Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Urban Nature Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife—right here on the scenic grounds of Powder Valley. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found in our own backyard and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

All photos submitted must be taken on-site at Powder Valley 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).

To enter, please submit your photographs to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2025. Beginning May 3, 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. Winners from each category will receive prizes and may have their work featured in future Powder Valley exhibits and across the Missouri Department of Conservation’s social media platforms.

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 the trails, and connect with nature.

Bill Palmer's interest in the outdoors began in the 1950s on a small farm in Montgomery County. As a boy he spent time stalking rabbits and watching birds such as bobwhite quail which were plentiful on the farm. These early adventures became the foundation for his lifelong love and appreciation of nature. Bill Palmer's photographs may be viewed in the Runge main lobby thru Saturday, June 28. No registration required. All ages

Root head decoys were early duck decoys made from driftwood or dead tree logs for the body, and tree roots and limbs for the head. Jim Barksdale's carvings, located in the Runge west hallway, demonstrate his efforts to simulate these historic and creative works of art. The exhibit is on view through June 30. No registration required. All ages

Come check out this month's artist spotlight: Sarah Geringer. Artwork will remain up for the duration of the month in our lobby.

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 14 & 28).

Agents of Discovery is a mobile game app that lets you explore nature in a new way. Our new game at Runge is a scavenger hunt you play on your phone. Find QR codes in our exhibit gallery and learn how birds use their beaks and bills like people use tools. Answer all the questions to win. Come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required although you do need to download the Agents of Discovery app to your phone. All ages

Grab your hiking stick and join volunteers from Runge Nature Center on an overnight hiking trip May 21-22 to St. Francois County. We'll hike Pickle Springs Natural Area (1.8 miles), Hawn State Park (approx. 2 miles), Hickory Canyon Natural Area (1.3 miles), and visit Washington State Park to see the petroglyphs. Lodging on the night of May 21 will be in Farmington, MO at Baymont Inn & Suites. Round trip transportation from Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City will be provided. Each hiker is responsible for their meals and lodging and for contacting the hotel to make their reservation. There is a block of 15 rooms under MDC's name; room rate is $85 plus tax. Pack your lunch for the first day and bring money for dinner and lunch the second day. Breakfast is included in the hotel cost. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle. Note: Registration closes May 16 at 8 a.m. Registration required. Ages 18+

Let’s learn about birds and their feathers! Feathers are an important part of being bird. We will visit the bird viewing area to watch birds in motion using their feathers to fly and if weather allows, enjoy a ½ mile walk looking and listening for birds.

Along our large river floodplains, a special habitat is performing critical and beneficial roles for the surrounding environment. Discover the important roles Missouri’s wetland habitats play and how they help improve our lives. We will explore Wood Duck Swamp in search of some of the animals and plants that call wetlands home. Please wear clothes and shoes that can get muddy. Trail down to the swamp is steep with loose gravel.

This virtual program is designed to help the first-time canoe and kayaker understand the basics of one of the most popular watersports in Missouri today. We will discuss the basic equipment, strokes, and knowledge needed to float Missouri’s rivers, lakes, and streams safely. Your full name is required at registration along with a viable email address as we will be sending you the link to log into the class. Class will be available ten minutes prior to start time for log-in. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!