NEW NATURE CENTER TO OPEN

ST. LOUIS The Missouri Department of Conservation's Powder Valley Nature Center will hold its grand opening Oct. 25-27 in Kirkwood.

During the grand opening, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, visitors can enjoy a series of programs designed to give them a taste of what the nature center will offer in the future.

"On the first day we will be doing an introductory presentation designed to familiarize people with the nature center," said Glenda Abney, nature center manager. "We'll also take scheduled walks through the exhibit areas and nature hikes. During the remaining two days of the opening, visitors can relax and enjoy Department programs."

A tour of the 22,000-square-foot facility will show visitors state-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits, four classrooms, a 250-seat auditorium, a wildlife viewing area, a staging area for outdoor programs and a small library. MDC's St. Louis Metro Office also is housed in the facility.

Powder Valley Nature Center sits on 112 acres of forested hills, that were purchased by MDC in 1986. There are three nature trails on the site, a 125-car parking lot, a covered amphitheater with benches and an outdoor rest room.

It's MDC's third nature center, preceded by Burr Woods Nature Center, near Kansas City and the Springfield Nature Center in Springfield. A fourth nature center is planned for Jefferson City.

The area grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 to Sept. 30, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 to March 31.