SATURDAY PARK WORKSHOP WILL HIGHLIGHT WILDFLOWERS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- After a long gray winter, there's nothing more beautiful than the appearance of bright crimson, magenta, blue, gold, orange, and other colors in the many varieties of wildflowers found in Missouri's woods and forests.

To help appreciate this sudden explosion of color and the more than 1,700 native flowering plants behind it, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will sponsor wildflower workshops this weekend at 16 state parks, including Trail of Tears State Park.

The Cape Girardeau County workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the park visitor center, said Greg Henson, naturalist and assistant park superintendent.

"The workshop will start with a 1 hour classroom session during which we'll discuss the parts of wildflowers and plants, and go over field guides and how to use them," Henson said. "After that, we'll go out into the park on a field trip to see what kind of wildflowers we can find."

Henson said the workshop is designed for everyone - from the budding novice to the experienced botanist - who is interested in, and enjoys the beauty of, Missouri's wildflowers.

Henson said the Saturday class is limited to 25 people because of space requirements. "The class is about half-full," he said. "If you plan to come, call the visitor center, 334-1711, as soon as possible to make your reservation."

Henson said the workshop and field trip will be held, rain or shine. "Be sure to bring your raincoat and boots if it's raining," he said, "and don't forget your camera."

For those who cannot attend this Saturday's workshop, Henson said another wildflower workshop will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at the visitor center. Again, reservations are required.