Discover Nature Events

What kind of birds do you see in your yard in the winter? Let's learn about birds and make some special bird feeders together!

Bring the nature into your homes during the holidays with this fun program! Learn about some common backyard birds, then create felt ornaments to take home. Program will be indoors in the Stupp Center in Tower Grove Park.

Walk-in (all ages) What's more relaxing than sipping on a nice hot cup of tea on a chilly winter day? Many people wouldn't relate tea to nature, but you might be surprised by the connections. Come and learn about different natural teas you can make from native plants while sipping on some Discovery Center made tea! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

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!

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.

Want to make some cool nature crafts to gift (or keep yourself)? We'll provide the supplies; you bring the creativity and enthusiasm. This is a stop-by event held in the lobby and classroom at the Nature Center. Please, no organized groups. Ages 5 to adult.

Snakes are often feared because they’re misunderstood. Do you wish you knew more about these secretive reptiles? Here’s your chance! Come meet some of the nature center snakes, learn to identify common snakes, and how to tell venomous from nonvenomous. We’ll also talk about the benefits of having snakes around.

From slipping through the currents to belly flopping on the snow, these slippery sliders really know how to play! Tune in to discover the special features that allow these aquatic mammals to thrive in Missouri’s waterways.

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

Registration required by visiting https://deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon (adults) Tour the native landscape at the 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.

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.