The Twin Pines Conservation Education Center will host an anniversary event from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18.
One year has passed since the grand opening celebration in April 2008, and the Missouri Department of Conservation has something special planned to celebrate: It will host a fish fry, archery, fishing, music and a variety of traditional Ozarks skills demonstrated.
Representatives from the National Wild Turkey Federation will staff the archery range for those who wish to try their hand. Fishing poles, tackle and worms will be available for use at the pond. Demonstrations will include tie hacking, soap making, bowin’ and spikin’, blacksmith, spinning, weaving, forestry tools, how Native Americans used the resources in the Ozarks and much more. Jamin Bray will perform traditional Ozarks music at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tree seedlings will be given to guests at the Missouri Forest Heritage table. Representatives from Hamilton Seed, Prairie Hill Nursery and Pans Garden will be on hand for a native plant sale. Twin Pines landscaping includes many of the “Grow Native Gardens,” providing visitors an excellent opportunity to view first-hand the possibilities that exist on their own property. The Ozarks Native Plant Society will also answer questions on natives.
A fish fry, an Ozarks favorite, complete with catfish, hushpuppies and seasoned fries, will be served starting at 11 a.m. Dennis McSpadden of Van Buren will fry fish until 1 p.m. or as long as the fish lasts. The fish fry is sponsored by the Missouri Forest Heritage Association.
There is no cost, and registration is not required. There will be a shuttle service provide for off-site parking on Highway 19 north in Winona. To volunteer or for more information, call 573-325-1381.