Kids enjoyed learning about Missouri River fish conservation while putting together a "fish puzzle" at the Eco Art Festival on the Missouri River, near Columbia, Missouri. - FWS photo

Columbia FRO biologists Nick Utrup, Cliff Wilson, biological technician Derek Eisenbrei and Columbia Ecological Services Field Office biologist Jill Utrup, attended the fist annual Eco Art Festival at Coopers Landing on October 1. Coopers Landing is located on the beautiful Missouri River, just south of Columbia Missouri. 

The Eco Art Festival was created by two nonprofit organizations, Missouri River Cultural Conservancy and Missouri River Communities Network; and was hosted by Mike Cooper (owner of Coopers Landing) to celebrate the continued rehabilitation and conservation of the Missouri River and to promote “eco-friendly” living. 

Along with Columbia FRO and ES, booths were set up by various organizations from around the area, including U.S. Geological Survey, Friends of the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Stream Team, and the Audubon Society.  

Columbia FRO biologists collected live fish for display allowing attendees the opportunity to learn fish identification, morphology and general life history characteristics of river fish and the role each plays in the river ecosystem. 

Children enjoyed touching the fish and interacting with living organisms from the Missouri River. A sport fish identification puzzle was also set up to provide children another way to learn different types of sport fishes while having fun.  Everyone participating to assemble the puzzle was awarded a fish poster and T-shirt with a sturgeon imprint.  In all, the day was a huge success with family participation from around the area.