The 2025 GRHA Wetlands Habitat & Management Workshop, held July 28–30, was an outstanding success—completely sold out and celebrated by attendees for its top-tier instruction and immersive content. As part of GRHA’s Public Awareness and Education pillar, the annual workshop provides landowners and property managers with practical training on habitat management fundamentals and effective techniques for waterfowl hunting properties.

Combining classroom presentations with on-site field tours, the workshop offers a deep dive into the ecology of waterfowl and wetlands, placing special focus on moist-soil wetland types. Topics include:

• Landscape considerations across moist-soil, agriculture, forest, shrub-scrub, and emergent habitats.
• Hunting pressure dynamics based on property location, size, and management goals.
• Field-based demonstrations of current ecological insights and habitat strategies

This year’s program was a “2.0” version—perfect for returning participants seeking advanced knowledge, yet still accessible to first-time attendees.

Expert Instruction, Unmatched Insight

GRHA assembled a truly world-class team of instructors—rarely is such concentrated expertise in waterfowl and wetland management gathered under one roof.

Dr. Mickey Heitmeyer, owner of Greenbrier Wetland Services, served as lead instructor. With over 40 years of experience, his résumé spans:

• Research and faculty roles at University of Missouri and UC Davis
• Former International Director of the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research
• National leadership at Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
• Consulting experience with over 200 waterfowl clubs

Dr. Heitmeyer is globally recognized for his work on migration and wintering ecology of waterfowl—especially mallards—and management of moist-soil and bottomland hardwood habitats.

Joining him were fellow experts:

• Doug Helmers, retired USFWS Private Lands Coordinator and NRCS WRP Administrator
• Jody Graff, owner of Graff Habitat and Trophy Properties & Auction
• Neil Baalman, private lands biologist with USFWS
• Matt Roth, On-Site Soils
• Chris Wilson & Kim Hainsfurther, Forest Keeling Nursery
• Mike Checkett, GRHA Executive Director

The workshop was held at GRHA’s Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center (formerly Whistling Wings) and nearby clubs. Cost: $1,000 Provided: Lunch and dinners, textbook, and goodie bag. Opening Dinner Sponsored By: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. Event Sponsors: Trophy Properties & Auction, Forest Keeling Nursery

This course sells out each year—secure your spot early for 2026! For more information or to register, contact Mike Checkett at mcheckett@grha.org or call 901-277-9118.

Wetland Habitat and Management Workshop – Great Rivers Habitat Alliance