Spring Fling on Conservation lands

A list of spring events on conservation lands.

The Conservation Department invites you to enjoy these special events on your conservation lands.

Adair County

• May 25, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Kirksville Wal-Mart - Booths will be set up to highlight recreation opportunities on nearby conservation areas.
• May 25, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Big Creek Conservation Area - Hike across a north Missouri hill and learn more about forest and prairie restoration.

Boone County

• May 11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Three Creeks Conservation Area - Visitors can participate in scavenger hunts and guided hikes that leave the parking lot at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• May 18, 9 - 12 a.m., Three Creeks Conservation Area - Meet at Three Creeks CA parking lot off of Deer Park Road. Have a fun-filled morning in the creek. Programs are at 9 and 11. Bring an aquatic net if you have one and some wading shoes. Reservations required. Contact Michele Baumer, (573) 526-5544.
• May 19, 1 p.m. - dark, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area - See migrating shorebirds and a 3,000 gallon aquarium with Missouri River fish!

Camden County

• May 18, 1 - 4 p.m., Fiery Fork Conservation Area - Visitors will meet at Toby Hollow Camp to learn about this area's unique wildlife inhabitants, like bats and herons. Hikers can try out the River Glade Trail.

Cape Girardeau County

• May 6 - 31, Cape Girardeau Reg. Office - The Conservation Department Regional Office will host a variety of events throughout the month. Hand-outs, prizes, movies, demonstrations, guided hikes, scavenger hunts and special appearances by Smokey Bear will highlight the month. Groups who want a special program are urged to make reservations two weeks in advance. Contact Gaye Puchbauer at the Regional Office, (573) 290-5730, for detailed information.

Cole County

• May 4, 10:30 a.m., Runge Conservation Nature Center - "Tick Talk" - Straight talk about ticks from a noted expert, Dr. Thomas Satalowich. Reservations required. Call the Nature Center office at (573) 526-5544.
• May 11, noon - 5 p.m., Runge CNC - The Show-Me Iris Society annual show.

Dallas County

• May 18, Lead Mine Conservation Area - Meet at a parking area to learn about area management of Lead Mine CA.

Franklin County

• May 11, Meramec Conservation Area - Area staffers will provide informational talks and guided walks on Meramec's new disabled-user trail. Participation by users of wheelchairs and walkers is encouraged. Reservations required, since parking is limited. Call (573) 468-4157.

Howell County

• May 7, 11:30 a.m., Vanderhoef State Forest - Hike and learn about this beautiful and unique area in southern Missouri.
• May 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Sims Valley Community Lake, halfway between Mt. View and Willow Spring- fishing clinic.

Miller County

• May 18, 1 - 4 p.m., Saline Valley Conservation Area - Visit this area to learn about managing lands for conservation and public use. Volunteers can build a brush pile for wildlife!

Osage County

• May 5, 1 - 3 p.m., Painted Rock Conservation Area - See exhibits and breathtaking scenery through a spotting scope, and learn about the new "Nature Scramble" program.

• May 25, 9 - 11 a.m., Painted Rock CA - Learn about the new "Nature Scramble" program and enjoy a hike and scenery.

Ozark County

• May 4, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., Caney Mountain Conservation Area - The 2 p.m. guided walk on Long Bald Trail will focus on glade ecology and opportunities for photographing showy wildflowers.
• May 5, 3 - 5 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive walk on Spout Spring Trail will emphasize the importance of Caney Creek headwaters, with opportunities to photograph wildflowers.
• May 11, 2 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive hike to High Rock to learn about geological features on Caney Mountain and photographing forest scenery.
• May 12, 3 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive talk at the Preston Flat overlook, with an emphasis on the Gainesville Monadnocks (geological formation) and photographing Ozark vistas.
• May 18, 2 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive nature hike to Morrison Knobs to see examples of glade and savanna management, plus photographing spring flowers and scenery.
• May 19, 3 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive talk at the west-facing vista of Preston Flat to see the unique view of the conservation area from that point.
• May 25, 2 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - An interpretive walk along the Preston Flat outcrops.
• May 26, 3 - 4 p.m., Caney Mountain CA - A historical talk on the early days of Caney Mountain Refuge by guest speaker A.B. Morrison.

St. Louis County

• April 22, 6 - 9 p.m., Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center - Learn about "Nature Scramble" and wildlife viewing opportunities during "Discovery Night."
• May 1, 8 - 11 a.m. and May 5, 1 - 4 p.m., Forest 44 - Powder Valley volunteers Dick and Neva Wasson will lead a nature hike.
• May 9, 7 - 7:45 p.m., Powder Valley CNC - Greg Gremaud will present a program on MDC's urban wild acres.
• May 11, Rockwoods Reservation - Migratory Bird Day - Wildlife viewing opportunities, with information on other nearby MDC areas and Nature Scramble program.
• May 11, Busch CA - Kids' Fishing Day, a family event with emphasis on kids learning to fish.
• May 29, 7 - 8 p.m., Powder Valley CNC - Cathy deJong will present a program on the "History of Rockwoods Reservation."

For directions to these areas, consult your Conservation Atlas or call the Conservation Department office nearest you.