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.

Cape’s Nature Center offers Family Skills Sampler

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host the Family Skills Sampler event  Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where skills such as fishing and canoeing will be explored. (MDC file photo)

Naturalists will teach families new outdoor skills they can use and enjoy for years to come.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Families will have a chance to try out a variety of outdoor activities at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a Family Skills Sampler event at the center Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Many parents would love to take their family fishing or canoeing, but they lack the experience to conquer the new experience with confidence,” said Sara Turner, the manager of the Cape Nature Center. “This event is designed to bring whole families an opportunity to safely try several different outdoor skills, where they can learn together and then use their new skills to make memories together again later.”

Archery, fishing and canoeing are just a sampling of the activities that will be featured at the event. Turner said no registration is required for this event and participants ages 5 and up are welcome to attend. Opportunities will be on a first-come, first served basis, she said.

“This event is just one of many that we offer at the nature center as part of our goal to help people to discover nature,” Turner said. “Some of the most cherished family memories are those surrounded by nature and we hope this event will create many cherished moments for those who attend.”

For more information on this or other events at the MDC’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

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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.

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.

Discover Hunting—Spring Turkey

Image via Wikipedia

Can you gobble, yelp or putt? Harvesting a turkey takes good calling skills. Here’s your chance to learn how or just refine your skills at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center on Saturday, February 25 from noon to 2 pm.

We’ll start out learning about the upcoming turkey season and various calling methods. Then we’ll make a slate call and take some time to practice outdoors. Who knows, you may even call one in!

Ages 16 and up. Registration is required. Call 573-290-5218 to register or for more information.

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