The Delta Rivers Nature Center has a variety of upcoming programs:
• Snake and Alligator Feedings – March 10 and March 25. Learn about the venomous and non-venomous snakes of Arkansas and observe the differences in how they eat their live prey. Snake and alligator feedings will begin at 3:15 p.m. (after the 3 p.m. eagle feedings.)
• Plant Swap – March 11. The plant swap begins at 10 a.m. Bring up to five plants, cuttings or bulb/seed packets to swap. “Please be sure to label anything you bring to swap,” a spokesman said. Also, visitors may visit the nature center’s exhibits trails and gift shop.
• Nature Crafts: Bottle Bird House – March 18. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., visitors can make a bottle bird house out of recycled bottles. All materials provided and the event is fun for all ages, a spokesman said.
• Boater Education Class – March 21. Anyone born after 1985 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must have successfully completed an approved AGFC Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. This course teaches the fundamentals of safe boating necessary to reduce loss of life, personal injury and property damage, while increasing the boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. Registration is required and participants must attend the entire class from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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• Birds of Prey – March 21. Visitors can see some of Arkansas’ birds of prey up close and learn about hawks, owls, eagles and falcons from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Laser Shots – March 21. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. participants can come try the Laser Shot Machines and try their hand at shooting ducks, quail or one of the shooting galleries to test their speed and accuracy. This is for any age.
• Fun with Fish – March 22. “Children will have a ton of fun at this spring break activity,” a spokesman said. “They will learn all about fish anatomy, practice their casting skills by playing Fish Bingo, compete in a scavenger hunt and play Back Yard Bass from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Archery – March 22 and March 24. This workshop is for anyone who is new to archery. Participants can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, then shoot as much as they like during the workshop. March 22, the session is 1-3 p.m. March 24, it’s from 10-11:30 a.m.
• Nature Crafts: Reptile Craft – March 23. From 1-2:30 p.m., participants may bring children and make a reptile craft. All materials are provided.
• Fun with Reptiles and Herping – March 23. “Do you love animals? Do you like playing in the mud and looking for critters? Have you ever spent time turning over logs and rocks looking for critters? If you have, then you have been herping,” the spokesman said. “Learn the do’s and don’ts of herping so that you can enjoy nature and keep both you and live organisms safe. Let’s go herping along our mile and a half long trail and see what herps you find. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and long pants.” The event is from 10 a.m. to noon.
• BB Gun Basics – March 24. Learn the ins and outs of shooting a BB gun. The inflatable range will be open to the public. Practice target shooting or shoot for the first time in a simple and supervised manner from 1-3 p.m.
• Nature Crafts: Ornate Box Turtle Craft – March 25. Participants may bring their children to make their own Ornate Box Turtle to take home from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Turtle Hurdles Program – March 25. “Do all turtles swim? How are turtles different from other reptiles? Why are so many turtles threatened with extinction? Come learn what adaptations have helped this ancient animal survive and be so unique. Learn how you can positively affect the future of turtles.” The session is from 1-2 p.m.
The Delta Rivers Nature Center is located in Regional Park. Programs on this announcement are free because of the 1/8 cent conservation sales tax. Details: http://www.deltarivers.com/ or 534-0011.