Virtual Events

Bobwhite quail maybe the most beloved game bird found in Missouri. Their elusiveness, unique sound, and management make them an intriguing candidate for Creature Feature. Join us to learn about the interwoven connection between bobwhite, land managers, bird hunters, and those who appreciate wildlife.

Creature Feature is a monthly virtual program that aims to educate Missourians about the natural world one species at a time. Register to receive a Webex meeting link to view the program. The meeting link will be sent out a few days before the program as well as the day of the program.

THIS is the Virtual Session- Option 2.

Making soap is fun and can be educational. It’s chemistry, art, and nature all in one! Discover how early Missouri pioneers made soap using the ash from hardwood trees and their fires and the fat from their butchered animals. Don’t worry if you are squeamish! We will use modern-day ingredients to make soap you can take home and use (Lard with some oils, Lye, and Distilled Water). We will go over the science behind soap, how its connected to conservation, and the importance of safety using the ingredients and additives.

You MUST attend one of two virtual presentations in order to make soap on 11/21 due to the nature of this program and safety. After both virtual sessions you will get an email to pick one of the in-person sessions on 11/21 either 10am-1pm (20 spots) or 3-6pm (20 spots). Participants will work in groups of 4 to complete step-by-step instructions and each person will take home their own bars of soap.

This live and interactive program gives an introduction to the Stream Team Program for prospective and new volunteers.

During the session, we will cover:

What Stream Team is and how you can get involved

How to register and create or join a team

How to report your service activities

Where to find events and opportunities near you

The link to the meeting will be sent out the day of the event.

Stream Team is committed to providing equal access to all educational programs. If you need an accommodation for a disability, please contact StreamTeam@mdc.mo.gov at least two business days before the scheduled program.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/curious-by-nature (adults) Studies show that we're living in an increasingly residential world. Across the United States, more than 80% of the population lives in urban areas. Because of this, urban landscapes have an important role to play in supporting biodiversity. Learn about wildlife that has adapted to life in the Anthropocene ear and ways to support nature at home. See parks that strike the balance between outdoor recreation and habitat restoration with Deep Roots KC and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Virtual Vice; Fly Tying at Home. This Month Sam Stewart will be showing us some tips on dying buck tails and will hopefully have time left to show us another large buck tail fly. Save your buck tails from deer season so you can dye them to use on flies throughout the year. have your fly tying tools ready as well if you already have some buck tail ready.

Material list will be up soon.

Winter can be a challenging time for Missouri's birds, but a little help from us can make a big difference! Discover which birds stick around for the winter, what foods they need, and how to create a safe, welcoming feeding station in your own backyard for their enjoyment and yours. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the day of the program. This program will not be recorded.

The animals are hungry! Watch as a Runge naturalist feeds the snakes, aquarium fish, and snapping turtles. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. Registered participants will receive the program link by email both the day before and day of the program.

Keep your backyard birds happy with a homemade suet feeder! Join a naturalist, virtually, to learn about common birds you may see on feeders in winter and receive step-by-step instructions on making your own suet feeder. Registered participants will receive the program link by email both the day before and day of the program.

Hunting Series: Hunting Deer on MDC Conservation Areas in the Missouri Ozarks. This is the fifth virtual program "Movement Patterns of the Rut" and will be on Monday, November 30 from 5:30-6:30 PM. MDC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Peter will discuss strategies to harvest bucks or does after the November firearm season. The link to join this class will be sent by 1 PM the afternoon of Nov. 30th (registration will close at 1 PM). Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov to let him know.

Hunt Program Series:

Wed. 9/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Deer Scouting Using Online Mapping (we hope you were able to attend)

Mon. 10/5 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: On the Ground Scouting & Stand Placement at MDC C.A. (we hope you were able to attend)

Tues. 10/13 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Pre Rut Deer Sign (we hope you were able to attend)

Wed. 10/21 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Movement Patterns of the Rut (we hope you were able to attend)

Mon. 11/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Post Rut and Winter Deer Hunting

You harvested the deer and the steak's ready for dinner. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Why not make some lotions, potions and light? Balms and candles are an easy way to utilize tallow. We will learn easy, low waste ways to use deer fat by making a soothing balm and a hand poured candle. This virtual workshop covers safe rendering and straining techniques, simple balm formulation/making, and candle making methods that you can repeat at home. Participants will discuss how to work with frozen deer fat. Storage, labeling, and basic shelf-life considerations for tallow products will be addressed. Everyone will be prepared to make their own heel balm and candle at home. We will also include directions for body butter and fire starters.

This virtual workshop is ideal for hunters, homesteaders, and anyone interested in traditional and low waste living. Come ready to learn practical skills that honor the whole animal.

*This class will NOT be recorded. You will receive a virtual invite before the program. Please be aware that email updates can go to spam; please check your spam folder and add us to your safe senders to ensure you receive cancellations and updates*