Discover Nature Events

Join us for a 3 mile hike thru the forests of the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area.

This area is known for its unique natural beauty and undisturbed habitat.

This hike is rated as moderate to difficult due to elevation change.

Dress for the weather. Bring water, snacks and binoculars for bird viewing.

Meet at the LaBarque Creek CA parking lot.

Scurry on over with your squirrelly little ones and discover the life of Missouri’s tree squirrels. We will experience why squirrels stay so busy, explore their wild habitat, and make them a take-home treat.

Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0-2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Scurry on over with your squirrelly little ones and discover the life of Missouri’s tree squirrels. We will experience why squirrels stay so busy, explore their wild habitat, and make them a take-home treat.

Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0-2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Walk-in (all ages) Have you ever questioned your roll in an ecosystem? There are basic actions all citizens can take to create a ripple effect and make a significant impact on the environment. Join us in uplifting our community by leaning from the experts the benefits of recycling, negative impacts littering has on wildlife and the resources and the benefits of trees. This event is in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

The monarch butterfly has begun its fall migration and we can help! Learn more about this endangered insect’s unique life cycle, migration, and threats. We will also discuss ways that we can help these beautiful flyers.

Please make sure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Registration required by e-mailing Cydney Ross at cydney@deeprootskc.org (ages 12+) It's one thing to read about native plants and another to get your hands dirty and learn from the earth. All gardens take effort, the amount depends on your goals and the plants selected. This is why volunteering in the native gardens at the Discovery Center is a great educational opportunity. Learn these insights with the experts directly! At our Garden Workday sessions, you'll learn about seasonal plants of interest and different techniques to maintain them. Not only will you take pride in creating beautiful public spaces, but you'll be empowered to use these skills in your landscape! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.