Forest Keeper Workshops
Fall 2023 Opportunities
Upcoming MDC Classes
Woodland Management Workshop
Saturday, September 30th, 8:30-11:30
MDC Private Land Conservationist Danita Rechkemmer and Wildlife Biologist Will Rechkemmer will discuss the strategies involved in restoring or maintaining an oak woodland area (a type of woodland where oaks are the predominant tree species). This type of restoration is beneficial to turkeys, bees, trees and other wildlife, providing excellent viewing and hunting opportunities for landowners. Cost share opportunities available to landowners will also be discussed.
This event is a joint effort of MDC and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Register at https://forms.gle/vhrYsKaRqEmoBm3KA.
Native Plants at Noon (Virtual)
Thursday, September 23rd, 12:00 pm
Hit the (virtual) road with Missouri Department of Conservation staff as we explore some of Missouri’s unsung habitats. This month we will explore the oak hickory forest of the Grand River Valley at the Poosey Conservation Area. Forester Samantha Anderson will be our guide to this beautiful part of northwest Missouri. This program is a partnership with Deep Roots KC.
Register by visiting https://deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon/
Guided Hike: Sites and Sounds of Forest 44 CA
Saturday Sept 23rd, 8:30 am- 10:30 am at Forest 44 Conservation area
Forest 44 Conservation Area is 998-acres of rugged forest land situated on the northeastern-most extension of the Ozark Uplift. Join MDC Naturalist Andy Klingensmith as we explore the sights and sounds of this unique conservation area. Here we’ll find plants and animals typical of Ozark ecology. Several springs feed Williams Creek, which flows along the eastern portion of the area. Flowering dogwood and redbud trees add to the area’s natural beauty, especially in the springtime.
We’ll hike the Dogwood Ridge trail~ 2 miles. Trails are mostly compacted dirt and rock with some elevation change.
Amazing Trees
Wednesday, September 20th, 10:00-11 am
Did you know trees have mysterious adaptations to keep the Forest Healthy? Join us to learn about the unseen power of trees, create a pocket-sized tag journal that will help you identify trees on your next hike.
Prescribed Burn Workshops
Saturday Sept 16th, 1:00 pm at M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center
Thursday, September 21st, 1:00 pm at Carlton House- Poosey Conservation area
September 23rd, 9:00 am at Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie
September 23rd, 9:00 am at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area
Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information about how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for grassland management.
Upon registration, participants will be emailed a link to the virtual/online portion of the prescribed burn course. The online course is a mandatory prerequisite which requires a $25.00 fee to a third-party host (not MDC). Registrants will need to successfully complete the online course and quiz to attend the field day event. Please bring your certificate of completion and mileage record.
Fall Tree ID
Thursday, September 28th, 2-4:00 am