ST. LOUIS
Conservation Connections
News and Events from the Missouri Department of Conservation • February 2015
Maple Sugar Time
I
t’s February. For most people, February probably
brings to mind valentines, two presidents, and a
certain groundhog named Phil. For me, February
means something else entirely.
almost 80 hours of cooking, most of which has to
be done outside. When the sap is thick enough
to be syrup, it has to be filtered twice and then
properly canned.
February means the unmistakeable ting sound
of sap dripping into a metal bucket. It means the
smell of wood smoke in my hair and a smudge of
soot on my cheek. It means long days and sore
muscles, and a wonderfully sweet reward at the
end.
All that work makes the reward even sweeter.
In short, it means maple sugaring.
This is my fourth sugaring season at
Rockwoods Reservation, and it consumes this
month. It consumes a good chunk of January,
too, and a little of March. It’s hard work. Cleaning
everything prior to the start of the season takes
at least a day. Tapping our 33 trees and hanging
the buckets takes another day’s worth of work.
Those buckets have to be checked every day
when the weather is favorable, and any sap must
be collected. One gallon of sap weighs about 8
pounds, and we collect it in 7 gallon containers.
That’s 56 pounds per container to lug up and
down the hills at Rockwoods. The sap has to be
refrigerated or frozen until it’s time to cook it. Our
stove is very efficient, so we can boil off about 5
gallons of water an hour from the sap. We can
collect 400 gallons of sap in a good season, which
boils down to about 10 gallons of syrup. That’s
For every strained muscle, there’s a gorgeous,
sunny morning with only deer tracks marking the
fresh snow. For every burned finger and broken
hydrometer, there’s a bobcat or fox sighting. For
every cold, gray day, there’s a bluebird flock calling
in the trees. And of course, there’s the promise of
pure maple syrup.
Yes, you can buy it from the store and avoid
the hassle. But it’s not nearly as satisfying as
making it yourself, with your own two hands,
just as countless generations of people have
before you. It’s a great feeling when you taste
your first batch of homemade maple syrup
or sugar-on-snow taffy. Maple sugaring is an
activity that connects us to nature, to our history
and heritage, and to family and friends. It is
completely worth it.
Visit us at Rockwoods Reservation for one of
our maple sugar programs this month, including
the Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday, February 7,
or check out our Backyard Guide to Maple Sugaring
on MDC’s website. We’d love for you to discover the
rewards of maple sugaring for yourself. And we’ll
explain what a hydrometer is.
by SARAH PITZER, naturalist
Maple Sugar Festival at Rockwoods Reservation
Feb 7 • Saturday • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(All ages)
It’s maple sugar time! Experience conservation success and forest resources at their finest and sweetest. See trees tapped.
Boil sap down. Taste delicious syrup, sugar-on-snow taffy, and pure maple sugar. (No reservations necessary. Parking
available on-site and off-site via a shuttlle bus.)
Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center
1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 • mdc.mo.gov/node/299
Rifle Care and Cleaning
Feb 11 • Wednesday • 6 – 9 p.m.
From the east/St. Louis
I-44 west to Beaumont Antire Road, exit
269. Left over I-44 to Antire Road. Right
on Antire. One hundred feet to entrance.
Left into driveway.
From the west/Eureka
I-44 east to Beaumont Antire Road, exit
269. Follow exit lane around to top.
HOURS:
May 1–August 31
Wednesday: 1–7:30 p.m.
Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
September 1–April 30
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Programs are free. Call 636-938-9548
or email [email protected]
with your name and phone number
to sign up for a program requiring
registration. Up to two reservations are
allowed per registration; groups should
contact the range for more information.
If you are unable to attend, please call
and cancel as a courtesy to those on
the waiting list. Interpretive services are
available for those with hearing loss with
5 days notice.
Conservation makes
Missouri a great place
to hunt and fish.
(Ages 11 and up)
Even new firearms from the store must be cleaned and properly lubricated before
you shoot or go hunting. Keep that rifle shooting, whether a family heirloom,
expensive sporting or competition gun, or a hard-working basic shooter, all need
proper care and attention to keep working and prevent worn or damaged parts.
Let us teach you the proper techniques and review some of the products and
claims out there to maintain firearms. All firearms and equipment will be provided.
(Reservations begin January 11.)
Trigger Time – Advanced Handgun
Feb 15 • Sunday • 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
(Ages 18 and up)
Trigger Time is “hands-on” personal instruction designed to make you a better
shooter. There is no classroom time, just expert one-on-one instruction from our
staff. Participants must bring their own handguns and ammunition, at least 100
rounds. This program is not appropriate for beginners. (Reservations begin
January 15.)
Introduction to Skeet Shooting
Feb 17 • Tuesday • 6 – 8 p.m. and Feb 18 • Wednesday • 6 – 8 p.m.
(Ages 16 and up)
Learn another shotgun game to help with your hunting skills or just for a change
of pace. Henges will host a two-night skeet program. February 17 is mandatory
classroom training held at the Jay Henges Education Center classroom. February 18
will be held at the nearby St. Louis Skeet and Trap range in Pacific. Equipment and 12
and 20 gauge ammunition is provided, shooters may bring their own shotgun and/or
ammunition. (Reservations begin January 17.)
Metallic Cartridge Reloading
Feb 19 • Thursday • 6 – 9 p.m.
(Ages 11 and up)
This class exposes students to the fundamentals of metallic cartridge reloading.
The class includes both discussion and hands-on instruction, including safety,
case preparation, selection of primers, powder, bullets, equipment; and the use
of manuals, ballistic tables, and component assembly. Everything is provided.
(Reservations start on January 19.)
Youth .22 Rifle
Feb 28 • Saturday • 8 – 9:30 a.m.
(Ages 9 – 15)
Interested young people who are first-time rifle shooters can participate in this
session to learn safety and the proper techniques of shooting .22 caliber rimfire rifles
in a controlled, safe environment. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are
provided. (Reservations begin January 28.)
2 Conservation Connections • February 2015
Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center
2360 Hwy D, St. Charles, MO 63304 • mdc.mo.gov/node/270
Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is closed for a total
renovation into an expanded, state-of-the-art shooting range featuring
more shooting stations and classroom facilities. The project is part of the
Department’s ongoing commitment to help Missourians improve their
outdoor skills and discover nature.
For more information please visit our web site at mdc.mo.gov
Survival Tactics for the Outdoor
Enthusiast
Youth and Women Pheasant
Clinic and Hunt
(Ages 11 and up)
Are you prepared if an emergency
happens during an outdoor adventure?
This class will teach the survival
necessities when stranded, lost, or
hurt in the woods. Our experts will
review what to eat, water purification,
shelter, and other aspects that will
help you survive. We will meet at the
August A. Busch CA classroom. Must
attend Wednesday to attend Thursday.
(Reservations begin Jan 20.)
women)
This program will introduce new hunters
to the sport of upland hunting with the
emphasis on the ringneck pheasants.
We will start with a seminar on Thursday
covering pheasant biology, habitat,
safety, firearms, ammunition, hunting
methods, and more. Then on Saturday,
February 28 for women, and Saturday,
March 7 for youth, we will head to the
field for an actual pheasant hunt. You
must be Hunter Education certified
and not have attended this program in
the past. You must attend the clinic in
order to hunt. The clinic will be held at
the August A. Busch CA regional office
classroom, and the hunt will be held at
Missouri Gun and Quail located in Wright
City. (Reservations begin January 26.)
Feb 18 · Wednesday · 6 – 9 p.m.
Feb 19 · Thursday · 6 – 9 p.m.
Unless otherwise indicated,
youth under the age of 16 must
be accompanied by an adult.
Feb 26 · Thursday ∙ 6 – 8 p.m.
(Ages 11 – 15 for youth and 11 and up for
From I-64/40 take Hwy 94 south to Hwy
D; turn west on Hwy D for approximately
5 miles. The area entrance is on the south
side of Hwy D.
HOURS:
December 1–March 31
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
April 1–November 30
Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Tuesday: 2–8 p.m.
Programs are free. Call 636- 441-4554
to register Monday through Friday
8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the waiting list.
Interpretive services are available for
those with hearing loss with 5 days notice.
Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area
Missouri’s natural areas represent some of the best, and last, examples of our state’s original landscape. Weldon Spring
Hollow Natural Area is in our own backyard, off Highway 94 in Weldon Spring. The trailhead for the Lewis and Clark hiking
trails that provide excellent access to the natural area is at the parking lot. The Lewis Trail is an 8.2-mile loop and the Clark
Trail is a 5.3-mile loop. Both trails provide access to the forests and scenic bluffs of the natural area.
Points of Interest:
•
See forests and bluffs as Lewis and Clark might have seen them.
•
Explore rugged river hills with a diverse bird life.
•
See great views of the Missouri River valley.
For more information visit mdc.mo.gov/node/2369.
February 2015 • Conservation Connections 3
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
11715 Cragwold Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122 • mdc.mo.gov/node/271
Will You Be My Mammal-tine?
Amazing Owls
(Ages 3 – 6)
I am a mammal and so are you; come
learn about all the unique things that
we can do! Share your love for Missouri’s
mammals in this interactive program. We
will read a book about our furry friends
then make a “mammal-tine” to take
home to share warm and fuzzy joy. Dress
for the weather. (Reservations begin
January 28.)
(Ages 7 and up)
Whooo’s in the forest this time of year?
Some of our Missouri owls stick around
all year, and are especially vocal in the
winter months. We’ll discuss some of
their amazing adaptations, dissect some
pellets to hear what they’re eating, and
take a hike to see what they’re saying.
Dress for the weather, wear comfortable
shoes, and bring a flashlight.
(Reservations begin February 6.)
Feb 11 • Wednesday • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
From I-44 east take the Watson Road
exit and turn left on Geyer. Cross over
the bridge and turn left on Cragwold
Road. Follow one mile to the entrance.
Enjoy nature exhibits, attend programs,
purchase hunting and fishing permits,
browse through a nature-related gift
shop, and pick up free conservation
brochures. Outdoors, enjoy three miles of
hiking trails through oak-hickory forest.
HOURS:
Building: Tuesday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Area: Daily: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. DST
8 a.m.–6 p.m. CST
Programs are free. Call 314-301-1500
to register. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the waiting list.
Interpretive services are available for
those with hearing loss with 5 days notice.
Rabbits and Rodents
Feb 17 • Tuesday • 9:30 – 11 a.m.
(Ages 6 and up)
Early spring in Missouri is the time for
little furry mammals to start thinking
about raising families. Some of these
mammals are rabbits – you may see
them fighting or chasing each other this
month. Many others are rodents, a group
that ranges from tiny field mice to great
big beavers. Learn how rabbits and our
various rodents are similar and different,
and how they can share the same
habitat by using different resources.
(Reservations begin February 3.)
In Memory of Ed Lisenfeld
Ed Liesenfeld, a former volunteer at Powder Valley Conservation
Nature Center, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2014. His daughters,
Nora and Laurie, his son, Matthew, sons and daughter-in law, seven
grandchildren and two great grandchildren, survive Ed.
Ed became a volunteer of the Missouri Department of Conservation
in 2001. In addition to assisting at the front desk, Ed assisted with scout
programs and discovery tables at the nature center. Ed volunteered over
2000 hours for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Feb 20 • Friday • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Homeschool Special: Wildlife in
Winter
Feb 24 • Tuesday • 10 a.m. – noon
(Ages 7 – 12)
What have you been doing all winter?
Snuggling up under the quilts with hot
chocolate and a movie? Or have you
been out braving the cold, sledding,
snow-boarding, and hiking? Maybe a
little of both? What have the animals
been doing? Missouri’s wildlife have a
variety of ways to cope with winter, from
migrating to a warmer place, to sleeping
it off, to toughing it out, and many
options in between. Come to Powder
Valley, as we discuss what animals do
in winter. Weather-permitting, we will
go on a hike so dress for the weather.
(Reservations begin February 10).
Nature Shop
Specials - 20% off
• A Key to Missouri
Trees in Winter
• Voices of the Hills
Remix
4 Conservation Connections • February 2015
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
11715 Cragwold Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122 • mdc.mo.gov/node/271
Two Special Evenings at the Nature Center
Reservations are required for each event and begin immediately.
Gyrfalcon hybrid
An Evening with Raptors
Feb 13 • Friday • 7 – 9 p.m.
(All ages)
This is a fun evening for all ages. Join us as we welcome back the Missouri falconers
and their hunting partners! Falconry is a sport reported as far back as 700 B.C.E.
and is still practiced today. Learn what falconry is and how to become a falconer.
The evening will begin in the auditorium with a presentation on raptors and the
art of falconry. Following the presentation you will have an opportunity to “meet
and greet” the birds and their hunting partners, and see some of the equipment
used in the sport of falconry. Be sure to bring your cameras.
Mountain lion
Was That a Mountain Lion?
Feb 27 • Friday • 7 – 8:30 p.m.
(Ages 12 and up)
Tracks in the snow, hair on a fence, loud cries in the night… could it be a
mountain lion? The mountain lion and other large carnivores once served as a
natural check on deer and other prey species. Today, humans control the deer
herd, so the natural role of this big cat is gone. There aren’t many animals that
receive more interest in Missouri than mountain lions. Tom Meister, Wildlife
Damage Biologist and member of MDC’s Mountain Lion Response Team, will
enlighten you about these majestic animals, their visits to Missouri, and the many
misconceptions that follow them. He will be joined by Dr. Karen DeMatteo and her
dog Train to talk about current research methods to study the mountain lion in
Missouri.
Helping you discover nature.
February 2015 • Conservation Connections 5
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
801 Strodtman Road, St. Louis, MO 63138 • mdc.mo.gov/node/298
Little Prairie Wolf Howl
Feb 6 • Friday • 6:30 – 8 p.m.
From I-270 north, take the Riverview
Drive exit (last Missouri exit); go north 2.8
miles. Riverview Drive becomes Columbia
Bottom Road at its intersection with
Larimore Road. The entrance is on the
right-hand side.
HOURS:
Building: Wednesday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Area: One-half hour before sunrise
to one-half hour after sunset except
authorized activities.
Programs are free. Call 314-877-6014
to sign up for a program requiring
registration. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the wating list.
Interpretive services are available for
those with hearing loss with 5 days notice.
Coyote
(Ages 7 and up)
In 1804, explorers from the Lewis &
Clark expedition described a “Small wolf
with a large bushey tail” that “barked
like a ferce dog”. Corp members called
them little prairie wolves. We call them
coyotes. Explore the important role
coyotes play in the wildlife community.
Examine a coyote pelt, and feel the
sharp edges of their teeth. We’ll drive to
the Prairie Exploration Station to listen
for their yipping howls. Those who wish to extend their time outdoors can proceed
to the Confluence viewing platform to view the full moon over the rivers. Dress
in layers for the weather. Meet at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education
Center. (Reservations begin January 23.)
Columbia Bottom Trading Post
Feb 16 • Monday • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
(Ages 10 and younger)
Become a great fur trader at the Columbia Bottom Trading Post when you capture
“furbearers” to barter with the trading post staff. As you take a break from trapping,
learn why trapping is important to Missouri. Then enter the world of furbearers,
trapping, and bartering! (Reservations begin February 2.)
We help people discover nature.
Forest Park Office
5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112 • mdc.mo.gov/node/10254
HOURS:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
From I-44 take Kingshighway north to
West Pine Blvd, turn left. Follow West Pine
to Lindell, turn left. Continue on Lindell
past Union Drive to Cricket, turn left. Take
first right onto Grand Ave. The visitor’s
center is on the right.
Programs are free. Call 314-877-1309
to sign up for a program requiring
registration. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the waiting list.
Interpretive services are available for
those with hearing loss with 5 days
notice.
6 Conservation Connections • February 2015
Oh Baby, Baby, It’s a Wild World
Feb 25 • Wednesday • 10 a.m. – noon
(Ages 5 – 9)
In the last weeks of winter, life begins its
journey. Courtship, breeding, and then
babies make their way into the world.
Whether they hatch from eggs and fend
for themselves or go through birth and
grow up with help from family, all want
to survive. Explore their similarities
and differences. Baby behavior and
adaptations will indeed show you our
wild, wild world. Meet at the Dennis
& Judith Jones Visitor and Education
Center. (Reservations begin January 2.)
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
2360 Hwy D, St. Charles, MO 63304 • mdc.mo.gov/node/300
Valentine’s Day Isn’t Just for the Native Plants for Homeowners
Birds
Workshop
Feb 11 • Wednesday • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Feb 21 • Saturday • 9:30 – 11 a.m.
(Ages 3 – 6)
Enjoy making two Valentine’s Day crafts
for feathered and non-feathered friends.
(Reservations begin January 28.)
(Adults)
New to native plants, but not sure
where to start? Naturally resilient native
grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees are
great solutions to common gardening
problems. They also attract butterflies,
hummingbirds, and songbirds. Learn
landscape design ideas, sources to
purchase plants, and more. Take home
some seedlings in time for spring
planting. Please dress for the weather
for field time in the native gardens.
(Reservations begin February 6.)
Dresser Island Hike
Feb 14 • Saturday • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(Ages 12 and up)
Discover a place to hike along a big
river and see pelicans, ducks, geese,
eagles, hawks and more. Dresser Island
Conservation Area offers a 6.5 mile hike
and is a winter wildlife haven located
near West Alton in St. Charles County.
We will participate in Cornell University’s
Great Backyard Bird Count as we hike.
Effort = Moderate to Strenuous for
generally flat, open hiking. But, winter
weather can make the hike more
strenuous. An optional 3 mile hike is
available. (Reservations begin January 30.)
From I-64/40 take Hwy 94 south to Hwy
D; turn west on D for approximately two
miles. The area entrance is on the north
side of Hwy D.
HOURS:
Building: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Area: Daily: 4 a.m.–10 p.m.
Programs are free. Call 636-441-4554
to sign up for a program requiring
registration. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the waiting list.
Interpretive services are available for those
with hearing loss with 5 days notice.
Nighttime Off-trail Navigation
with Accuracy
Feb 28 • Saturday • 5:45 – 9:45 p.m.
Off-trail Navigation with
Accuracy
Feb 21 • Saturday • 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
(Families ages 10 and up)
Learn how to navigate off-trail at Howell
Island Conservation Area. Hone your
skills by using a compass, map, and GPS.
Plot your course and position like a pro.
Effort = Easy to Moderate for 2 to 3 miles
over flat terrain with some downed trees
and vegetation to avoid. (Reservations
begin February 6.)
(Families ages 10 and up)
Challenge yourself and your family with
this nighttime navigation experience at
Howell Island Conservation Area. Use
lasers, compass, map, and GPS to find
your off-trail waypoints. Build confidence
in your navigation skills alongside
experienced naturalists. Effort = Easy to
Moderate for 2 to 3 miles over flat terrain
with some downed trees and vegetation to
avoid. (Reservations begin February 13.)
Missourians care
about conserving
forest, fish, and
wildlife.
February 2015 • Conservation Connections 7
Rockwoods Reservation
2751 Glencoe Road, Wildwood, MO 63038 • mdc.mo.gov/node/272
Maple Sugar Festival
Feb 7 • Saturday • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(All ages)
From I-44 take Hwy 109 north 4 miles to
Woods Avenue; left on Woods Avenue,
then immediately right on Glencoe Road.
From Manchester Road take Hwy 109
south 2 miles to Woods Avenue; right on
Woods Avenue, then immediately right
on Glencoe Road.
HOURS:
Building: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Area: Sunrise to one-half hour after
sunset except authorized activities.
Programs are free. Call 636-458-2236
to sign up for a program requiring
registration. If you are unable to attend
a program, please call and cancel as a
courtesy to those on the waiting list.
Interpretive services are available for
those with hearing loss with 5 days notice.
Stories from the Sugar Bush
Feb 3 • Tuesday • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
(Ages 3 – 5)
Gather around the campfire and learn
about maple sugaring through stories
told by our naturalists. Taste real, 100%
pure, Rockwoods maple syrup. Please
bundle up for the weather as we’ll be
outside among the trees. (Reservations
begin January 20.)
Syrup for Saplings
Feb 4 • Wednesday • 10 – 11 a.m.
(Ages 3 – 5)
Explore everyone’s favorite part of
maple sugaring – eating! Discover why
this season is so special and learn how
syrup is made. We will make our own
pancakes and sugar-on-snow taffy to
sample the delicious treat from the trees.
(Reservations begin January 21.)
It’s maple sugar time! Experience conservation success and
forest resources at their finest and sweetest. See trees tapped.
Boil sap down. Taste delicious syrup, sugar-on-snow taffy, and
pure maple sugar.
(No reservations necessary. Parking available on-site and
off-site via a shuttle bus.)
Homeschool Special: Maple Sugaring
Feb 13 • Friday • noon – 1:30 p.m. or
Feb 19 • Thursday • noon – 1:30 p.m.
(All ages)
Embark on a Missouri tradition. Learn the history of maple sugaring, collect sap, and
learn how to boil it down into syrup. Dress for the weather as the entire program is
outdoors. Note: part of the trail is not stroller accessible. (Reservations begin
January 30.)
The Nature Journaling Group – Tree Tapping to Make Maple
Syrup
Feb 17 • Tuesday • 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
(Adults)
Experience maple syrup in a new way at this first of a series of nature journaling
programs. Observe and record the world around you in a nature journal. No
artistic skill required. Please dress for the weather. (Reservations begin
February 3.)
After School Session: Maple Sugaring
Feb 26 • Thursday • 4 – 5:30 PM
(All ages)
Learn the history of maple sugaring, collect sap, and learn how to boil it down
into syrup. Dress for the weather as the entire program is outdoors. Note: part of
the trail is not stroller accessible. (Reservations begin February 11.)
Winter Hiking in the Woods
Feb 28 • Saturday • 1 – 3:30 p.m.
(Adults and families ages 10 and up)
Hike the 3.2 mile Lime Kiln Loop to learn about the people who operated the
Lime Kiln over 100 years ago. We’ll search for winter wildlife and early signs of
spring. Effort = Moderate to Strenuous for natural surface hiking with a few short,
steep hills. (Reservations begin February 13.)
8 Conservation Connections • February 2015