A total of 42 members, representing 13 organizations, attended the meeting. Fourteen (14) paper sessions were presented during the regular meeting. A brief business meeting followed the last regular presentation. Business meeting discussion topics included the date and location of the 2019 meeting. Abstracts from presentations will be published in the 2018 newsletter, which will be available this winter.
After the traditional potluck dinner, Hugh Quinn presented his view of worldwide turtle conservation titled Review of Global Threat Patterns to Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles, Along with an Evaluation of Current Conservation Actions.
The MHA would like to thank Missouri State University for generously hosting the 2018 meeting at the beautiful Bull Shoals Field Station. We wish to extend a special appreciation to Alicia Mathis for making arrangements for the group to use the facilities.
Group Photograph
Front row (standing): Micah Turrell (UMC), Brian Edmond (MSU), Richard Daniel (UMC), Brian Greene (MSU), Andrew Feltmann (UCA), Emily Field (UCA), Kate Shute (UCA), Hannah Mayampully (UCA), Alicia Mathis (MSU), Hugh Quinn, Jeff Kimmons (PU), Jeff Briggler (MDC).
Second row (standing): Jackson Renfroe (UCA), Justin Mosbey (UCA), Katherine Lang (UCA), Calvin Vick (UCA), Glenn Manning (UAM). .
Third row (standing and seated): Nancy Kohn (LC), Kenzie Medley (MSU), Chelsea Martin (MSU), Sarah White (MSU), Stephanie Morrison (MSU), Megan Mosier (MSU), Lynda Miller (CO), Ciera McCoy (MSU), Kammie Voves (MSU), Sam Hannabass (MSU), Melisa Blasky (MSU), Chuck Collis (SDC), Logan Clark (NSD), Leo Clark (NSD), David Adams (VHS).
Fourth row (standing): Alex Meinders (MSU), Ben Dalton (MSU), Kenzi Stemp (ASU), Manuel Leal (UMC), Matt Gifford (UCA), Denise Thompson (OSU), Day Ligon (MSU), Adalia Ligon, Arianne Messerman (UMC).
Not pictured: Elseya Ligon.
Key: ASU=Appalachian State University, CO=College of the Ozarks, LC=Lyon College, MDC=Missouri Department of Conservation, MSU=Missouri State University, NSD=Newburg R-II School District, OSU=Oklahoma State University, PU=Park University, SDC=School District of Clayton (MO), UAM=University of Arkansas at Monticello, UCA=University of Central Arkansas, UMC=University of Missouri at Columbia, VHS=Vilonia High School.
Other Photographs
Original Announcement
Date and Location
The 31st annual meeting of the Missouri Herpetological Association will be held September 29 – 30, 2018 at Bull Shoals Field Station, approximately 10 miles southeast of Kirbyville off Route J in Taney County, Missouri.
Agenda
Paper sessions will begin at 1 pm on Saturday afternoon. Members planning to present a paper should fill out and return the attached registration form to Jeff Briggler no later than Fri 21 Sep 2018. Registration is free.
After the paper sessions are concluded, we will have a potluck for the Saturday evening dinner. Please bring a hot dish, salad, chips, dessert, hot rolls, chicken wings, etc. Supply your own drinks and tableware for dinner.
Accommodations
A dormitory (bunk beds and cots for approximately 30 people on a first come basis) and sites for tent camping near the Drury House are available. Bring pillow, sleeping bag or bedding. There is a $5 charge for anyone staying overnight. Motel rooms are available in nearby Forsyth and Branson for the less adventurous.
Driving Directions
From Springfield, take Highway 65 south about 38 miles, then exit at MO 248 (red route – red diamond on exit sign). There will be a traffic light at the intersection of the exit ramp and 248. Turn left (east) which will take you into old downtown Branson. At the roundabout, select Veterans Blvd (Business 65) that continues south through a major intersection with Main Street. After this intersection the road becomes MO 76 east. Continue on Hwy 76 for 6 miles. As you leave town, cross Lake Taneycomo and turn left after the bridge. After the long hill and some curves, you will also pass a golf course and new developments on the right. Shortly after passing a small school (Kirbyville), turn right (south) onto county road J. Follow Rt. J for about 6 miles, and then go straight through the four-way intersection (a Missouri Department of Conservation sign points toward the near by Mincy Conservation Area for a turn to the right).
The pavement turns to gravel as you pass through an open gate where you will see yellow Department of Conservation signage for the Drury Conservation Area. You will later pass through a second bar gate, which is usually locked, but open for special events. Follow the gravel road for 4 miles until it dead ends at the field station. You will see the Bull Shoals Field Station sign and the large stone house overlooking the lake.
More Information
The following documents contain more information.