Newsletter of the Columbia Audubon Society | April 2026 | Volume 68, Number 8

In this issue:

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Note from the President

by Lottie Bushmann, President

Hi all

I hope you’ve been able to get outside and enjoy some of this spring weather that we’ve been experiencing. It has been a bit crazy with some wild temperature swings, but this week has felt more normal and there is even a promise of rain.

Dark Sky week happens this month. Read Allison’s article to find out ways you can be proactive and help birds on their migration journey.

We’ve got lots planned for April and May, so check out the calendar and plan to join us. If field trips interest you, we’ve got shore birds in mid-April and Chimney Swifts at the end of the month. Sarah Kendrick will speak to us about her research with Wood Thrushes, their migration and the MOTUS towers. All this to inform conservation action.

A big shout out to our nominating committee this year. Lisa Schenker, Bill Mees and Nancy Bedan have been hard at work recruiting members to serve on the board and in officer positions. We are lucky to have lots of participation in our many events. We will vote on the slate of officers at our April general meeting. Hoping you’ll consider how you might contribute to help this all-volunteer organization. I am still looking to recruit someone to be social chairman. Pretty easy gig really and comes with full instructions. Great way to get involved. We are also looking to form a program committee that will help and advise the vice-president as they work to lock in the speakers for next year’s schedule. If you have good ideas or connections within this birding/nature world, consider serving on this committee that will largely work by email with perhaps one meeting a year. For now, I’ll be serving as chair, but happy to have someone else step into this position. Again, fairly easy gig. Please contact me at lottie.bushmann@gmail.com if you’d be interested in helping in one of these two positions.

Last week, CAS sponsored a walk to the Alspaugh property on Mexico Gravel Rd. north of town. We had 23 participants and we saw almost 28 species of birds. Pretty good for a Saturday afternoon in March. Two hotspots have been created for this property since the city is planning to develop it as naturally as possible. Bird counts now will help inform those decisions and give a nice baseline of data with which to compare the after results.

Get out and enjoy the birds! Had a very cooperative Louisiana Waterthrush at Forum Nature Area this morning. Spring must be almost here!

Lottie Bushmann

CAS president

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

International Dark Sky Week April 13-20

by Allison Vaughn, Communication Chair

As many of you know from previous newsletters, CAS has partnered with DarkSky Missouri to seek Urban Night Sky Place designation for Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The preapplication has been submitted (submitted Feb 26, 2026) but I have been (as my dad would say) birddogging this response if we need to proceed. This is one step towards Columbia’s Bird City designation that the Missouri River Bird Observatory is working on. We have been in close contact with Dr. Vayu Gokhale from Truman State University (who spoke to our chapter and at MoBCI meetings) and our inveterate partnership with the Missouri Master Naturalist who has been taking all of the night sky readings, Jarrett Whitstance, who has done incredible work for us in this venture.

As we know, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) causes disruptions in bird migration patters at a time when they need the darkness the most: NOW! There are simple ways you can retrofit your lighting and turn off unnecessary lights at night, serve as an advocate by sharing the Birdcast maps on your social media pages, and really spreading awareness. The link to information and outreach for International Dark Sky Week can  be found here. This is your onestop shop for all things Dark Skies! From how-tos, to reasons, and education, and how to certify your own property.

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

CANS-Missouri Conservation Corps Workday: Or Will Work for Pizza!

by Bill Mees, Conservation Chair and Nature Areas Committee

Here are some photos take by Stephen Bybee at the CANS work session (honeysuckle pull).  There were 26 participants who scattered across the hill sides to pull honeysuckle.  Conditions were perfect.  The temperature was warm not sub-zero and the ground was moist enough to facilitate pulling the honeysuckle sprouts by hand (a few exceptions noted).

MCC and CAS volunteers working to remove bush honeysuckle at CANS

Stephen Bybee and Anna (Americorps) representing Missouri Conservation Corps (MCC) worked hard to recruited volunteers.  Additional volunteers recruited by Columbia Audubon Society combined with the MCC crew formed the 26 member contingent.  They pulled more honeysuckle than anyone could have imagined.  Although it is difficult to see what has been accomplished today, just wait a few weeks and the lack of growing honeysuckle will be startling.

Thank you, Missouri Conservation Corps.  Please come back for a hike through the woods to see (I should say Not See) what you have accomplished.

 

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Missouri Birding Challenge 2026

by Allison Vaughn

CAS has donated $1,000 to the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge as a partner organization. This is the second year MDC is hosting this event, and the second year that CAS is a partner! If you receive the Missouri Conservationist magazine, there is an article recently published. The press release and resources including informational webinars about the challenge can be found here.

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Small Trees for Landscaping Program at Mizzou Botanic Garden

by Mizzou Botanic Garden

Benefits of planting trees on your property are well-documented, including cooling shade, increased
property values, more bird song and the fact that spending time under a tree can improve your
mental health.
Not every home landscape can support a majestic oak, but one or two beautiful mid-Missourifriendly
smaller trees might fit right in. In celebration of Arbor Day, Mizzou Botanic Garden is
partnering with MU Landscape Service’s Urban Forester Sam Wright for a presentation on some
possibilities. Participants will receive a map of the MU campus — now designated as an arboretum!
— for a self-guided tour of the possibilities.
When: Thursday, April 2 at 6 p.m.
Where: MU’s Gwynn Hall Lounge
GARDEN GATHERINGS
Small Trees for Home Landscapes
Learn more at garden.missouri.edu
Parking: University Avenue Parking Structure (Address: 1115 University Avenue) is free after 5 p.m.
On street and Memorial Union Visitors Lot (north of Stewart Hall) parking requires payment until 6
p.m.
Registration required at garden.missouri.edu. Limit 30.

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

CAS at the Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Conference

by Allison Vaughn, Communications Chair

The annual Conservation Federation of Missouri Conference was held in late February with Virtual Sessions, and then in person on March 6-8 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. CAS is a proud affiliate organization of CFM. On Saturday, I attended the Affiliate Luncheon and heard from several speakers; a representative from the Department of Natural Resources discussed the importance of voting Yes on Amendment 1 to renew the Parks and Soils Sales Tax. The 1/10th of 1% sales tax helps fund the state park mission for preserving natural landscapes and historic sites, as well as soil and conservation. The tax passed the last renewal effort by 80%, proving how important both soil conservation and our state parks and historic sites are to Missourians.

The annual Risberg Grant Awards were presented. This award is eligible for affiliates of CFM for ecosystem work and other conservation-related activities. While CAS applied for a Risberg Grant fresh off the heels of serving as the 2025 CFM Conservation Organization of the Year, we did not secure it this year. There were so many applications that the program had to consider, I feel confident we will apply in years to come for this meaningful grant. Our friends at DarkSky Missouri secured a grant, along with over 20 other affiliates.

During the Virtual Sessions, I served on the Ecology and Environment Resolution Action Committee for the 9th year. Our committee submitted over 10 resolutions to CFM. Among them was to Urge State and Federal Buildings to Install Birdstrike Prevention Treatments on windows and to Mandate that MDNR Test for PFAS in Drinking Water.  To see all of the resolutions from 2026, visit here.

I was proud to support CAS at the conference and to see so many other Audubon Chapters represented during the Affiliate Luncheon.

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Mizzou Botanic Garden Happenings

by Mizzou Botanic Garden

The Mizzou Botanic Garden has cordially invited CAS to their garden events. Feel free to click on the flyer below for more details! The first event is April 2.

Garden Gatherings at Mizzou Botanica Garden

Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

Draft March Board Meeting Minutes

by Vickie Park, Secretary

Columbia Audubon Society Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday March 18, 2026

Boone County Electric Building

Present:  Lottie Bushmann, Emma Buckingham, John Besser, Vickie Park, Eric Seaman, Greg Leonard, Shelby Thomas, Bill Mees, Ben West

Meeting called to order:  6:02 pm

Previous minutes: Bill Mees moved to accept the February minutes as written.     John Besser seconded it.  Motion carried.

Treasurer report:  Report was reviewed.  Lisa Schenker will investigate fees withheld from COMO gives contributions.  The proposed budget for 6/1/26 to 5/31/27 was discussed. Bill Mees moves to accept the proposed budget.  Emma seconds the motion.  Budget proposal passed.

Nature areas:  John Besser discussed scheduled workdays.  CAS and Missouri Conservation Corps have scheduled a cooperative honeysuckle removal event on Saturday, March 21st, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary.  Pizza and potties will be provided.  On April 18 there will be a workday at Wild Haven to work on the pavilion.   The May 16 workday location is currently undecided.

Conservation: A table will be set up along with the Sierra Club at the Earth Day celebration to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting the Gans Creek area from development.  CAS plans to contribute money to the Gans Creek Area Protector Group.  The amount will be decided closer to the time of need.

Programs: Sarah Kendrick is scheduled to present next month’s program about how Motus is being used to track and research migratory songbirds.

Field Trips: Ben West reports that a Mindful Birding program is being coordinated with MRBO.  Scheduled field trips include:

March 28 at 1pm- Birding at  Alspaugh Park

April 11 at 1pm-3pm will be a hybrid social at Cooper’s Landing and field trips to nearby sections of the Katy Trail.

April 28 at 7pm -Chimney Swift birding downtown Columbia

May 10 at 3:30 Bird walk at Bonnie View.  5:30 Potluck picnic at Bonnie View shelter.

May 29- Chimney Swift watch

 

Education: nothing new

Communications: Submissions to the April Chat need to be given to Allison Vaughn by March 29.

Membership:  nothing to report

Nominating Committee Report:  The committee has submitted nominations for next year’s board:

Emma Buckingham has agreed to be president.

Greg Leonard has agreed to be vice president.

Eric Seaman has agreed to be treasurer.

Vickie Park has agreed to be secretary.

Reagan Webb, an educator agrees to fill a 3 year board term.

David Neely and Chris Hagglund each agree to fill a 1 year term.

Meeting Adjourned: 6:55 pm

Sun. Feb. 1, 2026

The Nominating Committee Wants YOU!

by Lottie Bushmann, President

Lottie Bushmann, CAS President, has appointed a Nominating Committee composed of Lisa Schenker who is chair, Nancy Bedan, and Bill Mees.  This committee is charged with recruiting individuals who will serve on the Board of Directors of Columbia Audubon Society.  The Board is composed of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer each serving a two year term.  Also serving on the board are at least three “at large” board members each serving staggered three year terms.

The Board meets monthly September – May with occasional special meetings called by the President as circumstances require.  Members of the Board must be a member of Columbia Audubon Society and have an interest in the ongoing activities of the Society as it endeavors to fulfill its mission:  To preserve the natural world and its ecosystems focusing on birds, other wildlife, and the earth’s biological diversity through education, environmental study and habitat restoration and protection.

The Nominating Committee is inviting members of Columbia Audubon Society with an interest in serving on the Board of Directors to please contact Lisa Schenker (lisaschenker107 at gmail.com) by February 20th.  Interested members can find the CAS bylaws on the website for information about the responsibilities of the various board positions. (https://www.columbia-audubon.org/columbia-audubon-society-bylaws/)

Thank you for considering this invitation to become a more active and involved CAS member.  The nominating committee will present a slate of nominees at the March 18th CAS membership meeting.

 

Wed. Oct. 1, 2025

Background on a Growing Issue at Gans Creek Recreational Area

by David Diamond

Gans Creek Recreation Area Fact Sheet

  1. Gans Creek Recreation Area shares a common border with Gans Creek Wild Area within Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. These public lands together form an important, core natural habitat that has been recognized by national and statewide organizations.  No other City Park land is so ecologically important based on connectivity and landscape context.
    1. The area is at the northeast edge of an Important Bird Area designated by the American Bird Conservancy and The Audubon Society.
    2. The area is within a Conservation Opportunity Area designated by Missouri Department of Conservation.
    3. Gans Creek is designated an Outstanding State Resource Water by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources immediately downstream within Gans Creek Wild Area.
  2. The area contains natural features, including the creek, karst topography (cave and sinkholes), highly erodible soils, and steep slopes that are recognized as sensitive to development and disturbance by the City’s Natural Resource Inventory (2023) and Columbia Imagined (2013).
  3. City plans in 2010 and 2018 included a 87.5-acre natural preservation area along Gans Creek and adjacent steep slopes, but these plans were ignored by the 2024 development plan.
  4. Despite the area’s natural ecological significance and highly sensitive features, and in opposition to the City’s own 2010 and 2018 development plans, the City proposed a high density of mountain bike trails for development. Bike trails north of Gans Creek were approved for development in late 2024.  A trail south of Gans Creek was put on hold by the City Council due to advocacy of environmental groups.  That trail originally crossed Gans Creek, had switchbacks that crossed a steep upland drainage 4 times, and consisted of high density in sensitive uplands with karst features and highly erodible soils.
  5. Mountain bike trail construction and use is inherently destructive to the environment compared to nature trail development, causing removal of native vegetation and increased levels of soil erosion and sedimentation of Gans Creek.
  6. Development of mountain bike trails would effectively exclude other recreational users who favor a nature trail system due to competition between mountain bikers and hikers as has occurred in other communities with dual purpose trails.
  7. Environmental groups propose to designate Gans Creek Nature Preserve (about 140 acres) within Gans Creek Recreation Area (about 320 acres) and limit development to uses that are compatible with the sensitive natural features, such as nature trails, and preserve and improve the core connectivity with Gans Creek Wild Area. Ecological restoration should be a focus of future management plans.

 

Tue. Apr. 1, 2025

Note from the President

by Lottie Bushmann

Spring has finally sprung!  I love seeing the daffodils and crocuses, along with all the buds on the trees. Bird activity has certainly picked up, and the migrants are continuing to drop in. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for another migratory season of confusing and exhilarating bird song. Every year it takes me a few times to remember the migrants from last spring, but every year it comes back a little quicker. Don’t be daunted—pull out your Merlin and start hunting. You’re sure to find a jewel among the branches.

I hope that you’ll plan to make CAS events a part of your spring. We have a very different April general meeting. It will be held at Ellis Library, adjacent to the Museum of Art and Archaeology, where Dr. Alicia Dissinger will talk to us about her research into bird imagery on ancient pottery. We can test our skills with a visit into the museum immediately after her talk. She will be here on campus for two talks, and you’re invited to both! Check out the details (including where to park) on our website and in this month’s Chat.

We have fabulous field trip birding opportunities available as well, and I hope you can join us for one or all of them. Nothing improves birding skills quite like hanging out with an expert that can zero you in on the important details to notice. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded folks and perhaps meet a new friend that you might enjoy birding with.

We had a fantastic March meeting, with Isaac Breuer sharing with us all the native plant work they have done at the A. L. Gustin golf course on the MU campus. Plans are in the works for an evening field trip to bird the golf course with Isaac. Watch the Chat next month for details.

You may have noticed a lot of emails from Audubon asking for volunteers to help with invasives control at Wild Haven. We have a young man working with us (using funds from a donation for this purpose) and more folks makes for greater coverage. Wild Haven is a jewel of a property and looking better by the day. Thanks to all who’ve participated, and I want to encourage you to check it out if you’re so inclined.

Happy Spring! Hope to see you on the trail!

 

Mon. Mar. 3, 2025

Article with CAS Representing on the Big Business of Birding

by Allison Vaughn

Here’s a nice article several CAS members contributed to last year on the economic impact of birding:

https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/industries/booming-birding-business-spurs-spending-encourages-conservation-in-missouri/article_921f6230-e8c8-11ef-a458-3314da13ea2f.html

Columbia Audubon Society is supported in part by a generous contribution from


2010 Chapel Plaza Court, Suite C • Columbia, MO 65203 • 573-446-5941

Upcoming Events

Shorebirds and a Social: Katy Trail and Cooper’s Landing

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Field trip: 1 PM; Social: ~3 PM

Field trip will start at the McBaine Access of the Katy Trail

Columbia Audubon April Membership Meeting: Sarah Kendrick on Tracking Migratory Songbirds to Inform Conservation Action

Wednesday, April 15, 2025 | 7 PM

Swift Night Out: A Tour of Bird-Friendly Chimneys in Downtown Columbia

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM

Meet at corner of 6th and Cherry St (in front of the parking garage)

First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands

Friday, May 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM

Meet in parking lot of Songbird Station

Weeknight Social at Logboat Brewing Co.: Pre-Global Big Day Edition

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 6:30 to 7:30 PM

Global Big Day!

May 9, 2026

May 2026 Potluck and Bird Walk at Bonnie View and CANS

Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Bird walk at 3:30 PM, Potluck at 5:30 PM

Meet at Bonnie View Shelter

First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands

Friday, June 5, 2026 | 8:00 AM

Meet in parking lot of Songbird Station