Events

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon (adults) Spring is stirring in the Midwest. Take a virtual tour of the native gardens at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by Cydney Ross, Outdoor Program Manager with Deep Roots KC, this program features a live look at native plants of interest plus landscaping tips and tricks. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

In partnership with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, we bring you Wildlife Photographer Noppadol Paothong. He will focus on how to take better impact photographs that tell a story and give tips and personal decisions on how to create images that go beyond just a snapshot.

Nature's Needlers, a program combining nature with quilting, is back! This monthly series features a nature presentation along with a customized quilt block pattern to take home and complete at your own pace. The 2024 theme is "Missouri's Conservation Success Stories."

May: Eastern bluebirds (our fifth quilt block) were once very scarce in Missouri, but now their annual return is eagerly anticipated as a sign that spring has finally arrived. Steve and Regina Garr from Birds-I-View, have been extensively involved with bluebirds, and will share the remarkable story of their restoration to Missouri, and elsewhere. Registration required. Ages 18+

Date: May 17th

Location: Stephens Lake Park

Join us for a family fishing day in the park! Fishing poles, tackle, bait, and instruction will be provided. This is a great opportunity for anyone you know who is interested in fishing but does not have the gear to do so. Anyone is welcome. Stop by to grab a fishing pole and start fishing!

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult AT ALL TIMES.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit during this event.

Registration is NOT required to attend.

Please email Huston Spellman, Community Education Assistant with questions.

Huston.Spellman@mdc.mo.gov 573-815-7900 ext. 2926

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7 -15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.

Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. For assistance with registration please email the program instructor.

Lesson 3 & 4 are part of the Discover Nature-Fishing Lesson series. Lesson 3 & 4 are appropriate for adults and families with children ages 7 and older.

Join fly fishing enthusiast Michael Fiehler for a beginner’s guide to fly fishing. This hands on program will start you on a relaxing and rewarding journey as you explore basic casting techniques. No experience required and all equipment is provided. Please note there are two identical sessions of this program offered to better fit your schedule, please only register for one day. This program will be held largely outside, so please dress accordingly. In the event of rainy weather the program may be rescheduled.