JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, is encouraging residents of the 13th Senate District to take advantage of several upcoming events hosted by the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.
“Getting outside and enjoying Missouri’s natural beauty is not just an activity reserved for the warmer months. In fact, Missouri’s winter months provide many exciting chances to see our beautiful state from a completely different perspective, offering up many sights and wildlife that are distinctly unique to this time of year,” said Sen. Walsh. “I really encourage area residents and families to take advantage of these fun and educational events. Bundle up, take a blanket and get outside to see the magnificent winter sights our state has to offer.”
The following events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area throughout January and February:
- Photographing Swans
Date: Thursday, Jan. 12, 7:30 to 10 a.m.
Ages: 10 and upBring your camera and long lens for an early morning photoshoot and discussion on the life and habitat of our visiting swans. Camera instruction will also be part of the discussion. Reserve by Jan. 11.
- Frosty Photos
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to noon
Ages: 10 and upVenture out on frosty terrain to capture the best snapshots winter has to offer. You will learn some photography techniques before heading out with an area naturalist. Bring your own camera and come dressed for the weather. Reserve by Jan. 24.
- Photographing Eagles
Date: Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Ages: 10 and upEarly morning is not just a good time to photograph nature, it is also the time to spot eagles hunting! Bring your camera and try to capture this spectacular bird of prey. Bring your camera manual; help with cameras and settings will be available. Reserve by Feb. 8.
- Prairie Sunset and Full Snow Moon at the Confluence
Date: Saturday, Feb. 11, 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Ages: All agesListen for howling of coyotes on the prairie while viewing the sunset at Columbia Bottom. Then catch sight of the full “snow” moon as it rises over the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Meet at parking lot K — about 3 ½ miles from the front entrance. Reservations begin Jan. 26. Reserve by Feb. 10.
- Valentines
Date: Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Ages: All agesLet’s make something new again! Join us as we follow paper through the recycling process to create new paper for a beautiful valentine. Reservations begin Jan. 25. Reserve by Feb. 11.
- Columbia Bottom Trading Post
Date: Monday, Feb. 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 10 and youngerBe a great fur trader at the Columbia Bottom Trading Post! Capture “furbearers,” barter with the post staff, and learn about why trapping is important to Missouri. Reservations begin Feb. 8. Reserve by Feb. 19.
To make event 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.
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.