15 minutes to field trip site.

Meals Box lunch provided as part of the conference registration fee.

Gear Needed We will go into the field rain or shine. If warm, appropriate wading shoes and quick dry clothes. If cool and rainy, a raincoat and waterproof boots at a minimum, hip waders if your want to seine fish. Appropriate field clothing that can get muddy and wet. Insect repellant, sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Boat and life jackets are provided.

Capacity 30 – 46 people

Difficulty Moderately strenuous. You should know how to swim and be comfortable in water in the rare case of a capsized boat. Some walking on river banks, sand bars and islands will occur. It could be muddy. In general a normally fit person will not find the field trip overly strenuous. We will be boating to some sites on the Missouri River.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge
• Missouri River Relief

Caves and Karst: Ecology and Management (FT2)

Missouri is known as the cave state, with over 6,300 recorded caves that support over 900 species, and an abundance of springs, losing streams, collapsed chasms, sinkholes and extensive karst landscapes. We will go on a full-day trip to Ha Ha Tonka State Park (10 mapped caves, natural bridge, several large sinkholes and Missouri’s 12th largest spring), to hike through beautiful karst woodlands and glades and discuss a recently built “chute” cave gate that has benefitted gray bats. The trip continues to Lake Ozark State Park (20 mapped caves) to see the entrance of Ozark Caverns, discuss cave life, and view a calcareous fen, a karst feature with diverse plant and animal life.

You Will Learn To identify different karst features such as sinkholes, dolines, caves, natural bridges, recharge areas, fens and springs. See and hear about cave gating, bat monitoring methods, disinfection rules for WNS, outreach programs about caves and bats, and more.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Dr. David C. Ashley, Missouri Western State University, 816-271-4334

Approximate Drive Time 30 minutes to field trip site.

Meals Box lunch is provided as part of the conference fee.

Gear Needed Walking shoes, sweater or light jacket, water bottle, camera and small flashlight optional. We will not need caving gear as we will not be entering a cave due to white-nose syndrome concerns.

Capacity 10 – 46 people

Difficulty Moderate with some hiking on rough rocky terrain.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Biospeleology: the biology of caves, karst and groundwater
• Cave Research Foundation

Tallgrass Prairie: Ecology and Management (FT3)

Come explore the largest most eastern-most prairie remnant in the U.S. at Wah’ Kon-Tah Prairie. Here over 3,000 acres of remnant tallgrass prairie support over 300 native plant species and a diverse animal flora including rare regal fritillary butterflies, prairie mole crickets, Henslow’s sparrows, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and a small population of the state-endangered greater prairie-chicken. Learn about the soils, geology, and plant and animal communities of this fantastic landscape. Participants will hear from natural area managers and researchers on efforts at this prairie to recover a population of the greater prairie-chicken and the federally-listed Mead’s milkweed. You will enjoy a grand view of fall colors on the prairie with russet native grasses and fields of yellow and blue composite flowers.

You Will Learn The characteristic plant and animal species of Missouri’s tallgrass prairies of the Osage Plains and how they are being restored and managed including using a wide variety of management techniques from patch-burn grazing to exotic, invasive plant species control.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Max Alleger, Missouri Department of Conservation, 660-885-8179 x247

Approximate Drive Time One hour, 45 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals A box lunch will be provided as part of the conference fee.

Gear Needed Late October can produce about any kind of weather in Missouri. Participants should dress accordingly. Please bring insect repellant and sun screen. We will be hiking off trail through tallgrass prairie on rocky terrain so bring gear for this.

Capacity 5 – 46

Difficulty Moderate with walking over potentially rough terrain and through thick vegetation.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Marmaton/Wah’Kon-Tah Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet
• Missouri Prairie Foundation

Glade and Woodland: Ecology and Management (FT4)

Large expanses of oak woodlands and glades still blanket Missouri’s Ozark region, rich in native plants and animals and a priority focus for conservation and effective management. Participants will hike through the large, ruggedly scenic Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area, which is one of Missouri’s best-known remnants. Experts stationed along the route will discuss the natural history and management of the site, which, has been nominated for national natural landmark recognition.

You Will Learn How geology, soils, and prescribed burns interact to form a rich and varied landscape dominated by native plants; identification of terrestrial natural communities; and avian ecology at a landscape scale.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Larry Webb, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 573-346-2986
• Lee Hughes, Missouri Department of Conservation

Approximate Drive Time 30 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals Box lunch provided as a part of registration fee.

Gear Needed Sturdy boots, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hat. We will be hiking on and off trails all day.

Capacity 5 – 46 people

Difficulty Moderately difficult. Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area is steep and rugged. The field trip route will be on and off established trails with some bushwhacking through thick vegetation.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Ha Ha Tonka State Park
• Niangua Basin Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Managing for Diverse Landscapes with Fire (FT5)

Most Missouri and Midwest landscapes developed under the influence of a fire regime, and understanding these is pivotal to managing or preserving them. Participants will tour several long-term fire managed sites to view results of landscape scale burns and burns at various seasons of the year; within the dramatic Ozark scenery of Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area.

The 953-acre natural area at Ha Ha Tonka State Park is widely considered one of the best managed glade and woodland complexes in the Midwest. Most of the park's 3,721 acres are classified as some form of oak woodland. Ancient gnarled oaks reign tepidly over a rich and robust understory of wildflowers and native grasses.

The forty-acre Turkey Pen Hollow Woodland Demonstration Area contains nearly 300 species, underscoring the distinction of woodlands as one of Missouri's most species rich natural plant communities. Invasive exotic species have made very few footholds, and no artificial seeding or plant reintroductions have been made.

You Will Learn Fire effects resulting from a long history of prescribed burns; strategies for incorporating a diverse prescribed burn program into landscape scale ecological management.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Larry Webb, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 573-346-2986
• Ken McCarty, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
• Dan Drees, National Park Service, 573-323-8234 x26

Approximate Drive Time 30 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals Box lunches are provided as part of the conference registration fee.

Gear Needed Bring hiking boots, layered clothing with waterproof jacket or shell, waterproof hat, and a water bottle. We will be hiking all day.

Capacity 10 – 28 people

Difficulty Moderately difficult 5-mile hike over rolling terrain. Usually along established trails but sometimes cross-country over moderately steep rocky terrain.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Ha Ha Tonka State Park
• Niangua Basin Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Stream Ecology and Conservation (FT6)

Missouri and particularly the Ozark Highlands, is known for its abundant water and high quality streams. With so much to work and learn from, this field trip features some of Missouri’s top experts discussing the rich diversity and distribution of aquatic species in Missouri streams, patterns of diversity and conservation challenges for the major faunal group, and the most current stream conservation issues, priorities and monitoring approaches. Participants will sample stream fish, observe habitat, inspect road crossings modified to improve passage by aquatic organisms and observe stream bank improvement projects in the Little Niangua River watershed.

Stream systems and associated aquatic communities in Missouri reflect the uniqueness and diversity created by the intersection of three distinct physiographic regions. This juxtaposition is the basis for an extraordinary natural resource that is both a wonder to experience and the source of conservation challenges. This field trip will highlight the rich diversity and distribution of aquatic species in Missouri streams, identify key conservation management issues, and share insights into assigning conservation priorities and sampling/monitoring approaches.

You Will Learn How to sample streams for fish community characterization and rare fish species assessment; how road crossings can impact aquatic ecological communities; how a candidate aquatic natural area was assessed; and how riparian management practices influence stream health.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:30 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Doug Novinger, Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-882-9909 x3318
• Dave Knuth, Missouri Department of Conservation, 417-255-9561 x306

Approximate Drive Time 40 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals Box lunch included in conference registration fee.

Gear Needed Waders (chest waders preferred) if you wish to participate in sampling fish and aquatic invertebrates and remain relatively dry. A limited number of waders in various sizes will be available for use (priority to out-of-state participants). Pending weather and temperature conditions, wet-wading or even snorkeling with appropriate clothes and footwear (wading boots/shoes, sandals) would be possible. A limited array of neoprene wetsuits, masks, and snorkels will be available (participants are encouraged to supply their own gear, particularly masks and snorkels). Other outerwear should include outdoor clothing appropriate for the prevailing late October weather that can be gotten dirty, a hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. A towel and a spare set of clothes would be wise. An extra water bottle or snack also may be desirable (box lunches and beverages will be provided).

Capacity 5 – 20 people

Difficulty Minor and flexible depending on participant’s abilities/desire to participate in aquatic biota sampling. We will be wading in rocky bottom streams for most of the field trip.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Niangua Basin Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Plant Identification: Grasses and Composites of the Midwest (FT7)

Grasses and composites are abundant in almost every kind of native Midwestern landscape. Collectively they comprise a high percentage of the dominant, characteristic, conservative and restricted species by which we describe and understand natural communities; and properly identifying them is an important skill. Leading field botanists will explore the Ozark Caverns site of Lake of the Ozarks State Park in habitats ranging from oak woodlands and open glades to mesic woodlands and Ozark fens; learning as many grass and composite species as can be packed into one day.

You Will Learn Identification of vascular plants of terrestrial natural communities (woodland, glade, fen, riparian zone) with a focus on composites (Asteraceae) and grasses (Gramineae).

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:30 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Justin and Dana Thomas, Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 317-430-6566
• Dr. Paul McKenzie, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 573-234-2132 x107

Approximate Drive Time 40 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals box lunches are provided as part of the conference registration fee.

Gear Needed hand lenses, notebooks, sturdy boots, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and hat.

Capacity 5 – 28 people

Difficulty Moderately difficult with hiking through steep rocky terrain.

Fees $10 for printed materials.

Additional Resources

• Institute of Botanical Training, LLC

Dendrochronology and Natural Areas: The Language of Tree Rings (FT8)

There are many links between dendrochronology, the study of tree-rings, and Missouri natural areas. Learn about the “language” of tree rings that is often used to study ecosystems and environmental history. Join us on a dendro-interpretive hike to a unique and seldom visited old-growth riparian forest that harbors some of the oldest trees currently known for several eastern deciduous species. See black maples over 270 years in age, a 341 year old bur oak, and sycamores older than 400 years. Hear about local and regional studies that have documented past changes in vegetation composition, tree growth, stream morphology, climate, and human activities. Our goal is for you to gain an understanding of the detailed information available from tree rings and to view time through a woody lens.

You Will Learn Methods of tree–ring science (dendrochronology), applications of tree-ring methods to other organisms with rings, examples of reconstructing long-term changes in the environment, perspectives on the modern environment in light of the past several centuries, how to identify old trees / wood, and sampling and study design.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:00 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Dr. Michael Stambaugh, University of Missouri, 573-882-8841
• Dr. Richard Guyette, University of Missouri

Approximate Drive Time 1 hour, 30 minutes to field trip site.

Meals Box lunch included in the conference registration fee.

Gear Needed Hiking boots, layered clothing, rain coat, insect repellant, sunscreen and water.

Capacity 5 – 28 people

Difficulty Moderately difficult, participants will hike off trails and traverse across rocky terrain.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• Thomas S. Baskett Wildlife Research and Education Center
• Missouri Tree-Ring Lab

Macrofungal Ecology and Identification: Fungal Interactions in our Natural Communities (FT9)

This field trip will familiarize participants with a major driving force in natural communities, the macrofungi. The day will be spent touring numerous areas of Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area, seeking mushrooms and other fungi in glades, various woodland types, forests and fungal-rich sinkholes. Then we will return to the classroom where instructors will help participants use taxonomic keys, microscopes and associated tools/reagents, and dissection to learn mushroom development and important identifying structures.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of Missouri’s richest state parks, both in terms of plant animal, and fungal communities, as well as having a variety of high quality natural communities. Join us in exploring some of these great natural areas in search of a wide array of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Interesting assemblages will be found, from the dry glades and open woodlands, to the rich, shaded forests and sinkholes; fungi abound in all of these communities. We will discuss key roles of fungi in each community and point out the numerous niches of some of these interesting fungi. Macrofungi add a wonderful and colorful aspect to the beautiful scenery of Ha Ha Tonka State Park in late October. Even in periods when fleshy fungi or flowering plants are scarce, the landscapes and diversity of natural communities are awe-inspiring for those visiting for the first time, or the hundredth time. It is our hope that participants walk away with a new found admiration for all forms of fungi, or renew a long-standing interest in mycology and enjoy Missouri’s floral, faunal, and fungal diversity.

You Will Learn Macrofungal identification, taxonomy, ecology, and collecting and vouchering specimen procedures. The workshop will include mushroom collecting and identification, using taxonomic keys, microscopes and associated tools/reagents, and “dissecting” mushrooms to learn mushroom development and important identifying structures and characteristics.

Schedule The field trip will be on Thursday, October 28th from 8:30 am-1:30 pm. Lunch will be from noon to 1 pm. From 1:45 to 4:30 pm we will be back at the conference site to work on mushroom identification, microscopy, related discussion and conclude the workshop.

Leaders

• Christopher Crabtree, Division of State Parks, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
• Dr. Walt Sundberg, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (emeritus)

Approximate Drive Time 30 minutes to the field trip site.

Meals A box lunch will be provided during the field trip and is included in the registration fee.

Gear Needed Hiking boots, insect repellent, waterproof jacket, water bottle, a collection basket, paper, pencil and 10X or larger hand lens, compass, snacks, and camera.

Capacity 5 – 20 people

Difficulty Moderate, with some steep terrain and hiking to view numerous areas of the park.

Fees Price is $25.00 per person. This fee is for a book that each participant will receive (Mushrooms of Missouri-In Press), and covers the cost of materials to be used in the class and field trip.

Additional Resources

• Missouri Mycological Society

Niangua River Canoe Trip (FT10)

Experience a clear, fast moving, spring-fed Ozark stream on a 6-mile canoe trip from the headwaters of the Niangua River. Nestled in the dissected hills of the Western Ozarks, the Niangua River courses through high quality native landscapes, mostly in private ownership with a history of frequent wildfires. Join the company of several leading Missouri natural historians: one of Missouri’s leading entomologists and tiger beetle specialist will show you native stream invertebrates that indicate high quality waterways, an experienced malacologist who will discuss native mussels and snails in the Niangua River, as well as a herpetologist knowledgeable in the conservation of the Eastern hellbender, a threatened salamander that lives in the Niangua River, as well as endemic crayfish of the Niangua River. Fire shapes the landscape, and the regular fire return intervals in this landscape are partly accountable for the high quality nature of the Niangua River. Participants will paddle for six miles from the headwaters of the Niangua River through a largely intact landscape of private lands. Gravel bar presentations on local aquatic entomology, malacology and herpetology will be offered by leading experts in the respective fields: Ted MacRae, entomologist; Stephen McMurray, malacologist, and Michael Cravens, herpetologist.

You Will Learn The defining features of the upper stretches of the Niangua River and the important role of private lands stewardship in the watershed. Attendees will learn about the long tradition of fire regimes in the area and how regular fire has shaped and maintained the natural communities of the Niangua River. Special attention will be paid to aquatic entomology and the importance of managed uplands for sustainability of thriving invertebrate populations; herpetofauna of the river and adjacent lands with special attention to the Ozark hellbender and threats to its existence; and common mussels and snails and threats towards their populations in the Niangua River.

Schedule Leave conference site at 7:30 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leaders

• Allison Vaughn, Division of State Parks, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 573-522-3260
• Jeff Briggler, Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-522-4115 x 3201
• Neal Humke, The Nature Conservancy

Approximate Drive Time 60 minutes to field trip site.

Meals Box lunches will be provided for all regular field trips. There will be vegetarian options. Water will be provided.

Gear Needed Water shoes are encouraged. No flip-flops. Each participant will need a dry bag or other waterproof container to hold light jacket and change of clothes in event of overturning a canoe.

Capacity 10 – 16 people

Difficulty An advanced level of paddling skill is required. Water levels can be unpredictable and could present tricky situations among rootwads and eddies. Some portaging through gravel substrate may be required if water is low. Cold water temperatures and the threat of flipping a canoe require that paddlers have the ability to navigate through narrow stretches of the river, strong fast currents and eddies, and can portage an aluminum canoe short distances through gravel substrate. Life jackets will be distributed by the outfitter. You need to know how to swim.

Fees $30/person for canoe rental.

Additional Resources

• Niangua Basin Conservation Opportunity Area Fact Sheet

Prescribed Fire: A Hands-on Primer on the Application of Prescribed Fire (FT 11)

This workshop is designed to help individuals understand the ins and outs of what it takes to do a prescribed burn and why. We will cover fireline placement, fireline construction, equipment, logistics, prescribed burn plans and other aspects of doing a prescribed burn in Missouri. In addition, we will look at doing a burn from the viewpoints of various staff involved from administration, law enforcement, interpretation, clerical staff and crew members. If the weather conditions are favorable, we will do a prescribed burn in the park.

You Will Learn The basic methodology and principles behind conducting safe and effective prescribed fire for ecological restoration.

Schedule Leave conference site at 8:30 am and return by 5:00 pm on 10/28.

Leader(s)

• Cindy Hall, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 573-346-2500
• Brian Wilcox, Meramec State Park, Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Approximate Drive Time 30 minutes to field trip site.

Meals Box lunch is included in the registration fee.

Gear Needed Work clothes, sturdy boots, gloves, insect repellent, and sunscreen. If you have Nomex fireline clothes wear them.

Capacity 5 – 20 people

Difficulty Moderately difficult with hiking through steep rocky terrain carrying prescribed burn equipment.

Fees N/A

Additional Resources

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group
• Lake of the Ozarks State Park