Discover Nature Events

Walk-in (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.

Join Volunteer Naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6-mile loop trail.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Spring has sprung and so have your weeds! Get your hands dirty and learn how to ID and manage seasonal weeds in your garden. All experience levels are welcome. Enjoy a naturalist-led garden tour following the end of the session. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (all ages) Mammals, reptiles and birds oh my! Missouri is known for its diversity of habitats and wild species. Join us for a fun Missouri animal themes trivia night where you can test your knowledge about our spectacular native animals!

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Experience how native gardens change and learn seasonal maintenance required for success. Feel empowered, enjoy camaraderie and learn skills alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! All experience levels are welcome. The Deep Roots Demonstration Garden features Midwest native plants suitable for the home garden. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information.

Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.

The online "Official Missouri Prescribed Burn Course" must be completed before attending this event. You can register for the online portion here: https://www.hunter-ed.com/prescribedburn/

The online course has a $25 charge to a third-party host (not MDC) and can be completed in approximately 2 – 4 hours. Please bring your certificate of completion and mileage log to the workshop.

At this event, the participants will learn about burn equipment, burn line installation, safe weather parameters, ignition operations, and other techniques to safely conduct a prescribed burn. Participants will be outside for portions of the day and should dress for the weather and a short walk.

Lunch will be provided. Email the instructor with any dietary restrictions that we can try to accommodate.

Join us during your lunchtime for a virtual program on birds!

From heroic acts to being messengers, and symbols from good and bad, birds are important characters in legends, folklore, and mythology. Celebrate Migratory Bird Day by discovering the beauty and glory of birds in Missouri. Learn how their histories, personalities, and their influence has impacted how they are perceived and seen by mankind.

An email will be sent with the link a day before the program by noon. If you register after that time, another link will be sent the morning of the program to ensure everyone has the correct link to join.

Copperheads conjure up curiosity, mystery, and even fear. In truth they are one of Missouri’s most intriguing and often least understood venomous snakes.

Dr. Ben Jellen has conducted a study of copperheads at Powder Valley Nature Center over a period of five years. Learn about his latest findings at this special virtual presentation.

Participants attending this virtual program must include a valid email address when registering for the program. A WebEx link will be sent to all registered participants 24 hours before the program.

With the icy winds of winter giving way spring wildflowers start to bloom. Join us at Saint Francois State Park for a hike along a 3.4 mile trail. This trail follows the Current River before climbing 300ft in elevation and looping back. Pack your lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery when we stop to eat. The difficulty of Swimming Deer Trail is moderately-difficult due to the 300ft elevation gain along the middle of the trail. Participants will meet at the nature center and carpool to the state park.