Several upcoming classes through the Missouri Department of Conservation will held online.
May 16
On May 16, a MDC virtual program will have tips on avoiding outdoor hazards, such as avoiding poison ivy, ticks and other outdoor worries.
Learning how to identify plants and animals that can pose problems is a great way to avoid them.
The MDC virtual program “Conservation Families: Outdoor Hazards” will be 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is being put on by the staff at MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. At this program, MDC Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss poison ivy, ticks, venomous snakes, insects and other items that can occasionally add irritation to an outdoors outing.
People can register for this free program at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/207630.
This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.
May 17
The MDC will offer a hybrid course on surveying butterfly populations, offered both virtually and in-person at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The course will cover butterfly ecology and how to survey for them. The in-person class is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The virtual course is from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. on the same day.
The in-person class is open to participants ages 14 and older. Registration is required. The virtual class is open to participants ages 10 and older. To register, visit mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com.
Participants may choose to put their knowledge into action by becoming a Missouri Butterfly Monitoring Network volunteer. The class will include a slide show about 25 common butterflies and instruction on how surveys are done with an online Wild About Pollinators trivia game to follow. The in-person course will also include a mock butterfly survey using the Burr Oak Woods garden and natural areas. Instructors will explain how to enter data on a website and help participants choose a monitoring route on a public natural area.
This is the seventh annual training in the Kansas City area for the Missouri Butterfly Monitoring Network. The network is hosted by Georgetown University with grants from the National Science Foundation.
May 21
Paddle sports introduction
Learn about canoes and kayaks during this May 21 virtual MDC program that will offer introductory information on paddling Missouri streams.
People can learn more about these popular watercrafts at the MDC virtual program “Paddle Sports: Introduction to Canoe and Kayak.” This virtual program will be from noon to 1 p.m. and is being taught by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin.
People can register for this program at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com.
At the May 21 program, MDC Conservation Educator Andy Rhodes will discuss the basic equipment, paddle strokes, and knowledge needed to paddle Missouri’s streams and lakes safely. This free program is designed to help the first-time canoe and kayak user understand the basics of paddling.
This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.
Turkey feather crafts
Learn to craft with turkey feathers at a virtual MDC event May 21. The free virtual program, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., will showcase different ways that turkey feathers can be used. Whether it’s as a wreath, jewelry, or any other type of creation, turkey feathers do not need to be thrown away after a turkey has been processed. Instead, cut the wings off the turkey (bone in) and tail, and drop them in the freezer. Pluck the body feathers, bag them, and freeze those as well. MDC staff will instruct participants how to prep feathers for crafting after they have been frozen.
Register for this event at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com.
