BRANSON, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a free program Friday, Oct. 17, for those wanting to learn more about the benefits of spiders.

“Craft and Class: Spiders!” will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center, part of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. The program is suggested for ages 13 and up, and registration is required here.

The MDC says Missouri is home to around 480 species of spiders. Estimates suggest about 11,000 spiders inhabit a typical acre of Missouri forest and more than two million can be found in an acre of grassland.

Though many people fear spiders, MDC Administrative Assistant China Lapach says the creatures are beneficial, according to a news release.

“Many spiders often consume

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