Discover Nature Events

Nature photographer Noppadol Paothong shares his passion and close-up macro photography. He will share images of nature captured up close and his personal connection with the outdoors. Learn about the how, where, and what involved in his photography.

Hike with us on one of our favorite trails. The Homesteaders trail at Henning Conservation Area is ~4 miles and rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Bring binoculars if you like. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool or meet us there (please call to inform us if you are meeting us there).

Fall brings the annual migration of waterfowl to our area lakes from their breeding grounds in the north. Some will stay with us all winter and others will rest and continue on their way farther south. After an indoor program we will walk to the lake and look for waterfowl. Ages 10 and up.

Walk-in (all ages) HOWLoween is back and we want you to join the fun! The Discovery Center and KCPD along with several neighborhood partners will provide nighttime fun for all ages. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri's nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, The Bone Yard, Buggy Bistro, Operation Wildlife and much more. It will be a howling fun, free and unforgettable event for the entire family. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Tower Grove Park is teaming up with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for our third-annual Fall Frolic, part of our Community Day series! Discover all the flora and fauna that lives in our region through autumn-centric activity stations and wildlife encounters!

Partners include World Bird Sanctuary, St. Louis Zoo, Butterfly House, Art Scope, Shaw Nature Reserve, Audubon Center, Great Rivers Greenway, St. Louis Public Library, Show Me Green Schools, and more! Live music, S’more stations, face painting and food vendors will be on site for a day of family fun!

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Registration required by e-mailing Cydney Ross at cydney@deeprootskc.org (ages 12+) It's one thing to read about native plants and another to get your hands dirty and learn from the earth. All gardens take effort, the amount depends on your goals and the plants selected. This is why volunteering in the native gardens at the Discovery Center is a great educational opportunity. Learn these insights with the experts directly. At our Garden Workday sessions, you'll learn about seasonal plants of interest and different techniques to maintain them. Not only will you take pride in creating beautiful public spaces, but you'll be empowered to use these skills in your landscape. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Spiders may seem a bit spooky to some but they're also amazing builders, great hunters, and an important part of the ecosystem. Come with us as we learn more about these 8-legged beasties. We'll go for a short walk to see if we can spot any of these cool creatures. Conservation Kids is a program designed for children ages 7 to 12, but the program is interactive and parents will play/help their children throughout the program.

Squirrels scoot and scurry all year long but are especially busy in fall. Learn what they are up to while scampering around.

Squirrels scoot and scurry all year long but are especially busy in fall. Learn what they are up to while scampering around.