Places To Go

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From Missouri Conservationist: May 2009
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Trail Guide

Exploring Nature in Kansas City

Area Name: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center

Trails: East-West Walkway and Wild Sidewalk

Unique features: Wheelchair-accessible trails, bird and water gardens, postage-stamp prairie, woodland, wetland.

For more information: Call (816) 759-7300 or visit the link listed below.

Located on the southwest corner of 47th and Troost, the Discovery Center is a great place to experience nature. Besides exhibits and the opportunity to see native plants and animals outdoors, you can take in educational and entertaining programs. This month’s programs include:

  • Amazing Amphibians, May 2 — Learn how frogs, newts and salamanders live in two worlds.
  • Exploring the Missouri Prairie, May 9 — Hear a presentation on the state listed endangered prairie chicken and learn how its fate is tied to Missouri’s grasslands.
  • A Forest of Fashion, May 16 — Decorate yourself with a “tree cookie” necklace and discover the secrets it contains. Use various shaped leaves to create a unique T-shirt.
  • SSSSSSNAKES! May 23 — Get up close and personal with a live snake and learn their importance in the wild.

Down the Lazy River

Rediscover Missouri’s namesake river.

The 500-mile Lewis & Clark Water Trail Web site provides all the information you need to explore the Mighty Missouri River. Access points from the Iowa state line to St. Louis allow you to choose from floats of an hour to a month. One of the most scenic trips is the 25 miles from Taylor’s Landing, across the river from Rocheport, to the Hartsburg Access. This stretch has two commercial campgrounds and a full-service marina. For detailed on-the-ground information and contacts for canoe-rental service, visit the links listed below.

Fishing For Fun at CAP Lakes

Spring is perfect for catching bluegills and redears.

Fishing close to you — that’s the idea behind the Community Assistance Program. Through CAP, the Conservation Department helps more than 100 partners — mostly cities — provide recreational fishing opportunities at more than 200 lakes and streams in 67 counties. Among the biggest benefits to CAP partners are fish stocking to establish fish populations and management to maintain quality fishing. At this time of year, that translates into great fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish. Sunfish are ready biters and strong fighters, making them perfect for new anglers. Often, CAP lakes have facilities including paths, privies, fishing jetties and covered, wheelchair-accessible fishing docks. Fish-attracting structures placed around docks and jetties help ensure that anglers find fish. These facilities are ideal for families. To locate a fishing spot near you, visit the links below . For information about how to catch bluegill, visit the links listed below.

This Issue's Staff

Editor In Chief - Ara Clark
Managing Editor - Nichole LeClair
Art Director - Cliff White
Writer/Editor - Tom Cwynar
Staff Writer - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Jim Low
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Designer - Stephanie Thurber
Artist - Dave Besenger
Artist - Mark Raithel
Circulation - Laura Scheuler