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KIRKWOOD, Mo. — 6/19/15 UPDATE: Mud Day event cancelled due to flooding concerns fromnearby Meramec River.
Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is putting on an event that will give you all the dirt... on mud. International Mud Day is June 29 and the Nature Center and the City of Sunset Hills are celebrating with a special Mud Day event on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunset Hills Athletic Fields, 13555 West Watson Road.
"We'll focus on the animals that live in or use the dirt and mud. Participants will learn about arthropods, decomposers, and burrowing animals," said MDC Interpretive Center Manager Amy Wilkinson.
It will be an afternoon of fun and learning as kids visit educational stations with engaging activities that will help them discover the importance of soil to our environment, and all the plants and animals that call soil home. When they finish all the stations, the real fun will begin—they'll get to play in giant mud piles.
Water to make the mud will be courtesy of the Fenton Fire Department. Visitors should bring clothes and shoes that can get dirty.
"Getting dirty and exploring is a fun way to interact with nature," said Wilkinson.
Other activities will include a "mud kitchen" complete with pie and muffin pans, plus natural objects and flowers for decorating mud pies. There will also be chances to create mud art. Potter Wilhemina Bartels will present information about the history of pottery, different types of clay, and have air dry clay for kids to work with.
"Soil plays an essential role in our world; it filters water, helps plants grow, and provides habitat for billions of organisms," Wilkinson said.
Getting dirty is good for people too. Studies show that interacting with dirt and the various organisms that live in it helps to develop healthy immune systems.
No reservations are required. The event is free and open to the whole family. And of course, it will be held rain or shine. Other partners participating in Mud Day include Shaw Nature Reserve and the Sunset Hills Parks Department.
"Come prepared to get muddy, and bring a towel or a change of clothes for the car ride home," reminded Wilkinson.
Call Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center at 314-301-1500 for more information.
