Events

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.

Have you ever walked through the forest and been stung by stinging nettles, bitten by a mosquito, or pricked by a thorn? Join us as we discover, and learn how to avoid, the plants and animals that stick, prick, sting, and bite.

(Ages 3 & up)
No reservations
Get the family outdoors for some Tree-mendous fun! Learn about trees and animal tracks, then create wearable art take home, using those leaves and tracks. Please bring you own all-cotton shirt to decorate and we will provide the rest. Children under 7 will need adult help and supervision. Come while supplies last.

Smokey Bear is celebrating his 75th birthday this year. We want to congratulate him on the many years he has helped us prevent wildfires. The nature center is having a pre-party on August 31st from 1-3 pm. You are invited to come make your own Smokey Bear t-shirt, enjoy bear crafts and make birthday cards to give to Smokey at his party during the SEMO fair on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm. Please join Smokey and some of his local friends like Rowdy Redhawk at the Fair Conservation Pavilion while they dance the hokey pokey and enjoy a free cupcake.

You must sign up online using the following link, cut and paste this link to a new browser:

https://docs.google.com/a/nwtf.net/forms/d/1d-139WODPgspJmP9qVD09_pI2Qm9...

You must sign up online using the following link, cut and paste this link to a new browser:

https://docs.google.com/a/nwtf.net/forms/d/1d-139WODPgspJmP9qVD09_pI2Qm9...

This Women's Only Beginner Handgun program will include safety, operation and techniques of shooting semi-auto and revolver handguns. Participants must be at least 16 years old. All equipment will be provided, including guns, ammo, targets, eye and ear protection. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. No open toed shoes allowed. You are welcome to bring your personal handgun as long as it is unloaded and cased. If you choose to bring your own handgun, you will need to provide your own ammunition. After a short lecture session, we will practice shooting at paper and steel targets.

Would you like to improve your wing shooting skills using non-toxic shot? Join us in learning the proper way to select the best ammunition and choke combination for different migratory and upland game bird hunting. We will also discuss how to judge distances and properly pattern your shotgun. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided however you are encouraged to bring your own shotgun and chokes if they are approved for use with nontoxic shot.

Walk-in (all ages)
Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday.

This program includes archery safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance and safe storage. You may bring your own equipment to this program; however, equipment will be provided.

(Ages 6 -16) When we think about intelligent animals, we don’t often think about birds. However, crows are remarkably clever. They learn quickly, solve problems easily, and can even make and use tools! We will celebrate these abilities with discussion, videos, activities and a craft. Come prepared to “be a crow” as we act out several experiments that highlight the cleverness of crows.

Meet us at the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center’s gazebo (next to the building) for a September stroll along the Wildcat Park trails while we hunt for natural objects in a scavenger hunt. The walk will be a little more than a mile and is rated easy. Please bring strollers for toddlers.