Events

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.

Missouri is home to many kinds of frogs, but the bullfrog is the king of the pond. Come find out what makes this frog so special.

Hummingbirds are beautiful and unique birds. Discover more about these tiny fliers and learn how to attract these magnificent little jewels to your yard or garden.

Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for a introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation will be provided to Trail of Tears State Park, about 25 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy athletic or hiking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to properly chase catfish in your local body of water? We have the class for you! This is a single class that is made to teach you everything you will need to know. The class will begin as any other, only catch is, you will already be fishing! Fishing rods will be set up in wait as we teach and talk about catfish. We will display the different types of catfish, the different types of rods, reels, and gear used to catch catfish, and also teach you what kind of baits to use and where!

Spring is here and the crappie are biting! Tying your own crappie jigs is a fun and easy way to add to your tackle selection. You will learn how to use fly tying equipment, basic tying skills, and then tie a couple of crappie jigs. MDC will provide participants with a vise and tool kit to use during the class, along with all of the materials needed to make two crappie jigs. If you have your own vise and tools, you are more than welcome to bring them to use.

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather.

Spring is here and the crappie are biting! Tying your own crappie jigs is a fun and easy way to add to your tackle selection. You will learn how to use fly tying equipment, basic tying skills, and then tie a couple of crappie jigs. MDC will provide participants with a vise and tool kit to use during the class, along with all of the materials needed to make two crappie jigs. If you have your own vise and tools, you are more than welcome to bring them to use.