Learn to make arrowheads

Spring has sprung and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center has a full schedule of programs coming up in May to celebrate. Some programs require registration in advance so it’s important for nature center guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the center at www.mdc.mo.gov/southwestevents.

One of May’s events that’s always popular is the Primitive Skills: Flint Knapping Demonstration from 1-3 p.m. on May 5. No registration is required for this event where primitive skills specialists Don Brink and Roin Green will transform simple rocks into artistic and functional points similar to ones used by early man for arrowheads and tools. This program is for all ages. People who stop by will also have a chance to try their hand at this ancient skill. Another program that focuses on our outdoors past will be The Art of Conservation: A Visit With Ding Darling from 7-8 p.m. on May 17. Jay Norwood Darling – better known by his nickname “Ding” – was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist whose images helped raise environmental awareness throughout the country in the early 20th century. This program is for all ages. People can register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167067.