Conservation Education

Nature Activity: Cape Girardeau CNC’s Insect Mania

Program: Insect Mania—Blueprint for a Bug’s Abode

Who should attend: Nature enthusiasts, families and youth groups

When: July 18, 7–9 p.m.

Where: Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive

For more information: (573) 290-5218. No registration required.

When it comes to the insect world, truth is often stranger than fiction. For example, did you know that insects account for more than half of all the living organisms on this planet? In fact, in North America alone, we have more than 100,000 different types of insects. They live in almost every habitat in the world, and Missouri is no exception. From our cupboards to our backyards, insects creep, crawl and hop their way through our lives. Discover how various insects are specialized to live in Missouri’s many different habitats and what they require to survive. Insects—they fascinate us, they surround us and they can be found in every habitat. But what would a summer evening be like without them? Hop into a world of insects as we focus on Blueprint for a Bug’s Abode.

Singing Insects CD and Poster

Set features Missouri’s musical wizards of the insect world.

Sometimes the chorus of buzzes, trills and chirps on a Missouri summer night sounds as if it includes the voice of nearly every creature on earth. Close—insects are the largest group of animals on the planet, and they are the lead singers in summer’s nightly choir. Crickets, katydids, cicadas and grasshoppers create the sounds of summer. Like birds, these insects’ songs signal their identities. Learn to identify 20 common species of Missouri’s singing insects with the Singing Insects of Missouri CD and full-color poster. Great for any classroom, child’s room or study, the 22-by-34-inch poster includes fun insect facts. For example, did you know that without insects we would have no insect-pollinated foods such as apples, grapes and tomatoes? The set can be purchased for $8.00 plus shipping and handling and sales tax (where applicable). To order, call toll-free (877) 521-8632 or visit the MDC Natureshop online.

Teacher Workshops

Provide enrichment with a conservation focus

Have fun, enrich your teaching and learn professional development contact hours at our Back to School Bash for Educators. Exciting, hands-on workshops in three beautiful locations will show you how to match conservation activities with any grade-level expectation or curriculum. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Shannon County holds its Bash July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (573) 325-1381 by July 25 to register. Bray Conservation Area in Miller County has its Bash July 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (573)368-2590, ext. 29. The Ozark Regional Office Bash is July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (417) 256-7161, ext. 303, to register.