Conservation Education

Nature Activity: NE Regional Office

Program: Two new exhibits and naturalist programs

When: Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 3500 South Baltimore, Kirksville

For more information: Call (660) 785-2420

Next time you’re in Kirksville, drop by the Department’s beautiful Northeast Regional Office. Opened December 2006, this state-of-the art “green” facility is a great place for families and kids to learn about nature. In the exhibit area, a 1,300-gallon aquarium, many examples of Missouri wildlife and hands-on activities await visitors.

Outside are two ponds, one stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill for public fishing (according to statewide regulations). A half-mile trail takes hikers through a wooded area, across several bridges and through a prairie restoration plot.

During the month of June, the exhibit area will display “Caterpillars with Character,” a group of sketches by artist Kelly Hughes. Later in the month, the office unveils a new exhibit titled “Species of Concern,” featuring a real bald eagle nest.

For a list of Northeast Regional Office events, check their Web page.

Amphibian Fun

CD and poster feature 20 of Missouri’s toads and frogs.

Missouri summers are alive with sound, especially after a rain or at night. But how do you know what creatures make which noises? The Nature Shop’s Toads and Frogs of Missouri CD and poster combo helps you identify the amphibian section of summer’s nightly chorus.

“You would never guess half the sounds that frogs and toads make,” said Conservation Department Herpetologist Jeff Briggler. “Most people automatically assume a spring peeper is a bird of some kind because of its chirping quality. Cricket frogs get their name because they sound so much like insects. This CD makes it simple to put a name to each frog or toad’s voice.”

Toads and Frogs of Missouri and its full-color, 22-by-34-inch poster matches 20 green faces with the sweet voices of summer. The set sells for $8 plus shipping and handling and sales tax (where applicable). To order, call toll-free (877) 521-8632 or visit the MDC Nature Shop online

Meet Us at the Fairs

Look for MDC exhibits at local fairs around the state.

Fairs celebrate local crops, crafts and culture. Here in Missouri, they also feature the chance to learn more about conservation. Stop by the Conservation building at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Aug. 7–17, and look for our exhibits at local fairs around the state this summer: Northeast Missouri Fair, Kirksville, July 14–19; Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield, July 25–Aug. 3; North Central Missouri Fair, Trenton, July 29–Aug. 2; Northwest Missouri State Fair, Bethany, Aug. 28–Sept. 1; SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau, Sept. 6–13 and the Stoddard County and the Kennett Fairs in September.