Discover Nature Events

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.

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. August and September will feature "Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs, and Other Ughs" by Anthony D. Fredericks.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/discover-native-gardening (adults) It's one thing to read about native plants and another to get your hands dirty! Learn seasonal gardening skills, be empowered and grow community alongside native plant experts and enthusiasts. This month we'll identify and manage summer native plants and warm season annuals. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

A sharp knife is a safe knife. A good edge allows you to effortlessly cut materials and reduces accidents from forcing the blade. There are many ways to sharpen your pocketknives from whetstones to motorized sharpeners. Putting a good edge on a blade can be a deeply satisfying and useful skill to learn. Bring a dull pocket or fillet knife (or multiple) to get hands-on experience sharpening a knife for your next outdoor adventure or craft.

Registration required (adults) Channel your inner adventurer and throw it back to summer camp fun by learning how to throw a tomahawk! Learn some tips on safety, techniques for a solid throw and tricks to make your tomahawk stick every time. Whether you are a beginner or just brushing up on your skills, this activity is sure to be a hit! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Interested in learning more about prairies and woodlands of Northwest Missouri and the plant species that make them so unique? Join the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri Extension, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources this summer for a series of plant identification hikes.

Hikes will be held June 16th & August 18th at Wallace State Park (Cameron, MO) and July 21st & September 15th at Dunn Ranch Prairie (Eagleville, MO). Participants are welcome to attend one session or all, and all skill levels will have a great time learning about our native species. Check back for additional prairie workshops in the fall including native seed harvest techniques and how to grow native plants from seed.

Hikes will be on maintained trails and the adjacent prairies and woodlands. Please be sure to wear appropriate outdoor shoes and clothing. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug repellent if desired.

Participants will meet at the picnic area near the entrance of Wallace State Park to begin the evening. Upon entering the state park from MO-121, take the first immediate right to the parking lot & picnic tables.

Kayak Lake Springfield with us on a summer evening and learn about Missouri's native wetland habitats and wildlife! We will provide the kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, just bring water, snacks, sunscreen and wear weather appropriate clothes.

Meet at the Southwood Canoe Access & Trail of Honor parking lot at 7:00 pm.

Ages 18 and up. This event is FREE, but registration is required.

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

This guided hike will take you along one of the most ecologically diverse trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park; Coakley Hollow trail, 1 mile, moderate.? Participants will also attend a cave tour at Ozark Caverns to explore the karst topography unique to the area.? Attendees will need to bring $13.00 for the cave tour.? 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 and cave tour to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt for the cave tour, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Note: Registration closes on August 17 at 8 a.m.

These beautiful orange butterflies make a long and dangerous journey as they migrate across North America. Fly in to learn what makes the Monarch Butterfly so loved and so special!

Crawl or fly in to learn more about these hard-shelled insects! From ladybugs to Hercules beetles, Missouri is home to an amazing variety of beetles. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.