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 February, including an informative program on the history of Missouri’s trapping trade.

“With many families on a tight budget these days, it can be hard to find fun activities that are also affordable. Luckily, the conservation department is dedicated to providing fun, educational events at no cost to families,” said Sen. Walsh. “I strongly encourage constituents in our area to take advantage of these wonderful programs.”

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

• Starting Native Plants from Seed
  Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
  Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Ages: 10 and up
  
  Missouri is home to a number of beautiful native plants. This workshop teaches participants where to obtain native seeds, how to prepare them for planting, and tips on raising them. The workshop also explores ways to use recyclable materials for raising native plants. Call (314) 877-6014 to make a reservation.
  
  
• Columbia Bottom Trading Post
  Date: Monday, Feb. 17
  Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Ages: 10 and under
  
  Discover the history of Missouri’s trapping trade through this interactive program. Children will learn why trapping was so important to the state’s past, and will get to pretend to be fur-traders themselves. Call (314) 877-6014 to make a reservation.
  

To make reservations, 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.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is also holding its annual nature photo contest from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15. The theme this year is “what discovering nature means to you.” Photographers can submit their photos with the hashtag “#MDCdiscovernature” through the social network of their choice.

A monthly winner will be picked, with the photo displayed on the Department of Conservation’s website. All of the monthly winners will appear in the January 2015 Missouri Conservationist. Click here to view the photo contest rules. 

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.