Events

Artist Neil Heimsoth’s childhood in rural Missouri fostered his love of painting landscapes. He later shared his passion for the outdoors with the citizens of Missouri for eleven years when he worked as an illustrator for the U.S. Forest Service. Years spent attempting to perfect his craft led to Heimsoth’s paintings receiving numerous awards and being included in many private and corporate collections. Now living in Cole Camp, Missouri, Neil Heimsoth continues to share his passion for the outdoors by displaying his works with several galleries located throughout the state.

Have you just bought a new pistol and want to become more familiar with it? Do you need some help getting started as a new shooter or haven’t shot for a while and want to get back into it? Is there a technique that you want to learn or improve upon? This one-on-one instruction is for you! It is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Participants must provide their own pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition. For more information or to make an appointment, call 816-249-3194.

Registration required for youngsters only (ages 3-5 with an adult)

There’s a gift from a wild animal waiting for you! The wildlife of Missouri sure are generous. From other animals to us humans, wildlife knows just what the best gift is! They can sing, they share their things, they help us grow trees. There are more ways than one how the critters around us give the gifts and we give back!

Registration required for youngsters only (ages 3-5 with an adult)

There’s a gift from a wild animal waiting for you! The wildlife of Missouri sure are generous. From other animals to us humans, wildlife knows just what the best gift is! They can sing, they share their things, they help us grow trees. There are more ways than one how the critters around us give the gifts and we give back!

You harvested a deer, field dressed it, and have it ready to process for the table.This event will provide instruction on how to make burger and sausage out of venison. We will discuss how to grind and season your harvest to make it into tasty burgers and sausage. This program will be held in the Busch Shooting Range classroom.

Investigate the amazing lives of Missouri owls. We will explore the special features that make these feathered flyers excellent night-time hunters. Discover whoooo’s in an owl’s food chain by virtually dissecting a real owl pellet. This program is designed for homeschool students ages 7-11 but all are welcome.

Holiday cards, songs and movies are full of snow, pinecones, holly and wild poinsettias. We do have native winter time plants here in Missouri, including holly. Let’s Dig Deep into native hollies and wild poinsettias and learn about their habitat and life cycle.

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

Come in for some antler-related antics and learn some of the wonders of whitetails. Masks requested for this indoor program. Ages 3-6.

Does your little one love to be outdoors in the winter? Do they love animals, especially birds? Winter is a great time for bird watching, no matter your age or experience. Come and join us as we read Paddle, Perch, Climb: Bird Feet are Neat; a story about birds and how they live. We will also learn how to make an easy apple bird feeder that you can take home. Birds think this type of feeder is a treat, and you can make yourself a treat, too! You will be able to enjoy your homemade treat while you watch the birds enjoy your home-made bird feeder.

***While this program is intended for ages 3 to 6, all are welcome to participate.***

***Register each person attending individually.

Come in for some antler-related antics and learn some of the wonders of whitetails. Masks requested for this indoor program. Ages 3-6.

Join us for an in-person guided hike on Pine Trail at August A. Busch Conservation Area, where we will make multiple stops to nature journal the sights and wildlife, as well as our experiences. This hike will be less than a mile on a very flat terrain. Participants can bring lunch to eat during one of our nature journaling stops.

Please wear proper hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Participants should bring their own nature journaling materials such as: pencils, journals, blending tools, non-photo blue pencil, eraser, etc.

We will meet in the August A. Busch Nature Center parking lot and caravan to the trailhead from there.

NOTE: This program is hosted by Powder Valley naturalists, but the program will take place at August A. Busch Conservation Area.

Investigate the amazing lives of Missouri owls. We will explore the special features that make these feathered flyers excellent night-time hunters. Discover whoooo’s in an owl’s food chain by virtually dissecting a real owl pellet. This program is designed for ages 7-11 but all are welcome.

Registration required (ages 14+ youngsters 14-17 must be accompanied by a participating adult)

Celebrate the season by crafting a natural artisan wreath! Evergreens, pinecones, and many other natural trimmings will be provided. Bring your own WREATH FRAME to attach greenery and decorations.

30-60 million bison once roamed the great plains of North America. What happened? Where did they all go? Can we still see Bison in Missouri today? Join us to get answers to these questions and more! This is a VIRTUAL program. Registration is required with a valid email (registration link will be sent to email prior to the program).

Registration required (ages 14+ youngsters 14-17 must be accompanied by a participating adult)

Celebrate the season by crafting a natural artisan wreath! Evergreens, pinecones, and many other natural trimmings will be provided. Bring your own WREATH FRAME to attach greenery and decorations.

Everyone loves a good story, and we have plenty of them here at the nature center! You and your little one can watch and listen as our Naturalist reads a couple nature stories. This program is designed for children 0-6 years of age, but is open to all.

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

Participants will be carving a Balsa crankbait. Materials will be provided for you to carve a blank during class. Some additional supplies will be needed for finishing your lure following class. A list of materials and instructions will be provided.

Registration required (adults; 17+)

The MR 340 is the world’s longest non-stop paddling race taking participants 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles, Missouri. The MR 340 is run by Rivermiles in support of Missouri River Relief, a non-profit organization founded to engage individuals and communities along the Missouri River in exploration, recreation, education and stewardship.

Yes, this a race across the state of Missouri, but it is SO much more! It is an intimate glimpse into one of our most amazing natural resources! Paddling these 340 miles will forever change your relationship with this river and will build stronger understanding of your connection with our natural resources.

JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE 3-PART WORKSHOP LED BY MULTIPLE TIME MR 340 FINISHERS THAT WILL REVEAL SOME OF THE SECRETS OF THIS PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE.

Part 1: Are you curious about the MR340?

We will cover the following in Part 1:

History or the river and the race; Type of boat/single or team; How to prepare; What to take with you and what to leave at home; Dangers on the river – real and perceived; Weather; Day paddle/night paddle; Goals, plans and more plans; Sleeping; Choosing your ground crew; Ramp volunteers; Community involvement; Nature along the river;

Part 2: Day float mid-to late spring

Part 3: Night Float late June

Our staff are often asked about details of hunting with handguns. Attend this session to get some answers on how to get started in handgun hunting this year. Learn from our experienced instructors about wildlife identification, habits and habitats, regulations, safety, hunting strategies, equipment, and game care. Attend this class to increase your success in the field.

Registration required (ages 8+) No other birds can do exactly what they can! Join Paige with the Missouri River Bird Observatory to learn how woodpeckers are built for excavating cavities. You won't want to miss out on these amazing adaptations. We will also discuss how to identify the different species of woodpeckers in Missouri and where you can find them.

Chomp, Chomp, Chomp...Splash! Beavers are busy even in the ice cold waters of winter. Come in to learn more about beavers and construct your very own beaver lodge. Registration required. Ages 3-6 years.

How do animals survive the ice and cold in winter? We'll discover the amazing abilities that many animals use to get by during the winter months. Masks requested for this indoor program. Ages 3-6.

How do animals survive the ice and cold in winter? We'll discover the amazing abilities that many animals use to get by during the winter months. Masks requested for this indoor program. Ages 3-6.

Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective night time hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time. Please bring a flashlight. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.?

Calling all owls! Discover the special features of owls with a brief indoor presentation. We will then hit the trail in search of these night-time predators. The trail is not stroller accessible and is rated moderate to difficult with steep hills and loose gravel. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather as a large portion of the program will take place outdoors.