Events

Walk-in (all ages) Hot weather can slow down the fishing. Cast your luck with us as we explore the art of nature printing. Gyotaku is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800's. This form of nature printing was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. We will use replica fish, textile ink and recycled fabric and t-shirts to create wearable works of art.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Registration required (adults) Get outdoors and discover new outdoor skills at Parma Woods Shooting Range. This program will take you back to your childhood as you make your own sling shot and test your shooting skills. Participants will also get to spend time on the shooting range learning how to target shoot .22 caliber rifles. Participants will need to provide their own transportation.

Registration required for each family member attending (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. The program is presented at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.

Walk-in (all ages) Learning to become a birder is a unique experience that can begin in your own backyard! Would you like to discover how to attract a variety of native songbirds to your backyard, including making a simple homemade feeder? Once you know more about their nesting habits, eating behaviors and favorite foods it's a sure bet you'll have them as guests for your viewing pleasure year-round!

This program includes rifle safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance and safe storage. You are required to provide your own rifle and at least 60 rounds of ammunition.

Missouri River Celebration!
August 24, 2019

Many of us drive over the Missouri River daily without giving it a second thought. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join in on an exploration of Missouri’s most magnificent natural and cultural resource in a canoe, kayak or on a powered pontoon? Join us for one of these floats to celebrate this incredible masterpiece in our own backyard! (Adults only)

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on the 4th annual Missouri River Masterpiece
MDC will provide canoes, kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, shuttle service and boat lights for the evening float. Reservations required online at: https://mdc.mo.gov/ and hover over the events tab. Search for events in Kansas City.
You must choose both 1 orientation time and 1 float.
August 15 Canoe Orientation at Burr Oak Woods Education Pond: Burr Oak Woods 1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (choose one) Wednesday 4:00 – 5:30, 5:30 – 7:00 or 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Attend an orientation at the Burr Oak Woods Education Pond to learn about Missouri River navigation and to brush up on our canoe strokes before we head out on the river. We will prepare you for your choice of the upcoming floats. Must attend to participate in any of the floats.
August 24
The Day Dawns Bright 6:00 am – 9:00 am
It is magic on the river as the sun peeks over the horizon. We will set out in canoes on an 8-mile float trip on the Missouri River from Platte Landing to Kaw Point. Please dress for the weather and bring water and a good flashlight. Bring a simple breakfast to enjoy out on the river.

Day Float on the Wide Missouri 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
We will set out in canoes on a 15-mile float trip on the Missouri River from Kaw Point to LaBenite Park. Please dress for the weather and bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Bring a simple lunch to enjoy out on the river.

A Missouri River Sunset 3:30 – 8:00 pm
This float embarks on a 14-mile float from LaBenite Park to Ft Osage. Please join us as we explore issues impacting our waterways along the Missouri River with our friends at the Missouri Department of Conservation for our Environmental Humanities Program Series. As the sun lowers in the sky, the Missouri River will take your breath away at sunset! Please dress for the weather and bring a hat, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and good flashlight. Bring a simple dinner to enjoy out on the river.

Missouri River Celebration!
August 24, 2019

Many of us drive over the Missouri River daily without giving it a second thought. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join in on an exploration of Missouri’s most magnificent natural and cultural resource in a canoe, kayak or on a powered pontoon? Join us for one of these floats to celebrate this incredible masterpiece in our own backyard! (Adults only)

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on the 4th annual Missouri River Masterpiece
MDC will provide canoes, kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, shuttle service and boat lights for the evening float. Reservations required online at: https://mdc.mo.gov/ and hover over the events tab. Search for events in Kansas City.
You must choose both 1 orientation time and 1 float.
August 15 Canoe Orientation at Burr Oak Woods Education Pond: Burr Oak Woods 1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (choose one) Wednesday 4:00 – 5:30, 5:30 – 7:00 or 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Attend an orientation at the Burr Oak Woods Education Pond to learn about Missouri River navigation and to brush up on our canoe strokes before we head out on the river. We will prepare you for your choice of the upcoming floats. Must attend to participate in any of the floats.
August 24
The Day Dawns Bright 6:00 am – 9:00 am
It is magic on the river as the sun peeks over the horizon. We will set out in canoes on an 8-mile float trip on the Missouri River from Platte Landing to Kaw Point. Please dress for the weather and bring water and a good flashlight. Bring a simple breakfast to enjoy out on the river.

Day Float on the Wide Missouri 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
We will set out in canoes on a 15-mile float trip on the Missouri River from Kaw Point to LaBenite Park. Please dress for the weather and bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Bring a simple lunch to enjoy out on the river.

A Missouri River Sunset 3:30 – 8:00 pm
This float embarks on a 14-mile float from LaBenite Park to Ft Osage. Please join us as we explore issues impacting our waterways along the Missouri River with our friends at the Missouri Department of Conservation for our Environmental Humanities Program Series. As the sun lowers in the sky, the Missouri River will take your breath away at sunset! Please dress for the weather and bring a hat, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and good flashlight. Bring a simple dinner to enjoy out on the river.

Registration required (adults)
Do you have questions and want to learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? Join the Missouri Department of Conservation, in partnership with the Quality Deer Management Association and the Missouri Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for a CWD Symposium with Questions & Answers with guest speakers Jason Sumners, MDC Resource Science Division Chief and Kip Adams, QDMA Director of Conservation.
registration now on line or email
Missouri@backcountryhunters.org

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.