MDC offering deer scouting program April 21 in Ashland

Register for the free program at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182640.

ASHLAND, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites new and experienced deer hunters to a program on scouting for deer on April 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the MDC Charles Green Conservation Area, 5611 E. Minor Hill Road in Ashland.

Many top deer hunters scout for deer throughout all seasons – including winter and spring as good times to scout. Join MDC’s staff of experienced deer hunters and scouters to learn tips to help notch a deer tag next season. Participants can learn from experienced MDC instructors about wildlife identification, deer habits and habitats, related regulations, safety, hunting strategies, equipment, and game care.

For more information, contact MDC Conservation Educator Ashley Edwards at Ashley.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115 ext.3420.

Participation is limited and registration is required. Register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182640.

 

MDC’s Busch Shooting Range to offer turkey hunting class for beginners April 12

Learn the basics of turkey hunting with MDC’s 
Introduction to Turkey Hunting program Tuesday, April 12
from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Busch Shooting Range. 
This class is free and open to ages 9 and up. 

This free class is tailored for those who want to take their first steps in turkey hunting.

DEFIANCE, Mo.—Missouri is well-known for its outstanding turkey hunting.  That makes spring turkey season one of the most anticipated hunting seasons in the Show-Me-State.  These wary birds may present a challenge but beginning turkey hunters should not be intimidated by the sport. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites new hunters to an Introduction to Turkey Hunting program Tuesday, April 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  This class is free and open to ages 9 and up.  With the spring season beginning April 18, now is the perfect time to get prepared.

“This program will introduce turkey hunting techniques and calling for beginners, so they can get started hunting these elusive birds,” said MDC August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Manager Bryant Hertel.

This multi-faceted program will prepare new turkey hunters for success.  It will cover what kinds of habitat are best for finding turkeys, basic hunting and shooting safety, and firearm selection and shotgun patterning.  Participants will get an introduction to the most popular turkey calls and effective calling techniques, including practical tips on when and how often to call.  MDC staff will also discuss other useful gear to help beginning hunters be successful, like clothing options, and use of hunting blinds and decoys.

Introduction to Turkey Hunting is a free program, but advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/43T. 

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. 

As this is an in-person activity, MDC asks all participants to observe any current local social distancing and masking guidelines. 

Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person.  This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time. 

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces August programs

Runge Nature Center offers a full program of
events to help visitors discover nature in August.
Program topics include reptiles, migratory insects, t
ree ID, and more. Register today to attend
a program and discover nature with Runge.

FREE public programs include reptiles, migratory insects, tree ID, and animal Olympics.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City is open and ready to connect you with nature this summer.

To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all visitors to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

The nature center has a full schedule of programs planned for August. Most programs require registration in advance and space is limited, so Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. 

Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Aug. 1 for all programs.

August programs at the nature center will include:

• Reptiles: Tails, Scales, and Shells — Virtual Program
  Wednesday Aug. 4, 3–4 p.m — all ages
  Why do snakes stick out their tongues? How tough is a turtle’s shell? Slither into this virtual, naturalist-led program that will include activities, slides, and live animals. Instructors will dispel fear and make connections to help participants learn the unique and important roles reptiles play in Missouri.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178242.
       * Early registration — now open

• Insects at Night
  Friday, Aug. 6, 9–11 p.m. — all ages
  Discover the wonderful and mysterious insect life that comes out after dark.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178247.
       * Early registration — now open
• Discover Nature: Tree ID
  Saturday, Aug. 14, 9–11 a.m. — ages 12+
  Join a Runge naturalist on an informational hike and take a moment to really get to know the trees around you. Participants will become equipped with the tools to identify trees, in addition to discovering Missouri’s most common trees.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178248.
  
  
• Midweek Trekkers: Graham Cave State Park
  Wednesday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — ages 18+
  Put on your hiking shoes and travel to Graham Cave State Park in Montgomery County to join a guided hike. Distance: 4 miles; difficulty: moderate. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and pack a lunch/snack.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178249.  
  
  
• Discover Nature: Migratory Insects — Virtual Program
  Thursday, Aug. 26, 4–5 p.m. — ages 12+
  During the fall, a monarch, which weighs half as much as a paperclip, may travel 50 to 100 miles a day and migrate a total of 3,000 miles over two months. Learn all about this incredible journey and those made by a variety of other fantastic insect migrators.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178251.         
       *Early registration — now open
  
  
• Conservation Kids: Animal Olympic Games
  Saturday, Aug. 28, 9–11 a.m. — ages 7–12
  Humans aren’t the only animals that can be athletes. Come be a part of the Animal Olympic Games. Discover who are the strongest, fastest, and smartest animal athletes in Missouri, and how humans measure up to these critter Olympians.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178252.  

Visitors can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating an account, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once registrants create an account and register for events, they will receive details about those specific programs.

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each individual.  This functionality will allow parents to register their entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.  First, users will log into their account and click “My Group Profile,” then add family members to their account.  Setting up a group account today will make program registration quicker and easier for all MDC programs.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Visitors should practice physical distancing and wear masks covering mouth and nose when distancing is not feasible. 

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center, or call the nature center at 573-526-5544. 

MDC Cape Nature Center to host family night hike, many more events in Aug.

Discover nature this month with Missouri
Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape
 Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free 
event lineup featuring edible fall fungi,
turtles, caves, a family night hike, and
 a meet and greet with MDC’s newest
 canine agent!

 The free event schedule includes edible fall fungi, turtles, caves, and a meet and greet with MDC’s newest canine agent.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Discover nature this month with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free event lineup featuring edible fall fungi, turtles, caves, a family night hike, and a meet and greet with MDC’s newest canine agent!

• Flavorful Fall Fungi | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Join mushroom enthusiast and MDC Naturalist Alex for an introductory look at some of falls finest table fare. There’s an entire world of delicious wild mushrooms outside of the venerable morel, and this is your chance to learn the basics. You’ll find out how to forage for mushrooms, how to identify “fall treats,” and maybe even learn a recipe or two. Join MDC for a virtual presentation of Flavorful Fall Fungi at noon on Aug. 25. This program is designed for ages 12 and older.

• Conservation Families: Night Hike | 8 – 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Experience nature’s night shift in a short hike on Paw Paw Valley Trail! You’ll learn how to rely on your senses as you search for nocturnal animals and discover the amazing ways they survive the night. This program is designed for families with children, but all are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the trail is rated moderate to difficult with steep hills.

• Totally Turtles! | 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 14 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Under that hard exterior, turtles are totally terrific! Join MDC for a live auditorium program focused on Missouri turtles. You’ll have the chance to meet the live critters – including Missouri’s smallest and largest species of turtles. This program is perfect for all ages.

• Perry County Karst and Caves | 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Scott House, Ozark Operations Manager for the Cave Research Foundation, will share the wonder under our feet. Perry County is rich with caves and this presentation will show the amazing world of caves and karst. Life underground takes special skills and adaptations, so the countless creatures found there are unique. Caves and their inhabitants are of special conservation concern, and you may be able to help. Join MDC for a virtual presentation of Perry County Karst and Caves at 6 p.m. on Aug. 17. This program is for all ages.

• Meet Up with Tex | 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Come and meet the MDC’s newest team member in the Southeast Region. This team member has highly specialized skills and abilities that no one else possesses -- he also has four paws, fur, and a nose that is 40 times better than ours! Canine Tex and his handler Cpl. Alan Lamb will be presenting what it is they do to help protect Missouri wildlife.

All family members that plan to attend in-person and virtual events must be registered. To ensure the safety of all, in-person programs require family groups to practice social distancing, and masks are strongly recommended. Those interested are also reminded to follow current health recommendations which include:

• Stay home if you’re sick
• Wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer.
• Be considerate of others.

Questions about these events and all others can be emailed to MDC Cape Nature Center Manager Laci Prucinsky at Laci.Prucinsky@mdc.mo.gov.

Advance registration is required for all programs and can be completed here. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. Once a profile is created and event registration is complete, additional details about programs will be sent via email. If you’re having difficulty registering online, you may contact the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at (573) 290-5218. For more information on MDC or to contact MDC offices, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

Check out MDC’s other free August events here, and be on the lookout for more in-person events to register for in September!

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts. Once a group account is setup, parents and guardians will be able to register their children for an event without utilizing multiple logins. An entire group, family, or select family members can be added to an event at the same time. This can be completed by logging into your account, selecting “My Group Profile” and then adding additional family or group members to your account. Setup your group account today, and you’re ready for all upcoming programs!

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. An online subscription is also available to “sign up for updates” at www.mdc.mo.gov. A variety of updates are available at this option, but Cape Girardeau specific updates are available under facility updates and news for southeast region.

MDC offers virtual fishing clinic July 18 to help new anglers learn the sport

Get started fishing with tackle and technique tips from experts

Kansas City, Mo. – Fishing is fun, and the first steps to catching a fish are getting basic tackle ready to use and knowing where and how to present lures and bait in the water. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a virtual fishing clinic via the internet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. Instructors from MDC’s Kansas City and Northwest regions will cover topics such tackle, casting, fish identification, regulations, and ethics.

This clinic is an excellent opportunity for people to learn the basic fishing skills and gear needed to get started and catch fish. Experienced anglers also may find a tip or two that helps them catch more fish or a new species. Western Missouri has a variety of waters to fish in, from farm ponds and small streams to large rivers and lakes.

Besides instruction, this virtual session will offer question and answer interaction for participants. This clinic will help anglers learn skills from the comfort of home that they can take outdoors and go fishing. MDC is offering some in-person outdoor programs in the coming weeks with safety protocols as a precaution against the COVID-19 virus. But staff will also offer virtual programs as an easy way for people to connect with the outdoors and learn lifetime skills.

Participants are asked to pre-register for the virtual clinic by July 16 by visiting https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8p. They must register with a valid email address. A link will be sent via email for them to join the clinic online on July 18.

Missouri offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for anglers whether fishing from shore or a watercraft. To learn more about fishing, visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

Discover Nature with MDC at State Fair Aug. 11-21

See live wildlife, learn about conservation, and have hands-on fun discovering nature.

SEDALIA, Mo. -- Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Aug. 11-21. Visit MDC’s Conservation Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to see aquaria full of live fish and other aquatic wildlife along with displays of other live native animals such as snakes, turtles, and amphibians. Ask conservation questions of MDC staff, get educational materials, and have fun.

Check out the Department’s air-conditioned Conservation Kids’ Discovery Room between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.to have hands-on fun discovering nature through crafts and other activities.

Enjoy conservation-related demonstrations at the Department’s outdoor pavilion.

• See a live eagle and other birds of prey up close at the Raptors of Missouripresentation on Aug. 11 and Aug. 20 at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
• Learn how to prepare a fresh catch at the Fish Cooking and Cleaning lesson onAug. 12 and Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Learn about black bears in Missouri and how to Be Bear Aware Aug. 14 and Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease, what MDC is doing to limit the spread of this deadly deer disease, and what hunters and others can do to at Missouri’s Deer Herd: CWD Updates on Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Discover what makes bees, butterflies and other pollinators so important at The Buzz About Insect Pollinators on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Find out how to stop exotic invasive plants and animals threatening the state atAlien Invaders in Missouri! on Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1:3 p.m.

Popular Peanut the Turtle has retired from State Fair

One animal offering from MDC that will no longer be at the State Fair or other events is Peanut the Turtle. The large red-eared slider with the misshapen shell is the mascot for the state’s No More Trash! anti-litter campaign. Peanut has been a regular MDC attraction at the State Fair for years.

Due to minor health issues with his shell and his advancing age, Peanut has been retired from traveling and now resides fulltime at MDC’s Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood. Eliminating the stresses of traveling will help maintain his overall good health. Nature Center staff note that Peanut is doing well for his age of about 30 years. In the wild, red-eared sliders live to be 20 to 40 years.

Peanut’s story started in the 1980s when, as a small turtle, he went through a plastic six-pack ring someone had carelessly left behind. The ring got stuck around his shell. As he grew over the next five or so years, his shell grew around the ring, causing the peanut shape that gave him his name. When he was about 9 years old, someone found the turtle and took him to the St. Louis Zoo where the ring was removed. They named him Peanut because of his shell’s shape and gave him to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Learn more about MDC programs, events and other offerings at mdc.mo.gov.

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MDC Runge Nature Center invites kids to creek crawl

Kids can discover nature by exploring Nature Center creek with MDC staff July 15.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Conservation Nature Center invites children ages 7-12 years to discover nature this summer at a “creek crawl” at the Nature Center on Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

This free event offers kids the chance to explore the Nature Center’s North Wears Creek bed, wet or dry. Whether splashing through puddles or playing with rocks, the creek crawl will provide a trail of a different nature. Before the heat of the day peaks, children will have an opportunity to make new discoveries and experience a different part of Runge.

Nature staff reminds parents to make sure kids are ready for the day with water bottles, bug spray and sunscreen, as well as appropriate footwear such as old tennis shoes.

Parents do not need to come, but are welcome to attend. Registration for this event is required and begins July 1. To register, or for more information, call the Runge Conservation Nature Center at (573) 526-5544. For information on this and other events and programs at the Nature Center, visitmdc.mo.gov and search “events” at the top of the webpage.

Runge Conservation Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately .5 miles north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

MDC invites families to free frogging clinic in Saline County July 29

Register youth ages 7-17 and a parent or mentor by July 27 to discover the challenge of frogging.

SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. – Frog gigging, or frogging, is a great way to enjoy Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources while also putting food on the table the whole family can enjoy. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic 6:30 to midnight on Friday, July 29, at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery near Sweet Springs. The clinic is free and open to youth ages 7-17 and their parents or adult mentors, but all participants must preregister byJuly 27.

Participants will have a classroom session to learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification, and regulations. Staff will also teach participants how to clean their catches to take home and cook. Frog giggers will then have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC staff.

“Catching frogs can be a challenge enjoyed by the whole family,” said Conservation Agent Chase Wright.  “If all goes right, frog legs are the reward that awaits the taker after a successful night of frogging.”

This year’s frog season begins at sunset on June 30 and will continue through Oct. 31. Daily limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs, and 16 in possession. Children under the age of 16, and resident adults older than 65, are not required to have a permit. Frogs are allowed to be harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. With a fishing permit, frogs may be harvested by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole and line during frog season. With a hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, or by hand or hand net. 

To register, or for more information, contact Saline County Conservation Agent Chase Wright at 660-641-3345 or by email at chase.wright@mdc.mo.gov.

Blind Pony Fish Hatchery is located at 16285 BP Hatchery Drive. From Sweet Springs at I-70, go north one mile on Highway 127, then east 6.5 miles on Route ZZ.

To learn about other Discover Nature programs in mid-Missouri, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/central. 

Cicadas begin their summer sounds in July

Discover nature and learn more about the periodical and annual cicada.

JEFFERSON CTY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to discover nature this summer by learning more about cicadas. There are two types of cicadas, annual and periodical. As their names suggest, annual cicadas make an appearance every summer in July, whereas periodical cicadas emerge in 13 and 17-year cycles in late May.

Annual cicadas have dark eyes and greenish bodies, unlike the slightly smaller periodicals which have red eyes and blackish bodies.

After spending two-to-five years underground feeding on root juices, the annual cicada nymphs emerge and begin the search for mates using their raspy hum.

The cicada’s endless drone seems to come from everywhere. Cicadas emit a sound that can reach up to 95 decibels, depending on proximity. That is the equivalent noise level of a Boeing 737 before landing.

Unlike crickets rubbing together parts of their wings to create a chirp, male cicadas rapidly vibrate a piece of their exoskeleton to produce their loud call.

Despite the mild sound annoyance cicadas induce, the insect is a valuable food source for wildlife such as birds and other insects. In other countries it’s common for people to chow down on the meaty bug due to its predictable emergence in the summer. Cicadas pose no threat to people and minimal threats to trees.

While Missouri doesn’t have to worry about a large periodical cicada invasion this summer, states toward the east such as Ohio and West Virginia are dealing with a 17-year brood. The next 13-year periodical will not make an appearance in Missouri until 2024.

For more information on cicadas visit MDC’s online Field Guide at http://on.mo.gov/1Ubs3pQ.

MDC’s Nature Center at Night focuses on pond life

Pond life is the topic for the Cape Girardeau
Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night,
Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. (MDC file photo)

This “after hours” event gives working parents an opportunity to bring their family.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pond life is the topic for the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night, Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Ponds are teeming with life from top to bottom,” said Sara Turner, MDC manager of the nature center. “The display at the July Nature at Night event will explore how some animals live in ponds and others just visit.”

Turner said guests will discover the many layers of life in a pond through the hands on displays. She said one purpose of the monthly “after hours” event is to give working parents a chance to bring children to the center at a time that’s more convenient for them.

“We know that working parents have different schedules and this is our way of making sure we do our best to serve everyone,” she said. “It’s also a chance to see what the center’s reptiles and amphibians are like late in the day.”

All ages are welcome at Nature Center at Night and no registration is required. Youth and adult groups are welcome. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

MDC hosts Discover Nature Schools workshop for preschool teachers in Columbia

MDC's Discover Nature Schools program helps teachers prepare coursework that connects students with nature, and meets state education standards.  

Registration required by January 15

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites preschool teachers interested in improving conservation education in their classrooms and home-schools to attend an upcoming free training class on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MDC Central Regional Office, 3500 East Gans Road in Columbia. Space is limited and reservations are required by Jan. 15.

 “The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages outside and to enrich their learning through outdoor experiences focused on Missouri plants, animals and natural systems,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kim Cole.

The workshop is part of MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program which helps prepare educators to teach hands-on courses for their grades. MDC provides teacher guides for free, along with additional resources to support the curriculum.

“Learning in nature benefits children in several ways, including improving physical and mental health, improving test scores, reducing attention-deficit problems, and teaching problem-solving and other thinking skills,” said Cole.

MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum materials to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum materials are available for preschool through twelfth grade and are aligned with Missouri state standards in order to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations. Approximately 99% of school districts and 40% of schools in the state participate in the program.

For questions or to register for the workshop, contact Kim Cole at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or573-815-7901 ext. 3964.

For more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, visithttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/9019.