The Third Annual Missouri Herpetological Association (MHA) Spring Field Trip will be held on Sat 26 April 2008 at Saint Francois State Park, near Bonne Terre, in Saint Francois Co MO. In case of inclement weather, a cancellation announcement and an alternate date will be posted on the MHA home page. The purpose of the trip is to conduct a herpetofaunal survey of the state park. The organized count will be conducted between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. We will assemble at Shelter #1 next to the Mooner’s Hollow Trailhead. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Saint Francois State Park covers approximately 2,700 acres of primarily Ozark forestland with glades, ponds, a fen, and ephemeral and permanent streams. We will conduct a survey of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
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.
Campsites are available at the park on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations can be made on-line at www.icampmo.com or by calling the reservation center at 1-877-422-6766. Basic campsites cost $9.00 a night. Motel accommodations are available in nearby Bonne Terre. Overnight campers should bring food and drink for their own meals.
Trained herpetologists will lead groups of participants, verify 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 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. Individuals should provide their own lunches.
Results of this trip, including photos of animals and participants, will be published here and in the 2008 MHA Newsletter.