Events

Join volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you make a wonderful Mother's Day gift. We encourage you to bring photos of your favorite native flower arrangements.

All supplies will be provided.

Aww! Babies are cute, and May welcomes many new animal babies to the world. Join this month’s program and learn about the babies born in May. Afterwards, participate in fun sensory activities in crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Celebrate mom this month by participating in an outdoor adventure together! You will get a chance to try out fun activities like canoeing, archery, and campfire cooking. Come dressed to be outdoors for the afternoon, bring a water bottle, and bring shoes that can get wet. Please register all participants that are planning to attend.

Bring your loved ones in to sip on drinks and nibble on dishes made with wild edible plants. Naturalist Jordi Raos will give a presentation followed by a short garden walk and craft. (Mother not required to attend!) All people attending must register as seating is limited.

Snakes and lizards are really amazing animals. Because they are reptiles, they are much different than the animals we are most familiar with. Come and discover many incredible things about the snakes and lizards that live in Missouri. There will even be a live snake that you will be able to touch if you would like to. We will also go outside and try to find some snakes and lizards in their natural habitat.

Meet at Rockwoods Visitor Center. Be prepared to take a short walk on the Trail Among the Trees.

Please register each child attending.

Many of us drive over the Missouri River without giving it a second thought. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Missouri’s most magnificent natural resource in a canoe? It is magic to be on the river! We will explore an 9-mile stretch on the Missouri River from La Benite Park to Cooley Lake. Estimated time on the water is appx. 3 hours.

Please dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, snacks, and a head lamp or flashlight.

MDC will provide canoes, paddles, and PFD’s. This program is dependent on weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted if conditions are not acceptable on the weekend of the event. All participants MUST register separately. *Mandatory orientation on May 9th from 6:00-8:00pm at Burr Oak Woods Education Pond. You will automatically be registered into the orientation upon registration for this event. Those aged 16-17 must have an adult chaperone on the trip.

**Please do not register if you are not able to come to the orientation**

MEET AT LITTLE COMPTON LAKE CONSERVATION AREA for an evening of outdoor fun with an overnight camping option. Enjoy archery, fishing, (dinner break), a slide show on dark skies and a tour of the stars with telescopes from the Astronomical Society of Kansas City.

*This is a (Class 3) dark sky area. For comparison, the Blue Springs area is Class 5-6, two-three classes brighter. Little Compton Lake CA is about a 2-hour drive northeast of Blue Springs, MO. *Archery/fishing equipment will be provided by MDC for this program. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, WATER AND CAMPING GEAR IF YOU CHOOSE TO CAMP FOR THE NIGHT. MO fishing rules apply: 65 and older and under 16 don’t need a license. There is a privy and large gravel parking lot with larger flat mowed area around it (NO ELECTRICITY). It is an MDC area, so no fees to camp. Area regulations say dogs must be leashed.

Archery and fishing programs offered from 5:00PM - 6:30PM. Then, we break for dinner.

People may chose to fish again after they eat.

Dark Skies/Astronomy program from 8:30-10:30PM.

People may choose to camp or drive home after that.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

An atlatl is an ancient tool used to throw a light spear known as a dart. This program will focus on practicing technique during sport target shooting for beginners. Information about different styles of atlatls and darts will also be covered.

Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2:

Lesson 1: “Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely operate a spin cast fishing rod. Participants will also learn the parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Lesson 2: “How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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

Participants who complete all DNF Lessons (1-4) will be rewarded the choice between a FREE Zebco 202 fishing rod, stocked tackle box, or fishing net.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website.

Please contact the Community Education Assistant, Huston Spellman with questions.

Huston.Spellman@mdc.mo.gov

573-815-7900 ext. 2926