Discover Nature Events

Nature’s Needlers is a monthly series pairing professional presentations with take-home quilt block patterns that match the featured topic. The 2026 theme is “Nocturnal Nature”, and June focuses on the firefly, or as some call it, lightning bug! Participants must attend to receive the pattern. Registration is required and it opens May 15. Ages 16+

Do you love biking… and birding? Then this program is for you! Join us for a leisurely, evening bike ride to go birdwatching on Mokane Road in Callaway County, north of Jefferson City. Mokane Road is one of the top birding hotspots in Central Missouri and all birding experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Missouri Department of Conservation Airport Hangar on the south side of the Jefferson City Airport; directions will be provided in an email before the program. Biking will be a maximum of 7 miles at a leisurely pace. Binoculars, bikes, and helmets will be provided for all that need them, but feel free to bring your own. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Step into the glowing world of fireflies and discover the magic behind their flickering lights. In this interactive virtual program, participants will explore the fascinating diversity of firefly species, learn how these tiny insects use the light to communicate, and uncover surprising facts about their behavior. Perfect for curious minds of all ages– no bug spray required!

**Please note a reminder email with a link to the Webex will be sent 24 hours prior to the event. A second email will also be sent once registration closes to ensure you receive the Webex link. Please be sure to check spam folder.

Join us for basic kayaking instruction and time on the water to practice skills! Participants are encouraged to wear water friendly shoes. Life jackets are required and will be supplied along with kayaks and paddles. Two sessions are offered, and you are welcome to sign up for one or both.

Hop into the wonderful world of treefrogs! Discover how they climb, camouflage, and sing their trilling calls from the trees and beyond. Crafts, movement, and fun activities will bring these amazing amphibians to life! Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Registration required (ages 7-12) Join one of our naturalists for a kid-friendly program on the largest animal native to Missouri, the American bison! We will learn many fun facts about bison, as well as how Native Americans utilized this great animal. Parents are welcome to join and should plan to arrive at the start of the program and stay the entire hour. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Join us for basic kayaking instruction and time on the water to practice skills! Participants are encouraged to wear water friendly shoes. Life jackets are required and will be supplied along with kayaks and paddles. Two sessions are offered, and you are welcome to sign up for one or both.

Missouri’s animals are cool, even when the weather is hot! Woodchuck and Chipmunk chill out near each other underground. They are curious how other creatures keep their cool during the summer. Join the puppets at Runge and find out!

Hop into the wonderful world of treefrogs! Discover how they climb, camouflage, and sing their trilling calls from the trees and beyond. Crafts, movement, and fun activities will bring these amazing amphibians to life! Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Registration required (ages 7-12) Join one of our naturalists for a kid-friendly program on the largest animal native to Missouri, the American bison! We will learn many fun facts about bison, as well as how Native Americans utilized this great animal. Parents are welcome to join and should plan to arrive at the start of the program and stay the entire hour. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.