Outdoors digest

JAKES event designed to educate youths

The Bootheel Boss Gobblers will sponsor a day of youth outdoors education and activities June 7 at Deerfield Lodge near Jackson.

The JAKES program --juniors acquiring knowledge, ethics and sportsmanship -- is a National Wild Turkey Federation event for ages 17 and under that combines education, fellowship and hands-on activities. The event lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendance is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged before June 5.

Info: John Jansen, 264-1321.

Variety of classes planned in women's event

The National Wild Turkey Federation will present its Women in the Outdoors program June 7 at Deerfield Lodge near Jackson.

The one-day program, which begins at 8 a.m., will include optional programs in archery, skeet shooting, canoeing, Dutch-oven cooking, herb gardening, self defense, feather painting and other subjects. Equipment is included.

Info: Shawna Seen, 264-2470.

Missourians encouraged to adopt conservation trails

Missourians who enjoy hiking and equestrian trails on conservation are encouraged to give something back through the Missouri Department of Conservation's Adopt A Trail Program.

The Conservation Department manages 346 miles of multiuse trails open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Another 290 miles of trail are either disabled-accessible or open to hiking only. Some trails get more use than others, but all trails require regular maintenance.

A new program called Adopt-A-Trail provides opportunities for trail users to get actively involved in conservation and have a direct impact on the recreational facilities that they use and enjoy. Volunteers can help by monitoring, maintaining and enhancing trails and trailhead facilities. Common trail maintenance tasks include clearing loose rocks, sticks and branches that accumulate on trail surfaces, cutting back limbs and brush, cleaning water bars and drainage ditches, clearing debris from bridges, stairs and viewing decks and picking up trash.

Info: 522-4115, extension 3636, or e-mail kightt@mdc.state.mo.us.