Conservation Education

Nature Activity Discover Nature—Families

• Where: Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona
• When: July 30–31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
• Who should come: Kids accompanied by their favorite adult(s)
• Reservations are required: Call  (573) 325-1381

Remember when you were a kid, how the outdoors seemed mysterious, even a little scary? Maybe your mom, dad or special adult helped you explore nature, learn the names of plants and animals, bait a hook or handle a gun safely. If you’d like to be that kind of mentor to the kids in your life, “Camp Nature” at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center is for you. As an MDC Discover Nature—Families program, “Camp Nature” is designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together. The two-day program features outdoor skills such as archery, fishing, air-rifle shooting, outdoor photography, wild edibles, survival skills and basic wilderness first aid. The program is free, and you don’t need to bring food or gear, but reservations are required (see phone number above).

“Survivorman-Style” Camp

Hone your wilderness skills at this Ozark weekend program.

No food, no shelter, no fresh water, no tools. Can you survive in the Ozark wilderness for one weekend? Find out at the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center’s “Ozark Survivorman” weekend camp July 24–26. Open to the first 15 registrants age 13 and older, the program will start with classroom orientation Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Classroom sessions will cover survival techniques such as finding food and water, building shelter, coping with animal and health dangers, using map and compass, etc. After Saturday’s noon lunch break, participants will pack up their gear and get “lost” in the Ozarks wilderness to practice their newly acquired skills overnight. If you don’t feel comfortable relying only on your new survival skills, you can resort to supplies provided. The program is free, and includes all gear, food and water. To register, please call (573) 325-1381.

Teacher Workshops

Provide enrichment with a conservation focus

Enrich your teaching and earn professional development contact hours at our “Back to School Bash.” Educator workshops in three beautiful locations will show you how to match conservation activities with any grade-level expectation. 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 Phelps County has its Bash July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 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.