Events

Come visit during the month of May to see artwork from a local homeschool group, featured in our auditorium. This groups loves to meet up to hike, play, and learn about the outside world together. They believe that time in nature is valuable even on the not-so-beautiful days. Various artwork pieces will be represented.

Please welcome “Birds and Butterflies,

and Other Nature Scenes of Missouri” by artist, Joseph Parish.

This exhibit is multimedia, with the various works being done in classic

watercolor, opaque watercolor (French Gouache), acrylic, oils, and

photography.

The work is inspired mostly from original photographs taken by the artist in

Missouri and the Midwest ranging from his own backyard to the Mississippi

Flyway.

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to Runge to another dimension! As an Agent, your mission is a scavenger hunt played on your phone to discover different things animals do in spring. Explore the exhibits in the nature center to find QR codes with info and questions about animals. Find all the QR codes in the scavenger hunt and answer all questions to win. Then come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required. All ages

Artwork on display in lobby.

Are you a trap shooter looking to spice up your game in a new and exciting way? Join us for our glow clays program where we put a new spin on this classic game. Think “Cosmic Bowling”, for trap . We have introduced UV light to the trap field at night. This causes the factory paint on the clay pigeons to fluoresce or “Glow” in the dark as they are thrown from the trap house, making a unique glowing target.

Minimum age 16 and you must be familiar with and experienced in classic trap and safe firearms handling. Additional Range safety officers will be available if assistance is needed.

Volunteer Naturalist Myra Scroggs will help you find migrating birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 to adult.

Have you ever walked by a wildflower and wished you knew what it was? Well, this is your program! April showers bring an abundance of colorful May flowers to our Missouri landscape. In this program, you will learn how to identify these flowers and enjoy a short walk around the nature center trails and grounds to find these beautiful blooms. Afterwards, cool down by enjoying some dandelion iced tea and dandelion cookies.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Have you always wanted to get into the art of fly tying but do not know where to start? Join us for our 4-part fly tying series that will introduce you into the world of fly tying. You will learn about the basic tools, materials, and skills needed to get you rolling on tying your own flies. The materials used in this class will be provided however, if you would like to bring your own equipment, that is acceptable as well. Each class will build on the previous classes’ skills so attendance of all 4 classes is required. Each class will start at 5:00pm and will run for approximately 2 hours. The class will be held at the Education Center at the Jay Henges Shooting Range. The other dates are May 9th, 16th and 22nd.

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.