Events

This hike is a follow-up to Hike 101 but all are welcome. We will determine a starting point by looking at a topographic map of Rockwoods Reservation. Learn more about hiking basics as we hike the trail we have chosen.

Meet at the Pavilion. Dress for the weather, closed toe shoes are required for hiking.

From fluttering wings to tiny paws, we'll discover how pollinators help flowers bloom and fruit grow!

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plant and animals found in the State of Missouri. We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. No reservations are needed, so drop by the lobby of the Forest Park Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor Center & Educations Center any time between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! We will have free and fun activities for adults and children alike. Discover ways you can help bird conservation at the Howard Woods Urban Outreach Office, Brightside Demo Garden, and St. Louis Public Library- Kingshighway Branch to earn a bird-friendly prize.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

What's all this buzz about bees? We'll discuss bee species native to Missouri, the life cycle of a bee, and why bees are important to our ecosystem.

There will also bee a movie and a game of BEE-NGO! It is sure to be a great time!

Please contact Lance Lewis, Community Education Assistant with any questions.

Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov

Registration required (ages 12+) Knowing the basics for constructing a simple shelter to escape the weather or spend the night in a wilderness situation is a valuable skill. Building forts and tipis in your backyard with your kids can also be a valuable skill plus a lot of fun! You will learn how to use rope lashing to build a simple pole structure and how to stay dry on your next camping trip with a tarp and guy lines. Plus, other fun camping/shelter hacks to get you ready for the summer camping season. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Join us in exploring the natural wonders inside Hunter’s Cave at Three Creeks Conservation Area (Boone County). Pack a water bottle and dress for the weather; an additional layer may be desired as cave temperatures are usually 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit. Participants will be walking in water so rubber boots or closed-toe shoes that can get wet are required. Hard hats and flashlights provided, but feel free to bring your own. Access to the cave requires a 15-minute hike in hilly, at times steep terrain and entering a small gate with an opening that is approximately three feet tall by two feet wide. Transportation from Runge will not be provided. Participants will meet at Three Creeks. Details, including directions on where to meet, will be emailed in advance. Registration required. Ages 18+

Join Volunteer Naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6-mile loop trail.

Natural light is important to help balance and guide our natural world, especially at night. In urban areas such as St. Louis, you may not even be able to see the stars due to mass amounts of light, otherwise known as light pollution, being shown in the area. Hear about light pollution, how it effects our wildlife, and learn ways to help lend a hand to those who need the night sky. We will make a moving and impactful postcard craft that will be put on display for visitors to look at, and then we will mail you your postcards after they’re taken down so you can remember the program.

Meet an MDC naturalist in Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center classrooms C and D.