EPIC Fun event teaches about reptiles and amphibians

The Early Prevention Impacts Community (EPIC) hosted "EPIC Fun," an event with the Missouri Department of Conservation to teach the public about reptiles and amphibians. A naturalist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, Alex Holmes, showed the audience a salamander, frogs, a toad, snakes and a snapping turtle. Holmes said the goal of the event is to connect the community with local wildlife, especially animals they might fear, to teach them how to interact with and appreciate the animals. Community services coordinator for EPIC, Shelly Woods, said that the mission of this event is to help maintain a healthy and safe community. She said it is the first of its kind and there will be many to come.