Audubon Society offers program on Llamas

The public is invited to attend a free program on “Backpacking with Llamas,” being held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Farmington Public Library, 101 North A St. The event is sponsored by the East Ozarks Audubon Society.

A social time with refreshments will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Scott and Rose Mier, Fredericktown residents and East Ozarks Audubon Society members, have quite a few stories to tell about sharing their love for nature with llamas.

Avid hikers, Rose started complaining about having to carry a heavy backpack up and down the steep and rugged Ozark hills. This led to the couple training their llamas to become the packers.

But, according to the Miers, letting your llamas do the heavy lifting comes with some tribulations for the caretakers. What if your llama doesn’t want to get in the car? What happens if they get tired? Do llamas kick—or spit?

Expect a fun program. Take the opportunity to meet the llamas — weather permitting — after the program, and get inspired to do some trail hiking, even if you don’t intend to walk it with a llama.