FEBRUARY 6 BALD EAGLE VIEWING. Montauk State Park. Take advantage of an outstanding opportunity to view bald eagles as they soar over Montauk State Park. This is the first of two eagle-viewing events the Montauk park naturalist will be hosting in February (the second will be on February 21 at 3:30 p.m.). The events are both free and open to the public. Join us to watch as the eagles glide across the skies above Montauk Valley. An active eagle's nest in the park will also be viewed. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available, but you are encouraged to bring your own binoculars and camera. Dress appropriately for the weather. We will meet at the stone shelter at 9 a.m. For more information, call (573) 548-2225.
FEBRUARY 9 LAST DAY OF 2008 - 2009 WINTER CATCH-AND-RELEASE SEASON. Bennett Spring State Park, Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park. The winter catch-and-release season, which started on November 14, 2008, ends at 4:00 p.m. (The winter catch-and-release season is always the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February.)
FEBRUARY 20 MID-MISSOURI CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED'S 2009 CONSERVATION BANQUET. Columbia, Missouri. The MMTU banquet will be held again this year at the Stoney Creek Inn, 2601 S. Providence Road, in Columbia. Among the items on the auction are Hardy, St. Croix, and Orvis fly rods, Lamson fly reels, guided trips in Colorado and on the White and Eleven Point Rivers, a trout carving by Big Sky Carvers, and a graphite fly rod custom built by Dean Rapp on an Orvis blank. Come have a great time and help us fund our many important projects. For tickets, please call (573) 881-3969. For more information about Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited see www.midmotu.org. For information about National Trout Unlimited, go to www.tu.org.
FEBRUARY 21 BALD EAGLE VIEWING. Montauk State Park. This is the second of two eagle-viewing events conducted by the Montauk park naturalist (the first was on February 6th). Join us as we watch eagles gliding across the skies above Montauk Valley. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available, but you are encouraged to bring your own binoculars and camera. Dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, call (573) 548-2225.
FEBRUARY 21 ALL DAY MEETING WITH ED JAWOROWSKI. Creve Coeur Government Center. The 2009 all day meeting of the Ozark Fly Fishers will be held at the Creve Coeur Government Center on New Ballas Road and will feature Ed Jaworowski. For more information, visit www.ozarkflyfishers.org.
FEBRUARY 21 CHAD MASON, HOSTED BY THE HEART OF AMERICA FLY FISHERS. Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. This year, the Heart of America Fly Fishers spring program will feature Chad Mason and will be held at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, located at 4750 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. A continental breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00. The cost for nonmembers is $50. For more information, call Don Grundy at (816) 781-9019 or Dick Martin at (816) 781-9557. For more information, go to www.hoaff.org.
FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 1 CFM 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The Conservation Federation of Missouri will hold its 73rd annual conference this year at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake of the Ozarks. For more information, visit CFM's website at www.confedmo.org. Note: CFM plans to hold its annual conventions the last weekend of February for the next two years, so mark your calendars now.
MARCH 1 OPENING DAY OF 2009 MISSOURI STATE CATCH-AND-KEEP TROUT SEASON. Bennett Spring State Park, Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park. Many BIG fish will greet the large numbers of enthusiastic anglers on this exciting first day of the regular trout season. An Ozark tradition! For more information about Opening Day, see www.missouritrout.com/news.html. For park hours, visit www.missouritrout.com/parkhours.html .
MARCH 8 START OF 2009 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins the second Sunday in March (March 8th), and ends the first Sunday in November (November 1st).
MARCH 12 MEETING OF THE MISSOURI CONSERVATION COMMISSION. Roaring River State Park Inn & Conference Center. The regular open meeting will start Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, go to http://www.missouritrout.com/news.html .
MARCH 14 MONTAUK ARBOR DAY. Montauk State Park. Free tree seedlings will be handed out to park visitors at Montauk Lodge between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Let's take time to grow a tree for future generations. Plant a tree at home and let's help "Shade America!" Trees provided courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation's George O. White State Forest Nursery. For more information about Montauk Lodge, visit www.missouritrout.com/montauklodge.
MARCH 19 -21 SOW BUG ROUNDUP 2009. Mountain Home, Arkansas. The North Arkansas Fly Fishers will kick off the spring trout season with the twelfth annual Sow Bug Roundup, to be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Family Life Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas. This event will have fly tying demonstrations, seminars, fly casting instruction, drawings, auctions, and more. Admission is $5.00 for adults for all three days. Kids under 12 admitted free when accompanied by a parent. For more information, visit the website of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers at www.northarkansasflyfisher.org.
MARCH 21 MEN'S TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT. Montauk State Park. A trout tournament will be held for gentlemen of any age. Two classes in the tournament include fly and bait categories. Two winners in each class, heaviest trout and heaviest stringer of trout. Gift certificates will be awarded to winners. Participants can register for the tournament in the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Tournament hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Saving Time.
MARCH 28 LADIES' TROUT TOURNAMENT. Montauk State Park. Ladies of any age can participate in this trout fishing tournament. Participants will register at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge (website www.missouritrout.com/montauklodge). Two classes of fishing will be allotted, one for fly fishing and the other for bait fishing. Two winners in each class, heaviest trout, and heaviest stringer of trout. Gift certificates will be awarded to winners that are redeemable for merchandise at the Montauk Lodge. Tournament hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Saving Time.
APRIL 3 - 4 STREAM TEAM WORKSHOP. Montauk State Park. Learn how to monitor stream conditions and form a stream team in your area. Watershed mapping, stream discharge measurements and biological monitoring along with emphasis on education of watershed importance is covered in this informative two-day session to be held in the J. Ben Searcy Building Meeting Room. There is no charge for the workshop, but registration is required. For more information about this event, call (573) 548-2201. For information about Missouri steam teams, visit the Missouri Stream Team Website at www.mostreamteam.org or call Mark Van Patten at (573) 522-4115, ext. 3892.
APRIL 4 WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP. Roaring River State Park. This workshop will be an educational study of native wildflowers in various habitats found throughout Roaring River State Park. Interesting folklore and medicinal purposes as well as structure of the flower will be discussed. Wildflower lovers will be identifying various wildflowers found in their habitat by driving and hiking around the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your camera for a time of fun and education. Reservations may be made online or by calling the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center at (417) 847-3742.
APRIL 11 SPRING WILDFLOWER EVENT. Montauk State Park. This event includes a study guide and hands-on wildflower search. This educational activity will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pre-register at the park office or call (573) 548-2201 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for registration.
APRIL 12 EASTER SUNDAY LUNCHEON BUFFET. Montauk State Park. A very special Easter Sunday Food Buffet will be prepared and served by the chefs of the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge and will be available for diners in the Lodge restaurant between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
APRIL 18 SPRING WILDFLOWER EVENT. Montauk State Park. This event includes a study guide and hands-on wildflower search. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will aid visitors in identifying later spring blooming wildflowers. Pre-register at the park office or call (573) 548-2201 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
APRIL 18 TRI-LAKES FLY FISHING EXPO. Bolivar. For more information about the 7th annual expo of the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers, please contact Terry Wilson at (417) 777-2467 or by e-mail at terrywil@windstream.net.
APRIL 25 BIRDS OF PREY FLY IN MONTAUK. Montauk State Park. Feel the breeze of a bird's wing as it flies overhead. The avian ambassadors of the World Bird Sanctuary will present this interactive program that features live hawks, owls, vultures, bald eagle, and falcons. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and is free. While the audience enjoys a close, personal look at these raptors, one may just fly inches above their heads! Guests will meet at the open field adjacent to Montauk Lodge and bring along a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Don't miss this special program.
MAY 2 SPRING KIDS' FISHING DAY - BENNETT & MONTAUK. Bennett Spring State Park and Montauk State Park. Kids 15 and under get a free daily tag on this day, plus there will be special attractions to delight the young anglers. Portions of the stream will be reserved for kids fifteen and under. Rainbow trout will be restocked all day long. Volunteers will be on hand to help kids fish. Prizes, contests, exhibits, fly-fishing classes, free hotdogs, soda, and other free items. For more information, visit www.missouritrout.com/kidsfishingday.html and http://www.missouritrout.com/news.html. Note: similar events will be held at Maramec Spring Park and Roaring River State Park on May 16th, 2009.
MAY 7 SENIORS CITIZENS' TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT. Montauk State Park. This trout tournament will be open to any man or woman 60 years of age or older. Two classes will be designated, fly or bait. Two prizes will be awarded to winners in each class for heaviest trout, and heaviest stringer of trout. Gift certificates will be presented to the winners upon completion of the tournament. Registration will be at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Tournament hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
MAY 9 DOGWOOD CAR & TRUCK FESTIVAL. Roaring River State Park. The 23nd Annual Dogwood Car and Truck Festival will feature great awards and cash prizes for contestants, with music by "The Right Sound." For more information go to www.cassville.com, and for a recap of a previous year's event be sure to see http://showmecarsmag.tripod.com/id38.htm.
MAY 9 LIVE HUMMINGBIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION. Montauk State Park. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to get a close-up look at the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Join researcher and master bird bander Lanny Chambers of Fenton, Missouri, as he captures and studies these fascinating little flying machines. Learn about these hummingbirds as Chambers researches and bands them between 12 Noon and 4 p.m. These demonstrations will take place in the campground at the campground host campsite (campsite #401) and are free.
MAY 10 MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL SUNDAY BUFFET. Montauk State Park. Bring your Mother to a Sunday Food Buffet distinctively prepared with Mom in mind on this very special day. The chefs of the Montauk Lodge will be rendering some of their finest cuisine and assembling it on a decorated serving buffet that will be available between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for Mom and her family's dining pleasure.
MAY 16 SPRING KIDS' FREE FISHING DAY - MARAMEC & ROARING. Maramec Spring Park and Roaring River State Park. Kids 15 and under get a free daily tag on this day, plus there will be special attractions to delight the young anglers. This really is an event that is great for the kids. Don't forget to bring your camera! For more information, visit www.missouritrout.com/kidsfishingday.html and http://www.missouritrout.com/news.html .
MAY 16 LIVE TAPING OF "THE TYING BENCH." Montauk State Park. See the living taping of the nationally syndicated PBS television show The Tying Bench, with host Mark Van Patten. The taping will be held at the Mill Area Shelterhouse from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Mark will be tying trout flies specifically designed for use in the Current River, including the Current River Pteranarcsius and Current River Caddis. This is your chance to see a television show being made and to meet Mark Van Patten in person.
MAY 16 - 17 THE 63rd ANNUAL MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION DERBY. Bennett Spring State Park. 100 tagged fish will be stocked in Zones 1 and 2 for the MTFA Spring Derby. Open to the public. Registration required. See www.geocities.com/kcmtfa/Spring_derby_welcome_2009.htm for more information.
MAY 23 - 24 FLY FISHING EXPO. Bennett Spring. A fifth annual fly fishing expo will be hosted by Charlie Reading's Fly Shop near Bennett Spring State Park on Memorial Day Weekend. For more information, call Charlie Reading at (417) 588-4334.
JUNE 6 WOMEN'S FISHING CLINIC. Montauk State Park. A fly fishing clinic will be held at the Montauk Hatchery Headquarters specifically for ladies. Trout fishing techniques will be taught and lures, flies, and baits will be discussed. Meet at the hatchery at 11:00 a.m. Registration is not required. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Montauk Hatchery.
JUNE 6 - 7 FREE FISHING DAYS. Bennett Spring State Park, Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park. Daily trout fishing tag and fishing license will not be required for individuals fishing in the Missouri trout parks on June 6 and 7 (only). Come join in and fish for free during this annual event. (Free fishing weekend is always the weekend following the first Monday in June.) Fishing hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, see www.mdc.mo.gov/events/freefishdays.
JUNE 6 - 7 FLY CASTING AND FISHING CLINIC. Montauk State Park. A fly fishing clinic will be held adjacent to the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge that experienced and proficient anglers will conduct for all ages. Both fly fishing and casting techniques will be demonstrated and participants will be given an opportunity to practice casting techniques in an open field area. Trout park fishing strategies and successful trout fishing tactics will also be discussed. Meet adjacent to the lodge in the large open field at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Registration is not required.
JUNE 14 FLAG DAY/MONTAUK/USA. Montauk State Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the many American Flags that will be on display throughout the park on cabins, the lodge, and in the campground. Celebrate Flag Day in Montauk/Missouri/USA with us!
JUNE 19 - 21 36th ANNUAL HILLBILLY DAYS. Bennett Spring State Park. Arts and crafts show, games for all ages, food, entertainment, and plenty of fun for everyone. For more information about this big event, contact the Lebanon Missouri Chamber of Commerce at (417) 588-3256. (Hillbilly Days is always on Father's Day weekend.)
JULY 5 SUNDAY AT MONTAUK. Montauk State Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to view crafts exhibits and demonstrations in an outdoor shaded area and enjoy bluegrass, folk, and country musicians and dancers perform on stage throughout the day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The historic Montauk Mill will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with special presentations on the history of the Montauk community. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. The event will be held near the Open Shelter House across from the Montauk Mill. Ample parking is available; bring your lawn chairs.
JULY 11 AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS. Montauk State Park. Enjoy a visual trip through the universe and see the night sky’s brightest objects including the moon, planets, stars, nebulas, and galaxies. View the night sky through a large 10” reflecting telescope with local expert astronomer Jerry Johnson. The program starts at 9:00 p.m. and will be held at the old white barn on the Spring Road in the upper end of the park.
AUGUST 8 KIDS' TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT. Montauk State Park. This tournament is limited to 15 year old or under girls or boys. Two age categories: one group will be for ages 11 years and under, and another group will be established for anglers 12 years of age and up to and including 15 years of age. Registration will be at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Two prizes awarded in each age group, for heaviest trout and stringer of trout, by a random drawing of all entries at 2:00 p.m. in the lodge. Gift certificates will be awarded to winners. Tournament hours are 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Other prizes awarded courtesy of the Ray Parker Memorial.
AUGUST 15 - 16 FLY FISHING CLINIC. Montauk State Park. A fly fishing clinic to be held adjacent to the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge (www.missouritrout.com/montauklodge) that will be instructed by experienced and proficient anglers. Both fly fishing and casting techniques will be demonstrated and participants will be given an opportunity to practice casting techniques in an open field area. Trout park fishing strategies and successful trout fishing tactics will also be discussed. Meet adjacent to the lodge in the large open field at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, call the lodge at (573) 548-2434. No registration is necessary to attend this trout fishing clinic.
AUGUST 15 SUMMER'S END CHILDREN'S FREE FISHING DAY. Montauk State Park. No daily trout fishing tag fee will be required for children ages 15 and under on this day only to fish in Montauk State Park. The children must pick up children's free fishing tags at the Lodge on Friday evening after 7:00 p.m. or anytime on Saturday. The tags are required for kids fishing on this day. Youngsters can fish anywhere inside the park, no designated fishing area will be set aside. Adults must have daily trout tag to assist children by holding their fishing rod with their fishing activities. Children: you are invited to join in and fish for free, before the busy school year gets underway.
AUGUST 15 BACK TO SCHOOL KIDS' FISHING DAY. Roaring River State Park. Kids 15 and under get a free daily tag on this day, plus there will be special attractions to delight the young anglers. This really is an event that is great for the kids. Don't forget to bring your camera! For more information, visit www.missouritrout.com/kidsfishingday.html and http://www.missouritrout.com/news.html .
AUGUST 22 LIVE HUMMINGBIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION. Montauk State Park. Take advantage of this second opportunity to get a close-up look at the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Join researcher and master bird bander Lanny Chambers of Fenton, Missouri, as he captures and studies these fascinating little flying machines. Learn about these hummingbirds as Chambers researches and bands them between 12 Noon and 4 p.m. These demonstrations will take place in the campground, at the campground host campsite (campsite #401), and are free.
SEPTEMBER
12 113th
ANNIVERSARY OF MONTAUK MILL. Montauk State Park. Come and celebrate the
anniversary of our historic grist mill. A corn grinding demonstration, antique
equipment displays, Grist Mill tours, and live entertainment will fill the day, along
with old-fashioned games and fun for all. Sack races are popular with the
children. Show horse on display. The event will be held during the
hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
SEPTEMBER 19 - 20 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT. Montauk State Park. Sponsored by Montauk State Park and the Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association. The tournament is open to all visitors. Register to participate in the derby at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge (www.missouritrout.com/montauklodge) on Friday night between 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., or on Saturday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Anglers entering the tournament will pay an entry fee and prizes will be awarded for tagged fish caught during the derby. The prizes will be awarded to all winners on Sunday at 12:00 noon at the J. Ben Searcy Building.
OCTOBER 3 - 4 THE 46th ANNUAL ROSE HOLLAND TROUT DERBY. Montauk State Park. Participants will have the opportunity to fish for tagged trout during this popular fishing derby.
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT
All contributions are welcome!
OCTOBER 9 -11 WONDERS OF WILDLIFE SCHOOL. Roaring River State Park. The National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is a hands-on learning experience for individuals of all ages and offers a great opportunity for families to share quality time together. Participants can choose from several different course topics for both the beginner and experienced outdoor enthusiast. This event is sponsored by the following: Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, United States Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, National Park Service, United States Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Services. For more information about the W.O.W. School, go to the Wonders of Wildlife Website.
OCTOBER 10 -11 OLD IRON WORKS DAYS. Maramec Spring Park. The second full weekend in October is "Old Iron Works Days" at Maramec Spring Park. For more information, visit the "Old Iron Works Days" page on The James Foundation's Web site and be sure to see "Something For Everyone" by Robert Gilmore.
OCTOBER 10 -11 HOLLAND DERBY. Bennett Spring State Park.
OCTOBER 25 A HAUNTING AT THE MONTAUK MILL. Montauk State Park. See bats, hear voices, and see images of Ghosts from the Past. The old Grist Mill is where we bring the past back to life. Come to Montauk Mill on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and experience a unique night tour of the Mill. Hear lingering voices of Ozark pioneers and see mysteries of the deep. Who knows what spirits and historic characters may appear by night from the long times past!
OCTOBER 31 LAST DAY OF 2009 CATCH-AND-KEEP TROUT SEASON. Bennett Spring State Park, Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park. The regular Missouri trout season, which opened March 1st, closes October 31.
NOVEMBER 1 END OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME FOR 2009. Daylight Saving Time (DST), which began the second Sunday in March (March 8th), will end the first Sunday in November (November 1st).
NOVEMBER 13 OPENING DAY OF 2009-2010 WINTER CATCH-AND-RELEASE SEASON. Bennett Spring State Park, Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park. During the winter season Bennett, Montauk, and Roaring are open for fishing from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only. Maramec is open seven days a week. The winter catch-and-release season is always the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February.
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