MDC: Experts share wildlife habitat tips at month-long seminar

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a free month-long Wildlife Seminar open to the public. MDC biologists will host a session every Tuesday evening in January from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Mineral Area College.

Topics will range from how to improve wildlife habitat on private property to updates on Missouri elk, black bear, quail and turkey populations, native landscaping and song bird identification.

"We'll address habitat tips for all types of properties from large farms to a small yard," said Julie Norris, an MDC private land conservationist.

Each session will be in the Arts and Science Building Rice Lecture Hall B. Although there's no cost to attend the sessions, space is limited, so registration is required. Individuals can register for any number of sessions. Those wanting to register for all four sessions must register before Jan. 1. Individual session registrations will be taken up until the Friday before each session.

Weekly sessions are:

Week 1: Jan. 5

• White-tailed Deer Movements and Reproduction in Managed Forests
• The Story of Elk in Missouri

Week 2: Jan. 12

• The Bear Facts in Missouri State
• MO Wild Turkey research project

Week 3: Jan. 19

• Small Game Management
• Natural Community Management

Week 4: Jan. 26

• Landscaping with Natives
• All About Song Birds

For more information on the seminar, contact Norris at (573)225-5859. To register, call (573)290-5730. For more information on how the MDC works with private landowners to promote wildlife habitat, go online to mdc.mo.gov.