Getting close to nature

Everybody knows Southeast Missouri is rural.

The down side: We have to go to St. Louis or Memphis, Tenn., to subsidize our arts and entertainment opportunities. The up side: There's plenty of natural scenery to enjoy beyond the near-endless farm fields.

This Saturday the region's largest natural area, the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, in Stoddard County near Puxico, will show people how to make the most of its pristine scenes by hosting a nature photography workshop.

The one-hour seminar begins at 9 a.m., followed by an optional hiking and canoe tour of the refuge. The event is open to people of all ages, and is targeted toward amateurs who want to learn how to capture natural scenes.

For more information, call the refuge at 573-222-3589.