Nature center plans April events

The Missouri Department of Conservation's nature center at Cape Girardeau County Park announces the following events for April:

* 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: Spring Cleaning at the nature center for ages 7 to 11. Participants should bring a parent, wear sturdy shoes and gloves and dress according to the weather. Lunch will be provided. To register, call (573) 290-5218.

* 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday: Nature center naturalists will set up a discovery table or explore current natural events along the trail. No registration required.

* 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday: Doves will be featured, including the history of dove hunting in Missouri and habitat requirements and management techniques used to enhance property for morning doves. Open to ages 12 and up, with no registration required.

* 7 to 9 p.m. April 7, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9: Longbow making for ages 16 to adult. Registration required.

* 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 8, April 18: Mudpuppies program: Trash treasures. For ages 3 to 6. Registration required. Please limit attendance to one 45-minute program per month.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8; noon to 4 p.m. April 9: Flint knapping for families. No registration required.
• 4 to 6 p.m. April 11: Tree pest clinic. Bring infected twigs, at least 15 inches long. No registration required.

* 7 to 8 p.m. April 13: Conservation Cafe. Local photographer Tom Neumeyer will tell the stories behind his work and answer questions. Ages 18 to adult. Registration is required.

* 1 to 3:30 p.m. April 23: Wildflower Walk for ages 10 to adult. Registration is required.

* 7 to 8 p.m. April 27: Fishin' Magicians will feature humorous entertainment with tricks for ages 7 and up. Registration is required.

* 10 to 11 a.m. April 29: Bring a tadpole for a program designed for ages 0 to 2 years old. These are outdoor stroller walks to experience nature with parents. Registration is required.

* 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29: Spring Wildflower Hike. Two-mile hike at Pickle Springs natural area. Pack a lunch. Ages 18 to adult. Registration is required.

* 2 to 5:30 p.m. April 30: Bashin' Trash. Racers ages 12 to 17 will conquer trash war areas and conclude with a picnic and free T-shirt. Prizes for teams collecting the most trash. Registration required.