WILDFLOWER AUTO TOUR OPENS THIS MONTH AT MINGO REFUGE

PUXICO -- The spring wildflower auto tour route is open to the public each Sunday in April at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.

In addition to wildflowers, visitors may see deer, turkeys, wood ducks and bald eagles. A wildflower slide show and free brochure will be available at the visitor center, where field guides and wildflower seeds also can be purchased.

The center is open from 9 a.m-4 p.m. weekends and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

Volunteers from the Scenic Rivers Audubon Society will provide a spotting scope at Fry Bluff on April 18, helping visitors view an active bald eagle nest on Monopoly Marsh.

The 25-mile route, open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., begins at the refuge visitors center, which is located 1 miles north of Puxico on Highway 51.

The route ends at the Red Mill Drive exit to the highway, 4 miles north of Puxico.

Driving time on the mostly gravel route is about two hours.

An entry fee permit is required before driving the auto tour. Daily permits are $3 per vehicle.