WILDFLOWER TOUR OPENS AT MINGO REFUGE

PUXICO -- The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge's spring wildflower auto tour begins today at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service area located off Highway 51.

The tour, open to the public, runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday during the month of April. The tour route begins at the refuge's visitor center 1 miles north of Puxico on Highway 51. The 25-mile rout consists primarily of gravel roads and usually takes about two hours to drive.

To help with the identification of wildflowers, a slide show presentation and free brochures will be available at the visitor center.

In addition to wildflowers, visitors often see many wildlife species including deer, turkey, wood ducks and bald eagles. During this year's tour, volunteers from the Scenic Rivers Audubon Society will man spotting scopes at Fry Bluff and assist visitors in viewing an active bald eagle nest on April 23.

Although it is an auto tour, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars and enjoy the hiking trails, overlooks and picnic facilities along the tour route.

From March 15 through Nov. 30 visitors are required to purchase a refuge entrance fee permit. A $3 daily permit may be purchased at refuge entrances. The permit admits the holder and any accompanying passengers in a vehicle.