Events

View Greg Renner's personal collection of antique duck decoys made in Missouri.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center turns 35 years old this year and to celebrate, the nature center is inviting the public to join the Passport to Powder Valley program. The program will encourage visitors to explore multiple aspects of the nature center and offer the opportunity to win a raffle basket of prizes.

The Passport to Powder Valley program launched Tuesday, July 14 and runs through Oct. 31. To participate, visitors can pick up a copy of the Passport to Powder Valley booklet at the nature center’s front desk. The booklet is designed to engage visitors with five fun activities that celebrate what makes Powder Valley Nature Center unique.

The five activities in the Passport to Powder Valley challenge include:

1. Birdwatching

2. Checking out one of the nature center’s nature-themed discovery backpacks

3. Meeting Powder Valley’s live “ambassador animals”

4. Attending a naturalist-led educational program

5. Exploring one of Powder Valley’s hiking trails

The passport booklet even includes a bonus coloring page. Full details on completing each activity are included in the booklet.

Every person who finishes each of the passport booklet’s activities will receive a special limited Powder Valley 35th anniversary sticker. They’ll also be entered in a raffle to win a grand prize basket, including:

- Tour tickets to the Endangered Wolf Sanctuary

- Membership and swag pack from Laumeier Sculpture Park

- Free admission tickets to either the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Butterfly House, or Shaw Nature Reserve

- The book A History of Kirkwood, Missouri, 1851-1965 by June Wilkinson Dahl, donated by the Kirkwood Historical Society

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 August. 

Look for book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a seasonal children’s book as you walk and explore. Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot. No registration required. All ages.

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 (October 14 & 28).

Grab a paddle and your fishing rod for an adventure on the water! Learn the basics of kayaking and discover how to fish from a kayak in a fun and safe environment. We'll cover paddling techniques, kayaking safety, casting from the water, and tips for catching fish while exploring nature from a whole new perspective. Whether you're new to kayaking, fishing, or both, this hands-on program is a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. This program will take place on the Maries River at Dr. Bernard Bruns Access (Just north of Westphalia in Osage County.) All fishing and kayaking equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear clothes that can get wet, shoes that stay attached to your feet, and bring a water bottle. Participants will meet at Bruns Access. Directions to the access will be sent via e-mail to participants prior to the program.

Rescheduled due to rain on original date of September 16th. Registration is encouraged but not required to attend.

Atlatls are a unique and primitive hunting tool that is still used today. They are important for preserving the past culture of all people and show us a way to connect with our ancestors 15,000 years ago. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Please note the minimum age is 10 due to the nature of having the strength and control of throwing a dart with an atlatl. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

Hands on instruction for all aspects of trapping and fur handling. This is an in the field experience where students of all ages are guided by expert trappers in both land and water sets. Preregistration is required. Any questions please contact Andrew Barnes at 417-461-4586

Join Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri River Bird Observatory staff for a fall birding trip with the Missouri Young Birders Club to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, in Boone County. Meet trip leaders at the Katy Trail, McBaine Trailhead. From there, we will use MDC vehicles and carpool to and throughout the Eagle Bluffs CA. Binoculars and field guides will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. All birding levels welcome - from beginners to experienced birders Come enjoy the fall migration and the diverse birdlife at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:

*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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 7 years old and up. 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.

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

Please meet at Suson Rearing Pond