Discover Nature Events

Meet Missouri’s only species of tarantula, the Texas brown tarantula! Although these large, hairy spiders may seem scary to some, you will discover that these arachnids are quite gentle and shy. Tune in to find out where they live and how they fit into our ecosystem.

Please make sure that 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.

With all the changing colors, fall is a fantastic time to get out and see the beauty of our state. Join Naturalist Jordi Raos as she discusses what causes leaves to change color, which plants have the showiest color, and some great places to visit this fall. Please check that your account's email address is up to date as we will send a link for the virtual program to that email address. This program will not be recorded.

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather.

Registration required by visiting https://deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon/ (adults) Tour the native landscape at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by Native Landscape Specialist Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, Outdoor Program Manager with Deep Roots KC. This program features a live look at native plants of interest throughout the year plus landscaping tips and tricks. This program is a partnership with Deep Roots KC.

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather.

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.

Walk the trails with Bo Brown, local wilderness expert and author of Foraging the Ozarks and new book Foraging Central Grasslands. He will guide you to the bounty of edible wild plants and healthful herbs found in the Ozarks. Dress for the weather and plan to hike about a half a mile. Bo will be available after the program for a book signing.

Get a different view of the fall colors while kayaking on Lake Springfield. Paddlers should expect about a two-mile float with wildlife and fall color viewing opportunities. This lake is primarily slack water with little to no obstacles and minimal motorboat traffic. All kayaking equipment and life vests will be provided. Life vests must be worn at all times while in kayaks. Participants meet at the Southwood Access next to the Veterans Cemetary. Kayaks are sit-on-top. All experience levels.

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).