JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, encourages constituents of the 13th District to take advantage of free, local Missouri Department of Conservation events held in July, including a guided tour to the edge of the Mississippi River in the predawn hours to watch a Missouri sunrise during what photographers call the “golden hour.”

“As a parent, it’s not always easy to find fun, family activities, especially during the summer when the kids are off school. Thankfully, we have a wonderful state conservation department that hosts a number of great events regularly in our area,” said Sen. Walsh. “We’re blessed to live in a state as beautiful as Missouri, but in our fast-paced world, we sometimes forget to stop and really appreciate that. These events are not only fun and educational, they’re a good reminder of how lucky we are to call this state our home.”

The following events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in July:

• Sunset over Columbia Bottom
  Date: Friday, July 19
  Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Ages: 6 and up
  
  Experience a Missouri sunset in all its grandeur in one of the best conservation areas in the state. Conservation guides will help participants discover the shift when evening breaks, as nocturnal creatures venture out for their nightly activities. The event is timed so that as families walk back, they’ll be treated to the last rays of sun as it sinks below the horizon. Meet at Lot “I” about 2.5 miles from the front entrance. Reservations begin July 5.
  
  
• Golden Hour at the Mississippi
  Date: Saturday, July 20
  Time: 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.
  Ages: 15 and up
  
  There’s no better way to greet the morning sun than by standing on the banks of the Mississippi River during what is known as the “golden hour.” Bring your camera to take advantage of this beautiful daily sight. Meet at the front entrance gate to Columbia Bottom. Reservations begin July 6.

To make reservations, call (314) 877-6014. For more information, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is in north St. Louis County at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. To reach the area, go north approximately 2.8 miles from the I-270 Riverview Drive exit. Riverview Drive becomes Columbia Bottom Road at its intersection with Larimore Road.

Columbia Bottom Conservation was damaged by the recent May flood.  Most of the conservation area is closed, but events will continue at the visitor’s center and as announced.

Senator Walsh regularly informs 13th District residents of upcoming local events held by state agencies. To follow these announcements, visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh.