Emailing - Arkansas Master Naturalists

Date: 9/30/2025
Subject: BioBlast Last Minute Things You Should Know
From: Your BioBlast Planning Team

Please note: Due to system (or user) email limitations, this email is going to all AMN members, but is intended only for those attending BioBlast `25. If you are not attending BioBlast `25, please disregard. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Greetings BioBlast `25 Participants!

BioBlast is right around the corner, and we are excited to see all of you there! There are a few things you need to know before Friday or Saturday, whichever day you are arriving, to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable event:

If you have an AMN name badge, please bring/wear it. If you do not, we will have a limited number of paper badges you can write your name on when you arrive.
Check-in for BioBlast will begin at 4:00 PM on Friday. If you arrive early, there is a cash bar that will open at 3:00 just a few steps from the front entrance of WRI where you can socialize until it’s time to check in. There will be Happy Hour $3.00 select beers from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Friday.
Speaking of the bar, it would be a good idea to bring some cash for tips and if you want to purchase items from the presenters on Saturday (if they have materials to sell).
The area known as The Show Barn will house the Silent Auction, and a Resource Exchange Table where you can drop off or pick up materials such as books, posters, handouts, etc., that might be useful for AMN activities. This will also be the Break Area with snacks between programs, and will serve as a general gathering area during non-mealtimes while the dining area is closed. We are expecting one native plant vendor and event sponsor, Pine Ridge Farms, to be there on Saturday, probably just outside of The Show Barn.
The Silent Auction will open for bidding Friday after 4:00 PM and will remain open until 5:30 PM on Saturday. We have some very nice items this year, so please check them out and bid high! Winners will be determined by 6:00 PM on Saturday. JB, AMN's State Treasurer, will be then available to take payments of cash, check, or credit card for the items you win.
There are a lot of free-time activities you can participate in around the area, including at WRI, but if you wish to borrow a bicycle, or take a rowboat out on the little lake at WRI, you will need to sign the appropriate release forms at the WRI front desk (lobby) and get the appropriate safety gear first.
Please remember that if you are staying at WRI and participating in a Sunday morning activity, you will need to check out of your room before going out for your event.
Finally, please be sure to support our generous BioBlast `25 sponsors!