MDC's Springfield Nature Center schedules May events

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Spring has sprung and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center has a full schedule of programs coming up in May to celebrate. Some programs require registration in advance so it’s important for nature center guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the center at www.mdc.mo.gov/southwestevents.

One of May’s events that’s always popular is the Primitive Skills: Flint Knapping Demonstration from 1-3 p.m. on May 5. No registration is required for this event where primitive skills specialists Don Brink and Roin Green will transform simple rocks into artistic and functional points similar to ones used by early man for arrowheads and tools. This program is for all ages. People who stop by will also have a chance to try their hand at this ancient skill. Another program that focuses on our outdoors past will be The Art of Conservation: A Visit With Ding Darling from 7-8 p.m. on May 17. Jay Norwood Darling – better known by his nickname “Ding” – was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist whose images helped raise environmental awareness throughout the country in the early 20th century. This program is for all ages. People can register a

 https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167067.

Other May programs at the Nature Center include:

• Birds Passing Through: Warbler Walk: May 2 and May 4, 8-10 a.m. both days, learn about the species of warblers that migrate through Missouri in spring;

           Register for May 2 event at 

           https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167060

           Register for May 4 event at:

           https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167061

• Summer Hummers; May 5, from 5-6:30 p.m., all ages, no registration required
• Discover Nature: Mother’s Day Tea, May 11, from 1-2:45 p.m., all ages (adult supervision required for ages 0-17), register at:                                                     https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167064

• Story Time with Ms. Ladybug; May 15, from 11-11:30 a.m.; ages 2-6; no registration required
• Take a Hike; May 18, from 8:15 a.m.- 3 p.m.; hike will be to Little Sac Woods Conservation Area, meet at the nature center, bring a sack lunch; ages 18-adult. Register at:                                                                                                          https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167081

• Conservation TEENS: Outdoor Knots; May 18, from 1-3 p.m.; how to tie knots for all types of outdoor purposes; ages 12-17, register at:                                            https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167083

• Little Acorns: Beautiful Blossoms; May 21, from 10-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-noon and May 25, 11:15 a.m.-noon; ages 3-6, no registration required
• Conservation Kids: Snakes Up Close: May 23, from 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.; ages 7-12 (no younger siblings), register at:

           https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167097

• Discover Nature: Apps in the Outdoors: May 25; from 2-3 p.m., all ages, no registration required

Springfield Conservation Nature Center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The first step to registering for a program is creating a profile. Once that is accomplished, it is easier to sign up for future programs.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting the words “MDC Springfield” to 468311.Sign-up for e-mail updates is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/Events by selecting “Sign Up” under “Stay in touch with MDC.” Updates specific to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center are available under the category “Events and Facility Reminders.”

Find information about monthly programs at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can call for more information about the facility or any of the programs listed above at 417-888-4237.