Cape Nature Center FREE events include Paddling for Veterans and viewing of The Lorax

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host Paddling for Veterans amongst a full line up of FREE nature programs in February. Some programs require registration in advance, so Cape 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.

Of special note in February is Paddling the Mississippi for Veterans, a presentation by special guest Greg Nejmanowski, who paddled his kayak down the Mississippi River to help fund recreation opportunities for returning veterans. Nejmanowski is a veteran’s recreation instructor at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. Everyone is welcome to attend this event and be inspired by his work and the tales from his trip down the Muddy Mississippi. No registration is required.

“We look forward to hearing about his adventure down the largest river in our nation, that happens to be a major fixture here in our community,” Turner said. “He’ll share how the people and water shaped his journey.”

Turner said February is packed full of events at the nature center; there’s something to inspire everyone. For specific program information and to register in advance, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents.

February programs include:

• Conservation Families: The Lorax, Friday, Feb. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., all ages. No registration required.
• Wildlife: Duck Decoy Carving, Friday, Feb. 7, 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ages 10 and up. Register in advance.
• Little Acorns: Wake Up, Woodchuck!, Saturday, Feb. 8, or Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10 to 11 a.m., ages 3-6.  Register in advance.
• Wildlife: Feeding Frenzy, Thursday, Feb. 13, 1 p.m., all ages. No registration required.
• Nature Art: Wildflowers, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., ages 12 and up.  Register in advance. 
• Conservation Kids: Hiking Pickle Springs, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ages 7-11.  Register in advance.
• Nature Art: Cape Needlers, Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., ages 16 and up. Register in advance.
• Conservation Families: Woodworking for Wildlife, Friday, Feb. 21, 6 to 9 p.m., all ages. Register in advance.
• Hiking: Pickle Springs, Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ages 12 and up. Register in advance.
• Babes in the Woods: Wild Valentines, Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., ages 0-2.  Register in advance.
• Discover Nature: It’s a Small, Small World, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2 to 4 p.m., all ages. No registration required.
• Outdoor Skills:  Geocaching, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2 to 4 p.m., ages 7 and up. Register in advance.
• Guest Speaker: Paddling the Mississippi for Veterans, Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., all ages. No registration required.

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 an account, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once someone creates an account 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 nature center are free, thanks to the 1/8th of 1 percent Conservation State Sales Tax. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature is located inside Cape County Park North, just east of I-55 exit 99.