Cape Nature Center offers free programs in January through MDC

Cape Girardeau, Mo. (KBSI) – In January the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center if offering free programs.

Program times and dates are listed below:

Fireside Flavors: Campfire Cooking and Safety: 3 – 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203607

This event will show the importance of knowing how to properly build a fire, along with how to use the materials correctly. In this program you’ll learn how to start a safe campfire, make mini calzones with the fire, and then discuss how to douse a campfire properly.

Hiking: Runnin’ Wild: Trail Running Club : 4 – 5 p.m. on Jan. 7 at Perry County Community Lake | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/205047

This running club will generally occur the first Tuesday of each month at a new conservation area. This activity may be rigorous – moderate fitness level required. Trail surfaces may include gravel, asphalt, and dirt.

A welcome email will be sent out closer to the date containing pertinent details.

Participants are to meet at the Perry County Community Lake parking lot off County Road 700 (a detailed map will be sent out in the welcome email). If transportation from the nature center is necessary, please reach out to the instructor beforehand.

Learn to Fish: A Year of Fishing (Virtual Only) : Noon – 1 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/204852

Every year there are certain events that happen around certain times such as fish spawning, temperature inversions, and times where fish may not bite at all. Join MDC for this virtual program highlighting events and times that you should know as an angler.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

Wildlife: Forest Friends Storytime : 10 – 10:45 a.m. on Jan. 14 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Registration not required.

Everyone loves a good story, and MDC has plenty to share. Cozy up with your family as Susan, the nature librarian, shares wild tales of wonder and fun. After the stories, stick around for a fun craft or activity.

Outdoor Survival: Knot Tying for “Knewbies” : 1 – 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/204972

Not knowing which knots are necessary for needed tasks can be daunting. Join MDC for a beginner’s guide to knots and learn how to pick the right knot for the job. This program will cover knots for hanging tarps, fishing, securing loads and other outdoor needs.

Program Registration

Advance registration is required for most programs and can be completed online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4xf.

All family members that plan to attend in-person and virtual events must be registered. First, create a profile. Once a profile is created and event registration is complete, additional details about programs will be sent via email.

See all details for MDC’s free January events online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4xf.

Don’t forget to register your children and homeschool students for Little Acorns and Babes in the Woods story times.

This month’s featured artist in nature center lobby is Helen Towner. She is a Cape Girardeau nature-inspired artist, gardener, yoga teacher, and recipient of the Otto F. Dingeldein Award in 2022.

Visit the Cape Nature Center from Jan. 2 – 31 to view Towner’s art.

If you’re having difficulty registering online, you may contact the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at (573) 290-5218.