Events

Copperheads conjure up curiosity, mystery, and even fear. In truth they are one of Missouri’s most intriguing and often least understood venomous snakes.

Dr. Ben Jellen has conducted a study of copperheads at Powder Valley Nature Center over a period of five years. Learn about his latest findings at this special virtual presentation.

Participants attending this virtual program must include a valid email address when registering for the program. A WebEx link will be sent to all registered participants 24 hours before the program.

Join our instructors as we learn the fundamentals of shooting archery. This program begins in the Education Center then moves to the static archery range. This is a fun program for the entire family, ages 9 and up

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Shoal Creek Conservation Center for Birds and Brews! This partnership program gives anyone (14 years old and older) an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee and explore the world of spring bird migration through a short walk by Shoal Creek. The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on some uneven trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. This event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark Gateway Audubon Chapter, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area (Maries County); 6 miles – difficult. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+

Catch and Release fishing from Hatchery ponds. Event will be located at the Hatchery Office. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing poles and lures will be provided for those that need them.

To sign up a child, you will have to click "Create an Account" for each child who plans to attend if they do not already have one. This account will be good for any future events as well. You may also add the child's account(s) to your "group account" for easier future management.

For questions or more information contact Blind Pony Hatchery at 660-335-4531.

Join us to discover the basics of responsible handgun ownership and the joys of shooting. We will cover safety, handgun nomenclature, sight picture, sight alignment, breath control, trigger squeeze, and much more. During the live fire portion, .22 handguns and ammunition will be provided. 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.

With the icy winds of winter giving way spring wildflowers start to bloom. Join us at Saint Francois State Park for a hike along a 3.4 mile trail. This trail follows the Current River before climbing 300ft in elevation and looping back. Pack your lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery when we stop to eat. The difficulty of Swimming Deer Trail is moderately-difficult due to the 300ft elevation gain along the middle of the trail. Participants will meet at the nature center and carpool to the state park.

Join us for the gift of wildflowers courtesy of Mother Nature. Hike a 3 ½ mile natural trail that loops through meadows, woods and along streams; or turn back after the first mile. A short stop will be made at the platform overlooking the Meramec River Valley where participants can turn back. We will stop, admire, and discuss the different flowers in bloom along the trail. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring water and snacks if desired. Meet in the parking lot at Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area.

MDC and partners hold clean up and Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day May 11 in O’Fallon Park

The whole family is invited to celebrate nature and help with environmental justice action to beautify the park.

Nature is part of everyone’s neighborhood. Whether it’s the calming shade of a tree, the beauty of potted wildflowers, or pollinating bees that help a vegetable garden grow, nature makes life better even in the city.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), North Newstead Association, and earthday365, the City of St. Louis and 11th Ward Alderwoman Laura Keys are hosting the Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in St. Louis’ O’Fallon Park, 4343 West Florissant Avenue. Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day is free, and open to all ages. This year's event will feature a range of fun activities and educational opportunities designed to connect families with nature, as well as a cleanup effort to help keep the park clean and beautiful.

The event begins with the cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon to pick up litter in the park. Families are encouraged to participate in the cleanup, which will provide a great opportunity for parents and children to work together and learn about the importance of taking care of our environment.

Participants will be supplied with trash bags and gloves to help clean up litter in O’Fallon Park and make it a better place for people and wildlife. Volunteers will be treated to two scoops from Scoops Italian Ice Truck, as well as hot dogs and chips! Participants can even enter a raffle at the event for a chance to win free prizes Trash bashers can pre-register for the cleanup at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Qh.

From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the event will feature a nature-based Family Fun Day with a host of interactive educational displays to help participants learn about nature, the environment, and wildlife. Visitors can explore tables from community and environmental organizations. Nature programs and activities for families will include learning to fish and discovering birds that live in the park. There will also be chances to see the O’Fallon Park’s amazing heron and egret rookery.

MDC is leading a partnership to restore natural habitat to O’Fallon Park through its Back to Nature St. Louis Grant.

The mission of earthday365 is to inspire and mobilize a collaborative movement towards an equitable and environmentally sustainable St. Louis region – every day.

This event is made possible by Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration in partnership with MDC and earthday365.

An early stage social engagement session for persons with early stage dementia and their care partner. Did you know that getting outdoors, interacting with nature, and learning new skills have shown to have positive benefits for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia? Join us at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024 to learn the basics of birding. This session will include tips for using binoculars, ways to identify bird songs and how to use a field guide. This slow-paced, gentle walk will be held on the Farkleberry Knob Trail, a quarter-mile paved trail at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in North County Park. We will also discuss how being outdoors can benefit those living with dementia and their caregivers. You may bring your own binoculars, or a pair will be provided for you.

This is a cooperative program with the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.