Program on early farm life planned Sept. 22 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 15, 2011 -- Learn about early farm life in Missouri during the "Down on the Farm" educational program Thursday, Sept. 22 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The program, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, is targeted for students ages 6 to 12, and is ideal for homeschool families.  The program is open to the public but advance registration is required.

During the “Down on the Farm” program, students will learn more about Nathan Boone’s farm and about other settlers to the early Ozarks. Special activities will give participants a chance to settle and run their own farm, furnish the Boone home and participate in a living history demonstration.

Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone.  The historic site includes Boone’s 1837 log house, the Boone family cemetery and the African-American cemetery.  The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove, on State Highway V.

Anyone interested in attending these upcoming programs is asked to register with the historic site at least one week in advance, by calling 417-751-3266.  Tour fees will apply for this program.  Call the historic site for a schedule of fees.

Related articles

• Homestead Harvest planned Sept. 17 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

State Parks Youth Corps job fair May 14 at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 4, 2011 -- Young Missourians have an opportunity for a summer job while learning new skills and discovering Missouri state parks and historic sites. Information about this year’s State Parks Youth Corps will be provided at a job fair Saturday, May 14 at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson.

The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the visitor center and museum. Staff will be available to answer questions about the program and what opportunities are available for this year.

            The State Parks Youth Corps will provide jobs for youth 17-21 years of age from April 1 through Nov. 30.  Youth will earn $7.25 an hour and work throughout the state, enhancing and improving Missouri state parks and historic sites. The program also will provide them with work experience and an opportunity to learn new skills and possible careers in natural resources.

Youth corps members will perform a variety of tasks from routine maintenance work and trail construction to guided tours and social media efforts. Examples include painting buildings and repairing roofs and windows; planting trees and maintaining landscapes; building and maintaining trails; inventorying historic artifacts and native species; assisting in offices and visitor centers; and providing tours and programs.

First initiated by Gov. Nixon in 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps is a partnership between the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, the Missouri Division of State Parks, and Missouri’s local Workforce Investment Boards. The local boards help recruit and place individual youth in work positions at the parks. Park staffs provide guidance and leadership to the youth workers throughout the summer.

This year’s program is funded by Workforce Investment Act 15 percent funds and youth must meet Workforce Investment Act guidelines, which include low income or other eligibility requirements. Income guidelines vary from an income of $10,890 for a family of one to $37,630 for a family of eight or receiving public assistance or food stamps. Other eligibility requirements include areas such as qualifying as homeless; or being a foster child, school dropout or being deficient in basic literary skills.     

Applications and additional program information, including eligibility guidelines, are available at MO.gov. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit with the local Workforce Investment Boards about eligibility guidelines.  

In 2010, State Parks Youth Corps members at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site assisted with grounds maintenance, repaired buildings, conducted tours and operated the reception desk at the visitor center. In 2011, job duties may include grounds maintenance, caring for the heirloom garden, painting buildings, conducting tours of the woolen mill and the Watkins family home, and participating in the Living History Farm Program. For information about the job fair, call the park at 816-580-3387. For information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

One of out favorite places in the Missouri Ozarks is the Irish Wilderness and the Eleven Point River. One enhancement to a trip is a study of the history of the area. This short video will wet the taste and we are sure the book is a great addition to anyone's library.


For additional information on the area and book described visit this Review.

* We are in no way affiliated with the authors or publishers of this book and have no financial interest in the book sales.

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