MDC: Celebrate the holidays with help from the Cape Nature Center

As the seasons change and the holidays approach, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Cape

Girardeau Conservation Nature Center has incorporated many holiday-themed events into their program schedule.

“Many natural items accentuate traditional holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, wreaths and popular centerpieces,” said Sara Turner, manager of the nature center. “We like to take that even further with ornaments, cards and gifts that highlight nature and are eco-friendly.”

The nature center’s popular Nature Art: Nature’s Décor program is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13. Guests will use nature’s resources to create winter wreaths, swags and garlands. Programs are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. to give multiple opportunities to attend the program. Turner said this program fills quickly, so - participants should call the nature center early to reserve a seat. Registration begins Dec. 2 for this program.

“We ask our guests to bring their own grapevine wreath, but we provide the natural items to decorate them with,” Turner said. “Our staff and volunteers are excellent guides to creativity with these decorative items, so be brave and come see what you can make to hang on your door to ring in the season.”

Smaller nature enthusiasts, ages three to six, can celebrate the holidays at Mudpuppies: Have a Green Holiday. This program will teach little ones how to be kind to nature and make eco-friendly gifts. This free program is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, with programs offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., and again Tuesday, Dec. 16, with programs at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Turner said this program also tends to fill up quickly, so reservations may be made beginning Dec. 2.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with crafts your little ones can make for family and friends for Christmas, but this program will help with that,” Turner said. “And while they’re having fun making crafts, the kids are learning about nature, too.”

The whole family can get involved in making nature related holiday crafts Saturday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Family Craft Fun. Turner said this program is for all ages, it’s free and no registration is required. “This program is designed for the whole family to enjoy together as they continue the holiday spirit, learn about nature and make memories together,” Turner said. “We’ll have all the supplies needed, we just invite families to come enjoy the season with us.”

“This program is designed for the whole family to enjoy together as they continue the holiday spirit, learn about nature and make memories together,” Turner said. “We’ll have all the supplies needed, we just invite families to come enjoy the season with us.”

Turner said registrations may be made for Nature Art: Nature’s Décor and Mudpuppies: Have a Green Holiday by calling (573) 290-5218 beginning Dec. 2. More information about these and other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center can be found online at mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.