MARCH 14, 2011 -- In celebration of one of Missouri's most important ecosystems, the Missouri Department of Conservation and Ducks Unlimited are hosting Wetlands For Kids Day on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles.

The free event features activities for the entire family, including a crawl-through beaver lodge; maze; air rifle and archery range; live birds, snakes and fish; fly casting and tying; water dog retrieving demonstrations; Greenwing Membership from Ducks Unlimited; fried catfish samples; and more.

The event will help families learn more about the value of wetlands, said Dan Crigler, private land conservationist with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

"Wetlands are unique ecosystems that have significant values to all of us," Crigler said. "Wetlands act as giant sponges that absorb water during excessive precipitation and reduce the negative impacts of flooding. Wetland plants and trees absorb harmful nutrients and capture sediments from water running off upland watersheds. This function cleans our water and improves water quality."

A variety of animals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, he added, including ducks, geese, other water birds, snakes, frogs, salamanders, beavers, muskrats, and others.

"Due to the many values of wetlands, it is important for us to support the preservation, restoration and enhancement of these ecosystems whenever we have an opportunity," Crigler said.

Wetlands for Kids is a special event with fun in mind for the entire family. Activities include a crawl through beaver lodge, Greenwing Membership from Ducks Unlimited, duck wing maze, fried catfish samples, air rifle and archery range, live birds, snakes, and fish, fly casting, fly tying, water dog retrieving demonstrations and other activities too numerous to mention.

The event is free of charge. Sponsors for this event include the Dana Brown Foundation and US Bank. Hosting agencies are the Missouri Department of Conservation and Ducks Unlimited.

Wetlands For Kids Day is Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D, St. Charles. See the Sprout calendar for more information.

Photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

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