GO: GETTIN’ OUT 2012 Program series organized by Sue Schuble

GO: GETTIN’ OUT 2012 Program Series
Sponsored by Springfield-Greene County Parks

The GO: Gettin’ Out program series is designed to provide the general public with information on where to go and what to do in nature. We will engage in slide presentations and discussions on monthly outdoor topics to learn where and how to connect with nature around the Ozarks and beyond! Sue Schuble will organize the free programs.

All programs begin at 6:30pm at the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield, MO 65870; 417.891.1515. (Except the two starred (*) in Mar & June, they will meet at Valley Water Mill Watershed Center.)

Feb. 15 – Dickerson Park Zoo (Education Animals): Learn about the animals on exhibit at our zoo, our species survival program and future expansion plans. Observe some of the education animals up close and personal!

*Mar. 21 – Chad Killingsworth (Triple Crown of Hiking): Chad will present a program on his Triple Crown feat of through-hiking the three major trails in the US—Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails. Discover what he carried, what he ate and who he met along the way.

Apr. 11 – Springfield-Greene Co. Parks: Discover all about your parks and what they have to offer for you and your family this summer. Outdoor Intiatives has a varied schedule for nature-minded individuals.

May 9 – Northwest Arkansas: This section of Arkansas is definitely nature’s playground! Hiking and backpacking trails, wildlife viewing, waterfalls and floating are just some of the outdoor activities available in “the Natural State.”

*June 6 – Parks Equestrian Center and Dude Ranching: Learn about our new Equestrian Center and what it has to offer. “Ride along” with Sue Schuble as she presents her experiences on a working dude ranch in Colorado.

July 18 – MO Natural Areas: Missouri has 180 designated natural areas that are hidden gems, recognizing outstanding biological and geological features with a great biodiversity of plants and animals. We will visit a few of the most spectacular areas around the Ozarks.

Aug. 8 – Pantanal, Brazil: The Pantanal of south-central Brazil is the world’s largest wetland, teeming with interesting animals, birds and people. Join Sue Schuble as she takes you on a trip through the heart of the Pantanal and learn what makes it such a special place.

Sept. 12 – MDC Conservation Areas: The Missouri Department of Conservation owns hundreds of parcels of land within the state that Missourians can use for free! Learn where these unique places are and how to enjoy recreational opportunities available such as hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and camping.

Oct. 10 – Arctic National Wildlife Area: Join Sue Schuble as she explores “America’s Serengeti” by canoe along the north shore of Alaska. Learn about the Eskimo and Athabascan cultures, animals and plants of this wild expanse.

Nov. 7 – National Parks: The United States boasts 58 truly remarkable National Parks and Sue Schublehas visited them all. She will share some of her memorable experiences and pictures while exploring ourParks and let you decide if preserving these special placesisn’t one of America’s best ideas!

Dec. 5 – Ely, MN in Winter: Discover a smorgasbord of outdoor winter activities in the land of snow and ice! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding combined with learning about wolves should whet your appetite for going north in the winter!

Please call the Park Office 864-1049 or Botanical Center 891-1515 to register for these FREE programs prior to the program dates. If necessary you can “walk-in” at the door. Again, the programs begins at 6:30 p.m. so mark your calendar today so you don’t miss any!

Note from George: Sue is a member of Friends of the Garden and a friend. I have heard her speak a number of times and always enjoy her evening topics. Once you have heard her present a topic you will want to go back for more! Mark your calendar with the program dates now.