Family-Outdoors

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  —  Missouri State Parks encourages its visistors to help implement a green initiative, Camp Smart, throughout its park system that will help conserve energy, protect the environment and save money. Reducing energy use will also help Missouri State Parks keep camping fees low. "We are about fun in the outdoors, but we want to conserve our natural resources and be cost effective too. Our Camp Smart initiative allows campers to actively participate in a program that helps keep fees low and conserves energy at our state park campgrounds," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Beginning with the 2012 season, colorful Camp Smart decals will appear on campground electric pedestals providing tips to save energy when visitors are away from their campsite. Every visitor will be able to do their part to help minimize wasted energy at the campground. The...

Image via Wikipedia You can even add a photo of your favorite hunter. JEFFERSON CITY – Shooting that first turkey is a landmark event in a young hunter’s life. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) helps turn such milestones into mementos. MDC’s First Turkey Program gives participants free commemorative certificates suitable for framing. You can even add a photo of the proud hunter with his or her bird. This tangible recognition of young hunters’ achievements provides permanent reminders that can either substitute for or complement a taxidermist’s mount. To create a first- turkey certificate, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/node/10469 . The same site has forms for a youth’s first deer as well as first deer /turkey certificates for adults. The parallel program for anglers is the First Fish Program. The First-Fish certificate form is available at  www.mdc.mo.gov/node/10474 . Missouri remains a national leader in hunter and angler recruitment because of successful youth programs, hu...