The Bennett Spring nature center will hold a monthly program that will include a 20-minute discussion on a natural or cultural topic followed by a quilting lesson by volunteer Karen Jaegers. Each month will be a different topic with tips and tricks shared to help others.

The program will take place at 11 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month from March through October.

The quilt resulting from the monthly program will be on display in the nature center from Feb. 23 to Opening Day, March 1 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

On Sept. 22, those who are interested in competing in the Bennett Spring annual pawpaw contest should bring the biggest pawpaw they can find to the nature center.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

March 24:

Topic: Bennett Spring Historic Structures

Presenter: Hayley Schnaath, park/historic site specialist

Quilt block: log cabin

April 28:

Topic: Bennett Spring Hatchery

Presenter: Ben Havens, fish hatchery manager, Missouri Department of Conservation

Quilt block: trout

May 26:

Topic: Fly Rods

Presenter: Danny Goldsmith — Danny will give a hands-on fly rod orientation

Quilt block: fly rod

June 23:

Topic: Mushrooms

Presenter: Sarah Havens, natural resource field specialist, Missouri Extension

Quilt block: mushroom

July 28:

Topic: Camping

Presenter: park staff

Quilt block: camping tent

Aug. 25:

Topic: Mammals

Presenter: Jenna Stiek, conservation educator, Missouri Department of Conservation

Quilt block: surprise mammal

Sept 22:

Topic: Wild Edibles

Presenter: Sarah Havens, natural resource field specialist, Missouri Extension

Quilt block: surprise wild edible

Oct. 27:

Topic: Bats

Presenter: park staff

Quilt block: bat