JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, encourages constituents in the 13th District to take advantage of a number of free, local Missouri Department of Conservation events held this November, including learning how to identify migratory birds and the finer points of cooking with an outdoor Dutch oven.
“Despite the cooling temperatures, autumn is a wonderful time of the year for Missouri residents,” said Sen. Walsh. “From admiring the beautiful fall colors to preparing for the upcoming hunting season, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Luckily, the amazing staff at our local Conservation Department coordinates a number of events for families to take part in.”
The following events will be held at or near the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in November:
- Dutch Oven Cooking
Date: Sunday, Nov. 10
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: Families
Cast iron cooking can enhance any experience in nature. There are benefits to practicing this valuable outdoor skill. Discover the basics of Dutch oven cooking including how to prepare food, temperature control, cleaning and more. The department will provide all the fixings, along with coffee.
- Migratory Bird Identification at Riverlands
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Ages: 10 and up
Learn to identify some of the many migratory birds that pass through Missouri ever year, including some species that stay in the Show-Me State for winter. Meet at the Audubon Center at Riverlands, north of I-270 near West Alton, to learn identify tips and all about their epic journeys. This event is presented in cooperation with the Audubon Center at Riverlands and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please dress for the weather as the event will be indoors and outdoors. Reservations begin Oct. 25 and end Nov. 8. Please call (636) 441-4554 to reserve a spot.
- Hooray for Turkeys
Date: Thursday, Nov. 14
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 3 and up
With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, participants will learn about turkeys. Participants will first learn about the life cycle of this bird. Then, they’ll head outside to look for turkeys and their tracks. Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get dirty. Reservations begin Oct. 31.
- Golden Hour at the Mississippi
Date: Sunday, Nov. 16
Time: 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Ages: 15 and up
Take an early morning walk to the edge of the Mississippi River and watch the eastern sky change colors as dawn turns to daylight. Trees will be bare, and this will give participants the opportunity to discover their intricate structure usually hidden beneath leaves. Dress for the weather and wear boots or shoes that can get muddy. Meet at the front entrance gate to Columbia Bottom. Reservations begin Nov. 2.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has also begun holding its annual hunter education safety courses. The courses’ curriculum was recently revised to improve student convenience and emphasize more hands-on training.
To view a list of scheduled hunter education courses, please click here or visit www.mdc.mo.gov.
To make reservations for any of the listed events, call (314) 877-6014, Wednesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is in north St. Louis County at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. To reach the area, go north approximately 2.8 miles from the I-270 Riverview Drive exit. Riverview Drive becomes Columbia Bottom Road at its intersection with Larimore Road.
Senator Walsh regularly informs 13th District residents of upcoming local events held by state agencies. To subscribe to her regular legislative and district updates, click here or visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh. |
