Events

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Birding is a fun hobby, but it can be hard to know where to start. Join a naturalist and learn about how to break in to this daunting yet rewarding activity. Hear about how to pick up this important hobby, then participate in a short hike on Tanglevine Trail where you’ll practice your bird identification skills. Meet at the frog statue in front of the nature center. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and make sure to bring plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, and water. The short hike will be approximately 1/3 mile.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Spring has sprung and so have your weeds! Get your hands dirty and learn how to ID and manage seasonal weeds in your garden. All experience levels are welcome. Enjoy a naturalist-led garden tour following the end of the session. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

This class is designed for individuals familiar to shotguns wanting to get into Trap Shooting. It will cover safety, marksmanship fundamentals for shotgun, recommended gear for trap shooting, and the rules and etiquette for trap shooting. After the classroom portion we will move to the shotgun range to practice. Shotguns and ammunition will be available for those who need it.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

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.

Registration required (all ages) Mammals, reptiles and birds oh my! Missouri is known for its diversity of habitats and wild species. Join us for a fun Missouri animal themes trivia night where you can test your knowledge about our spectacular native animals!

This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We will cover safety, appropriate guns and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field, and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

Meet at the large pavilion in Huckleberry Park next to the playground. Fishing is encouraged but optional.

A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.

Permits are available for purchase online.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, 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 anglers 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.

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

SPRING WARBLER DAY

BIRDING AT BIG BUFFALO CREEK

Experience how managed woodlands support a variety of wildlife, including 25+ species of warblers!

Get ready for a fun and informative morning in the Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area! This 3,000+acre wooded watershed is an outstanding example in western Missouri where forest-woodland habitats sustain a healthy Ozark stream system. These habitats support numerous resident and migratory songbirds, many of which are facing alarming population declines.

Join us for Spring Warbler Day, a morning of birding in the Big Buffalo Creek Watershed Priority Geography. Bring your binoculars, sturdy shoes, tick spray, and a sense of adventure! Birding trails include a 1.5-mile rocky dirt trail with uneven terrain and some steep slopes.

MDC Natural History Biologists are present to guide and answer questions on birds, wildlife, natural communities, and land management.

All levels of birders welcome!

Limited to 10 Participants

Meet at Campground on Big Buffalo Creek Road

BIG BUFFALO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Thursday, May 9th

7:00am- 11am

Campground on

Big Buffalo Rd

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Experience how native gardens change and learn seasonal maintenance required for success. Feel empowered, enjoy camaraderie and learn skills alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! All experience levels are welcome. The Deep Roots Demonstration Garden features Midwest native plants suitable for the home garden. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information.