Events

Registration required (ages 8+) Celebrate Earth Day by diving into the world of aquatic ecosystems. Learn how to identify macroinvertebrates and what they tell us about water quality. Discover the watershed you live in and how our actions can have an impact and get up close with aquatic wildlife. Discover Missouri's aquatic ecosystems and discover a world of wonder.

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. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

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

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

Children must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times.

All participants must register separately. Email instructor for assistance with registration.

Walk-in (all ages)
There are numerous opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature in Blue Springs! The Missouri Department of Conservation is partners 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 Lake Remembrance on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Activities include: kayaking, fishing, wild edible plants, birding, outdoor yoga, archery, outdoor cooking and so much more! There will be something for all ages. Call 816-228-3766 for more information.

Walk-in (ages 2+)
Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Our imaginations are the only limits.

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.

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

Each participant must register for this program individually. For assistance with registration please contact the program instructor.

Registration required (all ages)
Eww! What’s that smell? Dinner! Come in and learn about one of Missouri’s most overlooked wild animals, the turkey vulture. Using a keen sense of smell, these birds are well adapted to a job that many take for granted.

Registration required (families)
Global Big Day is an opportunity to observe and share what birds live around you. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations. Join us and be a part of a global citizen science project. Binoculars and smart phone or mobile device is recommended.

Registration required (all ages)
Amphibians are a fun and important group that scientist’s study to determine the health of an ecosystem. Learn how to identify frogs by their calls and create a froggy craft to take home. We will walk to a pond to listen for and maybe even catch a few frogs!

Registration required for youngsters only (0-36 months with an adult)
Explore a creek with your little one! We will meet at the Bethany Falls parking lot pavilion and take a short hike to Burr Oak Creek to splash and experience this watery world.
Meet at the Bethany Falls Pavilion, bring bottled water, a towel and a change of clothes if would like to change after the program.

Registration required (adults)
This will be the second Missouri Butterfly Monitoring Network training for the Kansas City area! Learn more about 25 beautiful, common species of butterflies, how surveys are conducted and complete one of the three requirements in order to do surveys. Link to virtual program will be sent by email prior to program.

Registration required (adults)
Did you know that you can create delightful natural teas from leaves collected just outside your door? Come in and enjoy a cup of tea as you learn how to identify, harvest and dry these delicious leaves for later use.