FEBRUARY 1 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 February 23). 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 grist mill at 9 a.m. For more information, call (573) 548-2225.
FEBRUARY 11 LAST DAY OF 2007 - 2008 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 9, 2007, 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 22 - 24 CFM 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The Conservation Federation of Missouri will hold its annual convention 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 three years, so mark your calendars now.
FEBRUARY 22 MID-MISSOURI CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED'S 2008 CONSERVATION BANQUET. Columbia, Missouri. The MMTU banquet will be held this year at the Stoney Creek Inn, 2601 S. Providence Road, in Columbia. For more information visit Mid-Missouri TU's website located at www.midmotu.org.
FEBRUARY 23 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 1st). 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. Meet at the grist mill at 9 a.m. For more information, call (573) 548-2225.
MARCH 1 OPENING DAY OF 2008 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 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 9 START OF 2008 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins the second Sunday in March (March 9th), and ends the first Sunday in November (November 2nd).
MARCH 13 -15 SOW BUG ROUNDUP 2008. Mountain Home, Arkansas. The North Arkansas Fly Fishers will kick off the spring trout season with the eleventh 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 Web site of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers at www.northarkansasflyfisher.org.
MARCH 15 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 23 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.
MARCH 29 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 5 SPRING WILDFLOWER EVENT. Montauk State Park. This event includes a study guide and hands-on wildflower search. This educational activity will be held during the period of 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 FISHING FOR THE STARS. Montauk State Park. Professional storyteller Gale Portman, a member of MO-TELL and the St. Louis Gateway Storytellers, spins an interesting yarn that visitors of all ages will enjoy about the history of the Ozarks, folk lore, astronomy, fishes, and animals. Drawing from her childhood, love of nature, and acting experience, Gale paints vivid pictures for her audiences' imaginations. She encourages audience participation by giving them a part to play or a song to sing. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Amphitheater in the Montauk campground.
APRIL 19 SPRING WILDFLOWER EVENT. Montauk State Park. This event includes a study guide and hands-on wildflower search. It will be held during the period of 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 26 EARTH DAY FAIR. Roaring River State Park. An Earth Day Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center. The event will feature free tree saplings, handouts, and souvenirs. There will be videos and children's activities throughout the day.
APRIL 26 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 3 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 17th, 2008.
MAY 8 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 10 DOGWOOD CAR & TRUCK FESTIVAL. Roaring River State Park. The 22nd 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 10 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 at the Park Naturalist's Headquarters and are free.
MAY 11 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 17 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 24 - 25 FLY FISHING EXPO. Bennett Spring. A fourth annual fly fishing expo will be hosted by Charlie Reading's Fly Shop near Bennett Spring State Park on Memorial Day Weekend. The hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 27. For more information, call Charlie Reading at (417) 588-4334.
JUNE 7 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 7 MONTAUK STATE PARK'S OPEN HOUSE FOR PARK VISITORS. Montauk State Park. An open house will be held at the Outdoor Amphitheater located in the campground to give visitors an opportunity to ask questions and receive some useful information pertaining to future development and direction of Montauk State Park. Visitors may also review the park's stream and natural resource management plans. The meeting will be held from 8:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Please make plans to attend this informative meeting.
JUNE 7 - 8 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 7 and 8 (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.
JUNE 7 - 8 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 14 - 15 35th 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 6 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.
AUGUST 9 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 16 - 17 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 16 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 16 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 23 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 at the Park Naturalist's Headquarters and are free.
SEPTEMBER
6 112th
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 13 - 14 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 4 - 5 THE 45th ANNUAL ROSE HOLLAND TROUT DERBY. Montauk State Park. Participants will have the opportunity to fish for tagged trout during this popular fishing derby. Anglers catching tagged trout will receive prizes awarded on Sunday, just after the derby ends at 12 noon. A country store, bake sale, evening auction, health screening clinic, children's activities, a "Hike for your Heart," and live musical performances will fill the weekend with fun, entertainment, and excitement for all.
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT
All contributions are welcome!
OCTOBER 10 -12 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 11 -12 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 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 2007 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 2 END OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME FOR 2008. Daylight Saving Time (DST), which began the second Sunday in March (March 9th), will end the first Sunday in November (November 2nd).
NOVEMBER 14 OPENING DAY OF 2008-2009 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.
NOVEMBER 27 THANKSGIVING DINNER BUFFET. Montauk State Park. A traditional full course Thanksgiving dinner, assembled by the splendid kitchen staff for this very special holiday, will be served in an enchanting fireside setting or in the dining room at the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge (website www.missouritrout.com/montauklodge) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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