MDC to host five programs at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area in September

WASHINGTON, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently completed renovations to the parking lot and ADA walkway at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area near Washington.  MDC invites the public to check out the updates and attend a variety of events at the area this September.

MDC is hosting five programs during the month, including a Guided Hike, Introduction to Knot Tying, Cooking in Nature, Community Fishing, and Intro to Squirrel Hunting with an Air Rifle.  Each one is free and includes all equipment and materials needed. 

Details on each program follow.  All require pre-registration at the links provided.

Guided Hike, Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 9 – 11 a.m.

• Go on a relaxing one-mile guided hike and enjoy the calming benefits of being outdoors. Participants will learn about the different plants and birds they will encounter along the way.  Hikers should dress for weather conditions, use appropriate footwear, and take plenty of water.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oGU.
• This program is open to all ages.

Intro to Knot Tying, Tuesday, Sept. 1 from noon –  1:30 p.m.

• Can’t tie a knot so you tie a lot? This course is designed to show you how to tie the 10 most basic knots for the outdoors. This program will explain and demonstrate what each knot is used for and let participants have hands-on practice tying each knot.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oGw.
• This program is open to all ages.

Cooking in Nature,  Friday, Sept 18 from 1 –  2 p.m.

• Learn basic outdoor cooking. This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options, and how to cook using a backpacking wood stove. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned and enjoy some oatmeal.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oGG.
• This program is open to all ages.

Community Fishing, Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 – noon.

• Learn the basics of fishing and get a chance to practice at Sunfish Lake. Participants will gain skills like how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, the parts of a fishing rod, work with basic fishing tackle, and properly handle and release a fish. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided for the hands-on portion of this program; however, participants are welcome to bring their own fishing rods and lures if they prefer.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oGi.
• Open to anyone seven years or older.

Intro to Squirrel Hunting with Air Rifle, Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

• Participants will acquire the fundamentals of squirrel hunting, plus have a chance to practice target shooting with an air rifle afterwards. All equipment and ammo will be provided for the shooting portion.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oG5.
• All ages welcome.

To reach Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area from Washington, take Highway 47 south 1.5 miles, then Bieker Road south two miles.

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.