NATURE CENTER A GOOD ADDITION

The on-again, off-again nature center in Cape Girardeau County North Park will become reality after a strong showing of support by Southeast Missouri State University.

The Missouri Conservation Commission, which authorized funding of the center this month, had postponed a decision on it at its September meeting. It is good the commission gave it more thought, because the university helped sell the idea.

The center will be unique to Missouri in that it will serve not only as a place for the public to enjoy and learn about nature, but to educate students from across the region in conservation and tourism. It will feature a mobile classroom that will take the message of nature conservation to the region. The university will be involved in all educational aspects of the center.

Not too many years ago the land that contains the county's two parks on the west edge of Cape Girardeau lay vacant. Today it is vibrant with activity, and the nature center will add a great deal to its attractiveness.