MDC: Day on the River is Sept. 12

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News from the region
Southeast
Published Date
08/25/2015
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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. –The mighty Mississippi River is the focal point of Cape Girardeau, yet many locals have never actually explored it by boat. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) aims to remedy that with Day on the River, an annual event where people of all ages are invited to tour the river with conservation biologists and naturalists Saturday, Sep. 12. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau with activities throughout the day.

According to Jamie Koehler, assistant manager of the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, no registration is required and all ages, youth and adult groups are welcome. Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, crafts, and informational booths from many supporting agencies. Boat rides will take place every half-hour (except from noon – 1 p.m.) at Riverfront Park. Koehler said this free event will be fun for the whole family.

"Families can enjoy boat rides, practice casting a fishing pole, see and touch fish of the big river, and even taste an Asian carp," Koehler said.

"The Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands are not only a huge part of Cape Girardeau heritage, but are also important habitats to diverse wildlife. This makes for excellent hunting and fishing opportunities," Koehler said. "We hope lots of people will join us for this unique event to celebrate our amazing natural resources."

For more information on this event and others offered at the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, call 573-290-5218 or go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.