Events

The Castor River winds through southeast Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi River. Along the way its clear water passes gravel banks, flows under soaring eagles, and nourishes smallmouth, wildflowers, and mink. Come experience the magic yourself for this six-mile float down one of Missouri’s hidden gems. All experience levels welcome, though some fitness required as this river requires exiting and walking the kayaks over slippery rocks on occasion. A welcome email will be sent to participants with full details and a packing list about two weeks prior to the trip.

Turkey Wingbone Call Clinic – Make-and-Take to Missouri Outdoors

Here is your opportunity to make a turkey wingbone call from raw bone to final product. This clinic is open to 20 individuals from the ages 12 and up; all materials and tools for making the wingbone call will be provided. Registered youth under 16 must have parent or guardian present with them during the clinic. Registered participants will be asked to bring sack lunch, safety glasses, work gloves, and wear comfortable work clothes. The program will be held from 8 AM – 5 PM on October 5, 2024 at the Waynesville Rural Fire District Training Center located at 25785 Red Oak Road, Waynesville , MO 65583. Lead instructor will be Mike Mansell with Outdoor Skills of America.

Clinic is hosted by Outdoors Skills of America, Clay Howlett Memorial Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The trapping clinic will involve students learning all aspects of trapping in a hand-on approach. Students will set/ check traps, learn fur handling and all aspects of trapping. For the water portion of the clinic waders of some kinds are required.

What a great way to spend an early October morning! Come join us for a delicious breakfast from a Dutch oven cooked over coals and learn how to make a tasty Dutch oven dessert for later. While we wait for the dessert to cook, there will be fun activities for the kids and adults. Bring your camp chairs and an appetite!

*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.

Join the staff at Shoal Creek for a day of hands-on Primitive Skills development! Staff and Volunteers will be on hand to discuss, demonstrate, and coach you on a number of different bushcraft and primitive skills. all ages and skill levels are welcome! Registration recommended.

Registration required (adults) This thru hike will be roughly 8 miles long through several neighborhoods including Crossroads, Downtown and River Market. The hike will include a return trip on the KC Streetcar from River Market to Union Station. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Ages 11+ Anyone under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

NO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP! This class is for those of you who wonder why... Why do different lots of the same brand of ammo shoot differently? Why is it important to shoot the same ammo you will hunt or practice with? Why do two of the same calibers of firearms shoot the same manufacturer’s ammunition differently? Why do bullets rise? These questions and much more will be discussed. Come and ask lots of WHY? questions! The class will begin at 8:00AM. THIS IS A NON-SHOOTING CLASS! Bring your hunting rifle and ammo to practice what you have learned in this session. Anyone under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the St. Louis Recreation Council are teaming up to provide an introduction to fishing for people with disabilities. All fishing poles and bait will be provided.

Fishing licenses will only be required for additional family members/support persons who wish to fish, and who are between the ages of 16-64. Fishing permits can be purchased here:

https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/

A touch table and binoculars will also be provided to learn more about nature!

Please dress for the weather and bring water and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.

***Registration for this program is through the Recreation Council***

For more info or to RSVP, call Sue at 314-726-6044, ext. 101. Leave a message including the number of individuals attending, your name, cell phone number, and e-mail address in case we need to cancel due to inclement weather.

Fall is upon us! Celebrate the changing of the leaves with a fall colors tree craft. Build your own tree out of a simple paper bag with guided instruction from a Powder Valley Naturalist and decorate it with different colors of leaves that you see in fall. While we build our trees, we will talk about why trees change color and what special seasonal events happen in Missouri. Once you’re done with your tree, use it at home as a fall celebration centerpiece to show off to family and friends. All materials will be provided, all you must bring is yourself. Make sure to register all participants in your group, including children. Meet in Powder Valley Classrooms C & D.