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.

MDC Cape Nature Center hosts two June canoeing programs

Learn to discover Missouri from a paddler’s view, the way it might’ve looked in the 1800s.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Henry David Thoreau said, “Everyone must believe in something. I believe I’ll go canoeing.” Southeast Missourians, who wish to follow in Thoreau’s wake, are invited to attend one of two free canoeing programs scheduled for June 4 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“Canoeing is an outdoor skill that enables someone to truly be on their own in nature,” said Sara Turner, manager of the center. “Long ago, canoeing was a necessary form of transportation for those who settled in the Mississippi River Valley. Now, we canoe because there’s a sense of adventure that comes with a paddler’s view of our Missouri rivers and lakes.”

Turner said the canoeing programs will help both women and families develop skills so they can make memories for a lifetime. Ladies will grab the oars first at Discover Nature: Women’s Canoeing from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Then families can learn together at Discover Nature: Family Canoeing, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

“Both groups will cover boating safety, equipment, and paddling techniques before spending time practicing on the North County Park Lake,” said Turner.

Turner said all the equipment will be provided and registration is required. Registrations may be made beginning May 17 by calling the center at (573)290-5218. Turner added that those who want to continue their canoeing adventures have ample opportunity throughout Missouri.

“From our gorgeous swamp areas in southeast Missouri, to the mighty Mississippi River or the smaller, pristine rivers of the Ozarks, canoeing is a skill that Missourians can use to discover nature for generations to come,” Turner said. “Some of these swamps and rivers even offer views of what Missouri looked like in the 1800s, in the time of Thoreau, but only if you view it by canoe.”

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located in Cape County Park North, near the intersection of Kings Highway and I-55. For more information on this and other nature programs go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Women Invited to Discover Nature through MDC Summer Workshop June 4-6

The Discover Nature Women Summer Workshop at Windermere Conference Center gives women a fun, safe way to learn outdoor skills.

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to get hands-on outdoor skills training at its Discover Nature Women Summer Workshop, June 4-6, at the Windermere Conference Center in Roach, Missouri. The registration deadline is May 14.

The workshop provides a safe and friendly environment where women experience hands-on outdoor skills training at the beginner level, taught by a team of longtime professionals. Courses include archery, basic hunting, canoeing, Dutch oven/outdoor cooking, an introduction to firearms, camping, fishing fundamentals, fly tying, map/compass/GPS reading and shotgun shooting.

The special weekend is targeted to women 18 years and older, along with young women age 14-17 when accompanied by a woman 18 years or older. The workshop is free, but a $20 deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be refunded at check in. There is no deposit fee for young women aged 14–17 when registered with an adult.

Participants are responsible for making room and meal reservations directly with Windermere by calling 573-346-5200 or (800) 346-2215, or online at www.windermereusa.org. Various lodging options are available including lodge, motel, cabins and camping. MDC will provide dinner on Saturday.

For more information, and to view photos from last year’s event, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/programs/mow/weekend.htm, or contact Lynn Merritt-Goggins at 573-522-4115, ext. 3808 or Kevin Lohraff at 573-522-4115, ext. 3294.

The Windermere Conference Center is flanked by 1,300 acres of wooded Ozark hills and occupies 3.5 miles of shoreline on the Lake of the Ozarks. For more information, visit www.windermereusa.org.

- Joe Jerek -

Visit Family-Outdoors for  Camping, Fishing, and Hunting Information - Missouri and Beyond