A Hannibal Parks & Recreation nature program at the Rec Center gives families a chance to help feathered friends in the cold weather. Feed the Birds nature program will be 6-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, The program is for children and adults, ages 5 and up.

The program will be conducted by Gale Rublee, a certified nature interpreter guide and member of the National Association for Interpretation and Association of Missouri Interpreters.  “Feeding our feathered friends when it’s cold helps them survive the winter plus allows us to observe them close to home,” she said.

Each participant will learn about Missouri’s winter birds and make a special treat for birds to hang in the yard. “Watching birds at your feeder during the barren winter months is a great way to stay connected with nature,” Rublee said.

Reservations are required by calling 573-221-0154 or emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.

Rublee has more than 25 years of experience as a nature educator. She is a founding member of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists chapter in Hannibal and is coordinator and teacher for the Bluff City Theater Youth Education in Theater Initiative.