JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, encourages constituents in the St. Louis region to take advantage of a number of free, local Missouri Department of Conservation Events held this September, including a picnic day for seniors and a class on making art out of driftwood.

“Missouri has one of the best conservation departments in the country, which regularly hosts fun and free events for children and people of all ages, including seniors,” said Sen. Walsh. “I encourage everyone who can to take part in these events. They’re a great way to see all the beautiful sights our state has to offer and to learn some interesting things about this place we call home.”

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

• Prairie Day in the Confluence
  Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
  Time: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  Ages: Families
  
  Celebrate Missouri’s prairies at two locations in the Confluence in September. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visit Fort Belle Fontaine Park to learn about an upland prairie. Take a guided walk through the prairie and stay for a hot dog lunch cooked over an open campfire. Then, visit the Columbia Bottom during an open house on the same day from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to learn more about tall grass prairies. There will be short guided hikes, every 30 minutes, exploring the prairie and information tables displaying prairie wildlife.
  
  
• Autumn Senior Picnic
  Date: Monday, Sept. 16
  Time: 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  Ages: Senior citizens
  
  Visit Columbia Bottom and see how the prairies and fields have recovered from the June flood. Participants will spend some time at the Visitor Center before heading out to look for butterflies, birds and blooming wildflowers. Bring a sack lunch to eat in one of the covered pavilions. Water and dessert will be provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations begin Sept. 1.
  
  
• Driftwood Art
  Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18
  Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Ages: Families
  
  Use driftwood left by the mighty Missouri and Mississippi rivers to craft art. This wood has the potential to be made into anything the mind can imagine, from boats and swords, all the way to great works of art. Participants will transform driftwood into their very own works of art. Reservations begin Sept. 4.
  
  
• Harvest Moon over the Confluence
  Date: Friday, Sept. 20
  Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Ages: 6 and up
  
  As the sun sets over the fields and prairies, the “Harvest Moon” rises over the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. These events signal the “night shift creatures” to venture forth from their daytime resting spots. Participants will stop, look and listen to discover evidence of their activities as they walk the paved, wooded path from the slough to the confluence. Meet at the slough parking lot ”M” about four miles from the front gate. Reservations begin Sept. 6.
  
  
• Confluence Campout!
  Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Sept. 29
  Time: 4 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Ages: Families
  
  It’s not just any night a person can camp near two of the largest rivers in the world. That’s what makes this camping adventure so different. Casting, archery, knot tying and wildlife explorations add to the fun. Registration packets are available Aug. 30. Completed reservation forms are due Sept. 13.
  
  
• Stones and Steel: The Basics of Knife Sharpening
  Date: Thursday, Oct. 3
  Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Ages: 10 and up
  
  Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish. After a successful day afield, when it is time to clean fresh fish or game, a sharp knife is a vital tool. While it is not rocket science, there are a few tricks to putting a good edge on a favorite knife using a basic sharpening stone. The department will provide the stones and participants can bring along their favorite hunting or filleting knife (straight blade, non-serrated). Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations begin Sept. 19.

To make reservations, call (314) 877-6014, Wednesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.

Senator Walsh regularly informs 13th District residents of upcoming local events held by state agencies. To subscribe to her regular legislative and district updates, click here or visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh.