Discover Nature Events

Celebrate this season and support wildlife by having a green holiday! Learn how we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep trash from wild animal habitats. We will turn some trash into treasure as we recycle common household items into gifts.

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.

Meet up with MDC volunteers on the hilly but paved trails at Powder Valley. This class is for parents/guardians and their babies in strollers. We will get out to take relaxing walks to enjoy the changing of the seasons. There will be frequent stops to appreciate the calmness and beauty of nature, to hydrate, take in a snack or two, and breathe the fresh air. Remember to dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. We will greet you at the arbor outside the visitor center.

How do animals stay warm in the winter? What are the different ways the creatures in the woods stay warm for those cold months ahead? Come and find out how fur and feathers help our friends of the forest. We will experience different survival techniques and take a hike looking for and creating animal shelters. Dress for the weather.

Nature is such a versatile medium for crafting! It’s full of vibrant colors and unique textures and patterns. We will use nature as our inspiration as we create crafts from natural objects. We’ll provide the supplies; you bring the enthusiasm and creativity!

How do animals stay warm in the winter? What are the different ways the creatures in the woods stay warm for those cold months ahead? Come and find out how fur and feathers help our friends of the forest. We will experience different survival techniques and take a hike looking for and creating animal shelters.

Please register only the children that are ages 3 - 5 years of age in your party. You will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Nature is such a versatile medium for crafting! It’s full of vibrant colors and unique textures and patterns. We will use nature as our inspiration as we create crafts from natural objects. We’ll provide the supplies; you bring the enthusiasm and creativity!

Hike through the forest and enjoy the mental health benefits of spending time immersed in nature. We will stop along the way implementing mindfulness techniques, bringing awareness to the present and setting intentions for the new year. The one-mile hike will take place on the Rock Quarry trail, it is a moderately challenging trail with inclines and stairs. Dress for the weather.

Please register each person attending individually.

Meet at the Education Center.

Once considered extirpated from the state, Missouri black bears are beginning to make an impressive comeback. Join us as we discuss the complicated history of these fascinating mammals, and the research efforts which are helping them return to their former range. We will also discuss how to reduce human-bear conflict as their numbers continue to grow. This program will be held virtually. Log in instructions will be provided to participants beforehand. Please register each participant separately.

Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time. Warm clothing including gloves and flashlights are recommended.

Participants meet in the Rockwoods Visitor Center Classroom.

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! This time of year, it’s nice to curl up under a warm blanket next to a fire. However, wild animals must find ways to stay warm and survive these cold winter months without being inside. Learn how wild animals survive the winter and participate in some fun winter crafts and sensory activities.

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.