Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found anywhere from our own backyard to a local conservation area, and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

CONTEST REQUIREMENTS AND INFO:

All photos submitted must be taken in or around St. Louis County 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). Participants are limited to 1 photo entry.

FAQ:

*How do I enter?

To enter, please submit your photograph to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2026. Be sure to indicate which category (youth or adult) you are entering in the email, as well as your name and a title for your photograph.

*When does voting begin?

Beginning May 5, 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. Voting will end May 30th at 4:00 p.m. with our winners being announced shortly after.

*How are these photos being printed?

Photographs will be printed on standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper and mounted to foam core board for display.

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 new trails, and connect with nature.

After finding painted rocks around Jefferson City, Janet Bonnot joined the JC Rocks movement in 2018. Her nature-inspired rock work is on display in the west wing hallway through June. 

Columbia Missouri Artist Christine Doerr’s art is inspired by a lifetime shaped by nature, travel, and service, from the Ozarks to the Mediterranean. Rooted in the landscapes of Gans Creek, it highlights both beauty and its environmental vulnerability. Her art will be on display in the lobby through June.

Nature printmaking is the art of creating lifelike images on paper or fabric with found objects from nature. MDC Naturalist Pat Whalen exhibits nature prints from his personal work and programs he presents at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. His prints will be on display in the west wing hallway through June. 

Registration required (ages 8+) Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Discovery Center grounds, observing the birds that use this urban oasis of varied native gardens, trees and landscaped areas. The walk is guided by a Missouri Master Naturalist and Burroughs Audubon member. While geared toward the beginner, birders of all skill levels are welcome. During the walk, bird identification, including old school methods and current apps, will be covered, as well as life history and related citizen science opportunities. We'll meet in the lobby and dress for the weather. The walk will be on sidewalks and mixed natural surfaces over flat terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them, there will be a limited number of binoculars available for use. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/guided-nature-tours (ages 12+) April showers bring May flowers! Enjoy a guided naturalist walk around the Discovery Cener to learn about native flowers and grasses emerging in the landscape. This leisurely walk is great for all experience levels and a great opportunity to ask your gardening questions. We'll discuss native plants for gardens and seasonal maintenance strategies. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Volunteer Naturalists Myra Scroggs and Marilyn Owens will help you find migrating birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.

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 13 & 27).

Are you new to the world of warblers or birding in general? This program is designed to help anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating birds. Spring is a great time to study warblers as they arrive in Missouri. Level up your birding skills and improve your ability to identify these birds. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Outdoor challenges! Puzzles! Trolls! Dare to complete a variety of amazing outdoor challenges as you race against other teams to find all the trolls hidden around the nature center grounds and other significant areas in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson city limits. First team to find every hidden troll and return to the nature center wins the prize – your very own stone garden troll (up to 3 winning teams). Teams will complete a variety of outdoor challenges, puzzles, and riddles to reveal locations of the trolls. This event will take place over a variety of paved, unpaved, and steep terrain. It will not be ADA accessible and participants could potentially get wet or muddy. Each team will also need a vehicle.

Please sign up only ONE PERSON per team, team size no more than four people. Registration opens Friday, April 17.