Events

Hiking is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy what Missouri has to offer. Hiking during the day is fun but once the sun goes down the forest becomes a world of dark trails, eerie owl calls, and critters rustling through bushes out of sight, a perfect experience for Halloween eve. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for a night hike around our trails with headlamps and learn about our nocturnal creatures that call the forest home. Participants can expect a 1-2 mile hike on gravel trails with areas of steep uphill and downhill sections.

Participants must be 18+ years old to attend.

Two species of snapping turtles call Missouri home, eastern or common snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles. These two species are commonly confused, especially when they are young. At this informative table you can see both species and learn to tell them apart. Stop by the nature center during this program, learn about our snapping turtles, and see our exhibits.

Gather 'round and join us for a selection of nature stories perfect for all ages. Our storytellers will choose seasonal books to help inspire your next family adventure.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: November 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM

• Location: MAC Technology Center, 5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO

Additional Information:

Ready to try deer hunting? This program will teach the basics including what to wear, how to scout for white-tailed deer, hunting methods, safety, and regulations.

Take your venison from the freezer to the dinner table!

Join us for a hands-on wild game cooking experience where you’ll learn practical techniques, prepare venison recipes and taste the results. Whether you’re new to cooking wild game or looking for some fresh ideas, you’ll pick up skills you can use long after the class is over.

Cook it. Taste it. Learn it. Take recipes home.

Come hungry. Leave ready to put your next deer to work in the kitchen.

All attendees must be registered for the program. Participants 13-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee.

Birding is a fun way to get outside and grow familiar with the wildlife around you. This program will introduce you to the equipment of birding, choosing locations, and the field marking used to differentiate birds. If you have ever been curious about birding or want a refresher on the basics then this virtual program is for you.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

Celebrate the season and exercise your creativity! Drop in to enjoy hands-on autumn crafting using natural and seasonal materials. All ages are welcome and no registration required.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of summer birds on a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.

This class is a 12 month program that will meet once a month all year long. During these monthly sessions you will learn simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques by stitching quilt blocks based on this year's theme: Missouri's Streams. We will explore a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in or near Missouri’s beautiful streams and rivers.

By signing up, you are committing to attend all twelve of the monthly sessions so that you will be able to complete blocks for an entire quilt. If you cannot attend for any reason, please call or email the instructor to reserve your materials - but feel free to attend one of the virtual options on the same day (at noon or 5PM)

Classes will typically be held on the second Monday of each month. You will need to have your own embroidery hoop, needle, and threads. You may use our light boards and frixion pens prior to class, if you don't have your own.

This class is a 12 month program, that coincides with the Needlers class, will meet once a month all year long. During these monthly sessions young participants will learn about species of Missouri's Streams. We will explore a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in or near Missouri’s beautiful streams and rivers.

Virtual options occur on the same day (at noon or 5PM), check the events calendar for registration links.

Classes will typically be held on the second Monday of each month.