Upcoming Events

5:30 PM – Welcome Reception
Kick off the weekend with a casual gathering for OLT board, members, and friends. Drinks, light bites, and good company. Location will be shared with those who RSVP.

Parking details and shuttle info will be emailed prior to the event.

Saturday, June 21
9:30 AM – Board Meeting
Includes welcome by Lorisa Smith, Missouri Department of Conservation. Breakfast provided.

12:00 PM – Member Check-in & Lunch
Enjoy a delicious catered lunch while mingling with fellow members and partners.

1:00 PM – Presentation: Nature Education
Jenna Stiek, MDC Conservation Educator, shares exciting updates about the Nature School and conservation efforts.

1:30–3:00 PM – OLT Annual Members Meeting
Hear about our strategic plan, partnerships, and progress over the past 10 years.
Includes staff and board presentations, updates on federal funding, and ED announcements.

3:30–5:00 PM – Optional Guided Hikes

• Nature School Grounds – led by Jenna Stiek, MDC

  • Details about the Nature School: 2,200 5th graders from all over Boone County will visit BCNS for seven days. Four classes at a time will learn at BCNS over the course of the school year, spaced over three sessions to allow students to observe the native landscape during three different seasons. While on-site, students will connect with nature in new and exciting ways, engage in unique and meaningful cross-curricular learning opportunities, develop proficiency in various outdoor skills, and be inspired to create lasting change in their community by participating in a sustainability project.

    • Outdoor Skills Development: Students engage in hands-on outdoor learning, such as fishing and orienteering, with the focus shifting depending on the time of year.

    • Exploration of Natural and Cultural Sites: Programming includes off-site visits to places like the Boone County History and Culture Center and the Three Creeks Conservation Area, encouraging exploration beyond the classroom.

    • Flexible, Weather-Responsive Activities: Daily schedules are designed with morning and afternoon rotations to accommodate weather changes, support smaller group sizes, and adapt to unexpected circumstances.

    • Seasonal Observation and Environmental Learning: Each visit reinforces students' environmental literacy through real-time observation of seasonal shifts in flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

• Three Creeks Conservation Area – led by Mike Currier, OLT Board

  • Details about the Hike: Three Creeks Conservation Area (owned and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation), has several designations both cultural and biologic. Historically, post-Civil War, land was purchased by former slaves in 40 or 80 acre allotments to develop homesteads and live off the land. It was a difficult life and the land was largely abandoned by the end of the Depression Era. Within the original 650 acres, there are seven former homestead sites. All three creeks (Turkey, Bass, and the Bonne Femme) are Outstanding State Resource Waters. There is a Greater Bonne Femme Watershed Plan (2023) with detailed information to enhance the understanding and protection of the watershed (ca. 92.4 square miles) which includes karst geology and significant cave resources. Three Creeks CA is within the Public Cave/Karst Conservation Opportunity Area and the Cedar Creek/Rock Bridge Important Bird Area. It was acquired in 2001 due to substantial public input and now includes roughly 1,500 acres.The hike will start at the Turkey Creek Interpretive Trail trailhead (a short distance from the Boone County Nature School), and is 3.0 miles in length. The area is very scenic and typically Ozarkian with cliffs, rock shelters and a variety of terrestrial and aquatic communities. The trail would likely be classified as moderately difficult with two stream crossings; rocky in places. Bug
    spray and refreshments will be provided (in that order).

5:30–8:30 PM – Evening Celebration at The Kitchen
Buffet dinner, open bar, and live music. First drink included. Local entertainment options available after!

Sunday, June 22 (minimum 12 RSVPs required)
9:00–11:00 AM – Guided Hike at Van Dyke Farm
Explore a stunning 2,000-acre conservation site in Callaway County. Learn about historic structures and OLT’s preservation work. Light refreshments provided.

Email [email protected] with questions.