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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Mid-Mo. Uplanders Quail Forever Chapter, and A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia have decided to postpone the youth pollinator event scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, in Columbia due to sloppy field conditions and forecasted rain.
MDC and conservation partners invite families to attend the event on the rescheduled date of March 3, from 1 – 3 p.m., at A.L. Gustin Golf Course, 18 Stadium Blvd. in Columbia. There is still room for more people to register to attend, and a limited supply of free Quail Forever hats will be offered to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Youth Pollinator Habitat Program will offer attendees an opportunity to see nature at work at the golf course, and children can help spread native seeds while learning about the important role pollinators, such as butterflies, play in the environment. Attendees of all ages will see and learn about how pockets of native habitat that benefit a variety of native wildlife can fit into varied landscapes without impeding other land-use practices.
Over the past 20 years, staff at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course has worked to enhance natural communities on the course – restoring habitat for wildlife and pollinators. This work has made A.L. Gustin the first university golf course in the country to achieve full certification in water conservation, environmental planning, outreach and education, water quality management, integrated pest management, and wildlife and habitat management.
“Research shows that children who spend time outdoors are healthier, receive better grades, have longer attention spans, and are less prone to depression than children who spend most of their time indoors,” said MDC Private Land Conservationist Ryan Lueckenhoff. “This free, fun, family-friendly event is a great opportunity for families to get outside and discover nature.”
To register, contact Ryan Lueckenhoff at (573) 875-5540, ext. 7, or Ryan.Lueckenhoff@mdc.mo.gov.
