MDC Nov. 23 virtual programs to focus on turkeys

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two days before Thanksgiving seems like a great time to focus on turkeys and that’s exactly what two Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual programs plan to do.

These programs, both of which will be on Tuesday, Nov. 23, will not provide tips on how to thaw a turkey or stuff it for a Thanksgiving meal, but instead will have a wealth of information for all ages on one of Missouri’s most popular birds.

People can begin their day of talking turkey by learning more about how turkeys live in the wild at the MDC free virtual program “Naturalist Notes Virtual Series: Wild Turkeys.” This online program will be from 10-10:30 a.m. and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/180662

At this program, MDC Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss how wild turkeys survive and communicate with each other in Missouri’s outdoors. She will also discuss the interesting history this bird has had in the Show-Me State and elsewhere in the country. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Then, in the afternoon, children can learn more about the sounds turkeys make and how they can imitate these chatty birds at the MDC virtual program “Little Acorns: Turkey Talk!” This program is part of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center’s Little Acorns series of programs and is suggested for ages 3-6, but family members of all ages are welcome to participate. At this event, Raos will talk about the clucks, purrs, and gobbles that turkeys make and invite participants to try to imitate the sounds of a turkey. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181207

Though these programs are free, registration is required to participate using the links above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.