News and Almanac

Teachers Offered Aquatics Course

Teachers of grades 4 through 8 can earn two units of credit through UMKC or Webster University by taking "Ecology of Aquatic Environments," which is being offered Aug. 5-9 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Powell Gardens. The course runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Participants will engage in hands-on activities in classroom and outdoor settings as they explore a variety of aquatic environments and learn about their biological, physical and chemical characteristics.

The course is sponsored by the Missouri Botanical Garden, UMKC and Powell Gardens. For more information, contact Lydia Toth of the Shaw Arboretum at (314) 451-3512.

Tour Gardens in KC and Hermann

The John Wornall House Museum hosts the second biennial Tour of Gardens from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 5.

Gardens of five homes, including the herb garden at the John Wornall house, will be open for viewing. For advance tickets or tour information, call (816) 444-1858.

The Hermann Garden Club will sponsor separate town and country tours of Hermann's secret gardens on May 11 and 12, June 29 and 30 and Sept. 14 and 15.

For ticket information or to make group arrangements, call the Hermann Visitors Center at (573) 486-2744. Proceeds fund educational activities and scholarships for Hermann area students.

Student Recyclers Gain Recognition

Students at White Rock Elementary School in the southwest Missouri town of Jane recently received the President's Environmental Youth Award for 1995 (Elementary Division) for their composting and recycling program.

Dubbed the Earth Savers, the students, led by Karen Fosse's 5th graders, have been composting leftover food and recycling aluminum, tin, white paper, cardboard and plastic.

The school maintains a public drop-off for recyclable materials. In two years, the students have recycled 25 tons of trash.

The Earth Savers program sets a "green citizen" example to other schools, while helping the planet.

The plaque recognizing Fosse's and the students' efforts will be displayed in the school.

Enjoy Forest Day at Flag Spring

Learn about food plots, timber stand improvements, pine areas and oak regeneration at the Conservation Department's first annual "Day in the Forest" at Flag Spring Conservation Area May 11.

Guided wagon tours will leave every half hour between 10 a.m and 2 p.m., or visitors may use foot trails to explore the area. The event will offer a black powder shooting demonstration, as well as free hot dogs and soda.

Flag Spring Conservation Area is in southwest Barry County, about five miles west of Washburn. For more information, call (417) 847-5949.

Conservation Chief Gets Top CFM Award

Jerry J. Presley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, recently was named Conservationist of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri. It is the Federation's most prestigious award.

The honor caps a 38-year career for Presley, who will retire in December. He began work with the Conservation Department in 1958.

Before being named director in 1988, Presley held jobs that included assistant district forester, district forester, state forest land supervisor, assistant state forester, state for-ester and assistant director. He is currently president of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

As Conservation Department director, Presley began the agency's first strategic planning effort and presided over the construction of four urban nature centers.

The award cited Presley's dedication, integrity and lifelong commitment to conservation.

Family Sought for Hunt/Fish Day

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is seeking a representative outdoor family to serve as honorary chairpersons for the 25th National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 28.

NSSF is looking for the best qualified outdoor family in the country. Send information about nominees to NHF Day, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 96470-2359.

Conference Studies Ozark Watersheds

The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will sponsor its 10th Annual Watershed Conference June 6-7 at Springfield's Clarion Hotel.

The conference theme is "The Watershed Illustrated: A Look at the James River." The conference will include a day-and-a-half field trip exploring watershed issues and potential solutions.

For more information or to register for the conference, call (417) 866 1127.

May Special Events on MDC Home Page

Stay in touch with May special events on Conservation Department lands via the MDC's home page (mdc.mo.gov). Just click the "News" button.

Every month you can find a modified Conservation Atlas of outdoor recreation opportunities by choosing the "Places to Go" button on the home page.

Zoom into a specific region and county of the state and learn about the areas there, including acreage and information about trails, hunting, fishing, camping disabled access and boat ramps.

Visit MDC Areas in Tourism Week

The 13th annual Tourism week, which is being celebrated May 5-11, presents a good opportunity to tie a trip to Conservation Department area to a visit to a nearby community.

Cities and towns statewide are planning Tourism Week celebrations, highlighting tourism in their area. Many will observe May 8 as Tourist Appreciation Day, a chance to thank travelers for making tourism one of the state's leading industries. Travel and tourism generate $9.9 billion in business in Missouri annually.

In addition, Missouri travel industry volunteers will again host "Breakfast on the Radio," in which they cook breakfast on the air for radio station personalities and talk about local tourism attractions.

Missouri Outdoors Airs Kid's TV Special

Missouri Outdoors, the Conservation Department's television program, will feature a half-hour, fun-filled presentation designed especially for children.

The show will follow kids exploring caves, spending a day with conservation agents, fishing and hunting. This fast-paced, entertaining production will run on the following schedule:

• KHQA Hannibal 12:30 p.m. May 4
• KODE Joplin 7 a.m. May 5
• KOMU Columbia 5 p.m. May 18 & 11:30 a.m. June 22
• KBSI Cape Girardeau 11:30 a.m. May 25
• KSPR Springfield 12 noon, May 25