Spend time this fall at MDC’s Cape Girardeau Nature Center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to visit Cape Girardeau Nature Center this October to participate in nature-themed activities. Upcoming events include, but are not limited to:

• Introduction to Rifles Oct. 3 from 1-2:30 p.m.

Join MDC staff Oct. 3 from 1 -2:30 p.m. for a hands-on, safety-focused course covering rifle operation, fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a presentation, handle different rifles, and find out about hunting opportunities. Registration required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/of3.

• Come See Our Gardens: Winter is Coming Oct. 14 and Oct. 17

Thinking about planting more native plants, but not sure where to get started? Curious about the flowers on MDC areas? Spend time touring the Cape Nature Center gardens with an MDC native landscape specialist Oct. 14 and again Oct. 17. Attendees will learn what's currently blooming and what's getting ready to bloom, how to identify plant families, and how to incorporate more native plants in their spaces.

Register for the Oct.14 program at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ofw.

Register for the Oct. 17 program at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ofh.

• Forest Friends Story Time Oct. 15 from 10-11 a.m.

Come out and spend time with MDC Nature Center staff for a free, family-friendly story session held at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center Oct. 15 from 10-11 a.m., featuring seasonal books and interactive storytelling for all ages. No registration required.

• Birding by Season: Fall Oct. 23 from 4-6:30 p.m.

Birding is a fantastic way to get into nature during fall. Join MDC staff on Oct. 23 from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Participants can take part in some birding and learn about our fall resident birds and common birding apps. The class is for beginners who have not committed to buying binoculars or find it difficult to identify birds. Binoculars will be available to borrow during the class. This class welcomes individuals 13 and up. Registration required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/of5.

• Wild Edibles: Pucker up for Persimmons Oct. 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy persimmons, a sweet fall treat, at the Nature Center with MDC staff Oct. 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. Persimmons are often used in many desserts and treats and a favorite treat for wildlife. The native fruit comes from a common Midwestern tree that is very distinct, so come join us and learn more about persimmons. Registration required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ofc.

• A Spooky Little Night Hike Oct. 30

Halloween is just around the corner; join us on the trails behind the Nature Center the night before Halloween for a spooky night hike Oct.30 from 7:30- 9 p.m. Learn about nocturnal wildlife, from eerie owl calls to all the critters rustling throughout the woods. This hike is designed for participants ages 18 and up. Registration required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ofT.

Find a full list of programs and events at Cape Nature Center online at Events | Missouri Department of Conservation.