2022 Chapter in the News
Gala Keller recently received the “Outstanding Interpretive Volunteer” award for 2022 from the Association of Missouri Interpreters. It was in recognition of a series of three virtual programs at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery and Conservation Center. In each program, I instructed participants in painting Missouri State Symbols- 1) Eastern Bluebird, 2) Flowering Dogwood, and 3) American Bullfrog. During breaks in each program, a naturalist shared information about the subject we were painting. Shepherd also won the AMI award for “Outstanding Interpretive Effort” 2022.
We were all pleased to be recognized!
Alison Bleich, Gala Keller, Leah Eden, Ashlee Huerta.
Bob and Barb Kipfer Honored with National Conservation Special Achievement Award
On June 7th Bob and Barb Kipfer received an award. Bob says, "Here is the ceremony.
It was from the National Wildlife Federation at the June 7th meeting in Maine. Fortunately it was virtual so we were spared a drive to Maine to receive it although we missed the chance to meet Doug Tallamy again as we shared the same 'virtual stage'."
https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2022/6-9-22-Special-Achievement-Award
Bennett Spring seasonal naturalist Holly Welch was presented with a Masterpiece Award she received for being the “Seasonal Employee of the Year.” Holly received the award for her outstanding work putting together a video that focused on the historical aspects of the area that became Bennett Spring State Park. The video was shown on opening day of trout season and continues to be shown in the Nature Center. Also noted in the nomination was Holly’s willingness to take on many projects including caring for snakes, providing extra coverage at the Nature Center, and just overall being a great team player with a very positive attitude. Holly was nominated for the award by Patricia Chambers, naturalist at Bennett Spring State Park.
Barbara Lucks is the treasurer for our Springfield Plateau MN Chapter and is one of the original members of the chapter. She has developed a public webpage “Ozarks Environmental News” which is an environmental bulletin board for the Ozarks Region. https://www.ozarksenvironmentnews.com/