Cape Nature Center announces May programs

THIS CONTENT IS ARCHIVED
News from the region
Southeast
Published Date
04/23/2019
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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center has a full schedule of programs planned for May. Some programs require registration in advance, so Cape Nature Center Manager Sara Turner said it’s important guests familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the center at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents.

Turner said the biggest event in May will be A Visit with Ding Darling, Tuesday, May 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. No registration is required. 

“From the introduction of the duck stamp to the creation of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling’s influence was felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions as well,” Turner said. “He is considered by many to be one of the most influential members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today.”

Turner said parents should know about regular occurring age-specific programs at the center also, such as Babes in the Woods, Little Acorns and Conservation Kids. Babes in the Woods is specifically designed to give infants and toddlers up to two years old an introduction to nature. Little Acorns is for children ages three to six, and Conservation Kids is for children ages seven to 11.

“One size doesn’t always fit all, so we have programs that happen every month that are designed for the specific needs of these age groups,” Turner said. “This tailoring to age ranges helps to engage children where their needs are at each age and gives them a wonderful foundation of nature knowledge to build on as they get older.

May programs at the nature center include:

  • Hiking: Wednesday Wildflower Walk, Wednesday, May 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. (Trail of Tears SP) or Wednesday, May 15, 1 to 4 p.m. (Maintz CA).  Register in advance.
  • Fishing Skills:  Flyfishing, Friday, May 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. or Saturday, May 4, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Register in advance.
  • Wildlife:  Duck Decoy, Friday, May 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register in advance. 
  • Little Acorns: Wild About Wildflowers, May 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or May 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., ages 3-6.  Register in advance.
  • Birds: International Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. No registration required.
  • Nature Art:  Fishing Cards, Thursday, May 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., ages 16 and up.  Register in advance. 
  • Fishing Skills:  Fishing Spots Near Cape, Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Register in advance.
  • Conservation Kids: Mushroom May-hem, May 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., ages 7-11.  Register in advance.
  • Canoeing:  Basic Skills, Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., ages 7 and up.  No registration required.
  • Babes in the Woods: Who Lives in the Forest?, Saturday, May 25, from  9 to 9:30 a.m. or 10 to 10:30 a.m., ages 0-2.  Register in advance.

Nature center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once someone creates a profile and registers for an event, they will receive details about programs they’ve registered for.

“Another popular feature we offer is our texting subscription,” Turner said.

The nature center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting, MDC Nature, to 468311. Turner said 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.

Find information about age specific monthly programs, such as Little Acorns, Babes in the Woods and Conservation Kids, as well as other programs at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. Events at the nature center are free, thanks to the 1/8th of 1 percent Conservation State Sales Tax. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature is located inside Cape County Park North, just east of I-55 exit 99.