JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, urges citizens in and around Shannon County who are interested in photography and cooking to attend upcoming workshops at the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center near Winona, Mo., hosted by staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Photography Workshop at Twin Pines, scheduled for May 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., allows attendees to spend an hour in the classroom and the rest of the time with hands-on work outdoors taking pictures of various landscapes and wildflowers.  Reservations must be made by May 8 and the event is limited for those who are 12 and older.  It is suggested that those who sign up for the workshop wear appropriate clothing for the outdoor portion of the event.

Staff members at the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center are also hosting a Wild Game Cooking Class on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Those who enjoy nature and the sustaining elements it provides to Missourians are welcome to stretch their culinary reputation.  The class features Dutch oven cooking techniques for rabbit, bison, squirrel and fish.  The course is limited to 30 participates — ages 12 and up — who must reserve their spot in the class no later than May 15.

“Because of its unique location in the middle of Missouri’s most productive forests, Twin Pines offers many opportunities to Missourians who love to get back to nature, including hiking, bird watching, nature photography and other fun activities,” said Sen. Libla.  “These workshops provide an important public service to our state’s citizens, and are a great way to get excited about Missouri’s great outdoors and what it has to offer.”

Sen. Libla would also like to remind citizens in southeast Missouri to purchase their 2013 hunting and fishing permits.  Missourians can purchase and print their permits online or learn about regulations and other important information at www2.mo.wildlifelicense.com.

To make your reservation for these workshops or to learn more about the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, please call (573) 325-1381.  Those who are 12-16 years old and are interested in these events must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.