Warm up with MDC Cape Nature Center activities

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News from the region
Southeast
Published Date
12/13/2013
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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- If you’re getting stir crazy in the midst of this freezing cold December weather, there’s plenty to do at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

This Saturday, bring your “Mudpuppies” aged three to six to the center to find out where animals go to stay warm in the winter temperatures. Parents should call the center to reserve a seat for their child. This Saturday’s “Mudpuppies” programs are at 10 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m. and the event will be repeated on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. and at noon.

Give the gift of life on Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Cape Nature Center’s annual blood drive. Make an appointment ahead of time at www.redcrossblood.org or walk into the Nature Center to give blood any time between 3 to 7 p.m. You’ll feel great knowing you gave the greatest gift of all. Ages 16 and up are encouraged to donate, but 16 year-olds must complete paperwork with parental consent prior to donating.

Nature Center at Night is also scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19. From 5 to 8 p.m., all ages are invited to stop by and learn fascinating facts about Missouri’s wild mammals that make their homes within southeast Missouri’s diverse habitats. Naturalists will lead two mammal presentations, one at 6 p.m. and another at 7 p.m.

Bring your littlest children, or “Tadpoles”, ages 0 to 2 years, to the Cape Nature Center on Saturday, Dec. 21, to learn what wild animals need to survive. Little ones will engage in stories and activities that compare the lives of wild and tame animals. This program is offered at 9 or 10 a.m. Call ahead to reserve a seat for your tadpole.

When you make it to the end of the holiday season and your Christmas dinner is all cleaned up, walk it off at the “Conservation Destination: General Watkins” on Dec. 28. Ages eight and up are welcome to attend this easy three mile nature walk that will venture along the Schlosser Loop trail and then the Cemetery Ridge trail after a lunch break. Call ahead to let us know you plan to attend, bring a lunch and a drink and remember to dress for the winter weather.

“All of these activities are designed to help people keep moving and discovering nature throughout the month of December,” said Sara Turner, Nature Center Manager. “Winter can be one of the most exciting times to learn about wildlife.”

For more information or to register for any of these December programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center call (573)290-5218. To receive text reminders on your cell phone about Nature Center events, text NATURE to 91212.