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

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.

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!

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

After finding painted rocks around Jefferson City, Janet Bonnot joined the JC Rocks movement in 2018. Her nature-inspired rock work is on display in the west wing hallway through December 2025. No registration required. All ages

The animals are hungry! Watch as a Runge naturalist feeds the snakes, aquarium fish, and snapping turtles. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The presenter will email the program link to participants both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages

This is a family fun day at the range. There will be opportunities to shotgun, .22 rifles, bb guns, archery, atlatl, disc golf, exhibits, fisching game, snow cones, and more. Come anytime between 3:00-7:00 p.m. All ages welcome. Shotgun shooting age minimum age 11, .22 rifle and atlatl minimum age 9.

This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We will cover safety, the basic fundamentals and etiquette of the discipline of trap shooting, and appropriate guns and ammunition. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if applicable. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

Missouri is a special state, boasting several interesting and unique natural communities. Join a naturalist for a virtual tour through these various ecoregions to learn what makes them different and how these natural communities have influenced the culture of our state. Participants will also receive information on locations across the state they can visit to see these interesting natural communities. Be sure to include your email address when registering. The presenter will send a link to participants by e-mail the day before and the morning of the program. Registration required. All ages