Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Urban Nature Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife—right here on the scenic grounds of Powder Valley. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found in our own backyard and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

All photos submitted must be taken on-site at Powder Valley and should highlight native Missouri species. Participants are asked to follow area regulations, treat nature with care, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid harming any plants or habitats while photographing. The contest is open to everyone, and entries will be divided into two categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) and Adult (ages 18 and up).

To enter, please submit your photographs to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2025. Beginning May 3, all eligible entries will be on public display in the nature center’s art gallery, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs in person. Winners from each category will receive prizes and may have their work featured in future Powder Valley exhibits and across the Missouri Department of Conservation’s social media platforms.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos:

• Photograph during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light.

• Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging than subjects seen from a distance.

• Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators.

• Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, explore the trails, and connect with nature.

Bill Palmer's interest in the outdoors began in the 1950s on a small farm in Montgomery County. As a boy he spent time stalking rabbits and watching birds such as bobwhite quail which were plentiful on the farm. These early adventures became the foundation for his lifelong love and appreciation of nature. Bill Palmer's photographs may be viewed in the Runge main lobby thru Saturday, June 28. No registration required. All ages

Root head decoys were early duck decoys made from driftwood or dead tree logs for the body, and tree roots and limbs for the head. Jim Barksdale's carvings, located in the Runge west hallway, demonstrate his efforts to simulate these historic and creative works of art. The exhibit is on view through June 30. No registration required. All ages

Come check out this month's artist spotlight: Sarah Geringer. Artwork will remain up for the duration of the month in our lobby.

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 (May 14 & 28).

Agents of Discovery is a mobile game app that lets you explore nature in a new way. Our new game at Runge is a scavenger hunt you play on your phone. Find QR codes in our exhibit gallery and learn how birds use their beaks and bills like people use tools. Answer all the questions to win. Come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required although you do need to download the Agents of Discovery app to your phone. All ages

Join us to learn how to use trapping as a nuisance wildlife control technique and find enjoyment in being in nature at the same time. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the class. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to the instructor to let them know.

You are invited to our annual Stream Team clean-up at Runge on our section of Wears Creek. Let’s wade in the water, pick up trash, and explore the life that calls our creek home. Remember to wear old clothes and shoes to get wet and muddy. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Registration required. Ages 7-12

Native Missouri plants create beauty and provide food and cover for native butterflies, birds, and other wild animals. Gain basic native garden design concepts and learn where to find additional information and sample designs for your yard in this virtual presentation. The presenter will send a link via e-mail the day before and the day of the program. Registration required. All ages

Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.