Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities (Click on an opportunity link for more information)

Evening with Nature

Event Description: The Chapter voted at the August meeting to proceed with sponsoring the "Evening with Nature" Project. The "Evening with Nature" will be held on Tuesday, March 20, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Rolla Middle School. This event will give the public the opportunity to become involved in "hands-on" activities relating to nature. Plans are to have booths for interactive projects. The World Bird Sanctuary will present two programs on raptors at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Other nature-related organizations will be asked to participate. We will need the help and imput of chapter members to make this event a success.

If you are interested in helping with this project, please e-mail Pat Perry

February 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday)

Goodwin sink cleanup

Event Description: Goodwin Sink Project

The Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy (MCKC) is seeking volunteers for a major project, the cleanup of Goodwin Sink in Laclede County, about 10 miles north of I-44 off Exit 135. The cleanup will be headed by Klaus Leidenfrost, current president of the MCKC. Goodwin Sink is a large sinkhole that has been used as an illegal dump site since the 1950s. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has dye-traced water from Goodwin Sink to Ha Ha Tonka Spring, which is a known habitat for the southern cavefish and a number of other cave fauna. There is also a cave located in the sink (Goodwin Pit Cave), however, until trash is removed from its entrance, it is currently buried in some of the trash. MCKC president Klaus Leidenfrost counted 399 tires on the surface of the floor of the sink.

This is a long-term project that the MCKC is hoping to complete with the help of caving organizations, civic organizations and individuals willing to lend a hand. It is tentatively planned to be a five-phase cleanup. Members of the Lake of the Ozarks Grotto performed some preliminary work January 21-22 and plan to continue the weekend of January 28-29.

Phase 1 will begin February 11 - 12 and involves removing the tires and trash visible on the surface of the sink floor. The cave has great potential of being a long cave with the dye trace going 10-miles. Attached are photos showing north half of sink and area around the clogged cave entrance.

Work clothes, sturdy boots, and leather gloves are needed (MCKC can provide leather gloves). Amy Crews, Goodwin Sink Volunteer Coordinator, needs to know the names and which days you will work. I will provide Amy your e-mail initially then please coordinate with her directly. Amy Crews, Goodwin Sink Volunteer Coordinator at: 573-263-2174 or email her at: amuscrews@gmail.com