The Second Annual Missouri Herpetological Association (MHA) Spring Field Trip will be held on Sat 26 May 2007 at and within the vicinity of H Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Saint Clair Co MO. The purpose of the trip (in priority order) is to a) search for historical populations of the Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) (photos), b) document species found on the reservation, and c) search for new and updated records in the three-county area of Saint Clair, Benton, and Henry Co MO.
The Ground Snake was documented in the vicinity of Osceola by Paul Anderson in The Reptiles of Missouri in the mid 1900s. These records represent the extreme northernmost population of this species in Missouri and are apparently isolated from populations in southern Missouri and eastern Kansas. Searches during the early 1980s failed to locate any specimens and it was suggested that Truman Lake now covers the original site. However, rumors and stories exist that suggest that some populations of this small western snake might still be extant in the area.
We've made arrangements to stay two nights at the Reservation and they have given us an area for primitive camping (no electricity) Fri and Sat night at no cost. Because we need a rough estimate of the number of people that will be there, please let us know by Fri 11 May 2007 if you plan on attending and staying at least one night. If you think you might be able to go but aren't sure, please let us know that, too. It's not a big deal if you say you're going to be there now but have to cancel later. Also, if you plan on attending but do not want to say Fri or Sat night, there is no need to RSVP. The rendezvous to plan the day's outing will be at 9am at the Pioneer Trails site (east side of the area map below).
The following maps are in the standard portable document format (PDF) created by Adobe. You must download and install the Adobe Reader to view them. Since some documents are large, we recommend that you download each to your hard drive (right-click, save file) and open it from there.
Motel accommodations are available in nearby Osceola or Warsaw. Everyone should plan to bring food for their own meals. A possible plan for overnight campers is to bring something to throw on the grill and a side dish to share with everyone.
Trained herpetologists will lead groups of participants, verify the identification and locality of the amphibians and reptiles collected, obtain photo documentation and maintain species counts. After verification most animals will be released at the site of capture. Individuals with valid Missouri Wildlife Collecting Permits may retain selected specimens for research or display at accredited institutions.
Individuals of all ages are welcome to participate; however, adults should accompany young children. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and are advised to wear long pants and stout boots while in the field. Leather gloves, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, and water are also recommended. Participants with digital cameras and GPS units are encouraged to bring them to help document the survey. Potential drivers should bring road atlases and area maps as the field trip will likely involve exploring areas outside of the reservation. Individuals should also provide their own lunches.
Results of the fieldtrip, including photos of animals and participants, will be published in the 2007 MHA Newsletter and / or on the Association's web site.