Family-Outdoors

Do you love nature? Have you ever wanted to capture that perfect sunrise, or that colorful flower, only to be confounded by the buttons and knobs on your camera? Learn how easy nature photography can be on Saturday, May 12 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville . Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the workshop will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in the park’s enclosed shelter and is open to the public. Emily Burke, the park’s naturalist and a hobby nature photographer, will lead the class. This course is designed for beginning and amateur photographers, and will discuss what makes the difference between a snapshot and a masterpiece. Bring your DIGITAL camera (yes, even a camera phone) to find out what all the bells and whistles do, and where and how to line up the perfect shot. It's easier than you think!   This course is free, but limited spaces are available. Please call Thousand Hills State Park at 660-665-6995 if you have questions, or would like to RSVP. If...

 (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...