Have fun learning about insects at MDC's Insect-O-Rama

Registration not required for free Aug. 19 event at Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Learning more about insects is a good way to appreciate the good they do for us. People can have fun learning about these fascinating creatures at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Insect-O-Rama program from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Local insect experts will join MDC staff to provide an evening of insect information and fun activities. Weather permitting, events will take place inside and outside the Nature Center in the form of displays, crafts, games and exhibits featuring live insects.

Insects provide a number of benefits to humans in the way of pollination and pest control. In addition to developing a better understanding about how they help us, learning about insects can also provide people with helpful information about how to reduce problems caused by some species.

No registration is required for this free program. Individuals can come any time during the Insect-O-Rama event, which is open to all ages. The Nature Center is located at 4601 South Nature Center Way in Springfield. For more information, call 417-888-4237. Information on common insects found in Missouri can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• REMINDER to Discover Nature with MDC at State Fair starting this week (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri farmers look to food plots to attract, boost wildlife (stltoday.com)
• Why Natural Insect Control Works Better (greenreview.blogspot.com)

MDC’s Nature Center at Night focuses on ticks and chiggers

A diagram of the stylostome, or the hardened tube of dead cells formed by chiggers (Larval form of the trombiculidae) when feeding on them. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is certainly true when it comes to dealing with ticks and chiggers in the warm summer months. Itchy bites can diminish the fun at what would otherwise be some of the most fondly remembered outdoor adventures. Make sure these insects don’t crash your good time by heading to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night: Ticks and Chiggers. The program is 5 to 8 p.m.,Thursday, May 14.

“We’ll delve deep into the lives of ticks and chiggers and learn how to prevent them from biting,” said Sara Turner, MDC manager of the nature center.

Turner said prevention options will be discussed, such as wearing long-sleeves and long pants when outdoors, various pesticides and insect repellents. Home remedies for treating bites include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and lavender oil. Over the counter medications are also helpful, Turner said.

All ages are welcome at Nature Center at Night and no registration is required. Naturalist led programs begin at 6 and 7 p.m. Youth and adult groups are welcome. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online tomdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Janzow photo exhibit highlights southeast Missouri diversity

River scenes and mountain views will catch the attention of visitors to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in June. The center will feature work by photographer and

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center's
June photo exhibit by photographer and wildlife biologist,
 Marcus Janzow, will feature the rich
biodiversity of southeast Missouri.

wildlife biologist, Marcus Janzow, in the monthly art display.

Janzow’s exhibit, titled “Diverse Landscapes of Southeast Missouri,” focuses on the extreme natural diversity of the southeast Missouri region, from the St. Francois Mountains and the Mississippi River hills to springs and streams of the Ozarks and the sand prairies of the Bootheel.

The focus for all activities and exhibits at the Nature Center is ‘Connecting people to the land’ and Sara Turner, the manager of the nature center, said Janzow’s photographs go a long way toward highlighting the great diversity of land and natural resources that abound throughout southeast Missouri.

“These natural communities are prime targets for the lens of a camera, and we hope our community will be inspired to connect with the land by visiting these places after they view this June exhibit,” Turner said.

The exhibit is free and available to view any time during normal operating hours at the nature center, Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

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.

Informational meeting at Bennett Spring State Park Oct. 25

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Oct. 25, at Bennett

Spring State Park near Lebanon. The informational meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Nature Center classroom.

Staff from the park will present information about operations, resource management and recreational developments at the park. The agenda will include a summary of activities that took place in 2013 and future plans for the park. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Bennett Spring State Park 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.

Bennett Spring State Park is located 12 miles west of Lebanon on Hwy 64. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 417-532-4338. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Related articles

• Lovewell State Park to Host Annual Campground Christmas Event (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• South Dakota State Parks Open After Early October Blizzard (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Racers-The Wonders of Wildflowers

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you read wildflower names you might find yourself asking “Who’s William and why is he so sweet?” or, “Do Dutchmen really wear breeches?” or maybe even, “Why’s Jack in the pulpit?”

Ask no more, just check out this program for weird wildflower facts at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center on Saturday, May 19 from 1-3 pm as we hike the nature center grounds and trails.  Ages 12-15.  Call 573-290-5218 to register or for more information.

Related articles

• Duck Decoy Making

  ---

• Discover Nature Families-Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt, Saturday April 14, 2-4 pm

  ---

• Spring GPS Challenge

  ---

• Pond Management Workshop

  ---

• Nature Art-2012 Mini-Album

  ---

Duck Decoy Making

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Create your own piece of waterfowl hunting history at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center!  Learn how to make a duck decoy from rough-cut cork that will entice birds during your next hunting trip. 

We’ll review duck identification, duck ecology and decoy history as you sculpt and paint your very own decoy beginning Friday, April 27 from 6-9 pm and finish up on Saturday, April 28 from 8 am-

1 pm. 

Enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from crafting your own decoy to use on your next hunt, or just admire it on your shelf for years to come.  Either way, you won’t want to miss this workshop!

Ages 14 and up.  (Ages 14-15 with an adult mentor)  Call 573-290-5218 to register or for more information.

Related articles

• The Next Pure Michigan Hunt Winner Could Be You!
• Discover Nature Families-Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt, Saturday April 14, 2-4 pm
• Discover Hunting - Spring Turkey
• Discover Hunting-Bowhunting
• Nature Center at Night...Scat!

Discover Nature Families-Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt, Saturday April 14, 2-4 pm

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking for a way to get the whole family involved in the outdoors, spiced with a hint of friendly competition to make things more interesting?  Look no further, because we’ve got the perfect activity!

Come enjoy an outdoor hunt for nature-related items around the Cape Girardeau Nature Center grounds and trails.  Each family will be given a list of plants and animals to find and then capture in photos.  There will be a prize for the family that finds everything on the list!  We’ll meet at the nature center at 2 pm to distribute scavenger lists and assigned areas and then send your family on their way to hunt the items down and take the photos.

Everyone will return to the nature center auditorium at a designated time to then share their photos on the big screen and see who captured the most items on the list.  Be sure to bring a camera card or a USB cord to transfer your photos to our computer for the final viewing, and be creative as your family is sure to be excited to see themselves on the big screen when we gather at the end!

Ages 5 and up with an adult mentor.  Call 573-290-5218 to register or for more information.  We hope to see you Discovering Nature on the big screen!

Related articles

• Wisconsin: Strong turnout, new online survey highlight statewide deer forums
• Nature Center at Night...Scat!
• Discover Hunting - Spring Turkey
• Pond Management Workshop
• Discover Hunting-Bowhunting

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Events

There are two events coming up at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center you won’t want to miss!

Wings Over Water Tuesday, May 3, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Come see Missouri's birds of prey in flight at the Wings Over Water watershed education program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary and Missouri American Water.  You'll see Missouri's eagles, owls and hawks up close and watch them fly over your head!  These magnificent birds illustrate the importance of protecting our state's birds, their habitat and Missouri's water resources.

Please call for reservations: 314-301-1500.

Civil War Speaks to Powder Valley’s Name

Friday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered why the nature center is called Powder Valley? It’s not in a valley and where is the powder? The name comes from its use during the Civil War. The nature center opened its doors in October, 1991 with a much more peaceful atmosphere. The quiet study of nature is the purpose of the area today and we’re celebrating 20 years of history! Learn more athttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/12906 Please call for reservations for Friday evening, no reservations required for the Saturday event.

We hope to see you there!