Virtual programs offered by Missouri Department of Conservation

Dove hunters get tips at Aug. 8 program

By Francis Skalicky, Courtesy of MDC

ASH GROVE, Mo. – Dove hunting is a popular outdoors pastime in Missouri, but the speed and darting actions of a mourning dove in flight can make for a challenging target.

People interested in getting more information on how to get this gamebird from the field to their table can sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Learning to Hunt: Dove Hunting.” MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education staff will offer this online program from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Aug. 8. Among the topics this free class will cover are dove identification, habits and habitats, regulations, safety, hunting strategies, shooting techniques, and game care. People can register for this program at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/171721

Get tips for dove hunting at MDC’s virtual dove hunting program. (Photo by MDC staff. Courtesy Missouri Dept. of Conservation)

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

MDC’s Andy Dalton Range, at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61, has re-opened to the public. For more information about the Dalton Range, call 417-742-4361.

July 29 program focuses on rain gardens

By Francis Skalicky, Courtesy of MDC

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Ever since humans began tending small patches of cultivated ground, the words “rain” and “garden” have gone together. Today, these two words have merged to describe an innovative and eco-friendly landscaping device.

People can get learn more about rain gardens in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free virtual program “Rain Garden Tour.” This online program will be 10-10:30 a.m. on July 29 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. This program is designed for people ages 12 and up. People can register for this program at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173710

In essence, a rain garden is a shallow depression that captures rain water and holds it until it is absorbed into the ground, evaporates, or is taken up by plants. They are great landscaping devices for dealing with storm water run-off or for a soggy spot in the yard.

With the appropriate soil, proper plants, and good design; water is absorbed quickly. A well-functioning rain garden is a small bio-retention cell that “cleans” storm water and reduces its volume (through rapid absorption) once it enters the garden. Rain gardens also provide important habitat for pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.