Events

Join us for Summer Guided Fish Hatchery Tours at the newly reopened Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center! Tours will be Tuesday through Friday at 10AM,11AM,1PM, and 2PM, starting May 27th until August 29th. Tours will begin inside the building at the large Trout Aquarium and then move outside to the raceways. Tours last approximately 30-40 minutes. No registration required.

*PLEASE NOTE the Conservation Education Center and Fish Hatchery will be CLOSED on June 19th and July 4th in observation of state holidays.

Contact staff for any questions at Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov or (417) 334-4865 ext. 0

Winners of the Webster Groves Nature Study Society's photo contest can be viewed in the west wing hallway through August 30.

Jefferson City native Ann DeRosier says her love of art began with the beautiful illustrations in her elementary school story books. Retired now after teaching at the elementary, high school, and college levels, Ann enjoys painting scenes of Missouri, portraits, and still life. Her works can be viewed in the Runge lobby through August 30.

Come check out this month's artist spotlight: Nature Center Staff sampler. This month's art includes items that have been made in our programming that we have provided to the public. Come see which class you may be interested in soon!

Come see Missouri through the eyes of our Naturalist Intern, Nila Milo, called "Fawning for Missouri's Flora & Fauna." Milo has described herself as “lucky” to have so many opportunities to explore the natural communities of Missouri this summer and is happy to share those experiences via her artwork. Her work can be viewed in the Nature Center art gallery through July 31.

After finding painted rocks around Jefferson City, especially on the trails at Runge, Janet Bonnot decided to join the JC Rocks fun in 2018. Runge is pleased to present a variety of Janet's nature-inspired creations in the west wing through December 2025. No registration required. All ages

Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.

Join us at Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region that MDC has to offer! At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, we will be channeling that classic summer camp experience with:

Archery – Take aim and learn how to shoot your shot with a classic compound bow. Shoot with a twist in a fun target challenge after mastering your archery skills!

Outdoor Cooking - Pull out the chef hat because we are proving you can make fan favorites on a campfire. Cooking over coals is a true throw back to that summer camp feeling.

T-Shirt Printing – Return to summer camp and embrace your inner child by painting your own t-shirt! We will be using leaves, flower stamps, and other natural materials to create colorful designs with paint. Prepare to get creative and messy!

Please bring your own refillable water bottle and lunch. Make sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray. Closed toe shoes are required. We encourage participants to bring a hat and any other cooling devices (personal fan, cooling towel, etc.) as we will be outside for the majority of this camp.

Please register each participant individually. Meet our team of naturalists at the frog statue in front of the nature center to begin your camp experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is offering this camp twice! Be sure to double-check that you are registering for the date you plan to attend.

This program is part of our ongoing Camp Hellbender Series! We encourage you to participate in as many camp days as you’d like. Registration is required for each individual camp. Campers will receive a special sticker to commemorate each day they participate in throughout the summer, and all campers will be invited back for a closing campfire at the end of the summer! Please only register for one day per site.

Camp Hellbender Summer Camp Schedule:

Saturday, June 14th - Rockwoods Reservation

Saturday, June 21st - August A. Busch Memorial CA

Saturday, July 12th - Columbia Bottom CA

Thursday July 17th - Powder Valley Conservation NC

Saturday, July 19th – Powder Valley Conservation NC

Saturday, August 2nd -Carondelet Park

Friday, August 8th - Closing Campfire at Powder Valley Conservation NC

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plant-webinars (adults) Spring-fed rivers, lofty hills, cold spring waters, extensive cave systems and deep valleys characterize the Ozark Region which began its formation over a billion years ago. This rugged landscape is home to unique ecosystems featuring endemic native plants and wildlife communities. Join Deep Roots KC and MDC on a summer adventure to the Ozarks where we highlight various Conservation Areas and share stories of ongoing conservation efforts across the state. This episode is the first of two parts, with the second episode airing August 21st. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.