Cape Nature Center announces March programs

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center has a full schedule of programs planned for March. Some programs require registration in advance, so Nature Center Manager Sara Turner said it’s important guests familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the center at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents.

Turner said the biggest event in March will be the Native Plant Seminar on Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“We’re really excited to have Nancy Lawson, author of The Humane Gardener, as our keynote speaker,” Turner said. “She’s an expert native gardener and will discuss how to nurture wildlife habitat, as well as humane gardening philosophies.”

Other March programs at the center include:

• Hiking: Hawn State Park, Saturday, March 2, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ride with us or on your own, register in advance for your preference.

• Wildlife: Feeding Frenzy, Thursday, March 7, 1 to 2 p.m. Watch naturalists and volunteers feed the nature center’s resident critters.

• Fishing Skills: Meet a professional fisherman: Josh Gowan, Saturday, March 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• Archery Basics, Saturday, March 16, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 9 to 17, adult supervision is required.

• Pond Workshop, Thursday, March 21, 6 to 9 p.m. Register in advance.

• Discover Nature: Shortleaf Band, Thursday, March 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Take a musical journey into the lives of Ozark settlers.

• Wildlife: Duck Decoy Carving, Friday, March 29 and Saturday March 30. Make a beautiful cork decoy to use for waterfowl hunting or unique art while learning duck identification. Register in advance.

Nature Center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once someone creates a profile and registers for an event, they will receive details about programs they’ve registered for.

“Another popular feature we offer is our texting subscription,” Turner said.

The nature center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting, MDC Nature, to 468311. Turner said an online subscription is also available to “sign up for updates” at www.mdc.mo.gov. A variety of updates are available at this option, but Cape Girardeau specific updates are available under facility updates and news for southeast region.

Find information about age specific monthly programs, such as Little Acorns, Babes in the Woods and Conservation Kids, as well as other programs at www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents. Events at the center are free, thanks to the 1/8th of 1 percent Conservation State Sales Tax. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature is located inside Cape County Park North, just east of I-55 exit 99.