Feature Story
Find Your Passion at a Nature Center Near You W
hen someone mentions the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), what do you think of first?
Hunting and fishing? Or maybe forestry or native plants? The monthly magazine, Missouri Conservationist? Perhaps the elk herd at Peck Ranch? Those are all facets of the Department of Conservation. But when I think of MDC, I think of the great programming offered at the eight nature centers around the state (see list in the box at the end of this article). Basket making, stool caning, antler jewelry, bird watching, wild edibles, backpacking – those are just a few of the many classes I've taken, primarily at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, at Cape Girardeau, Powder Valley and Runge conservation nature centers. In addition to the new skills learned and finished products made in each class, there's the added bonus of new friendships and unique ties to nature. Although most programs went virtual for the past year because of the coronavirus, in-person programming is back, and the time is right to check out the offerings and sign up for some classes, both indoors and out. There is sure to be something to interest almost any age group in your family.
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CONSERVATION FEDERATION
