Events

Are you thinking about planting more native plants, but you're not sure where to get started? Do you just have some questions about the flowers you see on our grounds? Spend time touring our gardens with the Native Landscape Specialist. He'll talk about what's currently blooming and what's getting ready to bloom, how to identify plant families, and understanding how to get started with planting more native plants in your space.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. Discover the beauty of Missouri’s native stream life—one stitch at a time. In this hands-on program, participants will learn simple yet elegant embroidery techniques while exploring the rich biodiversity found in our local waterways. Over the course of the program, you'll create 15 unique quilt blocks, each one celebrating a different native species that calls Missouri’s streams home.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 15 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. Discover the beauty of Missouri’s native stream life—one stitch at a time. In this hands-on program, participants will learn simple yet elegant embroidery techniques while exploring the rich biodiversity found in our local waterways. Over the course of the program, you'll create 15 unique quilt blocks, each one celebrating a different native species that calls Missouri’s streams home.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

Are you thinking about planting more native plants, but you're not sure where to get started? Do you just have some questions about the flowers you see on our grounds? Spend time touring our gardens with the Native Landscape Specialist. He'll talk about what's currently blooming and what's getting ready to bloom, how to identify plant families, and understanding how to get started with planting more native plants in your space.

Discover how simple it is to prepare herbal tea using Missouri's native wild plants. In this class you’ll sample a variety of native wild tasty teas. You'll even fill your own teabags with your favorite tea leaves to take home.

Only registered participants, 18+, may attend the program.

Discover what the river has to offer you! Hands-on activities will teach you the importance of the Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands. This event is fun for the entire family featuring live river animals and free boat rides on the Mississippi with Missouri Department of Conservation river experts. Boat rides are first come, first served, and will take place between 10 am and 1:30 pm. This event is located at Riverfront Park in Cape Girardeau depending on river levels.

Class attendees must be at least 15 years old to register.

Explore the history of archery in North America from harvesting raw materials to various bow designs and performance. Then, using only hand tools and patience, craft your own hickory longbow work of art. References and resources to continue your bow making journey will be provided.

Woodworking skills recommended. This program requires stamina and upper arm strength. We will provide interested individuals with a registration form and detailed supply list.

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. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.

If you would like to take a comprehensive look at different types of rifles and optics, matching ammunition to your rifle, sighting in a rifle, rifling and rifle shooting techniques come to this course and learn. Participants will attend a presentation and then have an opportunity to handle different rifles and find out about hunting opportunities.

Ages 11+.

CURIOUS ABOUT TRAPPING?

Ever wanted to learn how to harvest fur-bearers but didn’t know where to start? It all starts with the trap.

This hands-on program is the first in a series of trapping programs brought to you by MDC, the Missouri Trappers Association, and local trapping experts. You’ll learn the basics of fur-bearer trap identification, traditional and modern preparation, and storage—the skills you need to get your gear ready before you hit the field.

No experience? No problem. Whether you’re looking to build your outdoor skills, try something new, or have always been curious about trapping, this is a great place to start.

Hands-on | No experience needed

You don’t have to attend the entire series, but we recommend joining us for the full experience. Look for the other programs being held at Mingo NWR and Duck Creek CA.

MINORS are allowed but must be accompanied by a registered adult.