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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently dedicated Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site as the 92nd facility in the Missouri State Parks system.

“This is a very exciting day for Missouri State Parks as we dedicate the 92nd facility,” said Mike Sutherland, Missouri State Parks director. “Our mission of preserving and interpreting Missouri’s finest examples of cultural landmarks continues and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many of you here today.”

Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site now joins other significant African American sites in Missouri, including Scott Joplin House State Historic Site in St. Louis; the Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site in Butler; the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City; and the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond. Each tells its own unique story in Missouri history.

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Primate Canopy Trails, under construction since late 2019, is a 35,000-square-foot outdoor expansion connected to the Primate House. The $13 million exhibit consists of eight new outdoor homes for primates — lemurs, Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. The first-of-its-kind primate habitat and guest experience includes climbing structures that allow guests to explore the forest canopy next to the animals, while learning through play and exploration about conservation challenges primates are facing in the wild — and discovering solutions to help.

This exhibit was made possible by the generosity of many donors, including a meaningful leadership gift from Michael and Quirsis Riney.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Rineys’ charitable support, which will greatly impact both the animals in our care and the experiences of our guests,” said Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President and CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. “This is an amazing and unique exhibit that will help us connect people to animals like never before.”

About the Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy Trails

At Primate Canopy Trails, Zoo guests take a journey from the forest floor, through a see-through tunnel, and up into the treetops on an elevated boardwalk to see monkeys and lemurs in their enriching and engaging state-of-the-art homes and play areas. Expansive climbing structures take guests through the animals’ habitats, mimicking the life of a primate in the tree canopy of a forest.

The new exhibit allows the Zoo to improve animal care, health and well-being of primates by providing access to enriching outdoor habitats, sunlight and fresh air. The 1925 Primate House, which was renovated in 1977 and will continue to be used, had few outdoor habitats available for use by only some of the species over the years. Many of the primates living at the Primate House have never had access to the outdoors until now.

“Being outside is critical for primates’ well-being, and this new habitat is a demonstration of the Zoo’s commitment to providing quality animal care,” says Heidi Hellmuth, Curator of Primates, Saint Louis Zoo.

Find more information below.

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Photo: MDC

What’s the next best thing to experiencing an adventure in person?  Experiencing it live as it happens through modern, live stream technology.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is providing the opportunity for anyone to follow Missouri cave explorers virtually in real time using their computer or mobile device as the group prepares for a subterranean trek.

MDC will hold an Introduction to Caves and Caving virtual program Tuesday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  The event is free and open to all ages.  This is a hybrid event, where 10 pre-scheduled participants will embark on a caving journey, while a virtual audience can follow along as they start their trip.

The event begins with an educational, in-classroom presentation that will cover many aspects of Missouri’s caves.  Participants will learn about these unusual habitats, the life forms that live there, and why we need to protect this unique ecosystem.

“Missouri is known as the Cave State.  It consists of over 7,500 natural caves and some contain unique animal life found nowhere else on earth, such as the Tumbling Creek cavesnail,” said MDC Naturalist, Shelly Colatskie.

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Photo: MDC

Ask people what they feel the most amazing animal on Earth is, and many well tell you—birds.  Humans have long been captivated by their seemingly magical ability to fly freely through the sky.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is teaming up with the World Bird Sanctuary (WBS) to present three free in-person World of Wings events in June to help participants learn more about these fascinating feathered creatures.

The World of Wings events will take place Sunday, June 6, at 11 a.m.; Friday, June 18 at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 27 at 3 p.m.  Each presentation is open for ages 5 and up and will be conducted at the World Bird Sanctuary’s outdoor amphitheater, located at 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road in Valley Park.

Participants will have the opportunity to see live hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and more up close and in person.  WBS naturalists will share their experiences and expertise about the special traits, habits, and unique adaptations these birds possess.  Learn about where birds live, what they eat, how they reproduce, and what sounds they make.  Whether it’s flying, flapping, hopping, skipping, or singing, guests will discover how and why birds do it. They’ll also find out the many ways birds impact the world, from our daily lives to the entire ecosystems.

These programs are made possible by an education cooperative agreement between MDC and the World Bird Sanctuary and are free to attend.  For over 40 years, the World Bird Sanctuary has helped restore the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and American barn owl from near extinction.  They strive to support birds through education, conservation, and rehabilitation.

The World of Wings programs are free, but space is limited, and advanced online registration is required using the following links:

• Sunday June 6, 11 a.m.-noon: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZKn
• Friday June 18, 3-4 p.m.: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZKh
• Sunday June 27, 3-4 p.m.: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZK7

Participants are reminded to dress for the weather as the program will be held outdoors.  For the safety of participants and our staff, MDC asks all guests to observe social distancing guidelines and maintain at least six feet from others.  Bringing and wearing face coverings are encouraged when indoors, or any time visitors are unable to maintain at least six feet from others.

MDC offers many free educational programs in the St. Louis region to help people discover nature, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.  Stay informed by going to the MDC St. Louis reginal events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.