Virtual Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Have you ever wondered about the butterflies in your neighborhood? Can you identify these beautiful creatures from one another? Butterflies bring an array of bright colors that flutter amidst our summer sky. Learn about these winged jewels through an ID quiz and identification techniques for common species that are found throughout Missouri. Gain great tips on how to attract these pollinators to your backyards.

Email with link will be sent out 24 hours before the presentation. Please be sure to check your email.

Whether you find them creepy, cool or both, people often find snakes fascinating. Join us virtually to learn more about the 40+ species of snakes in our state. We'll discuss why snakes are beneficial and go over some of our more common snakes as well as our venomous species in the state. All ages. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Explore alternative catfish methods virtually. Our instructor, John Rittel, and his team will give you a step-by-step class on how to catch these giants from the river without ever touching a rod and reel. We will take you with us from our introduction course where you'll learn about these methods and how to set them, to going out on the river itself to see how it's done hands on.

This is a two-day course (Saturday & Sunday) with three different sessions. You do not have to commit to all three sessions to attend. The last session, on Sunday the 25th @ 8am, we will be checking our catch and going over how to handle and clean the fish. You will be sent a link to the program the week prior. Please ensure your email address is correct on your registration account in order to receive the link.

Explore alternative catfish methods virtually. Our instructor, John Rittel, and his team will give you a step-by-step class on how to catch these giants from the river without ever touching a rod and reel. We will take you with us from our introduction course where you'll learn about these methods and how to set them, to going out on the river itself to see how it's done hands on.

Did you know there are seventeen species of milkweed (family Asclepiadaceae) in Missouri? These plants are critical to the survival of the monarch butterfly. Look closely and you will also find tussock moth caterpillars, long horn milkweed beetles, spiders on the hunt, and an array of other critters that depend on milkweed. Join us online to learn about the various species of milkweed, where each can be found, and what creatures live on and around these plants. Registered participants will receive the program link both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages, although the program is geared for adults.

Meet one of our flat-shelled, aquatic turtles who makes its home in ponds and lakes throughout the state. Chances are you’ve seen one expertly sliding off a basking log into the safety of the water. We will dive right into the life of the common, red-eared slider and learn why we should help keep them wild.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

You have learned the basics of shooting a shotgun, now what? This class will show you the games of Trap, Skeet, and 5-Stand Sporting Clays, all of which are known as Shotgun Shooting Sports. Each game has it own unique traits that make them enjoyable. We will talk about how to mount the gun, hold points, the flight of the birds, break points, forward allowance, plus various other mechanics. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Come join us for a inside look of what staff do to keep the range up and running! First we will let you know about some of the programs that we have done. Then we will let you know what programs are coming up. After that we will take you to a part of the range and show you how we take care of things from the target frames to filling the trap and skeet machines. This is a new virial series that we are doing for our shooters and visitors once a month. You will receive a link to log on the morning of the program.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Late in the Summer fishing can take a turn, the bass won't bite, and bluegill hide from the hook. During these dog days there is one fish that is more reliable: catfish. Come learn about catfishing in this virtual program covering the basics and a few useful techniques.

In this virtual program you can expect to learn, equipment, bait, location, and times for catfishing. This course is suitable for all experience levels and ages.

A link to join the Webex meeting will be sent to the email used to register before the presentation begins.

Native plants are an integral part of Missouri’s ecosystems’ health and diversity. Expand your native knowledge with this plant identification course to put a name to all the wildflowers emerging across Kansas City.

Meet the family who likes to give tight hugs and has been known to dine on venomous snakes. We will take a closer look into the lives of Missouri’s kingsnakes. Learn how to tell them apart and how they help us.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a virtual hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.