MDC’s Cape Nature Center hosts Fall Festival Oct. 20

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Discover nature through fall family fun Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. All ages are invited to the center’s Fall Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the bounty that Missouri has to offer in the fall both through human and wild animal eyes.

“We’ll taste a few fall treats, enjoy a campfire, practice archery and fishing,” said Jordi Raos, MDC naturalist. “Fall is a wonderful time to discover nature’s bounty.”

Live animal presentations will be offered at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy a crackling fire while sampling fall snacks. Kids 15 and under can stop by the Kid’s Fishing Pond to touch a slimy worm and try their hand at fishing from 4 to 6 p.m. Pretend to be a mouse and gather food in the mini obstacle course or head inside to do a craft and enjoy the displays. Learn how to use a compound bow to shoot an arrow at the mini-archery range from 4 to 6 p.m.  Naturalists will also lead guided walks along the trail throughout the evening.  

“Fall is the perfect time to celebrate the outdoors with family and friends. It’s also harvest time, which is why we’re focused on nature’s bounty at this fall festival,” Raos said.

This and all other programs at the Cape Nature Center are free, due to the one-eighth of 1 percent state conservation sales tax. The Cape Nature Center boasts a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife-viewing area. The center is located inside Cape Girardeau's North County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99) and Kingshighway (State Highway 61).

No reservations are required for this program and all ages are welcome. More information on this and other programs can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter