Events

Nature's Needlers, a volunteer led program at the Runge Conservation Nature Center, is celebrating 24 years of nature-inspired quilts. Visit the Runge Conservation Nature Center in September and October to experience our bi-annual quilt show. Nature's Needlers is a monthly program offered by volunteers who teach and guide participants in needlework inspired by Missouri's outdoors. All Ages. No registration required.

Meet the most iconic of American conservationists from the last two centuries in this self-guided exhibit featuring life-size cutouts of conservation-minded pioneers such as Rachel Carson and John Muir. This exhibit is provided by the not-for-profit organization, "Legends of Conservation". All ages are welcome; no registration required.

Registration is required! Shotgun shooting is fun and exciting. If you want to learn about the shotgun fundamentals from the very beginning or improve your skill at skeet, trap or 5-stand, this One-on-One Shotgun Instruction course is for you! Our instructors will help you get started and work with you on the basics to prepare you for moving on to each discipline. To register or for more information, please call 816-249-3194. You must provide your own shotgun and two (2) full boxes of shells. The shells must be # 7.5, 8, or 9 shot. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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.

We will have pumpkin painting and dutch oven cooking from 5-6:20PM, then the documentary “A Murder of Crows” will be shown from 6:30PM – 7:30PM. (A Murder of Crows: New research has shown that crows are among the most intelligent animals in the world, able to use tools as only elephants and chimpanzees do, able to recognize each other's voices and 250 distinct calls. Crow experts from around the world sing their praises, and present us with captivating new footage of crows as we have never seen them before.) You MUST REGISTER at mdc.mo.gov/events by 1PM, October 26th. All ages are welcome, participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Chairs are not provided. You are welcome to bring snacks/drinks/a blanket to put on the lawn.

They show up in nursery rhymes, songs, and children’s stories. Thousands can be found in forests and fields. Hundreds may be in your backyard and some can share your house with you! Let’s look closer at these tiny animals- spiders- that live among us. Registration required. Ages 3-6 years.

Lurking in oceans, rivers and lakes around the world are tiny, ancient animals known to few people. Bryozoans, tiny marine creatures that live in colonies, are "living fossils”. Join us to learn about these fascinating creatures. You MUST REGISTER at mdc.mo.gov/events by 5pm, October 12th. Location & meeting information will be emailed to your registered email.

Let your imagination run wild in the garden. We will collect our masterpiece materials from the garden (leaves, petals, etc.) before learning a bit about insect body structures before we delve in into creating our own. They can be as creative as we want. Dandelion petal legs? Sure. Seed pod for a thorax? Absolutely. Leaves for wings? You bet. This program is intended for adults but children over the age of 12 with an adult may enjoy it.

Discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience-levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8 and up.

Archery is a fun, lifetime sport that all can enjoy. Learn the basics of archery and how to shoot safely, then practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of Runge staff. All equipment is provided. Registration required. Ages 7 and up.

Join us in bringing nature, science, and art together as we discover Missouri’s beautiful fall foliage and create a unique art piece to take home using the acrylic pour paint technique. All materials are provided. Registration required. Ages 16 and up.

Myths and superstitions abound concerning Halloween and its traditional seasonal icon, the owl. See Barred, Great Horned and Screech owls from the Dickerson Park Zoo and lay those myths and superstitions to rest. This program is for all age groups and reservations are required. Space is limited, so sign up early. Each family member must be registered to attend.

We will be viewing a video about biologist and author, Rachel Carson, in preparation for reading some of her books.

This event is a partnership between The Missouri Department of

Conservation (MDC), The Outdoor Dream Foundation (ODF), Missouri

Disabled Sportsmen (MDS), Dead end Game Calls, and Rest Inn Him Lodge. Applicants will be sent

formal application paperwork following their registration on MDC’s site.

Outdoor Dream will review applications, and provided any necessary

hunting gear for successful applicants. Rest Inn Him will provide lodging and

activities for participants during the weekend. Missouri Disabled Sportsmen

will provide funding for meals. MDC will supply track chairs, equipment &

supplies, as well as necessary staff. Participants will attend a deer hunting

clinic, be taken on a Mentored deer hunt in some of Missouri’s best deer

country, and have some time for fishing and other activities around deer

camp. Those applicants 16 years of age or older will hunt using archery methods

All Ages (Must be able to hike at least 2 miles on moderately rough terrain; not suitable for child strollers)

Join Rockwoods Naturalist on a mycological foray in the woods! We will identify common edible and inedible mushrooms present in the fall. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for hiking.

-Trunk or Treat

-Night Hikes!

-Craft Station

COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!

Come celebrate 30 years of conservation in the St. Louis Region at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center on the evening of October 29th! There will be a hayride, a bonfire with s’mores, fall themed crafts, games, and other fun activities to celebrate Powder Valley’s anniversary. Hotdogs, popcorns, s’mores, and drinks will be provided.

Registration is required but individual activities will be first come first serve. The building will be open, but capacity will be limited based on current COVID-19 guidance.

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike at Bennett Springs State Park in Laclede County to explore the Natural Tunnel Trail. 7.5 miles-moderate. Meet at the Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration Required. Ages 18 and up.

Registration required for all attending (adults and families with children of all ages)

Everyone is welcome, wear your Halloween costume if you like and spend a little family time fishing this Halloween season. Everyone gets to fish but we'll also have fishing themed games and prizes for the biggest fish of the day and scariest costume.

This program will teach the fundamentals of archery including equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques. This event will take place on the static archery range at the August A. Busch shooting range.. All equipment will be provided.

Red, yellow, orange, and brown, these are the colors of fall. Explore the various shapes and colors that leaves offer as we play and learn the year-long story of leaves.

Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0-2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Take a closer look at the ducks and geese that call Missouri home through activities and displays. Visit with members of the Missouri Duck Decoy Collectors as they bring a variety of decoys from the last century and discuss the materials, artistry, creativity, skill, and ingenuity that went into making duck decoys. No registration required. All ages.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that aren't that artsy. We'll introduce you to some favorite native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we'll help you create a colorful harvest tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves.