Discover Nature Events

Corvids: crows and ravens

are very intelligent and curious birds.

Encountered in many mythologies:

significant to shamans, they speak from the other world;

as tricksters, they carried light to the indigenous peoples;

often, they play a role in creation stories;

they guard souls on journeys to other worlds.

Their perspective of height

and the capacity of breadth

allow them to quickly message patterns of change.

As a multidisciplinary artist, I am committed

to a curious mind, learning from nature

and the elements of water, earth, air, wind, and fire.

My work encompasses sculpture, paintings, and photography,

oftentimes using a combination of media:

beeswax, resin, and oil; stones an wood;

lead sheeting, wire, and precious metals; textiles;

collected papers, found objects, cast bronze and glass.

The historical reverence for the power

and sacredness of earth

spans our cultural memory.

We live in a chaotic world.

It is difficult to feel a part of the whole

with the loss of balance and control:

personally, politically, and spiritually.

When we become still and silent,

we may then listen

to the past, the present and the future.

Hopefully, we will continue to find ways

to understand and bond,

not only to our environment,

but most importantly,

to each other.

Catherine Eaton Skinner

2022

www.ceskinner.com

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish. After a successful day afield, when it is time to clean fresh fish or game, a sharp knife is a vital tool. While it is not rocket science, there are a few tricks to putting a good edge on your favorite knife using a basic sharpening stone. We will provide the stones and you can bring along your favorite hunting or filleting knife (straight blade, non-serrated). Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Winter is hanging on, and birds are still out and about in their particular habitats, finding food. Join us on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the shelter house directly into the park, then proceed to the trail to start birding. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

Buzz Buzz Buzz! Fly on in to learn about the amazing pollinators that surround us here in Missouri! We’ll play games as we learn more about these cool creatures. This program is designed for children ages 7-12 and their adults/caregivers.

Naturalist Jordi Raos will share some of her favorite native plants and talk about how to pick the right plant for the right spot. All ages. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Let’s go for a night hike to look at the amphibious first signs of spring throughout August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area’s aquatic habitats. We’ll meet at the Classroom for a short amphibian ID presentation, then caravan to the Lake 33 wetlands as the sun goes down in search of reptiles and amphibians emerging from winter hibernation. Be prepared to get dirty as we explore the site’s pond and surrounding areas. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight/headlamp.

Difficulty = Moderate: natural, gravel, and paved surface hiking at night. The number of amphibians expected to be seen will depend on the weather. Best results will be when temperatures stay above 50 degrees F at night. Because of this, there is a small possibility this program will be rescheduled to March 31st (same time) to take advantage of optimal temperatures.

Cubs, kittens, and ducklings, too. Spring is the season to discover who’s new! There are many wild animal babies born in the spring. Learn about these young, their parents, and why it’s important to let them stay wild. 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.

Walk-in (all ages) What's more relaxing than sipping on a nice hot cup of tea on a chilly spring day? Many people wouldn't relate tea to nature, but it has a lot to do with it. Come and learn about different natural teas you can make from native plants while sipping on some Discovery Center made tea! While supplies last. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join naturalists at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center as we explore winter wild edibles! This program will discuss the importance of the shagbark hickory in Missouri as well as how to make shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) bark syrup. In addition to shagbark hickory, we will also discuss various pine (or other evergreen) trees, including Missouri's only native pine tree species, and recipes using pine needles. The recipes we will be covering will be pine needle tea and pine needle shortbread cookies, using needles from non-native eastern white pine trees.

***Register each person individually. If you have difficulties with registration, please call 314-301-1500.

Experience the natural wonders of Fort Belle Fontaine County Park while hiking through a variety of habitats while searching for early sights and sounds of spring. Walk the trail past the upland prairie leading down to views of the Missouri River and the historic Grand Staircase. Along the way we will look for ephemerals such as Dutchman’s breeches and Spring beauty as well as new growth and buds on native trees and bushes. Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy.

Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and bring a walking stick if you have one. Meet at the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

This month we will highlight a jewel of Missouri’s swamps, the wood duck. The males of this species don stunning feathers all in the hopes of attracting a mate. We will dabble into the lives of these beautiful ducks as we learn where they live and how they grow up.

Warm Spring days bring rapid changes to the landscape. Walk the trail past the upland prairie and head down to the Missouri River. Along the trail through the woods look for more ephemerals that have made their appearance since last week. We are not allowed to pick them, so bring your camera to get pictures to keep long after these beauties have bloomed. You may finish the hike by climbing up the historic grand staircase or continue the trail to the top. Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy. Dress for the weather and wear boots or shoes that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and walking stick if you have one. Meet at the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

Walk-in (all ages) It's finally spring and everything is starting to recover from the cold winter days...The plants are starting to bloom and the animals are coming out of hiding. Come and challenge yourself to take some beautiful pictures of our awesome native backyard nature. Your favorite picture will be specially printed and you will be able to take it home. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Walk-in (all ages) Please join the Interpretive Site Coalition (ISC) for the Passport to Adventure kick-off. Pick up your 2023 Passport to Adventure booklet to join the fun! Visit participating sites, get your passport stamped and get entered to win prizes. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

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.

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.

Registration required (ages 14+) The beginning of spring is a magical time in the native plant garden. Spring ephemeral flowers are in bloom and more plants are waking up every day. Join our native landscape specialists for a tour of the gardens and get up close to the fresh beauty of spring. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Have you seen a masked critter rummaging through your trash lately? It could be a trash panda! (aka Raccoons!) These critters are very resourceful and great at finding food in almost any environment. Come learn more about these rascally raccoons and what makes them special.

Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Registration required (ages 6+) See the spectacular sights of spring at the Discovery Center. Welcome back the first wave of migratory birds returning from their wintering grounds. Greet the spring ephemerals emerging from the earth and flowers bursting from buds. Participants will join a naturalist on a hike to learn about what birds and blooms to watch for as spring gets into full swing. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Spring is here! What does that mean for plants and animals? Let’s learn about what this special season brings. Ages 3-6.

Have you seen a masked critter rummaging through your trash lately? It could be a trash panda! (aka Raccoons!) These critters are very resourceful and great at finding food in almost any environment. Come learn more about these rascally raccoons and what makes them special.

Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Plants have always been important to humans for food, medicine, and other purposes. Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will explore the folklore and modern uses of several Missouri plants during a trail hike. Ages 15-adult.

Want to learn how to identify common Missouri tree species? This workshop is for you! Join MDC education staff in this workshop to learn identifying characteristics and using a dichotomous key to properly identify Missouri tree species. Topics included in the workshop:

• Leaf or bud arrangement

• Bark types

• Dendrology

• Using a dichotomous key to identify trees

• Growth habits and preferred growing sites of common trees

• Using a Biltmore stick to estimate board foot volume

Come have fun experiencing the beautiful trails at the Springfield Nature center has you learn more about Missouri’s wonderful tree species! Each participant will receive resources to help them identify and enjoy our Missouri trees! For more information contact Lyle Whittaker at (417)895-6880 Ext. 1644 or email Lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov