Events

View Greg Renner's personal collection of antique duck decoys made in Missouri.

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.

Little Acorns is taking a break during the month of September. Please join us again in October.

Babes in the Woods is taking a break during the month of September. Please join us again in October.

Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.

Join us for a guided trail hike along the Earthworks, Memorial, and Oumessourit Wetland Boardwalk trails at Van Meter State Park (Saline County); 2 miles, moderate. These trails feature early Native American sites and native Paw Paw trees with (hopefully) ripe fruit at this time of year. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on September 16 at 8 a.m.

You must be a registered Stream Team volunteer to receive certification and monitoring equipment after the workshop. Register as a volunteer at https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/Streamteam. More information about registering to become a Stream Team volunteer will be sent out to registrants as your workshop date approaches.

This event is the stream-side certification to become a Level 1 water quality monitor with Missouri Stream Team. Step 1 is to complete the online portion by watching the virtual training videos on our YouTube page (~4.5 hours). They can be found through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBQMlfy_cD4DQe07cir0nipWVrbQ2npVy.

For any questions, please email StreamTeam@dnr.mo.gov.

To learn more about the VWQM program, please visit www.mostreamteam.org/water-quality-monitoring.html.

The Stream Team Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program is committed to principles of equal access to all of its programs, services, and activities. Some aspects of this activity may not be suitable for those with certain disabilities. The Program will make reasonable modifications and accommodations to ensure that all persons have an equal opportunity to participate in, or benefit from, all Department programs, services, and activities. People with disabilities requiring special services or accommodations to attend the training can make arrangements as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled training if possible, by calling 573-526-1156, emailing Tabitha.gatts@dnr.mo.gov, or by writing to: Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, PO Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102. For further information, please visit the Department’s ADA and Non-Discrimination webpage at https://dnr.mo.gov/ada-non-discrimination. For translation services or other access requirements, please contact 573-522-9395.

Drop by anytime between 10 am and 1 pm to try your hand at casting a line and catching a fish. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to help you learn how to put a worm on a hook, cast a fishing rod, and how to remove a fish off a hook to release back into the water. All equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own. Ages 16 and up must have a valid fishing permit. The program will take place at the Missouri Department of Conservation Commission Headquarters- 2901 W. Truman. Follow the signs off Truman Blvd. to the fishing pond.

Cooler temperatures and southward migrations make fall a great time to go birding. Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Registration preferred.

Join us at the Boone County Nature School for an exciting evening to learn about endangered monarch butterflies and the Monarch Watch tagging program. See first hand how students interact with monarchs at the Nature School, observe butterflies in various stages of development, and learn how to become a citizen scientist that helps monarch populations bounce back. From 5pm - 6pm we'll host an open house and self-guided exploration of the Nature School Campus and then at 7pm participants will learn about the tagging program and learn about opportunities to get involved. This program is sponsored by Columbia Public Schools and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Firearms Deer Hunting: Ready to try deer hunting? This program will teach the basics of deer hunting including what to wear, how to scout for deer, hunting methods, safety, and regulations. This is a beginner's program. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the class. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to the instructor to let them know.