MDC offering free “spooktacular” events during the month of October

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Conservation offers free programs during the month of October!

• Conservation Families: Nature Center at Night: Night Fright Glow Hike | 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Registration not required.

Participants will receive glow sticks and glow necklaces. The hike will take place on what of the paved trails located at the nature center. Before the hike guests will learn about not-so-creepy critters that may be lurking in the darkness.

• Historic and Primitive Skills: Atlatl: Come Hunt the Saber-toothed Cat | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202957

A Saber-toothed cat has (fictitiously) gotten loose around MDC’s Cape Nature Center! Learn about one of the oldest hunting tools in the world — the atlatl. MDC staff will explain how the tool came to be, it’s interesting features, and how it’s being used today. Plus, you’ll get to try and use one of these tools to hit a Saber-toothed cat target.

• Exhibit Animal Feeding: Feeding Frenzy | 10 – 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Registration not required.

Learn about the importance of reptiles and bring your family and watch as MDC staff introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

• Conservation Families: Trek-N-Treat: Skelebration Celebration | 2 – 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Registration not required.

Skelebrate” good times with some amazing animal skeletons. Learn about some “spooktacular” wildlife and their skeletons as you trek along Ridgetop Trail. Make sure to bring your candy bag for tasty treats along the way – and don’t forget to wear your costume.

• Learn to Fish: Fishing Equipment Maintenance Workshop | 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202975

Fishing is a great way to enjoy your time outdoors and connect with nature – and well-maintained equipment will greatly improve your experience. Join MDC staff at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to learn everything from rod tips to reel grease and work with experienced anglers to get your equipment in tip-top shape. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own equipment in need of some TLC, and for those just wishing to learn a skill, equipment will be provided.

• Wildlife: Creature Feature: Turkey Vulture (Virtual Only) | 2 – 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 | Register online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202941

Although they may seem spooky to some and are associated with death, the turkey vulture is an important part of nature. Find out more about this high-flying raptor as MDC staff investigate its life and explain more about its unusual diet.

For more information contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.