Off-site Educational Opportunities (Optional – additional fees required)
Saint Louis Zoo - Monday, April 3
An optional field trip and reception at the Saint Louis Zoo (http://www.stlzoo.org/) have been arranged for Monday, April 3rd for you and your guest(s). The Saint Louis Zoo has been rated #1 in the U.S. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to see the zoo, learn first-hand about the endangered insect conservation program and IPM at the zoo, and enjoy great food and drink with your colleagues!
We are offering you (and your guest) several different options, so read the following information carefully.
General Admission to the Zoo, Educational Presentations, Dinner, and Bus Transportation - $15.00 per person
Educational presentations will be provided by zoo staff on the endangered insect conservation program, and on IPM at the zoo by Orkin, which services the zoo. A BBQ dinner buffet dinner and cash bar will follow these sessions.
There will be two departures from the hotel:
- One at 2:00 PM
- One at 5:15 PM for late arrivals and those attending business and other meetings on Monday.
Those taking the 2:00 PM departure will have time to explore the zoo on their own before the program begins at 5:00 PM.
All buses will return to the hotel by 9:00 PM.
For those of you taking the 2:00 PM bus from the hotel, we are offering you and your guest(s) several small group tour options. Enrollment is limited, early sign up is encouraged. These options will not be available to those taking the 5:15 PM bus from the hotel. All reservations for these “behind the scenes” zoo tours must be made by March 17. Any cancellations after this March 17 deadline are non-refundable; substitutions would be welcome.
Zoo policies: For safety reasons, children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult for these tours. The Saint Louis Zoo reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances. Conferences & Institutes will notify you of any cancellations made by the zoo.
Saint Louis Zoo Penguin Encounter Tour and Dinner - $65.00 per person
Bus departs the Adam’s Mark
Hotel at 2:00 PM. Includes general admission to the zoo, educational presentations, dinner and bus transportation.
Experience
Penguin & Puffin Coast from a zookeeper's point of view with "Penguin Encounter," a 45-minute “behind the scenes” tour. You will wander through the kitchen/food prep area, keeper office, ozone tower/water treatment room, and have an "up close and personal" visit with two
Magellanic penguins!
You will also have time to explore the zoo on your own before the presentations begin at 5:00 PM.
Saint Louis Zoo Snakes Alive Tour and Dinner - $40.00 per person
Bus departs the Adam’s Mark hotel at 2:00 PM. Includes general admission to the zoo, educational presentations, dinner and bus transportation.
A 20-minute “behind the scenes” tour of the Herpetarium includes a look at safety protocols, snake anti-vemin, keeper tools and the difference between snakes and lizards. You will get the chance to touch a legless lizard and a ball python!
You will also have time to explore the zoo on your own before the presentations begin at 5:00 PM.
Saint Louis Zoo Tour de Tortoise Tour and Dinner - $65.00 per person
Bus departs the Adam’s Mark hotel at 2:00 PM. Includes general admission to the zoo, educational presentations, dinner and bus transportation.
The "Tour de Tortoise" is a one-hour visit to the Herpetarium that starts with the "Snakes Alive" tour, and then takes you further into the off-display breeding center for reptiles and amphibians. You will finish with a visit to the giant tortoises, some of which weigh up to 600 lbs., where you can hand feed them carrots - this is always a fun photo opportunity! Guests must be able to walk well downhill on uneven terrain in the tortoise yard.
You will also have time to explore the zoo on your own before the presentations begin at 5:00 PM.
Saint Louis Zoo Monsanto
Insectarium Tour and Dinner - $40.00 per person
Bus departs the Adam’s Mark hotel at 2:00 PM. Includes general admission to the zoo, educational presentations, dinner and bus transportation.
Enter the Saint Louis Zoo's Monsanto Insectarium for a 30-minute “behind the scenes” dramatic, eye-opening view of the vast world of Invertebrates. The Insectarium is one of a handful of exhibits in North America dedicated solely to bugs. It hosts more than 20 major exhibit areas, with more than 100 species of live insects. The Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing is a geodesic dome filled with tropical plants, rock outcroppings, a waterfall and pool. Walk amongst beautiful butterflies, moths and katydids. Watch green and blue dragonflies and black-winged damselflies hover near the pool. Look for the colorful blue morpho butterflies.
You will also have time to explore the zoo on your own before the presentations begin at 5:00 PM.
Missouri Botanical Garden – Thursday, April 6 - $15.00 per person
A small group tour of the Climatron® conservatory at the Missouri Botanical Garden (http://www.mobot.org/) on Thursday, April 6th has been arranged. You will leave the hotel at 7:30 AM and return by 10:00 AM. The cost includes Climatron tour, admission to the garden, and bus transportation. Founded in 1859, the Missouri >Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the country and a National Historic Landmark. The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of Saint Louis-79 acres of beautiful horticultural display. (Note: The Wednesday tour is full, so we have added a second trip on Thursday.)
Field Trip to a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary – Wednesday, April 5 - $10.00 per person
Audubon International’s premiere education program, The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS) (http://www.audubonintl.org/programs/acss/golf.htm), educates people about environmental stewardship and motivates them to take action in their daily lives that will enhance and protect wildlife and their habitats and conserve natural resources. Programs for homeowners, businesses, schools, and golf courses tailor information to the unique setting and needs of each member. The golf course program has been shown to increase wildlife habitat; decrease the use of pesticides, fertilizer, and water; while improving playing quality, boosting patron interest and loyalty; and enhancing job satisfaction. This two-hour field trip on Wednesday, April 5th will provide an opportunity to learn more about this successful program while visiting Eagle Springs Golf Course, a public golf course which was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in April 2000.
Plans are to leave the hotel at 6:30 AM and return in time for the 9:00 AM sessions. Cost includes tour of golf course and bus transportation.