MDC event highlights outdoor activities

ASH GROVE, Mo. – On Sept. 27, area residents of all ages will be able to find out what’s

great about the Ozarks outdoors.

People can get information on a variety of outdoor activities at the 20th annual Great Outdoors Day. This day-long event, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area northwest of Springfield near Ash Grove. It is the local celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, a federally designated day which is the fourth Saturday of each September.

The event will include shooting (rifle, trap and skeet) and archery demonstrations at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoors Education Center, which is on the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area. Fishing programs, including two free public fishing sessions (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.), will be at the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area’s urban fishing pond. Anglers who to take part in the free fishing sessions need to bring their own fishing equipment and bait. At the shooting range, all firearms will be provided by Dalton Range staff. No personal firearms will be allowed. There will also be chances to learn more about forestry programs, camping, fly-tying and hiking.

For more information about Great Outdoors Day, call MDC’s Southwest Regional Office in Springfieldat 417-895-6880 or the Andy Dalton Range and Outdoors Education Center, 417-742-4361. Information about this event and others at the Dalton Range can also be found athttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/288

Nature walk planned at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site on June 15

The public is invited to enjoy a natural history tour and nature walk at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site, near Ash Grove, on Saturday, June 15. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the one-mile guided hike will begin at 1 p.m. and is free of charge.

The natural history tour will be led by a naturalist who will showcase the natural resources contained within the 370-acre historic site, including its limestone glades and native wildflower species. The non-strenuous hike will cover approximately one mile. Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water, sturdy shoes and sun hats.

Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. The site is also home to some of the unique flora and fauna of southwest Missouri, including the threatened Missouri Bladderpod wildflower.

This nature walk is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge.

To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For information on the event, call the site directly at 417-751-3266. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Related articles

• Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to "Learn2" Camp (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to "Learn2" Camp (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wild edibles hike scheduled at Sam A. Baker State Park May 11 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Open House planned May 2 at Fort Davidson State Historic Site (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Earth Day volunteer workday at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site on April 20

Nathan Boone (Photo credit: carletaorg)

The public is invited to participate in an Earth Day volunteer workday at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

During the volunteer workday, site staff will lead volunteers in projects to improve the appearance of the historic site. Volunteer projects will include whitewashing the Nathan Boone home and fence, as well as weeding and mulching young trees at the site.

Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information about the event, call the historic site at 417-751-3266. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Related articles

• Missouri State Parks attendance tops more than 18 million in 2012 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Spring into Spring Hike at Crowder State Park March 23, 2013 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)