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

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.

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

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed Lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

During warm summer nights, nature provides us with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays. The creator of this lightshow is the tiny firefly. Discover how they produce this light and why they make such a spectacle. We will learn all about this illuminating insect as we play a game, make a craft, and go out into the night in search of them.

The animals are hungry! Watch as a Runge naturalist feeds the snakes, aquarium fish, and snapping turtles. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The presenter will email the program link to participants both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages

This is a family fun day at the range. There will be opportunities to shotgun, .22 rifles, bb guns, archery, atlatl, disc golf, exhibits, fisching game, snow cones, and more. Come anytime between 3:00-7:00 p.m. All ages welcome. Shotgun shooting age minimum age 11, .22 rifle and atlatl minimum age 9.