A total of 23 members, representing eight (8) organizations, attended the meeting. Nine (9) paper sessions were presented during the regular meeting, followed by a presentation by Tom Johnson, retired State Herpetologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Tom reflected on his life in herpetology. A brief business meeting wrapped up the meeting. Business meeting discussion topics included the date and location of the 2027 meeting. Abstracts from presentations will be published in the 2026 newsletter, which will be available this winter.
The MHA would like to thank the Missouri Department of Conservation for providing organization and facilities for the meeting.
Group Photograph
First row (standing): Brian Edmond (MSU), Jeff Briggler (MDC), Nancy Kohn (CC), Meghan Kelley (MSU), Josephine Rathsam (DU), Denise Thompson (DU), Tayler MacDonald (MODOT), Kaitlyn Bryant (MSU), Alicia Mathis (MSU), Tom Anderson (SIUE).
Second row (standing): Day Ligon (MSU), Steven Snow, Brian Greene (MSU), Grayden Schmitz (MSU), Draven King (MSU), Chris Lancaster (MSU), Alex Rapp (MSU), Tom Johnson, Jaden Just (MSU), Kenton Lohraff, Jeff Kimmons (PU), Richard Daniel (UMC).
Not pictured: Nathan Wendland (MSU).
Key: CC=Cottey College, DU=Drury University, MDC=Missouri Department of Conservation, MODOT=Missouri Department of Transportation, MSU=Missouri State University, PU=Park University, SIUE=Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, UMC=University of Missouri at Columbia.
Other Photographs
Original Announcement
Date and Location
The 39th annual meeting of the Missouri Herpetological Association will be held September 26, 2026 at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Headquarters in Jefferson City, MO.
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 18 Sep 2026. 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
There are no overnight accommodations at the headquarters. However, motel rooms are available in nearby for those wishing to stay overnight.
Driving Directions
Located on west side of Jefferson City at approximately 0.2 mile on West Truman Blvd from Hwy 179. Coordinates are 38.5945 -92.2285.
More Information
The following documents contain more information.