March - June, 2008 - Current River Experience, Ellington, MO

If you look forward to the eye-popping annual display of serviceberry and redbud blossoms, consider viewing them from the Current River this spring. The Current River Conservation Area features one of the largest and most beautiful examples of Ozark hardwood forest in Missouri, and it also shelters the headwaters of the Current River. This forested area features a picnic area, fishing jetties, Buford Pond (3 acres, fishable), Blue Springs Natural Area (17 acres), Cardareva Bluff Natural Area (95 acres) and three miles of Current River.
A float trip between March and June will reward you with the views of serviceberry, redbud, wild plum, wild crab, red buckeye, dogwood, hawthorn and tulip poplar blossoms. These flowering, fruit-bearing trees not only delight our eyes and gladden our winter-weary hearts, they support honeybees and an array of birds and other native wildlife. While we're accustomed to valuing Missouri's glorious forests for the habitat and industry values, it's hard to put a price on the experience of floating a wild Ozark Stream and witnessing the forest's annual rebirth.

The main tract is three miles we of Ellington on Highway 106. There are three entrances. One is located three miles west of Ellington on Highway 106. Another is located in Ellington. The third is on Reynolds County Road 626. For more information, go to www.MissouriConservation.org/a9515.

Spring-Summer, 2008 - Hike, Bike, Trail Ride at Busiek State Forest & Wildlife Area, Christian County, MO

Hikers, bikers and trail riders find plenty of room to get away from civilization on this 2,500-acre area 18 miles south of Springfield. Start at one of two parking lots near where Highway 65 passes through the center of the area. These give access to the 10-mile East Trail System. Its network of primitive trails offers at least a dozen different possible loops of 10 miles of moderate difficulty through forest, woodlands, glades and along an intermittent stream. A parking lot at the east side of the area increases possibilities. The 8-mile West Trail System has moderate and difficult sections, with some switchbacks along a steep ridge with glade vegetation near the center of the area. An unstaffed shooting range is just west of Highway 65. The most popular attraction is the creek near the central parking lots. Primitive camping is allowed by permit only. You might also want to take pictures of wildlife or the spare but beautiful glade landscape. For more information, call 417-882-6880 or go to Busiek State Forest & Wildlife Area.

Spring-Summer, 2008 - Volunteer For A River Clean-Up

Volunteer clean-ups on the Missouri River span the state this year. You can sign up at www.riverrelief.org. Clean-up activities are scheduled for:
April 26 in Boone County at the Hartsburg Access.
June 14 in Franklin County at the Washington City Access.
September 13 in St. Louis County at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.
October 4 in Kansas City, location to be announced.
Missouri River Relief and its partners provide work gloves, trash bags, lunch and clean-up supplies. For more information, e-mail riverrelief@riverrelief.org or call 573-443-0292.

June 6-8, 2008 - Discover Nature Women Workshop, Roach, MO

Women looking to learn outdoor skills can get training at the Discover Nature-Women Workshop. The June 6-8 event at the Windermere Conference Center in Roach, MO includes courses in fishing, canoeing, archery, shooting sports and camping. The program is open to women ages 18 and older. Girls 14-17 may attend if accompanied by an adult. A $20 deposit is required with registration. The registration deadline is May 23. For more information or to register, contact Tracy Tomson at TracyTomson@mdc.mo.gov or at 573-522-4115, ext. 3808. Participants are responsible for making room and meal reservations with Windermere at 573-346-5200 or 800-346-2215.

Spring-Summer, 2008 - Wonders Of Wildlife Schools

Want to have more fun outdoors this year? Learn more about natural Missouri and increase your outdoor skills at one of five Wonders of Wildlife Schools scheduled throughout the state. Co-sponsored by a number of businesses, non-profits and state agencies, the W.O.W. National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Schools cover outdoor skills, conservation, safety and ethics. Designed for people of all ages, W.O.W. Schools offer families in particular a great opportunity to share quality time together. Participants can choose from several different course topics for both the beginner and experienced outdoor enthusiast. In 2008, you'll find W.O.W. Schools at the following places and dates:
April 25-26 in Springfield.
May 2-3 in Columbia.
June 6-7 in St. Louis.
September 26-27 in Kansas City.
October 10-12 in Roaring River State Park.
For more information or to register, call 1-877-245-9453 or check out the W.O.W. web site at WondersOfWildlife.org.

Missouri Parks, Recreation & Environmental Calendars