Discover Nature Events

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some Missouri species that need help. We call them species of conservation concern and they are rare or declining due to habitat loss or disease. By joining us this year you will discover more about these jewels of our state, what they need and how people can help. You will also make 15 quilt blocks depicting their beauty and uniqueness.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 15 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some Missouri species that need help. We call them species of conservation concern and they are rare or declining due to habitat loss or disease. By joining us this year you will discover more about these jewels of our state, what they need and how people can help. You will also make 15 quilt blocks depicting their beauty and uniqueness.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 15 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

In his latest book, “The Birds That Audubon Missed”, bird expert Kenn Kaufman focuses on the species that evaded John James Audubon and his peers. Kaufman explores an era in ornithology that few people may know. Learn more about the book and participate in a Q&A with the author. All ages. Registration required.

Spring has sprung and flowers are appearing all around us. We will learn about plants and then plant some seeds! Ages 3–6. Registration required.

Spring has sprung and flowers are appearing all around us. We will learn about plants and then plant some seeds! Ages 3–6. Registration required.

Ssssee you online to learn about Missouri’s snakes, their importance, common myths, and how to identify them. This program is virtual, a link will be emailed to the account associated with your registration. This program will not be recorded. All ages.

Spring is the time to try new things! Join a naturalist for a beginner-friendly guided needle-felting class! Needle-felting is an art form involving the shaping of wool fibers to create 3D figures. You will be creating a needle-felted frog while learning about Missouri’s frogs. All materials will be provided. All participants should be 15 years old or older, as we will be working with sharp materials. Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two dates for this program! Make sure to show up to the correct one that you registered for!

Join a naturalist on a guided 2.6-mile hike through Valley View Glades Natural Area in Hillsboro, Missouri. Hikes will be held during all four seasons in 2025, and we will discuss the changes happening on this beautiful and diverse trail throughout the year! Keep an eye out for more dates to come! Please note: this is a rugged, natural-surface trail that may not be suitable for beginner hikers. For this reason, all participants should be 16 years old or older. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!

Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.

Spring has sprung and flowers are appearing all around us. We will learn about plants and then plant some seeds! Ages 3–6. Registration required.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.