Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found anywhere from our own backyard to a local conservation area, and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

CONTEST REQUIREMENTS AND INFO:

All photos submitted must be taken in or around St. Louis County and should highlight native Missouri species. Participants are asked to follow area regulations, treat nature with care, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid harming any plants or habitats while photographing. The contest is open to everyone, and entries will be divided into two categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) and Adult (ages 18 and up). Participants are limited to 1 photo entry.

FAQ:

*How do I enter?

To enter, please submit your photograph to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2026. Be sure to indicate which category (youth or adult) you are entering in the email, as well as your name and a title for your photograph.

*When does voting begin?

Beginning May 5, all eligible entries will be on public display in the nature center’s art gallery, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs in person. Voting will end May 30th at 4:00 p.m. with our winners being announced shortly after.

*How are these photos being printed?

Photographs will be printed on standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper and mounted to foam core board for display.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos:

• Photograph during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light.

• Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging than subjects seen from a distance.

• Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators.

• Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, explore new trails, and connect with nature.

Columbia Missouri Artist Christine Doerr’s art is inspired by a lifetime shaped by nature, travel, and service, from the Ozarks to the Mediterranean. Rooted in the landscapes of Gans Creek, it highlights both beauty and its environmental vulnerability. Her art will be on display in the lobby through June.

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 June. 

Nature printmaking is the art of creating lifelike images on paper or fabric with found objects from nature. MDC Naturalist Pat Whalen exhibits nature prints from his personal work and programs he presents at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. His prints will be on display in the west wing hallway through June. 

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (May 13 & 27).

Learn to identify Missouri mammals by their tracks, fur, or skull.

Curious about paddling Missouri's beautiful Ozark streams but not sure where to start? Our virtual Paddle Prep program is here to guide you every step of the way! Learn about the gear you'll need, trip planning, and helpful tips to navigate the streams with confidence. No prior experience? No problem! Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable adventure on the water! Participants will receive a link via e-mail a day before and the day of the virtual presentation.

Which creature makes that persistent "peeping" sound in late winter and early spring? The sound isn't from a bird high in the tree branches, but from a frog in the icy water in the pond below the branches. Spring peepers are one of the earliest frogs to emerge in the spring. We will talk about several of the frogs and toads which make their home in Missouri.

Please bring a sack lunch. We will provide water, coffee, and dessert.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/discover-native-gardening (adults) It's one thing to read about naive plants and another to get your hands dirty! Learn seasonal gardening skills, be empowered and grow community alongside native plant experts and enthusiasts. This month we'll identify and learn to manage spring native plants and cool season annuals. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join us this month for Babes in the Woods: I'm a Little Tadpole! In this action-packed hour of fun, we will meet at the staging area by the outdoor bathrooms, then walk along Tanglevine Trail to our fishless pond to visit the tadpoles and frogs. We will learn about them, listen for their peeps and ribbits, and then serenade them with our song. This class is designed to get young children more connected with the natural world. After the program, expect to leave with a little dirt and a big smile. Remember to dress for the weather, even a little rain won't bother us or the frogs.

This program is hosted by the Powder Valley Nature Center on the second Tuesday of every month. Please feel free to join the librarian for story time inside afterwards.