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

Winners of the Webster Groves Nature Study Society's photo contest can be viewed in the west wing hallway through August 30.

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.

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.

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!

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 December 2025. No registration required. All ages

Join us for a 3-mile hike to view the herons and egrets feeding in the MTC marsh. The young have just left the nests so we may see both young and adults feeding together. See some of the showiest members of all wading birds. Meeting details will be sent out to registrants the day before the program.

Registration required (ages 16+) Start your day with a 60-minute gentle yoga and sound bath session led by a trained AimWell Yoga Studio instructor followed by a relaxing stroll through the native plant gardens with Discovery Center staff. You are sure to walk away refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of your weekend. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

We’ve heard the song, but why are the ants marching? What exactly is keeping these ants so busy? Find out more about these tiny and mighty insects and learn why life without them would not be the same. We will discover life as an ant through imaginary play and wild exploration.

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.

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

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 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.