News and Almanac

Guided canoe tour of Meramec set

The Conservation Department will provide a guided canoe tour of a portion of the Meramec River Oct. 11.

The canoe outing, led by Stream Team Program Coordinator Joe Bachant, begins at 10 a.m. and will include educational stops and photo opportunities.

For more information, call (573) 751-4115, ext. 239.

Bell Scholarships aid state students

Apply now for Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarships, which honor a past president of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Four scholarships will be awarded: one for graduate students, one for undergraduate students and two for elementary, high school or youth group projects.

Student applicants or group projects must have a conservation emphasis. Applicants must be state residents, and those in Missouri schools will be given preference. Applications are due Jan. 15.

For application forms write: Charles P. Bell Scholarships, Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, 65101-1534 or call toll free (800) 575-2322.

"Ikes" celebrate 75th anniversary

The Izaak Walton League of America, one of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The league was formed in 1922 by a group of Chicago anglers who wanted to clean up polluted waters, stop the diversion of streams for agricultural and industrial purposes and prevent overfishing. The league has since become a national voice in conservation, playing a significant role in the formation of national wildlife refuges and the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is used to acquire wildlife habitat and recreational lands.

The league's latest efforts have concentrated on promoting responsible outdoor ethics by outdoor recreationalists.

The league encourages its 45,000 members to get involved in the hands on work of conservation, including habitat restoration, stream monitoring and trail maintenance. In representing its 350 local chapters, the Izaak Walton League has become one of the most powerful political voices for the nation's hunters and anglers.

For more information about the "Ikes," visit their website.

Natural Gifts preserve state lands

The Conservation Department manages and protects many properties to preserve their natural beauty or that have been donated in appreciation of loved ones.

For information about donations or memorials, write Donations Coordinator, Conservation Department, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180 or call (573) 751-4115.

Rockwoods hosts day in the forest

Learn about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and the resources essential to forests during the 11th annual "A Day in the Forest" at Rockwoods Reservation Oct. 19.

See demonstrations about forest products. Take a guided nature walk in the woods or explore trails on your own. Native Americans and Smokey Bear will be on hand.

A Day in the Forest runs from 12:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. at Rockwoods Reservation. No reservations are required. For more information call (314) 458-2236.

Kansas City "green" Marathon set

The Greater Kansas City Marathon and 10K is scheduled for Oct. 26. The race is billed as the nation's first green marathon.

The event is sponsored by Kansas City Power & Light and the Environmental Excellence Campaign, a non-profit environmental education program.

The marathon's course crosses nine cities in the two-state area and includes a rich variety of city and suburban environments. The event also includes a 5K Run/Walk and a Kids Fun Run that focus on environmental education. About 2,000 runners are expected to compete.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Environmental Excellence Campaign. For more information, contact Race Director Dave Suptic at 913/664-7811.

Law forbids harassing anglers

Gov. Mel Carnahan recently signed a bill making harassing anglers a Class A misdemeanor in the state. The law makes it illegal to interfere with lawful fishing or to fail to obey a peace officer's order to cease harassment. The law went into effect Aug. 28.

The law ensures that state citizens can fish lawfully without being subjected to disrespect and abuse from anti-fishing activists. Missouri already has a law making it a misdemeanor to harass people hunting legally.

Shrubs and vines book released

The Conservation Department recently published "Shrubs and Woody Vines of Missouri," a 387- page reference volume of the state's native and nonnative shrubs and woody vines.

The book, written by Don Kurz of the Conservation Department and illustrated by Paul Nelson, provides detailed descriptions and pen-and-ink illustrations of 170 species. It is designed for use by amateur to professional botanists and by homeowners who want to learn more about native landscaping species.

"Shrubs and Woody Vines of Missouri" is available at Conservation Nature Centers and Service Centers throughout the state, or you can order by mail from Books, Conservation Department P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102 0180.

The book costs $9 in softcover (plus $2 shipping and handling) and $14 hardcover (plus $5 shipping and handling.) Missouri residents should add .6225 percent sales tax.

1997/98 Hunting Calendar

For complete information, consult 1997 Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations or Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information. For seasons and limits of ducks, coots and blue, snow, white fronted and Canada geese, see the 1997/98 Missouri Migratory Bird Digest (available in PDF format).