It started out cloudy and rainy, enough to make almost everybody opt to stay in the cabins instead of camping out. Most of the participants did not anticipate how nice the facilities would be. One student even commented, "This is better than my apartment." Thiry workshop attendees braved the curvey roads and made their way to the University of Missouri's University Forest Environmental Education Center about 14 miles north of Popluar Bluff near Wappapello Lake in Butler County.
Attendees were treated to demonstrations and presentations about topics ranging from wild hogs to International Bird conservation to grant writing to herps and raptors. Afterwards most of the participants stated they wanted something like this to go on every year and they especially like the hands on field demonstrations of techniques that they will most likely be doing when they get a job in the "real world".
The workshop not only allowed students to pick up some valuable hands-on skills, but also allowed them to interact with resource professionals as well as students with similar interests from other schools.
If you are a student or resource professional, make sure to put April 4-6, 2008 on your calendar and plan to attend the 2008 MoTWS Spring Workshop. It is a great opportunity and a lot of fun for everyone!
