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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Holidays are a time to spend with friends and family. People are off from work, children are home from school, and friends and family are visiting. Looking for something fun to do? Discover nature at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Runge Nature Center's Holiday Happenings open houses from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, Tuesday, Dec. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 31.
"Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors lived and survived with skills passed down through generations," said MDC Runge Nature Center Manager Kathy Cavender. "This year's activities at Runge's Holiday Happenings open houses will highlight some of these primitive skills such as leatherworking, cordage making, and atlatls."
Visitors are welcome to walk in during the free, family-friendly events and move between the activity stations. Families are welcome to enjoy one of the center's five nature walks, make a craft, or join staff for stories by the indoor fire.
"Learning about our ancestors and how they survived helps to strengthen our connection to the land," said Cavender. "It builds our knowledge of how to continue to conserve forest, fish, and wildlife in modern times."
Runge Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately .5 mile north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
For more information on this or other programs at Runge Nature Center, call 573-526-5544 or visit mdc.mo.gov/node/296.
