Events

Bring your little ones for a little water play in nature. Everything in nature needs water, to drink, to clean and to live. This hands-on program is designed for you to interact with your little one in nature. Space is limited, and age range is 0-36-month-old with a care-giver. Your little ones will need a change of clothes. Stroller for non-walkers is advised. Meet at the front door of the Discover Center.
Our building remains closed. Please bring your own water bottle to this all outdoor event. While no indoor restrooms are available there is a portable toilet if needed. Face coverings are strongly encouraged.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4. Participants do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance from staff and other participants who are not their family membersembers during this program.

Many Missourians enjoy time on the water during summer, but so do many of our wildlife friends. Join us for a VIRTUAL program discussing how to identify the Water Moccasin from other water snakes in Missouri. When registering, please provide an active email address in your profile as you will receive a link the day prior to the program. All ages. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.

Participants do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Want to get the most out of using spincast fishing equipment to catch more trout? If so, join this informative virtual program: Spincast Fishing for Trout. Topics will include selecting the right reel, rod, line, and tackle.

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

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 – 15 and families with children. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. For reservation, please visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/discover-nature-... or call 417-256-7161. For more information.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 – 15 and families with children. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. For reservation, please visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/discover-nature-... or call 417-256-7161.

Nature is full of sneaky, crafty, undercover agents, and we want you to join the team! During this 4-part virtual camp you will tune in with a computer, tablet or smartphone to learn the tricks of the trade. Come see if you have what it takes to be one of nature’s secret agents. This fun program includes a box full of top secret activities, which will be picked up prior to the program so you can play along with our team at home.

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

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance from staff and other participants who are not their family members during this program. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact Reva Dow at (573) 325-1381.

You can find this long-eared furry animal in your own back yard. You might not spot it, catch it, or sneak up on it because the cottontail is made to avoid predators. Learn all about the cottontail rabbit in a VIRTUAL Little Acorns program with naturalist Alan Reed. When registering, please provide an active email address in your profile as you will receive a link the day prior to the program. Ages 3-6 years old is recommended. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Registration required (families)
This is a great time of year to take your family fishing. We will teach some fishing basics, provide equipment and worms and then let you practice your new fishing skills. Kids who attend will be entered in a drawing at the end of the summer for a new fishing pole and tackle box. Program is at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.

Registration required (all ages)
Break out your magnifying glasses for some fun citizen science and help us survey the caterpillars of Burr Oak Woods! We will be tracking the number and variety of butterflies in the native gardens around the nature center by looking for larva, adults and even chrysalis. Join in the “hunt” and/or create a life cycle craft. This program is part of Let’s Move! Saturdays.