(AP) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The state has recognized Joplin and Kirksville for their efforts to get children outside.

The Department of Natural Resources says the two cities have been designated Missouri Children in Nature communities for having places and programs that encourage children to get outdoors.

The Children in Nature Challenge was designed to get communities to enhance children's education about nature and to increase opportunities for kids to experience nature.

To complete the challenge, communities must meet several criteria, including providing outdoor activities and events and encouraging the use of nature-based curriculum in schools.

The cities of Des Peres and Jackson also completed the challenge this spring, and Springfield completed it in 2011.

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