Events

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! It 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.

Registration is required! Shotgun shooting is fun and exciting. If you want to learn about the shotgun fundamentals from the very beginning or improve your skill at skeet, trap or 5-stand, 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. To register or for more information, please call 816-249-3194. 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!

Nature's Needlers, a volunteer led program at the Runge Conservation Nature Center, is celebrating 24 years of nature-inspired quilts. Visit the Runge Conservation Nature Center in September and October to experience our bi-annual quilt show. Nature's Needlers is a monthly program offered by volunteers who teach and guide participants in needlework inspired by Missouri's outdoors. All Ages. No registration required.

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

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

The virtual presentations are available as live events and will be recorded for watching on-demand after 9/3/2021.

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

This Clinic is designed for individuals who would like to catfish on Truman Lake, particularly with juglines and trotlines, but need assistance getting started. Each participant will be provided with the materials to make a jugline. Participants will learn about the management of catfish on Truman Lake, how to build juglines and trotlines, get hands-on experience setting and running juglines and trotlines, learn how to clean catfish and get a basic overview of techniques for rod and reel fishing Truman Lake. This clinic will be completed by noon on Saturday, participants are encouraged to use the rest of the weekend to catfish on their own. Materials to make additional juglines and trotlines can be purchased in Warsaw, we will assist participants who wish to build additional juglines or trotlines at the conclusion of the clinic.

Participants will be fishing from MDC boats. Everyone attending must possess a valid Missouri fishing license. Personal flotation devices will be provided and must be worn while on the boats.

Chris Brooke 660-885-6981

Mark Miller 660 530 5500

This program is designed as a basic course to provide family's an opportunity to become familiar with shooting. It is required to register each member of your family. We will provide .22 caliber handguns and rifles and ammunition for them to shoot. There will be a short class covering safety, parts of a firearm, and fundamentals of marksmanship. Due to time constraints we will not have any time to provide individuals an opportunity to shoot their own firearms.

Youth .22 Rifle

(Ages 9 and up)

Interested young people may experience shooting .22 rifles by an instructor. Each participant will be learning safety and the proper techniques of shooting .22 rim fire rifles. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

This is a novice class for people who have little or no experience in handling and shooting a handgun. We will discuss safety, types of handguns, different parts of the handgun, the variety of calibers, ammunition and marksmanship. Class includes range time.

Enjoy a hike at Hercules Glades Wilderness. Explore the Coy Bald Loop with volunteer Brian Conry. Meet at the Nature Center and follow us to the location in your personal vehicle (near Kissee Mills). Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is seven miles and rated moderate to difficult. Ages 18-adult.

Join us to discuss how to select the right optic, options for mounting it and how to mount it. Then we’ll discuss how to bore sight and zero your new scope. If you plan to bring your firearm, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition in the caliber of your rifle. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed to go down range to shoot. This includes concealed carry handguns and magazines. Make sure your rifle is completely unloaded before you arrive at the range.

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

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

The virtual presentations are available as live events and will be recorded for watching on-demand after 9/3/2021.

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

Are you someone that has never shot a bow and arrow before and you’re not sure how to get started? Or maybe you did when you were young, but never pursued the activity any further. Learn the basics of shooting the bow and arrow utilizing some of the techniques and methods that have been adopted by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This course is for those 14 years of age or older with the desire to shoot a bow and arrow, but have little or no experience. Learn archery shooting fundamentals while gaining knowledge about equipment options and choices. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

* Classes will be CANCELLED if we encounter inclement weather — rain or heat (temps more than 90 degrees).

Thanks!

Drop by any time at this free event to purchase native plants for your landscaping needs. Vendors will offer hardy plants native to Missouri and will provide information about the benefits of planting native species.

Learn about basic emergency items everyone should have for outdoor activities from avid outdoorsman Don Brink. Whether you enjoy day outings or extended hiking, backpacking, or hunting trips, learn how to make your outings safe. All ages.

Snakes are often feared because they’re misunderstood. Do you wish you knew more about these secretive reptiles? Here’s your chance! Tune in to meet some of the nature center snakes, learn to identify common snakes, and how to tell venomous from nonvenomous. We’ll also talk about the ecological benefits of having snakes around.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Enjoy a fun-filled day as we celebrate the migration of monarch butterflies. Stop by any time to get up close with monarch caterpillars and butterflies and participate in citizen science as we catch and tag butterflies. Activities include crafts, games, and more. Recommended for all ages.

Join us for a day of fish, family and fun. This event is an opportunity to spend time with family and time outdoors. The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is excited to offer this Discover Nature Fishing event to individuals experiencing memory loss, their caregivers and loved ones. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. This event is accessible and all equipment is provided.

Registration is required. You can register through the Missouri Department of Conservation events page. For questions, please use the contact information below.

The event will be held at the Bois D' Arc pond.

Address:

4045 N State Hwy UU

Bois D' Arc, MO 65612

Lyle Whittaker

Conservation Educator

Missouri Department of Conservation

Lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov

417.895.6881 Ext. 1644

Samantha Whittaker

Program Coordinator

Alzheimer’s Association

slwhittaker@alz.org

417.461.4025

FREE SHOOTING! The Lake City Range is happy to open our doors to the public with a FREE day of shooting in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day! Everyone is welcome! Come hone your skills on the trap or skeet fields, archery, or on the rifle or pistol ranges. All shooters must provide their own firearm and ammunition or archery equipment. We'll see you on the range!

Walk-in (all ages) Join the Missouri Prairie Foundation at the Discovery Center for a native plant sale. Signs will be set up to specify where to park. Volunteers will be available to load plants into your car if you need assistance. Grow Native! professional members will be set up to sell native plants: Gaylena's Garden, Ozark Soul Native Plants, Missouri Wildflower Nursery, Allendan Seed Company, Colonial Gardens, Prairie Hill Farm, LLC, City Roots Nursery and Down to Earth Services/Green Thumb Gardens. Vendors will have a wide selectin of native flowers, grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees for a variety of growing conditions. Visit https://moprairie.org for updates and information about preordering and participating vendors.

Snakes are often feared because they’re misunderstood. Do you wish you knew more about these secretive reptiles? Here’s your chance! Come meet some of the nature center snakes, learn to identify common snakes, and how to tell venomous from nonvenomous. We’ll also talk about the ecological benefits of having snakes around.

Registration required for all attending (families)

Join us for an afternoon of fun as we learn about the monarch butterfly and its magical trek to Mexico. We will explore the monarch’s lifecycle and migration. And you will get a chance visit to become a citizen scientist by tagging monarchs and tracking their journey.

Learn how to tell the difference between honey bees, carpenter bees and bumble bees! You will learn some cool facts about those little pollinators and the plants they visit. We will spend time at a specific plant counting the pollinators to help further insect science. We will be using the Sunflower Project to submit our pollinator counts.

With our partner, Tower Grove Park, we present an afternoon of nature and art! Tower Grove Park features many great natural inspirations for artists on all levels. Learn about nature in the park, then create a piece of inspiration to take home. Bring the whole family! No experience needed and we’ll provide all the materials necessary.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Columbia Bottom is Big Sky Country in North County, and the sunsets here are spectacular! Watch the sunset from the highest point on Columbia Bottom, and walk with us by the light of the nearly full Harvest Moon past ripening fields and golden prairies. Listen for the sounds of migrating waterfowl and other birds.

Meet at the Cropland Overlook, lot “K”, about 41/2 miles from the front entrance.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

We will discuss the correct shot placement on North American game animals along with the correct safety protocol used when shooting on a 3D archery range. We will shoot a variety of game animal targets, from the ground and from an elevated tower. This class will enable you to master those tough shots when shooting at large game animals.