Cape Nature Center kicks off “Year of the Fish” Jan. 26

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will celebrate the kick-off of “Year of the Fish” Saturday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests can pick up their “passports” for the year and enjoy programs in the auditorium at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

In 2019, the nature center will feature at least one program per month with information about fish, or an opportunity to learn how to fish. In addition to passport pickups and formal programs, this event will feature information on basic fish biology and different fishing methods, an opportunity to paint fishing lures and other crafts, and participate in fishing games.

“We’ve designed this event to give people an introduction to our native fish species and how to catch them and we look forward to telling them what to expect this year as we continue to learn about fish,” said Sindupa De Silva, MDC natural resource assistant. “No registration is needed, and the event is free, so we hope people will take some time to enjoy the day with us.”

De Silva said seating for the auditorium programs is limited, and is on a first come, first served basis.

The nature center will host programs throughout the year to teach fishing tips and answer questions about various fish species. All participants who attend six fish-related programs or capture six select fish species on their own throughout the year will be entered to win a drawing for a beginner’s tackle box with two fishing poles, different types of lures, hooks, bobbers, weights, stringers and a fish identification guide. The prize will be drawn at the end of 2019.

For more information on fishing, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/fishing. To find programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/events