Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center turns 35 years old this year and to celebrate, the nature center is inviting the public to join the Passport to Powder Valley program. The program will encourage visitors to explore multiple aspects of the nature center and offer the opportunity to win a raffle basket of prizes.

The Passport to Powder Valley program launched Tuesday, July 14 and runs through Oct. 31. To participate, visitors can pick up a copy of the Passport to Powder Valley booklet at the nature center’s front desk. The booklet is designed to engage visitors with five fun activities that celebrate what makes Powder Valley Nature Center unique.

The five activities in the Passport to Powder Valley challenge include:

1. Birdwatching

2. Checking out one of the nature center’s nature-themed discovery backpacks

3. Meeting Powder Valley’s live “ambassador animals”

4. Attending a naturalist-led educational program

5. Exploring one of Powder Valley’s hiking trails

The passport booklet even includes a bonus coloring page. Full details on completing each activity are included in the booklet.

Every person who finishes each of the passport booklet’s activities will receive a special limited Powder Valley 35th anniversary sticker. They’ll also be entered in a raffle to win a grand prize basket, including:

- Tour tickets to the Endangered Wolf Sanctuary

- Membership and swag pack from Laumeier Sculpture Park

- Free admission tickets to either the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Butterfly House, or Shaw Nature Reserve

- The book A History of Kirkwood, Missouri, 1851-1965 by June Wilkinson Dahl, donated by the Kirkwood Historical Society

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is proud to present Trail Tales, an interactive hiking experience! Explore our Tanglevine Trail, a 1/3 mile paved loop perfect for strollers and families. As you walk, look for interactive storybook pages along the trail. October will feature "In A Nutshell" by Joseph Anthony.

Look for book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a seasonal children’s book as you walk and explore. Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot. No registration required. All ages.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (October 14 & 28).

Visit Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center's Art Gallery this month to view the work of Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers. (MONEP)

The MONEP mission is, to provide a forum for individuals interested in the field of nature photography and the environment, provide education, gather and disseminate information to promote nature photography as an art form and medium of communication.

This year they celebrate their 30th anniversary. They invite everyone to view their work in the hallway of the nature center.

Come join us for a relaxing evening of archery. This program is for new archers or those wishing to improve their skills.

We will learn the steps to making a great archery shot, shoot bullseye and 3D targets, and even win some prizes for archery games!

We have bows appropriate for all users!

Title: Introduction to Hunting Woodcock in the Ozarks

Where: Ozark Research Field Station Missouri S&T

Address: 16300 County Road 7550 Newburg, MO 65550

Time: Sunday, October 18th: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Agenda:

- Classroom - Woodcock Biology

- Basic needs to woodcock hunt (permits, gear, etc)

- E-scouting

- Introduction to Bird Dogs

- Field – walk along Mill Creek on Bohigian CA

Wear appropriate outwear and boots (rain or shine) for field walk. Any questions should be addressed to program presenter Nick Girondo at: Nick.Girondo@mdc.mo.gov

This 2-mile walk will traverse through Benton, Carnegie and Cherokee Parks and the Cherokee-Lemp Historic District as part of MDC's "Walk in the Park" series. The Benton Park neighborhood is home to historic homes and breweries, including Bluewood Brewing, a local brewery based at the historic Lemp Brewery stables.

"A Walk in the Park" is a guided program series designed for all ages and abilities. Each session highlights a different park, exploring its unique natural features, seasonal plants, and local wildlife, while also showcasing the cultural and historical significance that makes each space special.

Fangs, claws, venom, oh my! Missouri animals have many different ways to catch their prey and survive from night vision to super speed. Join us for a storybook reading, craft, and hands-on activities all about these scary (or not so scary) animals.

This program is designed for children ages 2-5, but siblings and family members of all ages are welcome. Please register EACH person who will be present.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call 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.