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 August.

“Missouri has one of the best conservation departments in the country, which regularly hosts fun and free events for children and people of all ages,” said Sen. Walsh. “I encourage everyone who can to take part in these events. They’re a great way to see all the beautiful sights our state has to offer and to learn some interesting things about this place we call home.”

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

• Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs!
  Date: Thursday, Aug. 7. 2014
  Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Ages: Three and up
  
  The forest provides a wealth of sights and sounds to engage citizens’ senses and teach them about nature. Some of those sights and sounds come from bugs that creep, crawl and sting. So, why do we have them? As participants play games and explore for bugs, they’ll discover why they are important to us, wildlife and the environment. Dress for the weather. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and a snack. Call to make reservations.
  
  
• Full Moon Walk at the Confluence
  Date: Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014
  Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Ages: Seven and up
  
  Summer is nearing its end, and the fields, prairies and slough are buzzing, whirring and humming with the activity of insects, birds and other creatures. Get out into nature and discover the source of some of these sounds as we walk to the canoe/kayak access road and then to the viewing platform to watch the full moon rise over the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Meet at parking lot “L,” about 4.5 miles from the front entrance. We will walk about 2.5 miles. Call to make reservations.
   
• Nature Is Going Back to School
  Date: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014
  Time: 10 a.m. to Noon
  Ages: Six to 12
  
  Ever wonder what Mother Nature has to do to get ready for school? Find the answers through exploration and discovery. To get started, participants will complete a craft worthy of posting on the refrigerator door. Then, together, they will venture through some the wild areas at Columbia Bottom. Be prepared. One never knows what Mother Nature has in store. Dress for warm weather and bring a water bottle. Call to make reservations.  

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.

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.