Reallocated Upper Mississippi waterfowl blind sites available; drawing open Aug. 7-15

 

An online reallocation drawing will be held to assign two (2) relinquished blind sites.

St. CHARLES, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is conducting a reallocation drawing for two waterfowl hunting blind sites in the restricted zone on the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Area.  Waterfowl hunters can register online for the reallocation drawing from Aug. 7-15.  MDC will select the winning applicants by random drawing Sept. 17.  The winning hunters will have from Aug. 21-31 to add co-registrants to the blind sites.

The blind sites available for reallocation are:

• A12 in Pool 26 (Dresser/West Alton)
• W28 in Pool 25 (Stag Island)

Hunters may opt to build a permanent blind on the site, construct a temporary blind, or hunt from a boat blind.

Registrants for the reallocation drawing must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Those between age 16 and 64 are required to have a current annual Resident or Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit and a Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• Any honorably discharged military veteran having a service-related disability of sixty percent (60%) or greater, or was a prisoner of war during military service, or any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center, will only need a Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• Missouri residents age 65 or older only need to have a Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• Nonresidents age 65 or older need to have a nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit and a Missouri Migratory Bird Permit
• A Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) is not needed to apply, but will be necessary while hunting

To register for the reallocation drawing, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZjS.  The page also contains a link to scalable aerial maps of the blind sites.

For more information, call the Upper Mississippi Conservation Area at 573-898-5905 or the MDC St. Louis Regional Office at 636-441-4554.

The Upper Mississippi Conservation Area includes federal lands along the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. These sites include Pools 24, 25, and 26, and consist of 87 separate tracts totaling 12,500 acres between Melvin Price Lock and Dam and LaGrange, Mo.

MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces August programs

Runge Nature Center offers a full program of
events to help visitors discover nature in August.
Program topics include reptiles, migratory insects, t
ree ID, and more. Register today to attend
a program and discover nature with Runge.

FREE public programs include reptiles, migratory insects, tree ID, and animal Olympics.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City is open and ready to connect you with nature this summer.

To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all visitors to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

The nature center has a full schedule of programs planned for August. Most programs require registration in advance and space is limited, so Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. 

Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Aug. 1 for all programs.

August programs at the nature center will include:

• Reptiles: Tails, Scales, and Shells — Virtual Program
  Wednesday Aug. 4, 3–4 p.m — all ages
  Why do snakes stick out their tongues? How tough is a turtle’s shell? Slither into this virtual, naturalist-led program that will include activities, slides, and live animals. Instructors will dispel fear and make connections to help participants learn the unique and important roles reptiles play in Missouri.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178242.
       * Early registration — now open

• Insects at Night
  Friday, Aug. 6, 9–11 p.m. — all ages
  Discover the wonderful and mysterious insect life that comes out after dark.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178247.
       * Early registration — now open
• Discover Nature: Tree ID
  Saturday, Aug. 14, 9–11 a.m. — ages 12+
  Join a Runge naturalist on an informational hike and take a moment to really get to know the trees around you. Participants will become equipped with the tools to identify trees, in addition to discovering Missouri’s most common trees.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178248.
  
  
• Midweek Trekkers: Graham Cave State Park
  Wednesday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — ages 18+
  Put on your hiking shoes and travel to Graham Cave State Park in Montgomery County to join a guided hike. Distance: 4 miles; difficulty: moderate. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and pack a lunch/snack.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178249.  
  
  
• Discover Nature: Migratory Insects — Virtual Program
  Thursday, Aug. 26, 4–5 p.m. — ages 12+
  During the fall, a monarch, which weighs half as much as a paperclip, may travel 50 to 100 miles a day and migrate a total of 3,000 miles over two months. Learn all about this incredible journey and those made by a variety of other fantastic insect migrators.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178251.         
       *Early registration — now open
  
  
• Conservation Kids: Animal Olympic Games
  Saturday, Aug. 28, 9–11 a.m. — ages 7–12
  Humans aren’t the only animals that can be athletes. Come be a part of the Animal Olympic Games. Discover who are the strongest, fastest, and smartest animal athletes in Missouri, and how humans measure up to these critter Olympians.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178252.  

Visitors can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating an account, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once registrants create an account and register for events, they will receive details about those specific programs.

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each individual.  This functionality will allow parents to register their entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.  First, users will log into their account and click “My Group Profile,” then add family members to their account.  Setting up a group account today will make program registration quicker and easier for all MDC programs.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Visitors should practice physical distancing and wear masks covering mouth and nose when distancing is not feasible. 

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center, or call the nature center at 573-526-5544. 

MDC Cape Nature Center to host family night hike, many more events in Aug.

Discover nature this month with Missouri
Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape
 Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free 
event lineup featuring edible fall fungi,
turtles, caves, a family night hike, and
 a meet and greet with MDC’s newest
 canine agent!

 The free event schedule includes edible fall fungi, turtles, caves, and a meet and greet with MDC’s newest canine agent.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Discover nature this month with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free event lineup featuring edible fall fungi, turtles, caves, a family night hike, and a meet and greet with MDC’s newest canine agent!

• Flavorful Fall Fungi | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Join mushroom enthusiast and MDC Naturalist Alex for an introductory look at some of falls finest table fare. There’s an entire world of delicious wild mushrooms outside of the venerable morel, and this is your chance to learn the basics. You’ll find out how to forage for mushrooms, how to identify “fall treats,” and maybe even learn a recipe or two. Join MDC for a virtual presentation of Flavorful Fall Fungi at noon on Aug. 25. This program is designed for ages 12 and older.

• Conservation Families: Night Hike | 8 – 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Experience nature’s night shift in a short hike on Paw Paw Valley Trail! You’ll learn how to rely on your senses as you search for nocturnal animals and discover the amazing ways they survive the night. This program is designed for families with children, but all are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the trail is rated moderate to difficult with steep hills.

• Totally Turtles! | 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 14 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Under that hard exterior, turtles are totally terrific! Join MDC for a live auditorium program focused on Missouri turtles. You’ll have the chance to meet the live critters – including Missouri’s smallest and largest species of turtles. This program is perfect for all ages.

• Perry County Karst and Caves | 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Scott House, Ozark Operations Manager for the Cave Research Foundation, will share the wonder under our feet. Perry County is rich with caves and this presentation will show the amazing world of caves and karst. Life underground takes special skills and adaptations, so the countless creatures found there are unique. Caves and their inhabitants are of special conservation concern, and you may be able to help. Join MDC for a virtual presentation of Perry County Karst and Caves at 6 p.m. on Aug. 17. This program is for all ages.

• Meet Up with Tex | 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Come and meet the MDC’s newest team member in the Southeast Region. This team member has highly specialized skills and abilities that no one else possesses -- he also has four paws, fur, and a nose that is 40 times better than ours! Canine Tex and his handler Cpl. Alan Lamb will be presenting what it is they do to help protect Missouri wildlife.

All family members that plan to attend in-person and virtual events must be registered. To ensure the safety of all, in-person programs require family groups to practice social distancing, and masks are strongly recommended. Those interested are also reminded to follow current health recommendations which include:

• Stay home if you’re sick
• Wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer.
• Be considerate of others.

Questions about these events and all others can be emailed to MDC Cape Nature Center Manager Laci Prucinsky at Laci.Prucinsky@mdc.mo.gov.

Advance registration is required for all programs and can be completed here. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. Once a profile is created and event registration is complete, additional details about programs will be sent via email. If you’re having difficulty registering online, you may contact the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at (573) 290-5218. For more information on MDC or to contact MDC offices, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

Check out MDC’s other free August events here, and be on the lookout for more in-person events to register for in September!

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts. Once a group account is setup, parents and guardians will be able to register their children for an event without utilizing multiple logins. An entire group, family, or select family members can be added to an event at the same time. This can be completed by logging into your account, selecting “My Group Profile” and then adding additional family or group members to your account. Setup your group account today, and you’re ready for all upcoming programs!

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. An online subscription is also available to “sign up for updates” at www.mdc.mo.gov. A variety of updates are available at this option, but Cape Girardeau specific updates are available under facility updates and news for southeast region.

MDC invites families to frogging clinic at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery Aug. 6

MDC invites families to a free frogging clinic
at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery Aug. 6. Participants
will learn about safety, equipment, identification,
and regulations, followed by a
hands-on opportunity to put skills to the test with
MDC guidance.  

Learn to hone frogging skills at free clinic for the whole family.

SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. – Frog gigging, or frogging, is a great way to enjoy Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources while also putting food on the table the whole family can enjoy. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic 8–11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery. The clinic is free and open to youth ages 5–15 and their parent or adult mentors, but online preregistration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178489.

Participants will learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification, and regulations. Before the sun goes down, staff will cook some frog legs for participants to taste. Then, the lucky frog giggers will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC staff. Participants will also learn how to clean their catch to take home and cook.

“Catching frogs can be a challenge enjoyed by the whole family,” said Conservation Agent Chase Wright.  “If all goes right, frog legs are the reward that awaits the taker after a successful night of frogging.”

Frogs may be harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. With a fishing permit, frogs may be harvested by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing or pole and line during frog season. With a hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl or by hand or hand net.

This year’s frog season began at sunset on June 30 and will continue through Oct. 31. Daily limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs and 16 in possession. Children under the age of 16 and resident adults over 65 are not required to have a permit.

To learn more about this free clinic, contact Agent Wright at 660-641-3345 or by email at Chase.Wright@mdc.mo.gov.

Blind Pony Fish Hatchery is located at 16285 BP Hatchery Drive. From Sweet Springs at I-70, go north one mile on Highway 127, then east 6.5 miles on Route ZZ.

Discover Nature – Families programs are designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together. To learn about other Discover Nature programs, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/events.   

MDC invites youth, families to free fishing classes in August

 

MDC’s Discover Nature –
Fishing workshops help instill basic fishing skills and knowledge
 that provide children and f
amilies fun adventures in
 Missouri’s outdoors for years to come.
Register to attend an upcoming series of fishing workshops near you.

Discover Nature — Fishing courses offered at locations across mid-Missouri.  

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids and families to attend a free series of fishing workshops in various locations around mid-Missouri this August.  The Discover Nature — Fishing (DNF) workshops will cover the basics of fishing, from tackle to knot-tying, and participants will gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. 

Each of the four lessons will focus on a different topic:

• Lesson 1 – Equipment, casting, and proper fish handling
• Lesson 2 – How to tie a knot and bait a hook
• Lesson 3 – Five common Missouri fish: anatomy, habitat, and lifecycle
• Lesson 4 – Fishing with lures and fishing regulations

Lessons 1 and 2 will take place on one evening, and lessons 3 and 4 on a second evening. All classes are free, but preregistration is required at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. MDC will offer these clinics, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the following locations:

• Aug. 2 & 4 – Blind Pony Hatchery in Sweet Springs
• Aug. 10 & 12 – DC Rogers Lake in Fayette
• Aug. 16 & 18 – Teal Lake in Mexico
• Aug. 24 & 26 – Prairie Home Conservation Area in Jamestown
• Aug. 30 & Sept. 1 – Tipton City Park Lake in Tipton

All DNF classes are free for registered participants and MDC will provide all needed fishing equipment and supplies.  Participants should bring their own drinking water, bug repellant, sunglasses, and sunscreen if they wish.

To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all participants to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

DNF programs focus primarily on reaching kids 6–15 years of age and emphasize family involvement.  All children must be accompanied by an adult and all participants must preregister for each lesson by visiting mdc.mo.gov/centralevents.

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is setup parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each individual.  This functionality will allow parents register their entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.  First, users will log into their account and click “My Group Profile,” then add family members to their account.  Setting up a group account today will make program registration quicker and easier for all MDC programs.

For more information about these classes, contact Edwards at Ashley.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov, or (573) 815-7901, ext. 2968.

MDC offers forest and wildlife management workshop in Portland, Sept. 11

 

MDC invites landowners and property managers
 to a free workshop on forest and wildlife
 management in Callaway County Sept. 11. Participants will
learn how to actively manage their own properties
for improved wildlife habitat, as well as ecological and economic value.
Registration is required by Sept. 8

Landowners and resource managers will learn integrated strategies to improve forests, habitat.

PORTLAND, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in partnership with the Missouri Grouse Chapter of the Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) will offer a forest and wildlife management workshop for landowners and natural resource managers in Callaway County on Sept. 11.

This workshop will give landowners and property managers a better understanding of forest and wildlife management on their own properties. Staff will present detailed information on topics including tick diseases, prescribed burning, invasive species management, timber harvest, stream management, tree pruning, MDC’s ruffed grouse translocation project, and other specific management practices.

This free workshop will take place 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, on private property in Callaway County. QUWF will provide lunch for all registered participants. Preregistration is required no later than Sept. 8 at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178833.

To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all participants to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

Active woodland management encourages healthy growth of valuable timber, and it creates more suitable habitat for a greater number and wider variety of wildlife species. Land management decisions can have long-lasting effects on Missouri’s conservation heritage and provide real returns to landowners and local communities for generations to come.

To learn more about this free workshop, contact MDC Private Lands Conservationist Jordon Beshears at 573-564-2262, ext. 110, or by email at Jordon.Beshears@mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri Outdoor Notes - July 26th, 2021

 

KC Canoe and Kayak classes on July 30th and 31st. Information and registration is HERE.

Virtual program on Shotguns thru Busch Shooting Range on August 3rd. Information and registration is HERE 

Live Shotgun Program as follow-up to August 3rd program thru Busch Shooting Range to be held on August 7th.  Info and registration is HERE

A few weeks ago, an MDC biologist rescued a peregrine falcon from the basement of a courthouse in Jackson.  Read the complete story here.

Stakeholders in the Cape Girardeau area have formed an organization called "Foothills Prescribed Burn Association." They look to improve habitat in the region by tapping into resources available to landowners, conservationists and others.  To read the full story or to get more information go HERE.

Missouri Outdoor Notes

Missouri anglers opinions are being solicited by the MDC. They'd love to have your input...or you could just complain later. (:-)  Follow this link... https://moconservation.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74GYIpjY5YYyDsO?Q_DL=P9uh6Mi3EZlaMUE_74GYIpjY5YYyDsO_CGC_bQMktHSUvv3DPL0&Q_CHL=email.  It took me less than 3 minutes.

If you want to learn more about public hunting areas in the Springfield area, consider attending this event on Julky 20th...get more info by following this link... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178561

If you get confused bout snake species and want to learn more, this event is also in the Springfield area on July 16th. This one is virtual, so anyone can attend... Follow the link here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178546

Still in the Springfield area, there's a wingshooting clinic at the Andy Dalton Range on July 17th...Dove season isn't that far down the road!  Here's where to get more info... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178560

By the way...the Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting books are out. You can get them at retailers where you get licenses or online here... https://mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/fall-deer-turkey-hunting-regulations-information

Youth over on the East side of the state can get some good dove hunting at Columbia Bottoms for September 1st.  The link for more info is here... https://mdc.mo.gov/columbia-bottom-conservation-area-managed-dove-hunt-application

Another even over on the East side of Missouri is for people who want to develop food plots for wildlife. It'll be held August 3rd at Jay Henges Shooting range...info here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178847

Learn to navigate via compass and map at a Warrenton Missouri event on July 30th.  Event details are here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178321

Another event in Warrenton will provide useful info on backpacking. It's to be held on July 30th as well and the info for it is at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178328

MDC offering help for those wanting to Use Native Plant Species

 I reckon a lot of folks don't think too much about the problems associated with invasive species...not the awesome benefits that you can get by instead using native species on your property.  Find out how you can make native species work for you through the MDC...

MDC offers free native plant garden workshop July 19 at Clinton

A monarch butterfly caterpillar munches 
on whorled milkweed plant in the new
pollinator garden at MDC’s Clinton Office.
 Photo by Kathy Hetherington, 
Missouri Department of Conservation

Learn how to make native wildflowers thrive in landscaping

Clinton, Mo. – Native wildflowers are blooming on the prairies and they can also brighten a home garden. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free workshop on gardening with natives from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Monday, July 19, at the MDC Clinton Office, 2010 S. Second St. The teaching spot will be the new native pollinator garden at the office.

“This program will showcase our new native garden for pollinators and teach folks about how to plan, plant, and maintain a garden using prairie wildflowers and grasses,” said Ginger Miller, MDC conservation educator.

MDC staff will offer tips on planning, planting, and maintaining a native garden bed. Participants are invited to work alongside staff working in the garden. Bug spray and hand tools will be provided, or visitors may bring their own. All those registered in advance will take home a packet of native seeds and knowledge about gardening with them.

This program is open to all ages. Registration is requested. Families or groups may be registered together. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZVh.

To learn more about native plant gardening, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZV7.

MDC offers free camping workshop June 16 near Parkville

Kansas City, Mo. – If you’ve never been camping, what gear to load in the car and where to camp can seem daunting, especially for families. But the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) can help anyone learn the basic gear and tips that can make camping successful and fun for all ages. MDC’s Parma Woods Shooting Range near Parkville will host a free Camping 101 workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16.

Load a vehicle with gear and food, head to a campground, and you’ll find yourself outdoors in nature _  but in a managed way. Campgrounds are usually mowed with level sites for tents or recreational vehicles. Many offer restrooms and showers. Some offer electricity and fresh water at campsites. Others simply provide a shady place away from hubbub to set up a tent. Either way, it’s usually a short walk from the vehicle to the campsite, which makes carrying gear and setup easier. MDC staff will discuss what gear is needed and tips for activities and staying comfortable while camping.

Backpacking is a challenging but doable type of camping in the wilds and off the beaten path. MDC staff will cover this outdoor adventure, too. If you can carry a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and a few other necessities on your back you can backpack camp. MDC staff will provide information on how individuals and families can enjoy a hike topped by a sleepover in the woods.

The Camping 101 workshop is open to all ages. Children should be accompanied by adults. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHg. MDC’s Parma Woods Shooting Range offers outdoor skills classes. For more information about the range, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHM.

MDC invites public to free June 8 canoe and kayak clinics

Two sessions will be held at Kellogg Lake in Carthage.

CARTHAGE, Mo. – Whether you enjoy fishing area streams or you like to relax by spending a day paddling a local waterway, kayaks and canoes are great ways to connect with the outdoors.

People can learn more about these popular watercrafts at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) clinic “Introduction to Canoe and Kayak” on June 8 Kellogg Lake in Carthage. This program is for ages 7 and up and will be taught at two time slots:

People who want to sign up for the 5:30-6:30 p.m. program can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177580

The same program will be offered again from 7-8 p.m. and people can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177585

Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. This program is designed for novice canoe and kayak users and will focus on the basics of operating these watercrafts. Discussion topics will include the basic equipment and techniques people need to know to float Missouri streams and lakes safely.

The entrance to Kellogg Lake is located at the intersection of Highway 96 and Jasper County Highway V (also known as Old 66 Boulevard). People should dress for the weather and wear shoes and other clothing items that can get wet.

People wanting more information about this event can contact MDC Conservation Educator Andy Rhodes at 417-629-3243 or by e-mailing Andrew.Rhodes@mdc.mo.gov.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.