PUXICO — Fall is a great time to visit Mingo National Wildlife Refuge with expanded visitor center hours. From Oct. 5 through Nov. 9, the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will be open to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The expanded hours will enhance access during the fall bird migration and fall colors, officials said in a press release. Volunteers and staff have planned special programs for every Saturday during this time. Look below for program details or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/mingo for updates and event pages.
Programs are as follows:
Program: Capturing Light
Join professional photographer Tim Edington in his photography seminar. He will cover such topics as composition, aperture, shutter, and ISO. There is a classroom portion followed by a field trip onto the refuge to practice your skills. Pick some of your photos to be displayed at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center where they will be analyzed with Mr. Edington to further refine your photography skills. To register or for inquiries, contact Park Ranger Michael Beltz at michael_beltz@fws.gov or by phone at 573-222-3589 ext. 110.
Class will be on 10/5/2024 at 8am until 11am
Register by: 10/4/2024
Age Range: Participants must be 16 or older by Oct. 5
20 participants max
Cameras available to borrow in limited supply
Shared photos will be displayed from noon-4 p.m. Nov. 9 (submit photos by Nov. 7)
Program: Leafing summer behind
Join budding botanist and volunteer Aiden Castillo on a short hike around the Visitor Center for fall color interpretation and leaf collecting. The hike will be followed by an opportunity to make simple nature crafts. Materials will be provided for the leaf rubbings and prints with informational handouts to take home and do the project with paint.
Program will be at noon–1 p.m., and 2-3 p.m. Oct. 12
No registration required
Age range is 6+. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guardian
Program: Create-a-critter
Join young naturalist Chantae Warren on a nature hike to gather materials and inspiration for a small crafting project. Design your own critter with what you have learned about animal adaptations to make the ultimate survivor! Program Oct. 19
No registration required
Two programs: noon–1 p.m. and 2–3 p.m.
Age range: Young and young-at-heart naturalists
Program: Bird Appreciation
Birds are incredible animals and masters of specialization. Join Park Ranger Michael Beltz as he goes over what makes birds so special including biological traits, behavior, and more!
Program Oct. 26
No registration required
Two programs: noon- 1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Age range: 3rd grade and up
Program: Migration Celebration
A day of fun at the Visitor Center. There will be games, handouts, and informational videos all about the fantastic phenomenon known as migration.
Program Nov. 2
No registration required
Program time: Visitor Center Operating Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
All ages welcome
Program: Nature Photograph Gallery
Photos will be on display from the photography class from October. Interpretation of photos available by request. Program Nov. 9
No registration required
Program time: noon-4 p.m.
All ages welcome
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is located 1.5 miles north of Puxico, Missouri on State Highway 51. For more information, contact 573-222-3589 or email the refuge at mingo@fws.gov. Check our website - www.fws.gov/refuge/mingo, for refuge updates and events.