Discover Nature Events

Art instructor and nature enthusiast Hing Wah Hatch will increase your powers of observation as she demonstrates, step-by-step, how to capture the essence of local plants and animals through Chinese-style painting. Participants will go home with more nature knowledge and their own artistic masterpiece. Ages 8-adult.

Help celebrate our 35th anniversary with a hike at the Nature Center! Each month a naturalist will lead a hike to share the beauty of the Nature Center trails with you. Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike 1.5 to 2 miles. The trail is considered easy to moderately difficult with some uneven terrain. Ages 8-adult. Children ages 8-17 must have a registered adult accompanying them.

Art instructor and nature enthusiast Hing Wah Hatch will increase your powers of observation as she demonstrates, step-by-step, how to capture the essence of local plants and animals through Chinese-style painting. Participants will go home with more nature knowledge and their own artistic masterpiece. Ages 8-adult.

If you want to see more bees and butterflies in your garden, we have some recommendations for you! Donna Aufdenberg, Field Specialist in Horticulture from the University of Missouri Extension, will discuss the benefits of native plants for our native pollinators. Learn which plants will draw in the most pollinators and the basics of starting your own pollinator garden. This virtual program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

This virtual program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be registered for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

Knowing how to use a map and compass is a valuable skill for anyone who spends time outdoors, plus it's fun! Join us as we learn about the tools in the classroom, then put our new knowledge to the test at Busiek State Forest with some orienteering challenges. Transportation, equipment, and snacks will be provided. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a sack lunch. Ages 12-17.

Being a good steward of the land means working to conserve your property’s natural resources and features. Join Nature Center Volunteer Paul Breitenstein as he describes his journey to becoming a better steward. Paul will discuss changes he made to his property to remove invasive species, increase native plant diversity, and increase habitat for wildlife. This virtual program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

This virtual program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be registered for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

The soft fur of a red fox, armadillo armor, beaver tails, and more can be experienced at the Missouri Mammals Discovery Table. A naturalist will be on hand to offer some fun facts and answer questions. All ages. No registration required.

Sometimes they startle us, but snakes always fascinate us. Learn about this often-misunderstood reptile, see snakes up close, and even touch one! All ages.

Spring is just around the corner but some plants are already starting to peek out. Bring your baby as we walk the Boardwalk Trail to discover what’s happening out in nature. Please bring a trail-ready stroller or pack to carry baby. Ages 0-2.

Leaves of three...let it be?! Students will be led in a survival-skills based quest to overcome obstacles that stand in their way. Teams will work together to solve challenges that will lead them to surviving the wild. Please meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site.

Did you know many native plants can be planted and harvested alongside modern agriculture? Hannah Hemmelgarn, MS, Assistant Program Director at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, will share about some of the native perennial specialty crops that have been (or are) part of improvement programs and cultivar trials. These include elderberry, black walnut, pecan, pawpaw, and others. Hannah will discuss the concept of "nativars", the long history of tree and shrub domestication, and how these plants can be effectively integrated into agroforestry practices on-farm or in the garden. This virtual program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 16 years of age and older.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

This virtual program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be registered for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

Discover the art of painting waterfowl with accomplished art instructor Greg Chappell. Greg will help build your skills in the foundations of drawing, anatomy, and composition. Skills learned in the class will also help you paint for a Junior Duck Stamp entry. All supplies provided. Ages 8-17, must have an accompanying adult.

This class is a series of 12 program that meets once each month all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some of the most iconic trees of southeast Missouri such as the bald cypress and white oak; as well as lesser-known trees like the cucumber magnolia, Ozark chestnut, and oaks and ashes native to our part of the state. Each block will feature a leaf with either its fruit or flower. At each class you will discover a new tree’s secret life history, habitat preferences, importance to wildlife and myriad uses by people through the ages.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete all 16 blocks for an entire quilt.

Classes will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop and needle. We will have patterns, thread, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns.

The song of a spring peeper, bumps on a toad, and the secrecy of a salamander can all be experienced at the Amazing Amphibians Discovery Table. A naturalist will be on hand to offer some fun facts and answer questions. All ages. No registration required.

Did you know that the majority of caterpillar species rely on a small number of keystone species plants to survive? These keystone native species are vital to caterpillar survival, but it doesn’t stop there. Learn how you can help caterpillars grow into butterflies and beyond through providing a sanctuary among the trees. Paula Diaz, a venerated native plant landscaper and long-time volunteer of DeepRootsKC, the GrowNative! program, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation, will discuss the importance of landscaping with keystone native species and what it means to provide “soft landings” for pollinators. This virtual program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

This virtual program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be registered for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

The shamrock is a symbol of the greenest holiday of the year, but what exactly is a shamrock? A four-leaf clover? Not so fast. Learn all about the shamrock and where you might expect to find some of your own right here in Missouri. So, follow us to the end of the rainbow and learn something new about Missouri’s native plants. This virtual program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

This virtual program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be registered for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

Native Plant Seminar isn’t just for adults! Bring the whole family in to the craft corner to create your own style of plant inspired art. We’ll provide craft supplies, natural materials, and a few examples to get you started, the rest is up to you! This program is open to all ages and does not require registration.

This program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be attended for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

Take a hike with us on Dresser Island on the Mississippi River. Dresser Island is a great place to discover eagles and hawks as well as pelicans, ducks, and other spring migrants. Whether you take the 6.5 miles hike around the southern tip of the island or take a shorter 3.5 mile walk we will also look for evidence of beavers, deer, and muskrats along the way. Dress for the weather and bring a walking stick if you have one. Bring binoculars, field guides, cameras, water bottle and snacks/lunch.

Meet in the parking lot for Dresser Island off Highway 94 about 5 miles west of West Alton in St. Charles County.

Join Bill Eddleman, retired Wildlife Biologist and Ornithologist, to learn how native plantings can encourage wildlife in your area. We know native plants are ideal for native wildlife, big and small, but did you know small changes can make a big difference in your backyard? Bill will discuss the basics of wildlife management as applied to home landscapes and native plant gardens. He will also talk about some landscape bed designs, and plant selections, and how to establish native plants at your own home. This program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

To reserve your seat, please register for this program. Walk-ins will also be welcome the day of, subject to seating availability.

Nothing says “spring” like the call of an eastern bluebird through an open window on a warm day! Come to Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center to learn more about these beautiful state birds. A great way to attract bluebirds to your own property is to provide housing for them, so you will also have the opportunity to build a bluebird house to take home. One bird house per household please.

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.

Join Chris Benda, the Illinois Botanizer, to learn about the exciting world of wild orchids. Did you know Missouri is home to over 37 species of orchids? Many of these species are very rare. This program will discuss the natural history of orchids and present photos of all the species native to Missouri. This program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older.

To reserve your seat, please register for this program. Walk-ins will also be welcome the day of, subject to seating availability.

Most of us can tell a maple from an oak by looking at the leaves, but what about during winter? Looking at bark, buds, twigs, and other clues will help you be the detective and solve the puzzle. Identifying trees in winter can help you plan for spring and carryout forest management in cooler temperatures. This program will be outdoor and will cover about ½ mile of easy to moderate trail. You may wish to bring a notebook and bottle of water.

This program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be attended for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.

Witness a “nature show” that belongs to one of the strangest members of the bird world, the Timberdoodle. Also look and listen for one of the loudest singers of the amphibian world, the Spring Peeper. Includes a 1 ½ mile hike. This program is for all ages.

Please dress for the weather and bring a small flashlight and a lawn chair for the field viewing.

Meet at the August A. Busch Administration building classroom area.

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.