Events

Walnuts! Hickory! Pecans! Many of our hardwoods produce edible, even choice nuts for use in cooking, snacking, and survival situations. out and bring a bag. Learning to distinguish these nuts can help you find some delicious, foraged snacks or even an ingredient for your next pie. So join us and learn what trees produce what nuts then come on a short hike around our trails for practice identifying these trees.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the tiny creatures hiding beneath the rocks! Wade in the creek for a hands-on macroinvertebrate survey adventure where we will explore the fascinating world of aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, and other stream critters that help tell the story of water quality. Armed with nets and magnifiers, participants will splash into the creek, search for underwater “bugs,” and learn how scientists use these amazing animals to study the health of streams and rivers. Please wear clothing and closed-toed shoes that can get wet! We will meet in the parking lot next to the recreation trail just south of the Lexington/Route W round-about next to Banterra Bank.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the tiny creatures hiding beneath the rocks! Wade in the creek for a hands-on macroinvertebrate survey adventure where we will explore the fascinating world of aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, and other stream critters that help tell the story of water quality. Armed with nets and magnifiers, participants will splash into the creek, search for underwater “bugs,” and learn how scientists use these amazing animals to study the health of streams and rivers. Please wear clothing and closed-toed shoes that can get wet! We will meet in the parking lot next to the recreation trail just south of the Lexington/Route W round-about next to Banterra Bank.

Before we had a satellite map on our phones people had to figure out how to navigate in nature. Luckily knowledge of these skills has been passed down and is still effective. Techniques like examining trees for specific features like canopy fullness, branch structure, and root growth can all be used to find information about the world around you without a phone. Orienting yourself and finding a good campsite is just the beginning, join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for this program and a hike around our trails where you can apply what you have learned.

This hunt is an opportunity for mobility impaired hunters and first-time participants to hunt at Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area on opening day of Dove Season. This is a cooperative hunt with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

To be eligible for the hunt you must be at least 18 years of age and either A: never hunted dove before or B: have a permanent physical condition that severely impairs your mobility, such as paralysis or amputation of lower extremities which requires assistance of a wheelchair, braces, crutches, or similar aids of mobility.

If you do not have someone to assist you on this hunt, or if you need assistance during the hunt, please contact Sara Bradshaw at sara.bradshaw@mdc.mo.gov for arrangements.

For the dove hunt, you will need to wear camouflage clothing and a camouflage hat. Shotguns (If you need to borrow one) and steel shot ammunition (For 12 and 20 gauge) will be provided as well.

Participants will need to have their Hunter Education Certificate, Small Game Hunting Permit, and Migratory Bird Hunting Permit.

Participants will meet at Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area Headquarters Building by 5:00am on September 1. Lunch will be provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation at the conclusion of the hunt.

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted 9/8). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

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.

As the leaves fall our box turtles become much less stealthy in the forest, it is likely that you will hear these turtles crunching through the leaves before you see them. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to meet, learn about our three-toed box turtle and find out how to identify our turtles. Afterward, head out onto our trails to try and spot one in the wild, they can be found practically anywhere on our trails that gets plenty of sunlight.

Fly fishing can be one of the most peaceful fishing experiences you have in Missouri, nothing compares to standing in a nice cool stream and listening to the birds, water, and your reel on your own. Many places we fly fish are secluded and only lightly disturbed, providing an excellent escape from busy ponds or lakes. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and learn to cast a fly-fishing rod so you can get out there and find your own peaceful fishing spot.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery but haven’t had the chance? Or maybe you tried it out as a kid at summer camp but haven’t picked up a bow since. Here’s your chance to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow alongside other beginners interested in this new skill. Drop by anytime between 5-6:30pm. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.