Events

Fall is the best time of year, in Ms. Sarah’s opinion! Let’s take a hike around Runge to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the season while we learn more about what’s happening in the natural world during this time of change. Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 range AND at least one child in the 3-6 range. NOTE: Because this is an age-restricted program, children must have their own profile in our database in order to register. If you need assistance setting up profiles and/or creating a family group to make registration easier, Runge staff are happy to help you.

Missouri Disabled Sportsmen in partnership with local private landowners will be hosting three (3) mobility impaired hunters for an archery deer hunt in northeasy Missouri.

MDS will provide blinds, mentors, meat processing, and room & board for the selected hunters.

Hiking just became more fun with nature journaling for families!

Join an MDC Naturalist in Powder Valley Classrooms C & D to learn about how your family can incorporate nature journaling into your hikes. Hear about how this simple activity can help your kiddos connect more with nature and make hikes more enjoyable, then take a guided stroll to practice some family nature journaling activities on our Tanglevine Trail (about .25 miles long). This trail is completely paved and decently flat, making for a great walk for those pushing strollers. All participants will be provided with journals and coloring/writing tools. Please wear good walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. Please make sure to register all members of your group, including children, so that our naturalist can gather the right number of materials necessary.

No registration required (ages 12+) Purple and yellow flowers fill the landscape as trees start to drop their leaves. Take a walk to see the positive impact of native habitat gardens. Thiis is a great opportunity to bring your gardening questions to ask the experts! This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join George and Jan Serigos as they perform in their nature-related band, WildHeart. Their lighthearted music is sure to be a joy to all ages! If you have not had the chance to hear their presentation, you are in for a treat!

Music will be outdoors if weather permits. Please bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on.

Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, and American Heritage Girls are all welcome for the scouting activities prior to the concert. Scouts of all stripes will have opportunities work toward multiple conservation-related merit badges.

The event is also open to any families interested in discovering and learning more about nature and the outdoors. Affiliation with a scouting program is not required to attend. Participants will also have the chance for all to explore the exhibits in the nature center.

Scout/family tables include:

* bird study table

* reptile and amphibian table

* bug table

* Leave No Trace table

You will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibits in the nature center.

Did you see that shadow move? Did you hear that?! Start the spooky season off right with a Halloween Night Fright Hike on one of the nature center trails. Join other families as darkness abounds, but don’t worry; participants will receive glow sticks and glow necklaces to help light the path. Before the hike, learn about some of the not so creepy critters that may be lurking in the darkness. This program is appropriate for all ages and will take place on a paved trail. This program is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series and the building and exhibits will remain open during this program.

The Castor River winds through southeast Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi River. Along the way its clear water passes gravel banks, flows under soaring eagles, and nourishes smallmouth, wildflowers, and mink. Come experience the magic yourself for this six-mile float down one of Missouri’s hidden gems. All experience levels welcome, though some fitness required as this river requires exiting and walking the kayaks over slippery rocks on occasion. A welcome email will be sent to participants with full details and a packing list about two weeks prior to the trip.

Turkey Wingbone Call Clinic – Make-and-Take to Missouri Outdoors

Here is your opportunity to make a turkey wingbone call from raw bone to final product. This clinic is open to 20 individuals from the ages 12 and up; all materials and tools for making the wingbone call will be provided. Registered youth under 16 must have parent or guardian present with them during the clinic. Registered participants will be asked to bring sack lunch, safety glasses, work gloves, and wear comfortable work clothes. The program will be held from 8 AM – 5 PM on October 5, 2024 at the Waynesville Rural Fire District Training Center located at 25785 Red Oak Road, Waynesville , MO 65583. Lead instructor will be Mike Mansell with Outdoor Skills of America.

Clinic is hosted by Outdoors Skills of America, Clay Howlett Memorial Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The trapping clinic will involve students learning all aspects of trapping in a hand-on approach. Students will set/ check traps, learn fur handling and all aspects of trapping. For the water portion of the clinic waders of some kinds are required.

What a great way to spend an early October morning! Come join us for a delicious breakfast from a Dutch oven cooked over coals and learn how to make a tasty Dutch oven dessert for later. While we wait for the dessert to cook, there will be fun activities for the kids and adults. Bring your camp chairs and an appetite!