Events

Are you part of a school, camp, scout, or other community group in the St. Louis Region that would like a presentation about Missouri fish, forest, and wildlife? We have Naturalist staff and volunteers that can come to you with programs, or programs are available at our sites. Programs are offered June through August. To request a summer program brochure and application, please e-mail Pat Behle at Pat.Behle@mdc.mo.gov.

EVERY FRIDAY FROM APRIL 1 TO AUGUST 27.

What is 5-Stand? It’s a great way to improve on your shotgun shooting skills! This combination of trap, skeet, and sporting clays affords the challenge of all three games but with less walking. Bring your friends and your favorite shotgun and experience the fun of this game. No registration required. WEATHER PERMITTING!

From Memorial Day until Labor Day you can take a guided tour of Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery in Branson. Guided tours are Tuesday - Friday at 10 am, 11am, 1 pm and 2 pm. Tours are free and last approximately 30 minutes. On Saturdays, short hatchery talks will be conducted throughout the day. The Hatchery is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call (417)334-4865 ext 0.

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.

Nothing catches people’s attention like snakes! Why are snakes important? How do you tell if they are venomous? Find out the answers to these questions and more! Join us for a free virtual program where you will learn about and meet some of the slithering serpents that call Missouri home.

You will receive a link for the program about 24 hours before the program

Nothing catches people’s attention like snakes! Why are snakes important? How do you tell if they are venomous? Find out the answers to these questions and more! Join us for a free in-person program where you will learn about and meet some of the slithering serpents that call Missouri home.

This is an IN-PERSON program. Please meet at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. 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 are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6031.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.

Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. For assistance with registration please email the program instructor.

Clay target shooting is a fun and exciting way to further your shotgun shooting knowledge. We will spend time talking about the 5-stand sporting clays. We will be talking about the different birds that are thrown and how to shoot them. We will go over how the shooter will need to mount the gun, hold points, break points, forward allowance, and many more of the mechanics as it pertains to 5 stand sporting clay shooting. This program is not for the beginning shotgun shooter as it is an intermediate level program so unless you are beyond the basics in shotgunning this program is not for you. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition in the gauge of your shotgun. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed to go to shoot. This includes concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Are you unfamiliar with some of the water birds native to Saint Louis? Come join us as we hike along the waterway in Forest Park, looking for some of the water birds native to the city. No experience required, dress for the weather, and bring water, snacks, and binoculars. Please meet at the fish hatchery.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines.? Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

They can be furry, scaly, long, or short, and can be used for balance, warmth, or to warn of danger. An animals’ tail is an important part of its body and many animals depend on them for survival. Join us this month as we tell you some tales of animal tails. Registration required. Ages 3-6 years.

Registration required (ages 14+) Summertime in the native plant garden, there's no better place! The pollinators are out, and the flowers are vibrant. Join our native landscape specialists for a walk around the grounds and bring your questions about your own native plant gardens.

DETAILS

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6031.

This program includes archery safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage. You may bring your own equipment to this program; however, equipment will be provided.

There is a whole world of delicious wild mushrooms outside of the venerable morel. Come join mushroom enthusiast and Naturalist Alex for an introductory look at some of falls finest table fare. Learn the basics of foraging for mushrooms, several easy to identify fall treats, and maybe even a recipe or two! This program is open to all ages, however, it has been designed for ages 12 and up.

Come and meet the Missouri Department of Conservation newest team member. This team member has highly specialized skills and abilities that no one else possesses. He also has four paws, fur, and a nose that is 40 times greater than ours! You might say MDC has gone to the dogs. K9-Tex and his handler Cpl. Alan Lamb will be at the nature center to explain and show what it is they do to help protect wildlife. Tex is also going to show off his amazing nose and ability to detect scent.

Experience nature’s night shift in a short hike on Paw Paw Valley Trail. We will use our senses as we search for nocturnal animals and discover the amazing ways they survive the night. This program is designed for families with children but all are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes, the trail is rated moderate to difficult with steep hills.

We will give a demonstration on frog gigging and a lesson on the frogging regulations.

We will be able to try some fried frog legs before heading out to the ponds.

After the students are finished frogging, they will bring them back to the building where we will clean/ package/ label the frogs to be taken home.

Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and shoes/ boots that can get muddy depending on the weather conditions.

For more information, contact Saline County Conservation Agent Chase Wright 660-641-3345

Beautiful butterflies, dazzling dragonflies, and buzzing bees… These are not the insects we will be exploring during this program. Join us as we discover the wonderful and mysterious insect life that comes out after dark. Registration required. All ages.

Hike at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area with Volunteer Naturalist Mike Mihalik. Meet at the Nature Center and follow us to the location in your personal vehicle. Bring a sack lunch and water, hiking poles if you have them, and wear comfortable water shoes as we will hike in the creek 90% of the time. Hike is two miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Ages 18-adult.

Cane poles are primitive but they are also fun and easy for anyone to use. Especially for young children who aren't sure how to handle rod and reel combos yet. Almost anyone can master a cane pole in just a few minutes.

Come out to Prairie Hollow Educational Lake, learn how to build a cane pole and then try your luck with this trusty but ancient equipment that's been catching big fish for thousands of years. All ages are welcome and adults are encouraged to grab a pole and fish along with the kids.

We'll help every child build their own cane pole during this program. They'll learn how to tie clinch knots, use bobbers and split shot weights and how to properly rig a cane pole.

After the program children can take their pole home for more fishing adventures on their own.

Poles, tackle, bait, coaches and a basic cane pole fishing lesson will be provided.

Fishing permits are NOT required for anyone fishing during this program.

All children must be accompanied by an adult and adults may fish along with the children.

Each participant must be registered for this program.

Participants will complete a Discover Nature Fishing Lesson , fish and learn to shoot air rifles For more information or help with registration call Kara at 660-438-4465 or Mark @ 660-530-5500

Lesson 3&4

Lessons 1 & 2 MUST be taken before any of the other Discover Nature Fishing Lessons.

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing suitable for outdoor and water activities. We will be following local mask and social distancing guidelines. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen. This class is for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All persons in your group MUST be individually registered.

Registration required for each participating (all ages)

Native pollinators are amazing and a vital part of nature! Join a naturalist to search for these cool critters around the nature center, play a game to learn the three key parts of great bee habitat and take a native plant home (1 per household).

Check in for program at bleachers in front of the nature center.