Events

In partnership with Spotlight on the Arts and JARICK Productions, the Runge Nature Center is exhibiting over 40 guest artists with various art mediums during the months of September and October. View the exhibit and vote for your favorite work of art. All ages. No registration required.

Explore the history of archery in North America from raw material harvest to bow design and performance. Then, using only hand tools and patience, craft your own hickory longbow work of art. Cost for materials is $110 and must be paid in full by September 15, 2022.

Woodworking skills recommended. This program requires stamina and upper arm strength. We will provide interested individuals with a registration form and detailed supply list. Checks should be made to MCHF. Lists of references and resources for making future bows on your own will be provided.

If you are participating in Cape Nature Center’s “A Year in Color” this program earns a green plants bead.

MDC and Missouri Trappers Association trapping clinic. This is a hands on event conducted in the field regardless of the weather. Students will need some form of waders and appropriate clothing.

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plants and animals found in the State of Missouri. We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. There will even be live examples of venomous animals found in the area. Drop by the Rockwoods Reservation Visitor and Education Center anytime during the 4-hour period. No reservations required.

All Ages

Native plants are the foundation of a healthy habitat and are essential for wildlife. Vendors will be on site who specialize in native trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers. Vendors, staff, and volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide advice on your purchases.

There will be folks demonstrating historic and modern uses of Missouri native plants. You could see basketmaking, wood carving, bow making, or other skills. The plants used in the demonstrations will be available from the native plant vendors, so you can grow your own and start crafting!

If you are participating in Cape Nature Center’s “A Year in Color” this program earns a green plants bead.

This event is the stream-side certification to become an Intro and Level 1 water quality monitor with Missouri Stream Team.

**You must complete the Intro to VWQM, Part 1 (virtual) AND Level 1 VWQM, Part 1 (virtual) prior to attending this event**

The virtual presentations are available as live events and are recorded for watching on-demand.

For more information on the VWQM program, please visit www.mostreamteam.org/water-quality-monitoring.html

For any questions, please email StreamTeam@mdc.mo.gov

Join us for a morning of fishing fun to celebrate Burr Oak Woods Nature Center's 40th birthday. We'll do a short fishing lesson and then we'll spend a couple hours fishing. We'll also have some fishing themed games, lots of prizes and a drawing for a fishing rod and tackle box. This program is appropriate for adults and families with children of all ages. Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided. Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

This morning fishing program will end just in time for participants to join in and enjoy other anniversary celebration activities that will be taking place at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center through our the afternoon.

Due to limited space, each participant mush register this fishing program separately. Email the instructor for assistance with registration.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool-kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Nature Walk/ Photo Hike for people who have disabilities, families and friends, and others.

Join us and the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis as we walk through the beautiful woods on the 1.5 mile paved ADA/wheelchair accessible path to the Katy Trail and back. Bring a camera to take pictures of family, friends and nature.

Please dress for the weather.

Participants will meet at the Busch Greenway Trailhead in Research park.

Participants can choose how long and far they want to walk. Directions will be provided to the location and trail head prior to the event.

Walk-in (all ages) Did you know your own backyard is home to a variety of wildlife? Discover characteristics and fun facts about backyard wildlife. Then make your own wildlife identification field guide to help you explore your own backyard. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Have you just bought a new pistol and want to become more familiar with it? Do you need some help getting started as a new shooter or haven’t shot for a while and want to get back into it? Is there a technique that you want to learn or improve upon? This One-on-One instruction is for you! THIS CLASS IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! Participants must provide their own pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition. For more information or to make an appointment, call 816-249-3194.

Shotgun shooting is fun and exciting. Whether you want to learn about the shotgun fundamentals from the very beginning or improve your skills on the skeet, trap or 5-stand ranges, this One-on-One Shotgun Instruction course is for you! Our instructors will help you get started and work with you on the basics to prepare you for moving on to each discipline. THIS CLASS IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! Please call 816-249-3194 to make an appointment. You must provide your own shotgun and two (2) full boxes of shells. The shells must be # 7.5, 8, or 9 shot. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Lake City Shooting Range wants to help you sight in your hunting rifle...for FREE! The instructors will help you ready to hunt, fine-tune your scope or improve on your shooting skills. If you are preparing for a hunt, bring the rifle and ammunition you plan to use during the hunt. THIS CLASS IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! Please call 816-249-3194 to make an appointment.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool-kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Discover some common Missouri trees and their fall colors in Tower Grove Park. Bring your smart phones with a QR reader and go on a tree-caching hike to practice identifying trees. We will be creating leaf print scarves to commemorate the natural beauty and style of Autumn.

Can’t afford that greenhouse you’ve been dreaming of to start your native plant seeds in? There is a cheaper and easier way. Learn how to use a gallon milk jug to get those seeds to germinate in time for spring planting. Donna Aufdenberg, Field Specialist in Horticulture, MU Extension in Cape County will lead this program and help you plant native seeds in a milk jug you will take home.

If you are participating in the nature center’s Year of Color contest this program is a green bead.

Walk-in (all ages)

Come one, Come all! Join us as we celebrate Burr Oak Woods Nature Centers 40th anniversary with a conservation carnival. For the last four decades we have helped the people of this community learn about and explore nature. Come out and enjoy some fun carnival style games, enjoy fair food at the food trucks, or test your skills at such events as archery, air rifles and atlatl. You will also be able to check out some animal oddities and be on the lookout for costumed critters walking around!

Where do monarchs migrate to? How do they get there? How long does the journey take? Help us capture, tag, and release these amazing creatures as we discuss these very questions. No registration required. All ages invited.

Would you like to learn the basics of deer hunting. This class will provide you with the basics to scout, select a location, equipment and general tips to be successful in the field.

Discover the world of Cowboy Action Shooting. During the class we will discover the adventure of cowboy action shooting and how to join in on the fun. The classroom portion will consist of safety rules, regulations, style, methods of shooting, appropriate clothing, firearm choices and much more. Then we will head to the range and work on our shooting skills and techniques. You may bring your own single action revolvers for this class. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 20 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines. 12 to 17 years of age must be accompied by a guardian.

With their thin soils, exposed rocks, and unique biodiversity, glades are some of the most interesting natural communities in Missouri. Join an MDC naturalist as we explore one of the largest dolomite glade complexes in Jefferson County. Be prepared to discover different species of plants, animals, and insects and learn about the interesting geologic history of the area.

We will explore the glades for a short distance and end the program with a hike of the main trail through the area to see the different natural communities and how they link together to create a mosaic of interconnected natural resources. Registrants are welcome to join for just the exploration or stay for the hike as well.

• Hike is 2.6 miles and of moderate difficulty. The terrain is rough and rocky, and you can expect elevation changes of up to 423 feet. The trail also may be overgrown in some areas and could be muddy or slick. *

• Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. *

• Bring a sack lunch and water. *

• All participants must be registered individually. *

• Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling if possible. *

• In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. *

• Program will be held at Valley View Glades Natural Area. The address is 131 Evergreen Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050. Participants will be sent specific directions during the week of the event. *

• There are no restroom facilities at this conservation area, so please plan ahead. *

The Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance and safe storage. We start in the Education Center with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed the second and fourth Wednesdays. (12th and 26th)

Learn the steps necessary to process deer meat yourself. We will discuss the field dressing process and demonstrate how to skin and butcher a deer in simple easy steps with minimum equipment. You'll learn tips on how to make sure your venison is the best quality possible.

Walk-in (all ages) Whether you are a painter or like to admire artwork at the Discovery Center come join us for the culmination of the Brush Creek Art Walk! Starting at 6:00 p.m. awards will be handed out to the hardworking artists followed by a meet and greet. Artwork will be on display through the end of October. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.