Discover Nature Events

This page lists upcoming general conservation and outdoor recreation events. Visit the hunting & trapping events page or fishing events page to find specific hunting and fishing events. Search for specific events and locations, or browse upcoming events.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 144
Registration period: March 31 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 7:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:30 pm
Location: Big Creek Conservation Area
This session will be held near the Rainbow Basin Trailhead parking lot, and it will highlight the migration of warblers and other woodland species as they pass through the area. The diverse woodland, upland, and prairie habitats will provide an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds in different ecosystems. Some simple to moderate hiking is available. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.
Registration period: April 1 - May 15
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.
Registration period: May 2 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:45 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 1:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA
Come and learn about “Poisonous and Venomous Things” found in the State of Missouri. We will have information on snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. As summer begins and fall follows, discover the plants and animals you may see during outdoor activities at Busch and elsewhere. No reservations are needed. Drop by any time during the program time.
Registration period: April 15 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:30 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Spring into migration season with a fun craft at Powder Valley! Birds are making their way up through the Mississippi Flyway, heading for their summer homes. Celebrate Missouri’s feathered guests and returning residents by learning about spring migration and stamping your own bird-themed tote bag to take home.

This program is for registered participants aged 8 and up. Please register all participating individuals, including parents and children.

Please Note: There are two times for this program (one for ages 8+ and one for 16+), so make sure to show up to the correct one that you have registered for!

Registration period: April 20 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 am
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Walk-in; registration will be collected at the event (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.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 2:00 pm
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Walk-in (all ages) Grow Native! professional members will be on site with a wide variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs and trees. Shoppers can stroll through the sale and purchase plants from each vendor or order in advance. Some vendors accept Venmo, cash, check or credit cards while others only accept cash or checks. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own crates or boxes for bringing their plants home. Volunteers will be available to help load plants into your vehicle. Vendors will donate a percentage of sale proceeds to support the conservation work of the Missouri Prairie Foundation. For vendor lists and pre-order details please visit https://grownative.org/events/category/native-plant-sales. Sales of in-person and pre-order plants will begin at the advertised start time. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.
Registration period: May 2 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:45 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Registration period: May 2 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:45 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Registration period: April 17 - May 15
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA

Discover the incredible insect life thriving just beyond your doorstep.

Learn how to identify the native, beneficial insects living in your backyard and explore how their hidden world supports a healthy ecosystem. You’ll practice simple techniques for photographing insects in action, capturing their colors, behaviors, and unique adaptations. We’ll also cover easy, practical ways to create a welcoming habitat that attracts pollinators and other beneficial insect species. The focus in this program will be techniques with your cell phone, however, what you will learn can also be used with other cameras.