Missourians invited to discover nature with MDC at State Fair Aug. 11-21

SEDALIA, Mo. – Missourians can learn about discovering nature close to home at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Aug. 11 through 21.

This year the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is celebrating the Year of Forest, and its Conservation Pavilion will include displays focusing on the importance of forests as one of the Show-Me State’s significant natural resources and wildlife habitats. MDC also will have displays on elk restoration and a black bear research study. The Conservation Pavilion, located at the south end of the fairgrounds, features forest-related exhibits along with live animal displays and demonstrations.

An indoor live-plant diorama depicts a forest ecosystem, and outdoor exhibits include labeled native wildflower plantings. The always-popular fish aquaria provide a fun and refreshing break, while a display of live amphibians and reptiles excite fairgoers of all ages.

The air-conditioned Conservation Kids’ Discovery Room, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, provides children’s programs and hands-on exhibits designed for family fun and learning about forests, fish and wildlife.

Live demonstrations offered at the Conservation Pavilion this year include:

• Insects and Diseases of Missouri Trees, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 11;
• Fish Cooking and Cleaning, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13;
• Know Your Trees, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 12;
• Calling All Wildlife, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14;
• Feral Hogs in Missouri, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15;
• Aquatic Invasives: Didymo, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16;
• Living with Wildlife, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 17;
• Missouri’s Elk Restoration, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 18;
• Tree Care: Planting to Pruning, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 19;
• Snakes of Missouri, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 20;
• Black Bear in Missouri, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug 21.

Conservation agents, foresters, biologists and other experts will be on hand at the Conservation Pavilion to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Additionally, educational materials for MDC's Discover Nature Schools program will be available, including the new instructional unit for kindergarten through second grade.

For more information on MDC or Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife, visit www.MissouriConservation.org.