Events

Welcome Summertime with a guided public tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! Join a Naturalist to learn the difference between the Rainbow and Brown Trout raised at the hatchery, then visit the raceways and discover the amazing trout-raising process! And for just a quarter, you can feed the fish, too! Tours will meet at the large trout aquarium inside the Conservation Education Center.

Tours will be held four times daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning May 26th and continuing through Friday, September 4th. (The Hatchery will be closed for state holidays on June 19th and July 4th.)

All ages are invited, and no registration is required. For questions, call us at 417-334-4865 ext. 0, or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (June 10 & 24).

Archery is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed while taking in the great outdoors. This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow and will include lots of hands-on practice. Let Missouri Department of Conservation be your guide to exploring a new outdoor skill.

Following NASP requirements, all participants must be ages 9 and up. The equipment that is used is designed for ages 9 and up to be able to safely handle, nock and arrow, and shoot the bow. Participants aged 9 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult. No children under the age of 9 will be permitted on the archery range.

This event is for those who want to experience the sport of archery in a structured, supportive environment. All equipment will be provided, please do not bring your own equipment. Close toed shoes are required and dress for the weather as we will be outdoors.

Nature’s Needlers is a monthly series pairing professional presentations with take-home quilt block patterns that match the featured topic. The 2026 theme is “Nocturnal Nature”, and June focuses on the firefly, or as some call it, lightning bug! Participants must attend to receive the pattern. Registration is required and it opens May 15. Ages 16+

Nature can be so noisy at night! During the summer, there are so many sounds to be heard after the sun goes down. Join us for Little Acorns: Night Noises to discover what critters are making all that noise! Also, make a fun craft to take home with you!

Archery is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed while taking in the great outdoors. This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow and will include lots of hands-on practice. Let Missouri Department of Conservation be your guide to exploring a new outdoor skill.

This program is designed specifically for participants within the designated age range. To ensure activities are developmentally appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for all participants, only participants who fall within the stated age range may attend. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a positive and age-appropriate environment for everyone involved.

This event is for those who want to experience the sport of archery in a structured, supportive environment. All equipment will be provided, please do not bring your own equipment. Close toed shoes are required and dress for the weather as we will be outdoors.

Bring your family and join us for some creek fun at Litz Park. Participants will meet at the parking lot next to the pickle ball courts at Litz Park and take a short walk to the stream. Here we will splash, play, and learn about the critters that call Missouri’s streams home. This program requires a short walk down a steep hill with uneven stairs and uneven terrain. Each family member must register for the camp. Please wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet, there will not be a place to change clothing.

Do you love biking… and birding? Then this program is for you! Join us for a leisurely, evening bike ride to go birdwatching on Mokane Road in Callaway County, north of Jefferson City. Mokane Road is one of the top birding hotspots in Central Missouri and all birding experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Missouri Department of Conservation Airport Hangar on the south side of the Jefferson City Airport; directions will be provided in an email before the program. Biking will be a maximum of 7 miles at a leisurely pace. Binoculars, bikes, and helmets will be provided for all that need them, but feel free to bring your own. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Step into the glowing world of fireflies and discover the magic behind their flickering lights. In this interactive virtual program, participants will explore the fascinating diversity of firefly species, learn how these tiny insects use the light to communicate, and uncover surprising facts about their behavior. Perfect for curious minds of all ages– no bug spray required!

**Please note a reminder email with a link to the Webex will be sent 24 hours prior to the event. A second email will also be sent once registration closes to ensure you receive the Webex link. Please be sure to check spam folder.

Join us in learning cowboy action shooting. During the class we will discover the adventure of cowboy action shooting and how to join in on the fun. The classroom portion will consist of safety rules, regulations, style, methods of shooting, appropriate clothing, firearm choices and much more. Then we will head to the range and work on our shooting skills and techniques. You may bring your own handguns for this class. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines. Must be 18 years of age or older.