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.

MDC to hold two instructional float trips on James River

Canoe trips are great ways for families to see the outdoors. On June 16 qne 17, the Missouri Department of Conservation will offer instructional canoeing programs that will include a float trip on the James River.

Programs to offer hands-on canoeing experience for beginning paddlers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Paddling a canoe down an Ozarks stream is a great way for a family to see this area’s outdoors beauty. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will have two programs in June where beginning paddlers can learn about canoeing through a five-mile float on the James River.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16, MDC will hold a Discover Nature Women’s Canoeing program. This free program will give women the opportunity to learn, explore and experience canoeing at a beginner level. The float trip will be led by MDC staff and volunteers using MDC-provided canoes. All participants must be 14 years of age or older. Girls ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will meet at the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield (2630 N. Mayfair Ave.) at 9 a.m. Transportation to and from the river will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and refreshments.

The next day, June 17, MDC is offering a Discover Nature Family Canoeing program. This free program, which is also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed to give families an opportunity to learn about canoeing at a beginner level. Youths ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Like the previous day’s program, participants will meet at the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield at 9 a.m. and transportation to and from the James River will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and refreshments.

To register for either of these programs, call 417-895-6880. For more information about other upcoming events, go online to http://mdc.mo.gov/events.

Related articles

• Woman drowns after canoe flips on the James River near Galena (kspr.com)
• Cape's Nature Center offers Family Skills Sampler (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Cape Nature Center hosts teen canoeing event

Teens aged 12 to 15 are invited to attend “Swamp Paddling” with the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center on Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Allred Lake.

“This event is a great confidence booster for kids and it really takes them to a new level of discovering nature,” said Sara Turner, the Nature Center manager.

Turner said canoeing is a time honored tradition that gives an appreciation for how settlers in southeast Missouri viewed what was once known as “swamp east” Missouri.

Guests aged 12 to 15 years are required to register before the event by calling (573)290-5218. For information on other nature programs throughout the state go online to mdc.mo.gov.