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WINONA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has several programs coming up in June to keep Ozarks families busy. MDC Naturalist Erin Tuttle said Little Stinkers story time and a Canning Workshop is coming up at Twin Pines and MDC’s Ozark Regional Office in West Plains will host a Frog Gigging Clinic for youth.
Preschool aged children will love Little Stinkers’ story time at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, Wednesday, June 21, at 10 a.m. This month’s story is “The Foolish Tortoise” by Richard Buckley. In the story, the tortoise decides he is too slow and decides his shell is causing a problem. When the tortoise sheds his shell, he finds out he is exposed to many new dangers. Children will learn about the value and safety of moving slow and how the shell protects the tortoise. There will be a game, craft, and song planned around the theme of the story. Parents should call (573)325-1381 to reserve a seat for their children by June 13.
Twin Pines will host a Canning Workshop for ages 16 and up Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Class size is limited, so reservations are required by June 16. Call (573)325-1381 to reserve a seat.
“Nature produces an abundance of foods, each in its own season,” Tuttle said. “We will teach how to preserve nature’s bounty through canning.”
Children ages 10 to 15 will enjoy a Frog Gigging Clinic hosted by MDC’s Ozark Regional Office in West Plains. “Frogging” is a great way to introduce kids to hunting.
“Most youngsters enjoy chasing a jumping, splashing, evasive frog around weeds and water,” said John Ackerson, MDC fisheries biologist and coordinator of the frog gigging clinic.
Space is limited, so reservations must be made in advance by calling (471)256-7161 by June 28.
Twin Pines also has a kid’s fishing pond, unmanned archery range, trails and exhibits available to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go online to mdc.mo.gov/TwinPines to learn more about these and other upcoming nature programs.
