OUTDOOR CORNER: REGIONAL OFFICE HOLDS MAY ACTIVITIES

You don't have to go outside to enjoy the great outdoors. If you are looking for something to do during your spare time in May, why not come to the Missouri Department of Conservation's Regional Service Center where you're sure to find something of interest for all ages this month.

The main event this month will be our annual open house on May 17-18. May is Conservation Lands Month so this is an excellent time to get out and enjoy Missouri's outdoors. The open house activities include demonstrations and displays by outdoor-related groups, displays of snakes, salamanders and other wild animals, a portable sawmill, appearances by Smokey Bear, souvenirs and balloons for the kids.

To top off the weekend, storyteller Mitch Jayne will appear at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Mitch has written several articles for the Missouri Conservationist over the years as well as stories relating to small-town America. He will relate some of his humorous stories about one-room schoolhouses and the Ozarks at his story telling session. The hours for the open house will be Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is also currently hosting two interpretive displays. Housed at our office through July will be an impressive photographic display of Missouri's orchids put together by naturalist and photographer Bill Summers of St. Louis. He is also author of the book titled Missouri Orchids.

Another exhibit being featured at the Service Center through May is the Missouri Natural Areas System display. This exhibit highlights the 20-year history of the Missouri Natural Areas Committee. Through the efforts of MoNAC, some of the best examples of pristine or rare natural communities and geological features in the state are protected. Loess hill prairies, springfed fens, igneous glades, oak savanna and sandstone cliffs are just some of the gems protected and managed through MoNAC.

Many of these natural areas are found right here in Southeast Missouri. Blue Pond Natural Area is located in the Castor River Conservation Area near Zalma and Pickle Springs Natural Area is located between Farmington and Ste. Genevieve, to name just two.

Last but not least, our Maple Hollow Trail located at the Regional Service Center has undergone some recent changes. Namely, interpretive markers have been added throughout the trail. If you're not familiar with the trail, it is located just past the Service Center and is 1/2-mile in length. It is completely paved but not accessible for the disabled due to steep hills, steps and bridges. There are 10 interpretive stations along the trail.

For a complete listing of events and programs scheduled throughout May, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at 290-5730, or stop by our office at 2302 County Park Drive in Cape Girardeau. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gaye Puchbauer is a public service clerk for the Missouri Department of Conservation.