JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, encourages constituents of the 13th District to take advantage of a number of free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) events held in May.
“After the cold winter months, it’s always nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Here in Missouri, we’re fortunate to enjoy some really beautiful spring weather,” said Sen. Walsh. “The great folks at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area will be providing a number of fun and educational events in May. I highly encourage area residents to get outside and enjoy everything springtime that the Show-Me State has to offer.”
The following events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in May:
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
The fading sun and glowing moon provide the perfect backdrop for a springtime evening stroll. Experience the sights and sounds of our waterfowl refuge “night shift,” as we walk with the setting sun, along the grass-covered levee. We’ll stop along the bank of the Mississippi River, where moonbeams have been known to light up the river’s surface. Meet at the Canoe/Kayak Access, parking lot “O,” off the gravel road, about 4 miles from the front gate. Reservations begin April 15 and end April 29.
Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 10 and younger
Do April showers really bring May flowers? Find out as we venture out for a short hike. We will see which flowers have emerged from the ground and what is yet to come. While on the hike, young ones will gather inspiration for a floral craft to be done inside. Please come dressed for the weather. Registration begins April 22 and ends May 3.
Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: Senior Adults
Spring has arrived and the trees are green again! Did you know they work for us in unknown and subtle ways? Let’s get acquainted with some native trees at Columbia Bottom and learn a few “forest facts.” Our visit will involve light walking and easy access to all areas. Meet at the Visitor Center. Bring your lunch as we’ll eat at our shaded Confluence area pavilion. Water and dessert will be provided. Missourians care about conserving our forests because, not only do forests provide food and homes for wildlife, they enrich our lives every day. Reservations run April 24 through May 8.
- Preparing Fillets for the Frying Pan
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up
Missourians care about conserving forests, fish and wildlife. As a result, Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish. After a successful day of fishing, what do you do with the “big one” that did not get away? Join us as we practice cleaning a few different types of fish. If you have a favorite filleting knife, bring it along, or you can use one of ours. Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations begin May 2.
- Geocaching: An Introduction
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Ages: All ages
Bring the whole family to Columbia Bottom to be modern day explorers through the outdoor sport of geocaching! This adventurous activity is a modern day scavenger hunt which ties technology and nature together and is enjoyable for any age. Join us for an introduction on the basics of geocaching and then try your hand at hunting for hidden caches on the area. GPS units will be provided. Reservations begin May 16.
- Geocaching: Learning More
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults
You have learned the basics of geocaching and now you want to become an expert. Learn how to use pocket queries, what to do with Travel Bugs, paperless caching and a host of other geocaching techniques that will enhance your caching experience. Columbia Bottom has teamed with the St. Louis Area Geocaching Association (SLAGA) to give an overview of tips and tools to help you become a better cacher. There will be time for an open house forum, so bring your questions. Reservations begin May 16.
Date and time: June 8, 10 a.m. to June 11, 2 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 12
Would you survive as an explorer? Spend four exciting days learning new skills via friendly competition at our base camp, Columbia Bottom. We will journey to other nearby conservation areas as well. Explorers must attend all four days and bring a sack lunch. Parents/guardians, please ask for an application packet when calling in. Once you’ve completed the application, return it to Columbia Bottom to be placed in our lottery drawing. Applications are available May 1 and due to Columbia Bottom by May 18.
To make event 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.
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. |
