Events

What is making all that noise near our pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about the life cycle of amphibians. Then we will take a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

When was the last time you saw a monarch butterfly fluttering through your flowers? Or a bald eagle swooping down to catch a fish in the Mississippi River? What about a gray bat returning to its place in a cave?

It might have been a while, but you may experience these events more often in the future because all these creatures have something in common. Each is or has been on a list of species protected by the (Federal) Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Wildlife Code of Missouri also helps to protect threatened and endangered species in Missouri.

We will discuss why certain species are in danger of extinction, and how the Endangered Species Act of 1973 is helping to preserve them for future generations.

Bring a sack lunch. Water, coffee, and dessert will be provided. Park in front of the visitor center.

What is making all that noise near the pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about amphibian life cycles. Then we will go for a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

If reptiles were superheroes, the skink would be The Flash! It is not easy get a good look at these sleek reptiles and usually we only catch a quick glimpse of their blue tail because they are so fast. Join us as we take some time to slow down and learn more about these common lizards and how they help us out.

Join us and learn how to clean and prepare most species of common Missouri fish.

We'll start the afternoon off catching a few fish. Then we'll clean the fish that we caught . We'll also prepare those fish using some favorite Methods. Participants will be able to sample what we cook

Missouri Department of Conservation with provide all fishing equipment, fish cleaning equipment and cooking equipment.

Program is appropriate for adults and families with children over the age of 8. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Fishing permits are not required to fish during this event.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

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.

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of the North Loop of Wilderness Trail at Meramec State Park (Franklin, Crawford, and Washington Counties); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+

Missouri bears are always on the lookout for tasty food. Do you think you can fill a plate full of food enough to satisfy a black bear? Join us as we learn about these large mammals and all the different foods they eat!

Birds are singing! Flowers are blooming! Learn about the seasonal changes that spring brings to Rockwoods Reservation. We will take a 1-mile hike on the Rock Quarry Trail to explore the signs of spring using your 5 senses. This program is targeted to students 5-12 years of age. The hike will be on natural terrain and include uphill and downhill hiking.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

Please dress for the weather. Sunscreen, hats, closed toe shoes, and insect repellant are recommended.

Please register all participants attending individually. Children must be accompanied by an adult.