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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Rising concerns about COVID-19 has caused the Springfield Conservation Nature Center to cancel its in-person Insect-O-Rama event, which was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 13.
“Because it’s highly anticipated and one of our most popular events, we are disappointed about having to cancel this event because nature center staff and volunteers have as much fun as the public does during this event,” said Springfield Conservation Nature Center Manager Rudy Martinez. “After considering state and local health department guidance, we feel that it’s the right thing to do for an event that draws such a high attendance to a small facility.”
However, people will have an online opportunity to learn about insects on Tuesday, Aug. 10 when nature center staff will host Naturalist Notes Virtual Series: Stinging Insects. This virtual program, which is for all ages, will be from 10-10:30 a.m. At this event, MDC Naturalist Morgan Wyatt will discuss bees and wasps. Though many humans know of these insects because of the painful stings they deliver, Wyatt will also talk about the benefits they provide to people. Register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178582
Insects will also be the topic for the nature center’s Conservation Teens club program on Thursday, Aug. 12. This event, “Conservation Teens: Insect Investigations,” will be from 6-8 p.m. and will be outside the nature center building. At this event, MDC Naturalist Jordi Raos will look for insects with nets, bug boxes and expertise. Participants will be asked to social distance. The nature center’s Conservation Teen Club is for youths ages 12-17. People can register at
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178583
Other August programs at the nature center include:
Birds: Summer Hummers (virtual program), Aug. 21; Learn about hummingbirds and see master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver band hummingbirds band hummingbirds so more insight can be gained into the fall migrations of these small and fascinating creatures. This virtual program will be 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. This program is for all ages. People can register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178585
Little Acorns: Kingfishers are King, Aug. 27; Young children can learn more belted kingfishers through stories, games, and crafts. People have two time slots to choose from for this event. Both programs will be outside, and participants will be asked to social distance. This program is for ages 3-6.
People wanting to register for the 10-10:45 a.m. session can do so at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178586
People wishing to attend the 11:15 a.m.-noon session can register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178587
Springfield Conservation Nature Center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The first step to registering for a program is creating a profile. Once that is accomplished, it is easier to sign up for future programs.
Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting the words “MDC Springfield” to 468311.Sign-up for e-mail updates is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/Events by selecting “Sign Up” under “Stay in touch with MDC.” Updates specific to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center are available under the category “Events and Facility Reminders.”
Find information about monthly programs at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can call for more information about the facility or any of the programs listed above at 417-888-4237.
