Two hundred years ago Lewis and Clark explored the Missouri River and described a land of vast resources and natural beauty. Visit our lobby mural and workshop hosts to learn more about the Corps of Discovery.

Another link to the past is the reuse of building materials for the Discovery Center. These include masonry and lumber artifacts salvaged from demolished Kansas City buildings. Examine the masonry artifacts in our walls, the roof decking overhead, and wooden display fixtures in the Nature Shop and workshop windows.

Knowledge and skills to enjoy, protect and enhance Missouri's natural heritage are acquired in six hands-on workshops. Registered groups can participate in:

• Nature's Bounty - Learn ethics of hunting, fishing and harvesting wild edibles.
• Nature's Garden - Use native plants for landscaping.
• Exploring the Outdoors - Learn skills to enjoy hiking, birding and camping.
• Nature's Palette - Explore and express appreciation of nature through the visual arts.
• Woodworking for Wildlife - Learn habitat requirements for wildlife and build nest boxes and feeders.
• Nature's Aquarium - Study watershed models and perform water quality investigations.

The use of native plants in our gardens demonstrates urban landscaping options. Missouri ecosystems are showcased through small versions of upland and lowland forests, prairies and wetlands. Specialty planting areas include hummingbird, butterfly, wildflower and water gardens.

You can help care for the present by joining the conservation and education efforts of the Discovery Center's Volunteer Corps

Several "Green Design" architectural features are integrated into the Discovery Center facility. Alternative energy sources include a geothermal heat pump, plus active and passive solar features.

The Living Machine mimics nature as it cleans wastewater on-site, reuses treated water to flush toilets, and supplies the wetlands outdoors.

Environmentally friendly building materials include calcium-silicate masonry units, glue-laminated beams, and stabilized-earth pavement trails. Bioswales in the parking lot hold and treat runoff before it empties into the storm water system.

Buying recycled products is a very important step in the recycling process. Countertops, paints, carpet squares and restroom stall partitions all contain postconsumer, recycled materials.