Discover Nature Events

Quack, quack, quack! Waddle, swim, or fly – just get here any way you can as we discover fun facts about ducks, including how they grow and make their amazing journeys. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

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

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap. Woodpeckers are some of Missouri’s most beloved bird species. Their characteristic tap-tap-tapping as they hunt for food has made them one of the most easily recognizable winter birds. Learn about these wonderful woodpeckers, their amazing adaptations, and how to identify Missouri’s seven native species in this virtual program.

Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Discover how simple it is to prepare herbal tea using Missouri's native wild plants. In this class you’ll sample a variety of native wild tasty teas perfect for the winter season.

Only registered participants may attend program.

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.

Join us for a winter walk at Cedar Gap. This rugged trail is a 1.6-mile loop through a forested hillside with glades along the way and rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bring binoculars if you like. This program is for women only. Girls ages 14-17 accompanied by a female adult are welcome. Transportation provided.

Caves are booming with wildlife in summer, but what happens during winter? Join Naturalist Sam Grove to learn about Missouri caves and common animals you may find inside. We will also discuss what these animals may be doing inside caves in winter, and what time of year is best to visit a cave yourself. The program will end with a live Q&A session with the naturalist. This program will not be recorded. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link.

You parents deserve a break! That’s why we are offering a program just for you while providing an equally awesome program for your children at the same time. Have you always wanted to attend one of our programs but had trouble finding childcare? Here’s your chance to practice and enjoy different methods of outdoor cooking while your kiddos enjoy fun naturalist-led activities and crafts in the adjoining classroom. Please enroll all children and adults that will be attending. Childcare will only be provided for ages 6 and up.

Chirp, chirp, chiroo. Coo, coo, coo. What funny sounds birds make? As winter weather closes in, birds become frequent visitors at birdfeeders and we hear their friendly calls all winter. Learn about these cool callers during our program. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Get a behind the scenes look at our Animal Care Room and learn how we care for our education animals. You’ll get a chance to feed some of our animal ambassadors and learn proper handling techniques. Our captive amphibians and reptiles have a big job to do and deserve the best care. Here’s your chance help while you learn about these amazing animals!