Nature center

One of Cape Girardeau's assets for residents and visitors alike is the Conservation Nature Center in the Cape County Park North. The center, which is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation adjacent to the department's regional headquarters, recently marked its fifth anniversary.

The center features a 160-seat auditorium, classrooms, hands-on exhibits, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums and an indoor wildlife viewing area.

On the grounds around the center, the White Oak Trace features two miles of nature trails that lead hikers over rolling river hills with sinkholes, deep hollows and ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak, according to the MDC's website.

In addition, native plants provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife species. The center's gift shop features a wide variety of educational books, videos and nature-related items

One important partner in bringing the nature center to Cape Girardeau was the Cape Girardeau County Commission. Through this cooperative effort, the nature center offers an outstanding resource. "Our goal ... is to reconnect people with the land," said Sara Turner, the center's manager. Visitors to the center will attest that this facility is living up to its aims.