Discover Nature Events

Artwork on display in lobby.

What is making all that noise near our pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about the life cycle of amphibians. Then we will take a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

What is making all that noise near the pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about amphibian life cycles. Then we will go for a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

If reptiles were superheroes, the skink would be The Flash! It is not easy get a good look at these sleek reptiles and usually we only catch a quick glimpse of their blue tail because they are so fast. Join us as we take some time to slow down and learn more about these common lizards and how they help us out.

Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2 to 6.

Come on over to Rockwoods Reservation for afternoon of Spelunking! We will begin this program in the classroom at the Rockwoods Education Center, where we will learn more about caves in Missouri, what kind of critters we might find in them, and why our cave ecosystems are so special! After about 45 minutes in the classroom, we will gear up in our helmets and knee pads and head to Bathtub Cave to do some exploring.

**Note: You will have to crawl into the entrance and crawl in the cave. The very beginning of this cave is roughly 1 foot tall.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and for 55-degree temperatures. Please wear pants and a long sleeve shirt that you do not mind getting dirty. An extra change of clothes, water, and a snack is recommended.

Helmets and one flashlight will be provided. Please wear rubber boots as well and bring 2 additional sources of light (such as headlamps or flashlights).

If large clusters of bats are encountered, the field trip portion will be cut short. Program will be canceled in inclement weather and rescheduled at a different date.

Please register each person who attends to go into the cave individually.

***Only the age range (7 and up) will be allowed in the cave.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon (adults) Spring is stirring in the Midwest. Take a virtual tour of the native gardens at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by Cydney Ross, Outdoor Program Manager with Deep Roots KC, this program features a live look at native plants of interest plus landscaping tips and tricks. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

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 iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 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 iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 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.