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. No registration required. All ages.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... flying squirrel?! While shy and elusive, these adorable gliding rodents play an important role in a healthy forest ecosystem. We’ll learn about their unique adaptations through crafts, play, and other fun activities. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Registration required (ages 8+) Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Discovery Center grounds, observing the birds that use this urban oasis of varied native gardens, trees and landscaped areas. The walk is guided by a Missouri Master Naturalist and Burroughs Audubon member. While geared toward the beginner, birders of all skill levels are welcome. During the walk, bird identification, including old school methods and current apps, will be covered, as well as life history and related citizen science opportunities. We'll meet in the lobby and dress for the weather. The walk will be on sidewalks and mixed natural surfaces over flat terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them, there will be a limited number of binoculars available for use. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... flying squirrel?! While shy and elusive, these adorable gliding rodents play an important role in a healthy forest ecosystem. We’ll learn about their unique adaptations through crafts, play, and other fun activities. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/guided-nature-tours (ages 12+) Gold and purple cover the landscape this time of year with the final push of the blooms supporting wildlife before winter. Take a leisurely landscape walk through the Discovery Cener gardens to learn about keystone species that have a huge impact on our ecosystem. See stunning native plant combinations and learn best practices for fall garden maintenance. This is a great opportunity to bring your gardening questions and learn from experts. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Grab a paddle and your fishing rod for an adventure on the water! Learn the basics of kayaking and discover how to fish from a kayak in a fun and safe environment. We'll cover paddling techniques, kayaking safety, casting from the water, and tips for catching fish while exploring nature from a whole new perspective. Whether you're new to kayaking, fishing, or both, this hands-on program is a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. This program will take place on the Maries River at Dr. Bernard Bruns Access (Just north of Westphalia in Osage County.) All fishing and kayaking equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear clothes that can get wet, shoes that stay attached to your feet, and bring a water bottle. Participants will meet at Bruns Access. Directions to the access will be sent via e-mail to participants prior to the program.

Join Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri River Bird Observatory staff for a fall birding trip with the Missouri Young Birders Club to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, in Boone County. Meet trip leaders at the Katy Trail, McBaine Trailhead. From there, we will use MDC vehicles and carpool to and throughout the Eagle Bluffs CA. Binoculars and field guides will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. All birding levels welcome - from beginners to experienced birders Come enjoy the fall migration and the diverse birdlife at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.

Registration required (adults) Would you like to learn how to read a topographical map for wilderness travel and how to use a compass and GPS with that topo map so you don't get lost? Join us at the Discovery Center for a day of learning and an orienteering course taught by Eileen McManus, local outings chair of the Sierra Club. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Before Class: Please read the book Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using a Map, Compass, Altimeter &GPS by Bob & Mike Burns, Mountaineers Books, 2025 (fourth edition).

For Class: Please bring a compass with a clear baseplate. If you don't have a compass, don't have time to order one or would rather wait until after class, please let the instructor know so one can be reserved for you. Please bring a lunch and drink as no food or drink will be provided.

Walk-in (all ages) It's time to Get MO Wild! Join us as we celebrate a free family outdoors day at Blue Valley Park. For nearly a century the Missouri Department of Conservation has been connecting people of this community to nature. Come out and learn activities and skills at archery, Tomahawk throwing, fishing and atlatl. A portable climbing wall will be on site. Prospect KC will be on site to provide 300 meals at no cost first come first serve. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

* Note: this program will be taking place at Blue Valley Park.

Join Volunteer Naturalist Dana Tideman to learn about monarch butterfly conservation, citizen science opportunities, monarch life cycle, and how to rear and tag monarchs. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.