JEFFERSON CITY— State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, would like to inform constituents in the 13th District about upcoming local events sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, including a shed hunt held in the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.

“The Department of Conservation holds a number of wonderful events for families in our area,” said Sen. Walsh. “They’re fun, educational and free. I strongly encourage constituents in our district to take advantage of these great opportunities.”

The following events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in March:

• Shed Hunting: It’s That “Tine” of Year!
  Date: Saturday, March 2
  Time: 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
  Ages: 8 and up
  
  The Department of Conservation will hold its third annual shed hunt at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Attendees will learn about sheds, how they grow and how they can be used. Most importantly, participants will search for the elusive antlers. Dress for the weather. Reservations begin Feb. 16.
  
  

• Tots on the Trail: Seeds!
  Date: Saturday, March 9
  Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  Ages: 3 and up
  
  Discover where seeds come from and what they do. Participants will spend time looking for seeds, investigating them with a magnifying glass, dissecting fruit and experimenting with planting. Dress for the weather and plan to get dirty. Reservations begin Feb. 23.

• Wetlands by Moonlight
  Date: Friday, March 22
  Time: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Ages: 7 and up
  
  Thousands of migrating waterfowl depend on the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area to eat and rest on their journeys between summer and winter homes. With spring migration at its peak in March, participants will discover the sights and sounds of nature as they walk by moonlight through the wetlands. Dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get muddy. Meet at the Visitor Center to car pool to the walk site. Reservations begin March 8.

To make reservations, call (314) 877-6014, Wednesday thru Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov.