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.

Pond Management 101, Summer 2026

Save your spot! Registration is required for attendance!

Ever wanted to learn about pond ecosystems or aquatic system management in the Midwest? Well here is a great opportunity to learn from your local MDC Fisheries experts.

Target audience of the presentation is private pond owners, HOA aquatic resource managers, and public service providers. However everyone from the public is welcome to the join, however minors under 18 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult.

Topics will range widely from:

- Pond site selection

- Pond infrastructure management

- Water quality considerations

- Fish population dynamics

- Aquatic plant ID and control recommendations

- AND MORE!!!

Attendees of all ages are welcome; however, minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal adult or guardian to attend this workshop.

Light refreshments will be provided for registered attendees.

Please contact the office or this email with any pressing questions prior to the class.

Opossums are awesome! Join a naturalist at Powder Valley to learn all about these marvelous marsupials. Afterwards, stick around to make your own opossum using needle felting, the art of sculpting using wool fibers!

Please note: This program is for registered participants only, as supplies are limited. All participants must be 14 years of age or older as we will be working with sharp materials. Please register all participants ahead of time.

There are two dates for this program! Make sure to show up for the correct one that you have registered for.

Discover Hunter’s Cave located within Three Creek’s Conservation Area (Boone County) with Runge staff and explore this hidden ecosystem that provides a unique look at cave life in Missouri. Dress for the weather; an additional layer may be desired as cave temperatures are usually around 58 degrees. Participants will be walking in water so rubber boots or closed-toed shoes that can get wet are required. This program will include a short but steep hike on rugged terrain and includes some small spaces inside the cave. Transportation from Runge will not be provided, all participants will meet at Three Creeks Conservation Area. Details and directions will be emailed to participants prior to the program.

Reading the river is an old term used by canoers, kayakers, and other boaters to explain how to travel down a waterway safely. This virtual program will start you on the path to developing important skills needed to look at the waterways of Missouri and make good decisions about how, when, and if to float. Your full name is required at registration along with a viable email address as we will be sending you the link to log into the class the day of. Class will be available ten minutes prior to start time for log-in. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Bring the family for a summer evening of fishing fun. We will provide instruction, fishing rods, reels, and bait—you catch the fish! Meet at Freedom Park, located at 6176 Hwy VV in Rogersville at 7 pm. Ages 5 and up. Registration required. A valid fishing permit is required for those between the ages of 16 and 64. Younger siblings are welcome.

Fly on over to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery as we explore the fascinating world of Missouri’s dragonflies!

We will dive into the lives of these unique winged creatures, uncover their transformation process, their habitats, and the vital roles they play in our ecosystem. Plus, enjoy a hands-on craft where you can create your own dragonfly art to take home!

For Ages 3-6; Registration required by 7/30.

Opossums are awesome! Join a naturalist at Powder Valley to learn all about these marvelous marsupials. Afterwards, stick around to make your own opossum using needle felting, the art of sculpting using wool fibers!

Please note: This program is for registered participants only, as supplies are limited. All participants must be 14 years of age or older as we will be working with sharp materials. Please register all participants ahead of time.

There are two dates for this program! Make sure to show up for the correct one that you have registered for.

Love floating Missouri's rivers and streams? Meet the mammals that call them home! Learn about otters, beavers, muskrats, and other semi-aquatic mammals, while discovering what's happening above and below the surface as you drift by. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Registration required (adults) Come enjoy wading in the river as you explore the fascinating underwater world of streams! As you explore, you'll learn about stream insects (benthic macroinvertebrates), why we need them and what they can tell us about our water. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to the participants the week prior and the day of the program. This program is in collaboration with Missouri Stream Teams and the Heartland Conservation Alliance. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.