NATURE CENTER: CROWD OF 200 FLOCKS TO PARK FOR DEDICATION

If there was ever any doubt about the amount of interest citizens had in a new Department of Conservation facility in Cape Girardeau, those doubts were dissolved Wednesday by the large crowd that turned out for the dedication.

Jerry Presley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, said he and other staff members that came from Jefferson City for the opening were "overwhelmed by the turnout."

About 200 people turned out to tour the new building, which will serve as a regional office and visitor center for the conservation department. The $1.3 million facility was constructed in the Cape Girardeau County North Park, on land provided by the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

Jerry Paul Combs of Kennett, a member of the conservation commission, praised the cooperation from citizens that made the project possible.

"This building was made possible through the cooperation of Cape County and all people of Missouri through the conservation sales tax," remarked Combs. "This should be an excellent educational facility that everyone can enjoy.

"It will help citizens better understand and enjoy the precious resources of the state of Missouri."

Cape County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep noted that the idea of the nature center started about nine years ago, the same time discussions began on the county providing land for a veterans nursing home.

In providing the site, Huckstep said, "the intent of the county commission was to try and attract something all citizens could enjoy. We wanted whatever facility was put here to be first class, clean and neat."

Along the way, Huckstep said, there were a lot of ups and downs. But he said the project was made possible by the work of a lot of people.

Huckstep had special words of praise for Richard Reed of East Prairie, who was a member of the conservation commission when a decision was made to locate the center in Cape County.

"When this project looked the darkest, Dick Reed came in," said Huckstep. "Without your efforts," he told Reed, "we would not be here today."

Huckstep also praised Sen. John Dennis of Benton, and former Rep. Marvin Proffer of Jackson for their help in making the project a reality. He also recognized the support of Associate Commissioners Leonard Sander and E.C. Younghouse and former commissioner J. Ronald Fischer.

Presley pointed out that there was still some work to do around the center, including the construction of permanent displays, additional landscaping work, and building a nature trail through part of the county park.

"We see all kinds of opportunities to do good things with this facility for the people of this area," declared Presley.

To officially open the center, two Boy Scouts and two Girl Scouts conducted a flag ceremony, raising the American and Missouri flags on a pole in front of the building.

Participating in the ceremony were Mary Stewart, Angie Keys, Stan Clark, and Carson Majors. Presley said the scouts were chosen to show that youth are the future of the country and that the conservation department is striving to preserve resources for future generations.