Celebrating swampy, bug-infested marshes is not on the top of most people’s to-do list. Many people would just as well drain the land and put it to better use. But wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They help clean water, reduce flooding and provide homes to many plants and animals. In fact, wetlands are so important that protecting these areas are one of the primary goals of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Come find out more about our valuable wetlands and what we can do to protect them at the Wetlands for Kids Day. During this free event, more than 20 demonstration and activities stations will be set up to help visitors learn about wetland creatures first hand.

Explore a beaver lodge, watch retrievers in action, create wetland artwork, see live birds of prey and learn to identify ducks by their wings and plumage. Your family can meet snakes, frogs, turtles and other wetland residents at the live reptile and amphibian station.

Outdoorsmen won’t want to miss the air rifle shooting, fly rod casting and archery stations. If all the fun is making your stomach growl, sample some fried fish from Missouri’s big rivers or purchase refreshments from the on-site concessionaire.

While you’re there, be sure to sign the kids up for a free Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Membership, which includes a one-year subscription to Puddler Magazine. All kids who come to the event will also receive a free tree seedling from the Conservation Department.

Wetlands for Kids Day is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. This all ages event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, visit Missouri Department of Conservation’s website or call August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area at 636-441-4554.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting        

Photo courtesty of the Missouri Department of Conservation