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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
KIRKWOOD, Mo.—In 1991, Time Magazine named Ted Turner Man of the Year, Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch topped the radio charts, the Minnesota Twins became baseball’s World Series Champions, and the World Wide Web was born.
1991 was also the year that the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center opened its doors.
To commemorate 25 years of serving the St. Louis area, Powder Valley will host a special celebration Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22. All activities are free and open to the public.
The 25th anniversary celebration begins Friday night at 7 p.m. when award-winning MDC photographer Noppadol Paothong will give a special photo presentation in the nature center auditorium. Paothong’s photographs are seen each month in the Missouri Conservationist magazine, as well as many other MDC publications and MDC’s website.
The theme of Paothong’s photography program will be 25 Years of Serving Nature and You. His stories and awe-inspiring photography instill a sense of wonder for Missouri’s outdoor world. The program is free and open to ages 12 and up, but advanced registration is required by calling 314-301-1500. There will be a meet and greet session with Paothong after the program.
The special event continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a host of special activities at the nature center. The Saturday portion is open to all ages and no reservations are required.
The highlight Saturday will be musical performances by Jan and George Syrigos of Wildheart. The Emmy award-winning singing/songwriting duo will entertain audiences with fun-filled, nature-themed music throughout the day. Wildheart has performed at venues as diverse as Silver Dollar City, the Kansas City Zoo, and the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. Their unique blend of music and dance help enlighten children of all ages about nature and wildlife.
Saturday will also feature other fun activities to engage the whole family during the full-day celebration.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.
Since 1991, the nature center has helped St. Louis-are residents discover, learn about and appreciate Missouri’s natural world. It offers educational indoor exhibits to entertain and enlighten visitors of all ages no matter the weather, a wildlife viewing gallery, and a direct connection to the outdoors through a series walking trails that meander among the area’s oak-hickory forest.
Powder Valley also presents regular programs and events for the public and school groups. For more information on programs at the nature center, and other MDC locations, sign up for the free monthly Conservation Connections Newsletter at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoE, or sign up for email news updates at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.
