Events

Come check out this month's artist spotlight, Patricia Littlefield, in our lobby. Patricia is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau and her passion for nature shines through in her display. She primarily works with graphite and colored pencils to create breathtaking drawings of Missouri's finest creatures. Artwork will remain up through the end of March.

Keep an eye out for book pages posted along Runge's Naturescape trail and enjoy a story as you walk and explore! Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot. No registration required. All ages.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is pleased to feature local photographer Anita Kensler in our art gallery hall in March of 2026.

"In 2020, schools closed for the second half of the school year due to the spread of Covid-19. The unexpected pause gave me the opportunity to reconnect with a long-forgotten passion- photography.

During my outings, I discovered that sitting quietly beneath an eagle's nest, I could observe and photograph them from a remarkably close perspective. Ospreys also came within range as I could paddle quietly to their preferred perches. I loved being able to combine two passions- kayaking and photography- into one meaningful experience.

In 2021, I retired from teaching which allowed me to devote even more time to my craft. I now spend many more hours photographing eagles at Simpson and George Winter Lakes. I have developed a deep appreciation for the wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center, where I am continually inspired by their beauty and presence. Additionally, I regularly photograph Lone Elk drawn by the incredible variety of wildlife found there."

Anita Kensler's work will be featured from March 3rd through March 31st. To see her exhibit, please visit us Tuesday through Saturday during open hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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 (March 11 & 25).

Join us for Spring Break Guided Hatchery Tours at the beautiful new Conservation Education Center! Tours are held Tuesday through Saturday at 11AM and 1PM. Tours will begin inside at the large Trout Aquarium and then move outside to the raceways. Tours last approximately 30-40 minutes. No registration required.

What should you do if you encounter a baby animal in the wild? Stop by this discovery table to learn why leaving them alone is often the best choice and how young animals grow and survive. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Join us to enjoy the signs of spring while exploring the Wildcat trail system. This will be around a four-mile hike with some rugged terrain. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bring binoculars if you like. Meet at the Gazebo on the west side of the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. Ages 18 and up.

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 9+. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it. The virtual link will be sent out the day before the program.

Join us for a Saturday morning storybook reading! Spring is around the corner, and to celebrate we will be reading The Caterpillar and the Polliwog written by Jack Kent. Throughout the story, we’ll follow the magical metamorphosis journey of a caterpillar and tadpole as they grow. After the reading, finish up this fun morning with a unique craft celebrating metamorphosis! This program is most appropriate for ages 4-7, but all are welcome. Please meet in classrooms C & D at the start of this program.

***When registering, please ensure that you register all individuals attending, including children and adults.

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 8+. Youth ages 9–15 must attend with a participating adult. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it.