Surrounded by hiking trails and perched on a hill overlooking the kid’s fishing pond in Cape County Park North is the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. There’s something for all ages here, and it’s staffed by a knowledgeable and passionate group of folks who love to share their enthusiasm for nature. Sara Turner is the manager and shared with us some of her favorite aspects of the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center! 

Fill us in Sara! What are some of your favorite things about the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center?

I learn something new nearly every day and there is never a dull moment. The programs and events are so much fun, and even if there isn’t one occurring on the day someone is here, we always have live animals to see, trails to hike, fish to catch, and people to answer your questions for free!

What are the things you wish visitors knew about your park/site?

Nearly everything is free – admission, our fantastic publications, and the programs. The nature center has something for people of all ages and backgrounds – not just kids. We are funded by sales tax, so everyone should come and take advantage of what they help pay for each time they make a purchase in Missouri.

A visitor only has one hour to spend at the Nature Center. What would you tell them to do to enjoy the Nature Center as best they can in that short time frame?

Check out the live animals on display, especially the honeybees, alligator snapping turtle, siren, and two-headed snake. The Southeast Story video is a must-see to learn about why we are sometimes called “Swampeast Missouri.”

Any special events coming up you’d like folks to know about?

Day on the River is coming up on September 20 – we’ll have free boat rides for the whole family as well as crafts, live animals and more! Monarch Magic is on September 27 and the Fall Festival takes place October 18.

Many thanks to Sara for giving us a peek inside the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center! The Nature Center is always free, and open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Learn more about the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature here, and join them at the riverfront on Saturday, September 20 for Day on the River!