Spring 2024
The new class has begun!  We will decide on Capstone projects at our April 2nd Chapter meeting, so if you have any ideas, please attend and share.
On Saturday, March 16th, Roxanne Stockdall and Missy Zimmerschied went to the Lake City Shooting Range for a class on how to make a knife from the leg bone of a deer. They demonstrated the whole process from skinning the leg to the end product. They got a knife kit to prep and put together and sinew was added later. Then they got creative and decorated their knives.  They had so much fun and learned a thing or two…well, actually several things! 

On February 9th, Gerald and Ruth Schlomer hung out with the folks at the Clinton MDC office and helped with 2 classes. They made candles, body lotion and fire starters from deer tallow.  Both classes were well attended and students of all ages enjoyed learning. (Sorry, no photos)
 
Eagle Days at Truman Lake Visitor's Center hosted a record number of visitors in February.  Curious nature lovers of all ages enjoyed the Eagle presentation by the Dickerson Park Zoo from Springfield and were fascinated by the macroinvertebrates and the wild edibles that our chapter had on hand.  Paul Landkammer, Roxanne Stockdall, Jo Anne Gitchell and Gerald and Ruth Schlomer kept busy answering questions and visiting with guests.
March 19th, Jo Anne, Christine and Roxanne attended the seed sowing at Turkeyfoot Prairie. The weather was absolutely lovely. There were 12-14 people on hand to help. After all the seeds were added and mixed well into the dampened sawdust/chips, they filled their buckets and set out. They even enjoyed dinner. Another enjoyable day!
Congratulations to Chapter Members
Congratulations to Roxanne Stockdall, Gerald Schlomer and Ruth Schlomer on earning their 2024 Certification Pins.  This year's pin is the stately Barred Owl. 
It only takes 40 volunteer hours and 8 Advanced Training hours to earn the 2024 Barred Owl Pin. You can do it, too!
 

Earn hours for your 2024 Certification Pin with these opportunities:
 
April & May - Many Bird and Frog surveys are happening at Knob Noster State Park.  Check your webpage for dates and times.
April 22 - Trash pick-up on our chapter's Adopt-the-Highway section. 9-11 a.m.
April 27 - Birds, Bees & Blooms Festival in Arrow Rock. We will have info tables. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 7 & 8 - Statewide Conference in Columbia, hosted by the Boonslick Chapter. Information will be mailed soon.
June 10 - Stream Team surveys at Big Buffalo. Meet at MDC parking lot in Sedalia at 8 a.m.
September 9 - Stream Team surveys at Big Buffalo. Meet at MDC parking lot in Sedalia at 8 a.m.
December 9 - Stream Team surveys at Big Buffalo. Meet at MDC parking lot in Sedalia at 8 a.m.
Important Information

Chapter Dues for 2024, are still just $12 per person. Please get your dues to Marge Lumpe to be an active member.

Go to our webpage: hilonesome.missourimasternaturalist.org to report your hours, find upcoming Advanced Training and Community Service opportunities.

Check out the photos in the photo gallery on our home page!  Send any photos you have to Jerry Barnabee and he will get them added in.  

If you have any questions about hours or volunteer opportunities, contact Roxanne Stockdall.
 
Save the Date!
 
Chapter Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cole Camp.  
 
Upcoming Events

April 2 - Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. in Cole Camp. Snacks: Missy Zimmerscheid

May 7 - Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. in Cole Camp.  Snacks: The Schlomer's

June 4 - Mini Chapter Meeting at 6 p.m. and Annual Chapter Picnic.  Location to be determined.

For other Community Service, Citizen Science and Advanced Training (both virtual and in person) opportunities, check out your webpage.