Events

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.

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Central Missouri artist Terry Martin.

Corvids: crows and ravens

are very intelligent and curious birds.

Encountered in many mythologies:

significant to shamans, they speak from the other world;

as tricksters, they carried light to the indigenous peoples;

often, they play a role in creation stories;

they guard souls on journeys to other worlds.

Their perspective of height

and the capacity of breadth

allow them to quickly message patterns of change.

As a multidisciplinary artist, I am committed

to a curious mind, learning from nature

and the elements of water, earth, air, wind, and fire.

My work encompasses sculpture, paintings, and photography,

oftentimes using a combination of media:

beeswax, resin, and oil; stones an wood;

lead sheeting, wire, and precious metals; textiles;

collected papers, found objects, cast bronze and glass.

The historical reverence for the power

and sacredness of earth

spans our cultural memory.

We live in a chaotic world.

It is difficult to feel a part of the whole

with the loss of balance and control:

personally, politically, and spiritually.

When we become still and silent,

we may then listen

to the past, the present and the future.

Hopefully, we will continue to find ways

to understand and bond,

not only to our environment,

but most importantly,

to each other.

Catherine Eaton Skinner

2022

www.ceskinner.com

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (March 8 & 22).

Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! Part three of this virtual series will be filled with tools, tips, and cooking ideas to boost your confidence using Dutch ovens and cast iron at home as well as around the campfire.

Learn archery basics and practice hitting the target. The compound bows and other archery equipment used, archery form taught, and safety rules, will be consistent with the National Archery in Schools program. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This outdoor program will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain.

Foraging is a means of becoming closer to the ecosystem around oneself. Not only is food acquired, but foraging leads to reduced stress through spending time outdoors, as well as building a sense of greater respect for the environment by creating a direct link between the resource and the individual.

Join MDC staff for this program on foraging for beginners. The discussion will include information on the most frequently encountered wild edibles in Missouri, seasonal impacts on foraging, ideas for preparation, and the practice of ethical consumption. The program will take place indoors in a classroom setting.

Our Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance, and safe storage. We start with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center. (An adult must accompany Ages 16-18)

Do you have nuisance wildlife causing damage to your property, landscaping, and/or garden? Do you want to learn some legal and effective strategies to deal with wildlife conflicts, while protecting your property? The Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension Laclede County is partnering to conduct this workshop for landowners, suburban homeowners, and others interested in learning ways to reduce property damage and wildlife conflicts! Topics that will be discussed:

1) Wildlife code

2) Methods and options to reduce wildlife conflicts

- Scare tactics

- Habitat Management

- Trapping

- Repellents

- Etc.

3) Orphaned and abandoned animals

4) Specific wildlife species and methods to reduce conflict including, but not limited to:

- Reptiles and Amphibians

- Birds – Geese, Black Buzzards, Pigeons, sapsuckers, woodpeckers, more

- Mammals – Armadillo, Bats, Skunks, Raccoon, Moles, Rabbits, and more

Though we all enjoy watching wildlife and realize just how fortunate we are to live in Missouri with its vast wildlife species population, sometimes wildlife causes proper damage and/or eats our hard earn work out of our garden! Participants must register for the workshop. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Lyle Whittaker, MDC Educator Lyle.Whittaker@mdc.mo.gov (417)895-6880 Ext. 1644 or Jonetta Shaver, MU Extension Office Manager

ShaverJ@missouri.edu (417) 532-7126

When: March 21st, 6:00-7:30pm

Location: MU Extension – Laclede County

186-D North Adam Ave.

Lebanon, Mo 65536

What can skulls tell us? Animal skulls hold many clues to an animal’s adaptations. Participants will use hands-on investigation to gather evidence about Missouri wildlife. Join us as we learn how to identify an animal’s diet and behavior by observing a variety of skull samples. This class is designed for ages 6 – 12, anyone 6 and up is welcome.

Please register each participant attending individually.

Meet in the classroom at the Education Center.

Silent, slimy salamanders are all around us in Missouri. Join us to have some slimy fun while we learn more about this elusive amphibian! Registration required. Ages 3-6

Learn the essentials of fishing! We will cover what type of equipment is needed, how to tie and bait your hook, how to cast, and let you get a chance to try your hand at fishing. Please dress for the weather, a portion of this program will be outdoors.

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Join us for this fun but educational twist on traditional bingo during the spring season. Win prizes and see some live animals, too. Best for ages 5 and up.

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Learn the essentials of fishing! We will cover what type of equipment is needed, how to tie and bait your hook, how to cast, and let you get a chance to try your hand at fishing. Please dress for the weather, a portion of this program will be outdoors.

This session will focus on other methods of cooking fish. We will discuss smoking, canning, pickling, and salting to name a few.

This Pond Management Workshop will cover Pond Construction, Fish Stocking, Fisheries Management, Aquatic Plant Management and Wildlife Around your Pond. This workshop is free and open to the public. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish. After a successful day afield, when it is time to clean fresh fish or game, a sharp knife is a vital tool. While it is not rocket science, there are a few tricks to putting a good edge on your favorite knife using a basic sharpening stone. We will provide the stones and you can bring along your favorite hunting or filleting knife (straight blade, non-serrated). Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Winter is hanging on, and birds are still out and about in their particular habitats, finding food. Join us on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the shelter house directly into the park, then proceed to the trail to start birding. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

This will not be a typical map and compass class.

Participants will gain skill in reading specialized maps and clue sheets to navigate through natural terrain to locate distinctive flags with the aid of a compass.

Orienteering is an international sport that can be both competitive and fun!

No prior experience is needed. All materials, tools, and guidance will be provided.

Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who will also be participating.

This program will take place completely outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

Turkey hunting is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying nature in spring. This workshop is designed to teach participants how to more successfully hunt the wild turkey. We’ll discuss turkey biology, hunting equipment, regulations and strategies that will make you a more confident turkey hunter.

NATIVE PLANTS IN A FORMAL LANDSCAPE is the topic of this month’s program. If you have wondered how to use native plants with landscaping that is more tailored, join us to hear from Jennifer Sieradzki, horticulture manager at Shaw Nature Reserve near St. Louis. Jennifer will discuss which native plants work well in formal landscape designs. She will also offer techniques for keeping your natives looking formal. You CAN enjoy native plants and help pollinators in a structured landscape setting! Registration required. Ages 14+

Join us to learn the basics of spring turkey hunting including safety, equipment, scouting, habitat, and calls. We’ll also discuss hunting strategies and challenges you may face while trying to fool a gobbler this spring. Registration required. Ages 8+

Upon registration, participants will be given a link to the virtual/online portion of the prescribed burn course. The online course is a mandatory prerequisite. Please bring your certificate of completion and Mileage sheet to the demonstration burn.