- 2025 Class – Capstone Report: Raising the Roof at WildSouls
Story by Max Eiberger (2025)
Photos by Andrew McCoy
Hello, my name is Max Eiberger. This document serves as a written recollection of the Eagle Enclosure project, completed as a capstone project for the Missouri Master Naturalist program.
The project was carried out by Mike Stofiel and myself. I am writing this account from my own perspective and memory of the experience.
The scope of the project involved completing a metal carport structure, lifting it onto pre-installed telephone poles, and securely fastening it to the foundation. The project was originally started by one of the founders of WildSouls, who unfortunately passed away unexpectedly before it could be completed.
When I first selected my capstone project, I was immediately drawn to the eagle enclosure because it involved hands-on construction work and was labeled as a priority project. Before visiting the site, I remember feeling somewhat anxious. There was early confusion regarding the exact scope of work, which added to my uncertainty. However, once we connected with WildSouls and the other individuals who would be assisting, everything became much clearer.
We developed a solid plan and were supported by motivated and capable volunteers. Looking back now, it’s a bit funny to remember how intimidated we initially felt by the size of the roof—it turned out to be far more manageable than it first appeared.
We scheduled a meeting to bring everyone together, review the project, and go over the details.
During this meeting, we were introduced to Grant, who stepped into a leadership role for the project. From my understanding, Grant is involved with WildSouls through his daughter, who volunteers there. After the passing of the original founder, Grant recognized that additional help was needed to complete the enclosure. He proved to be very knowledgeable and organized, and I was grateful for his help in drafting the plan and coordinating the work. We also met another community member—a metal fabricator—who generously created custom metal components that allowed us to mount the carport securely onto the elevated poles.
After discussing logistics, we determined that we would need approximately 20 people to assemble the carport and lift it onto the poles. We selected December 13th as the workday.
Each of us was responsible for recruiting at least four volunteers to meet our manpower goal.
Fortunately, Nate Blanton and John Church were able to help, along with several of my friends—Paul Cooper, Andrew McCoy, Michael Weir, and Lincoln Weir. Having so many people available turned out to be essential, as the project required every bit of help we could get.
- January Workshop: If they come, they will build it
On January 10th, fifteen Master Naturalists attended a “Right Bird, Right House” Workshop led by Jack Corrigan (2021).
Photos by Kathy Smith
- Deep Roots Workshop: Winter Sowing Native Plants
Several Osage Trails Master Naturalists attended a Deep Roots workshop on the proper ways of sowing native plant seeds in winter. The workshop was held at The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center on January 17th.
Photos by Kathy Smith
- Planning and Leading a Hike for HCA
Photos by Kathy Smith
Teala Sadler’ (2025) completed her Capstone project, a bird hike that she planned, promoted, and led for HCA on December 13. She hand-painted flyers to catch attention and posted them around the city. She also put together a pamphlet of common birds to pass out to hike participants. The day before the hike she cleaned up the trail, and on the day of the hike she had hot drinks for the attendees. Teala then spoke about the basics of birding and led people on a one-mile birding hike.
Teala is one of two Master Naturalists from the 2025 class that went above and beyond requirements. Recently trained Master Naturalists have 15 months from the start of their training to complete 40 hours of volunteer work, 8 hours of advanced training, and a capstone project. For the 2025 class, their deadline is November 2026. Teala and Kathy Smith not only completed these requirements before January 1, but they both achieved over 80 volunteer and 16 advanced training hours—thereby certifying and recertifying within two months of their graduation! Congratulations to you both—Please don’t burn out!!
- Master Naturalists and the Christmas Bird Count
2025 Master Naturalists, Owen Smith, Teala Sadler, Kathy Smith, and Steve Cook (class of 2024, not pictured) participated in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) .
Read the nice story about Master Naturalists and the CBC in the Martin City Telegraph.
Photos from Kathy Smith
