A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
THE
SANCTUARY
Issue #3-16
From the Sanctuary
By Michael Sandy
Summer is still going strong and we are already prepared for the fall and winter programs: Monarch Mania - Fairy Tale Forest - Elves’ Workshop!
This is the time to put them on your calendar. We are looking forward to hearing from you by phone (816-781-8598) or e-mail
(info@NatureSanctuary .com) to help by volunteering for the events, making costumes or donating re-giftable items for the children to purchase at
ELVES’ WORKSHOP. Please remember the winter hours begin October 1st, the trails will close at 5pm to help protect wildlife and to prevent
stragglers from getting caught on the trails after dark.
Hope to see you soon hiking the trails and visiting the gift shop
Remember, visit our GIFTSHOP for unique Holiday gifts!
FALL AND WINTER SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE FAMILY!
MONARCH MANIA
Saturday, September 17
This family event celebrates butterflies, particularly monarch
butterflies that will be migrating south for the winter. With your help,
we'll be capturing, tagging and releasing monarchs as part of the
nationwide effort to monitor their populations. Kids can catch
butterflies, make a butterfly craft, and get their face painted. We will
have live butterflies and caterpillars on hand to view up close and
personal! Please call to register, 816-781-8598
Time: Anytime between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
Ages: Family
Fee: $5/person, $10/family
MLTNS Members: Free! Donations Welcome
Fee: $8/person Members: $5/person
Children under 2 are free
$25 for a family pass. Please call or visit the nature center to purchase
before Saturday, October 15th.
ELVES' WORKSHOP
31st ANNUAL FAIRY TALE FOREST
Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23
This non-scary Halloween event is sure to delight you and your little
ones! Walk through a quarter-mile trail lit with over 100 jack-olanterns carved by local students. Meet fantastically fun native animal
characters and a few goofy fairy tale folk who are more than willing to
give away some treats and maybe a trick or two. Afterwards, go inside
the Nature Center to meet real live animals, enjoy our educational
exhibits, and make a cool “spooky” craft. Proceeds of this special
event benefit the Nature Sanctuary and its education programming.
Registration is not required.
Time: Ticket table runs 5:30 to 8:00 pm
Ages: All (especially for little ones)
Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18
Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Elves' Workshop! Children
are invited to visit the Nature Center for face painting, treats, crafts,
Santa and more! The Elves’ Holiday Store will be open for children
only. Parents, please provide a list of gift recipients and shopping
money. The Elves will help your child choose the perfect gift for
friends or family members. Gifts are priced from less than $1.00 up to
$10.00, and are wrapped and labeled compliments of the Elves. While
the children are shopping, adults can browse in our gift shop, relax in
the exhibit area, and snack on holiday treats.
Time: Anytime from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Ages: Able to shop without Mom or Dad
Fee: $3/child
Members: $2/child
Want to help prepare for this event? Look around
your house for new, nearly new and slightly used, regiftable items to donate. We need gifts for children to
purchase for their family members of all ages and for
their pets. Donations are now being accepted.
The mission of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is to provide:  Engaging, hands-on environmental and natural science education for all
ages  Biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources  Understanding that all Earth’s inhabitants are part
of complex, interdependent ecosystems, and  Opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with the natural world
A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
Page 2
THE SANCTUARY
Issue #3-16
Gray Tree Frog (Hyla crysocelis and Hyla versicolor)
By Collin Edwards, MLTNS Naturalist
Almost every day in the summer, as I unlock the front door of the Nature Center here at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, I am
greeted by several sets of small dark eyes peering out at me from the iron weed near the entrance. The eyes belong
to gray tree frogs, enjoying the mid-morning sun.
The gray tree frog’s name is a bit misleading as it has the ability to change its color from gray to dark brown, and
even to green, in order to match its surroundings. The frog can be identified by a yellow patch on the inside of its
legs and by a light patch below the eye. Females are larger than males and have a lighter colored throat. These
frogs are arboreal, spending the majority of their time in trees of forested areas. However, they frequently can be
seen on buildings, like the Nature Center, and near lights looking for insects to eat. Gray tree frogs are common
throughout eastern North America ranging from the east coast to Texas and even into parts of Canada. This range
is inhabited by two, often coexisting, species of gray tree frog: the eastern gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) and
Cope’s gray tree frog (Hyla crysocelis). Both are common throughout Missouri. The two species are virtually
indistinguishable in appearance. The only outwardly apparent difference between species is that the call of Cope’s
gray tree frog is faster and higher pitched. However, even this difference becomes unnoticeable below 75F degrees Photo by Collin Edwards
because the sound of Cope’s gray tree frog calls change as temperature drops. Then only genetically can we tell the species apart. As humans, we
have two copies of each chromosome in our cells and so does Cope’s gray tree frog. The eastern gray tree frog on the other hand has 4 copies of
chromosomes, known as tetraploidy. This difference can be viewed under a microscope and is the most accurate way to tell the difference between
the two species.
As the winter wind begins to blow and we retreat to the comfort of our homes, gray tree frogs, regardless of the species, prepare for hibernation.
Frogs too find a nice cozy place to stay out of the winter in a log or under layers of leaves. Additionally, Gray tree frogs have an amazing ability –
they can survive the harsh temperatures of winter even if their bodies begin to freeze! Frogs do this by storing a sugar, glucose, and a sugar
alcohol, glycerol, in the cells that make up their vital organs. Both glucose and glycerol act like antifreeze, keeping the frog’s organs from freezing
solid. During hibernation Gray tree frogs may appear dead, having no heartbeat. Once winter gives way to spring, the frogs thaw out and continue
life. Come spring, those grey eyes will be back again peering out at me. Stop in at the Nature Center today to learn more about frogs and their
amazing abilities.
MLTNS PROGRAMS
AND EVENTS
Call to pre-register (781-8598).
ANIMAL FEEDING
Saturday, September 24, COLOR YOUR T-
SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Thursday HIKING GROUP
Time:6:30pm, Age:Family, Fee:$5/hike or
$15 per month
Saturday, September 3, MLTNS Grounds/
L&R Workday
(Get volunteer service hours and help care for
the grounds.)
Time:8:00am-12:00pm, Age:14 and up
Tuesday GARDEN CLUB FOR
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Time:10:00-11:30am
Age:Children and families (5 and older
recommended)
Fee:$5/family/program or $15/family for
September
Tuesday, Sep 6 and Saturday, Sep 10
HOMESCHOOLERS:MONARCH TAG
Time:Tuesday 1:00pm-2:30pm, Saturday
11:00am-12:30pm
Age:6 and up, Fee:$5/child or $10/family
Thursday, September 8, CUB SCOUTS
(BEARS):FUR, FEATHERS, AND
FERNS
Time:6:00-7:30pm, Rank:Bear, Fee:$5/scout
Saturday, September 10, GIRL SCOUTS
(DAISIES);
FLOWER GARDEN WORKSHOP:
FLOWERS AND FUN
Time:3:00-5:00pm, Rank:Daisy, Fee:$5/scout
Time:3:00pm until they’re done, Fee:Free!
Give a donation to help with animal care.
Wednesday, Sep 14 & Saturday, Sep 24
PRESCHOOLERS:BUTTERFLY
BONANZA
Time:Wednesday 10:00-11:00pm, Saturday
11:00am-12:00pm
Age:3-6, Fee:$5/child or $10/family; and
accompanying adult
Tuesday, September 13,
HOMESCHOOLERS:KIDS’ FISHING
DAY
Time:10:00-11:30am, Age:6 and up
Fee:$5/child or $10/family; and
accompanying adult
Friday, September 16, FULL MOON
HIKE
Time:9:00-10:30pm, Age:Family, Fee:$5/
adult, $10/family
Saturday, September 17,
MONARCH MANIA
Time:Anytime between 10:00am and
3:00pm
Age:Family, Fee:$5/person, $10/family
Friday, September 23,
PRESCHOOLERS:FALL FISHING
DAY
Time:10:00-11:00am, Age:3-6
Fee:$5/child or $10/family, and
accompanying adult
SHIRT
Time:10:00am-12:00, Age:Family especially
adults, Fee:$28-$32/shirt
Saturday, September 24, GIRL SCOUTS
(BROWNIES);
WONDERS OF WATER
WORKSHOP :CREEK COMMOTION
Time:1:00-3:00pm, Rank: Brownies, Fee:$5/
child w/adult
OCTOBER PROGRAMS
Saturday, October 1, GIRL SCOUTS
(DAISIES) :DAISY PETAL WORKSHOP
1:00-3:00pm
Saturday, October 1, MLTNS GROUNDS
WORK / L&R WORKDAY
(Get volunteer service hours and help care for
the grounds.)
Time:9:00am-1:00pm, Age:14 and up
Thursday, October 6 and Saturday, October 8
HOMESCHOOLERS:CREEPY,
CRAWLY & COOL
Time:Thursday 10:00-11:30am, Saturday
11:00am-12:00pm
Age:6 and up, Fee:$8/child or $16/family
Saturday, October 8 & 22, LIVE ANIMAL
FEEDING
Time:3:00pm, Fee:Free, donations welcome
to support animal care
Saturday, September 10and 24, LIVE
CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE 

A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
Page 3
THE SANCTUARY
Issue #3-16
MLTNS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS CONTINUED
Friday, October 7 and Saturday 15,
PRESCHOOLERS:CREEPY, CRAWLY
& COOL
Time:Friday 10:00-11:00am, Saturday
11:00am-12:30pm
Age:3-6 years, Fee:$5/child or $10/family;
and accompanying adult
Tuesday, October 11, CUB SCOUTS
(WEBELOS) :EARTH ROCKS
Time:6:00-7:30pm, Rank:Webelos, Fee:$5/
Time:6:30-8:30pm, Age:Family, Fee:$6/
person, $12/family
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Starting
November 10 thru March 25
PROJECT FEEDERWATCH, Help us
watch and count the birds!
Friday, November 11, WINTER
STARGAZING
Time:6:30-8:00pm, Age:6 and up, Fee:$5/
person or $10/family
Saturday, November 12 & 26, LIVE
ANIMAL FEEDING
Time:3:00pm, Fee:Free, donations welcome
to support animal care
scout
Friday, October 21 through Sunday, Oct. 23
31st ANNUAL FAIRY TALE FOREST
Time:Ticket table runs 5:30 to 8:00pm
Age:All (especially for little ones), Fee:$8/
person
Children under 2 are free
$25 for a family pass. Please call or visit the
Nature Center to purchase before Saturday,
October 15th.
NOVEMBER
Tuesday, November 1 and Saturday, Nov. 12
HOMESCHOOLERS:LET'S TALK
TURKEY
Time:Tuesday 10:00-11:30am, Saturday
11:00am-12:30pm
Age:6 and up, Fee:$5/child or $10/family
Wednesday, November 9, OWL PROWL
Wednesday, November 16 and Saturday,
November 19th
PRESCHOOLERS:LET’S TALK
TURKEY
Time:Wednesday 10:00-11:00am, Saturday
11:00-12:00pm
Age:3-6 years
Fee:$5/child or $10/family
Saturday, November 19th
Girl Scouts (Juniors); Get Moving
Workshop: Energy in Nature
Time:1:00-3:00pm, Rank: Junior, Fee:$5/girl
Thursday, November 24, HAPPY
THANKSGIVING!!
DECEMBER
Thursday, December 1 and Saturday, Dec. 3
HOMESCHOOLERS:CHRISTMAS
CRITTERS
Call to pre-register (816-781-8598).
Time:10:00-11:30am, Age:6 and up, Fee:$5/
child or $10/family
Tuesday, December 6, OWL PROWL
Time:6:30-8:30pm, Age:Family, Fee:$5/
person, $10/family
Friday, December 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10
Preschoolers: CHRISTMAS CRITTERS
Time:1:00pm-2:00pm, Age:3-6 years,
Fee:$8/child or $16/family
Saturday, December 10 & 24, LIVE
ANIMAL FEEDING
Time:3:00pm, Fee:Free, donations welcome
to support animal care
Saturday, December 10, WINTER
WREATH WORKSHOP
Time:10:00am-12:00pm, Age:12 and up,
Fee:$20/wreath
Saturday, December 17
& Sunday, Dec.18
ELVES' WORKSHOP
Time:Anytime from 1:00
to 5:00pm, Age:Able to
shop without Mom or
Dad, Fee:$3/child
Saturday, December 25 & Sunday, January 1
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY
NEW YEAR!!
Wednesday, December 28
AMAZING EAGLES
Time:10:00-11:30pm, Age:family, Fee:$5/
child or $10/family
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary says “THANK YOU!” to:
THE CORPORATE SPONSORS Hawthorn Bank, Hallmark Cards Inc. Corporate Philanthropy, East Clay Rotary, Brandt’s Clothing, Commerce Bank,
Capitol Federal Foundation, Green Wish KC, Bank Liberty, Crowley Furniture, No Pain Jane Dentistry, Mosaic Life
Care, Irven E & Nevada P Linscomb Foundation, Backyard Bird Center, Derek’s Lawn Care, Wild Birds Unlimited
THE MEMBER SUPPORT
Scott Cozad
Linda Williams
Paul and Holly Schenk
Worthley Family
Margaret Shouse
Jeff and Amy Thornton
Vicki Catt
Jeanne Ralston
Christopher and Donna Hunt
Gregg & Julia Mees
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schmidt
Barmann-Smith Family
Betty Oldenburg
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Garvey
Parretta Family
Wolters Family
Sheryl E Williams
Diana & Vince Maggio
Crystal Harper
Jason & Maia Foust
Trammell Family
Mark and Melanie McKellar
Joel & Anne Nickel
Paula & Gary Barger
Janson & Laura Swanson

Ryan Family
Stacie & Paula Cooley & Andy Harken
Ms. Nancy G. Leisinger
Don & Stephanie MacNeil
Susan & Tom Guiffre
Ken and Julie Phalp
Mathew & Abigail Dahlberg
Laura Seubert
Steve and Renee Searcy
Jo Anna Dale
Hess Family
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Nierman
Deichler Family
Kent & Cindy Peterson
Harold and Jill Draper
Hoppenrath Family
Stuart Gray & Heather Howard
Mr. and Mrs. John Dillingham
Melissa Smith-Heath
Mr. Richard Dawson
Jay, Julie & Jacob Goodman
Camron & Jennifer Simcox
Jan Venable
Jeanne Mason
Arnone Family
Gretchen & Jeff Martin Family
Ryan McNellis
Gardner Family
Jones Family
Susan Seyboth
Sinkhorn Family
Charles & Marilyn Rhoades
John and Linda Brennan
Glazier Family
Rebecca McMahon Family
Kathryn Snyder
Shawnda Gross Family
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Steinkamp
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Davidson
Vera & Tom Thomas
Lorna Pence
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Oyen
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Hupp
Helene R Miller
Ms. Connie Carder
Ron Willis
Robin Anderson
Ms. Evalyn Powell
Sandra Rasa
Elizabeth Carlyle Raine
Davis Family
Rebecca & Rob Groebe
Barton Family
Mr. and Mrs. John Burroughs
August & Christina Baanders
Tom & Trina Henke
Ms. Sallie E. Smith
Mike & Anna Bedinger
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jones
Dr. Carol Blum and Steven Wilson
Kim & Mark Anderson
William & Doyne McKenzie
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Allen
Ms. Wendy Coffey
Ray Dahlberg
William & Carla George
Irene Thomas
Anette Wilson & Richard Baker
Mr. and Mrs. David Ferguson
Calvin and Virginia Nelson
Jutta Brill
Ken and Diana Ludwig
Molly Suddarth
Meredith Klamm
Melva Mahoney
Scott & Lisa Cooper
Bob & Jeanette Lawson and Doug
Smith
Lanclos Family
Ann Henning
Don & Joyce Bishop
Stephen & Sarah Anderson
Hillary&Aaron Marshall
Vaugh & Tamar Fletcher
Kevin and Kim-Marie Graham
Jennifer & Wade McCullough
Steve and Sharon Caylor
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nicholson
Don & Carol Fletcher
Eric & Lynne Haynes
Jansen Family
Jennifer Mihelic
Laura Oberkrom & Sara Walton
Horwitz Family
Smashey Family
Diana Balthasar
Breigenzer Family
A.H and Pat Deitrick
Arlon and LaDonna Ebright
Stover Family
Pauline Davis
Aaron & Trisha Meyer
Greenblatt Family
Virginia Long
Fred and Carole Barth
Robert & Cheryl Steinkamp
Lisa Shartzer
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Cole
Leonard Herman
Deborah Borek
Bridges Family
MLTNS SHARING NATURE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Page 4 THE SANCTUARY
A Quarterly Newsletter for Members and Friends of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
THE SANCTUARY
MARTHA LAFITE THOMPSON NATURE SANCTUARY
407 N LA FRENZ ROAD
LIBERTY, MISSOURI 64068
Issue #3-16
Non-profit Org.
U.S. postage paid
Permit #50
Liberty, MO
TO CURRENT RESIDENT or
More info at the website
www.NatureSanctuary .Com
Join us on facebook
Follow us on twitter
Donate or become a member online
https://squareup.com/market/MLTNS
Come out and take a hike with us.
Martha lafite Thompson nature sanctuary
407 n La Frenz Road
Liberty, Missouri 64068
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President ..................... Kent Peterson
President elect ................ Anne Nickel
Secretary ...................... Debra Ahern
Treasurer................... Christi Carlson
Joe DeBold, Bill George, Steve Karol,
Amy Petersen, Paul Schenk, Chris Wilson,
Waiva Worthley
MLTNS STAFF
Director .................... Michael Sandy
Naturalist .................. Collin Edwards
Admin. Assistant ........ Daranya Rasa
Maintenance ............... Frank Gannon

THE NATURE CENTER
Always
Tuesday - Saturday
9am - 5pm
Hours
THE SANCTUARY AND TRAILS
April through September
open daily 8am - 8pm
October - March
open daily 8am - 5pm
The Nature Center is closed on major holidays. Hiking trails
are open every day unless whether hazards (such as lightning,
winds, falling trees, etc) or construction/maintenance
hazards dictate.
MLTNS
“THE NATURE SANCTUARY” 