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 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.

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.

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, 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

Registration required by visiting https://deeproots.org/get-involved (adults) It's one thing to read about native plants and another to get your hands dirty. Learn seasonal skills, be empowered and grow community alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are back for the summer! These little jewels are beautiful and entertaining visitors to your garden. Learn all about hummingbirds, then make your very own mini hummingbird feeder! All materials will be provided. Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time, including children.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

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.