Optional Pre-Conference Trips

Sunday, February 21st

 

1. Outdoor Photography - Sunday, February 21st

            Price - Free

            Times – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

            Meet at Powder Valley in the main lobby at 11:00 am

            Min/Max – 5 min / 20 max

            Lunch is not provided – Time will be given for lunch.  There are lots
           of options near powder Valley. 

We’ll be van-pooling.  Please indicate on your registration form if you’re bringing a van.  Driving will be necessary for lunch & field photography as well.  Powder Valley is less than 2 miles from the hotel.

The Missouri Department of Conservation employs some of the most talented and skilled outdoor photographers in the field.  Their work has graced the pages of the Missouri Conservationist Magazine, The Natural Events Calendar, The Outdoor Heritage Calendar and countless numbers of publications, exhibits and displays.  Spend the day at Powder Valley Nature Center and learn tips and tricks for capturing scenic and wild photos from these professional photographers to enhance your skills.  Bring your digital camera equipment and lap tops to put your new knowledge to the test.  Dress for the weather, some time will be spent indoors and some outdoors. 

 

2. Missouri Botanical Garden - Sunday, February 21st

Price - Free

            Times – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

            Departs from Hotel lobby at 9:30 am

            Min/Max – 5 min / 30 max

            Lunch is not provided – Lunch can be purchased at the Garden’s
           Sassafras Café.

We’ll be van-pooling.  Please indicate on your registration form if you’re bringing a van.  The Garden is about 10 miles east of the hotel on Hwy. 44. 

For over 150 years the Missouri Botanical Garden has been a leader in botanical research and conservation.  This National Historic Landmark is the oldest botanic garden in the United States featuring modern, traditional, ornamental and native gardens that provide an unforgettable experience.  Join this field trip to be inspired by their educational programming and tour the grounds to pick up ideas and techniques to use at your site.  Dress for the weather, some time will be spent indoors and some outdoors.


3. Backpacking at Hawn State Park – Sunday, February 21st and Monday, February 22nd  

Price - $20

            Times – 10:00 am Sun Feb 21 to 11:00 am Mon Feb 22

            Departs from Hotel lobby at 10:00 am Sunday

            Min/Max – 5 min / 10 max

            Meals – Lunch on your own both days.  Sunday dinner and Monday
           breakfast will be provided.

We’ll be van-pooling.  Please indicate on your registration form if you’re bringing a van.  Hawn State Park is located 1 hour south of the hotel on Hwy. I-55.

Many visitors believe that Hawn State Park is the loveliest of Missouri's state parks, with forests of pine and oak, sandstone bluffs and canyons, and clear sand-bottom streams.  The 4,953-acre park preserves some of the finest areas for viewing Missouri's wide variety of natural wonders.   The 2,880-acre Whispering Pine Wild Area offers excellent opportunities to backpack, bird watch or study nature.  Pickle Creek, because of its high quality and pristine nature, has been designated as a state Natural Area.   Join us for a unique opportunity to experience one of Missouri's true gems.  We will backpack along Hawn's 10-mile Whispering Pines trail, which is considered one of the best backpacking trails in Missouri.  Along the way we will discuss management that has taken place at Hawn to restore the pine-oak woodland that was once common throughout Missouri.   Please bring your own backpacking equipment if you have it.  A limited amount of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies will be available to loan.  This trail will be enjoyed by the experienced backpacker and "newbies" alike.   Dress for the weather, February can be very unpredictable in Missouri!  We do plan to spend the night on the trail, weather permitting, so bring your cold-weather gear!                  

 

4. When Life Gives You A Bushel of Lemons…Bake a Cherry Pie! - Sunday,
    February 21st

Price - $15

            Times – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

            Departs from Hotel lobby at 9:00 am

            Min/Max – 5 min / 30 max

            Lunch will be provided.

We’ll be van-pooling.  Please indicate on your registration form if you’re bringing a van.  The Daniel Boone Home is located approximately 45 minutes from the hotel, in Defiance, Missouri.

At some point in your career you are likely to inherit a site or facility that is (to be honest but polite) a genuine disaster.  What do you do?  Should you throw out the baby with the bathwater?  Play it safe and not rock the boat?  What steps should you take to salvage things?  Using real-world examples this workshop examines the challenges that come with an inherited facility and the processes used to salvage what might otherwise be a sinking ship.  This trip includes a delicious hearth-baked lunch.