Events

Naturescaping is simply utilizing native flowers, vines, shrubs, and other plants that share our environment for our landscaping needs. They may be as manicured as a formal garden or have a little wild space in a backyard corner. The benefits of a purposeful flowerbed or landscape will be covered from the roots up, including starting with a new space to rehabbing an existing flowerbed. The design and plant components of a butterfly garden, hummingbird haven, and more ideas to entice wanted wildlife will be included. The program is geared for all interested adults including educators developing rain gardens and planning outdoor classrooms.

(Presented by Jeff Cantrell, MO Stream Team Biologist and member of GROW NATIVE).

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Want to see spring wildflowers and hike with a group? Meet at the pavilion for an introduction. We hope to find bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, trillium, wild phlox, and spring beauty. Rockwoods is a little piece of the Ozarks close to home. According to MDC, “The terrain is reminiscent of the Ozark hills and many plants and animals found in hill country are also found here.”

We will hike about 2 miles. The hike includes hills and stairs. Picnic facilities are available if you want to bring your lunch.

Dress for the weather and protection from poison ivy. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring water and magnifying glass if you have one. Please register each participant individually.

With spring in full swing MO amphibians are starting to come out. People misidentify frogs and toads often this time of year. Learn the key differences between them and meet a few of the frogs and toads we have in the nature center.

There are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature in Jackson County! The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with Blue Springs and Jackson County Parks and Recreation to offer this celebration of the outdoors in our community. The event will be held at Rotary Park, 600 NW Vesper St, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Activities include fishing, wild edible plants, birding, outdoor yoga, archery and so much more! There will be something for all ages.

Red, blue, white, and green; what beautiful colors appear in spring! Learn about the beautiful blooms in spring and participate in some fun and flowery sensory activities and crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Has anyone ever copied you? That happens to some of Missouri’s wild animals. They get tricked by something that is a copy when they think it is real. Come watch as Runge’s Puppeteers show how copycats mimic other things. You can even discover why being a fake can really be good. No registration required. All ages.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Has anyone ever copied you? That happens to some of Missouri’s wild animals. They get tricked by something that is a copy when they think it is real. Come watch as Runge’s Puppeteers show how copycats mimic other things. You can even discover why being a fake can really be good. No registration required. All ages

Celebrate the spring season by heading out on a scavenger hunt! It will be fun for the whole family as you search for signs of spring. There will be an easy, moderate, and difficult scavenger hunt available. Just drop by, select the scavenger hunt page of your choice, and return completed pages for a small prize.