Events

This 1.5-hour beginner-friendly class will begin at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This program is made possible by an education cooperative agreement between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. Staff will discuss water safety guidelines and review the basics to kayaking on Ellis Bay. Participants and guides will then launch their boats and set off to paddle around Ellis Bay. Kayaks, paddles and USCG life jackets provided for all. Participants must be 12 years of age and up. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please see the important information below:

* Since this is an official American Canoe Association (ACA) sanctioned event, all participants are required to complete a smart waiver that will be sent out after registration. If the waiver is not completed the participant will not be able to participate.

*Weight Limits:

Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org if you weigh 250 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak.

* Participants will meet at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way (approximately 1 mile down the road/past the Audubon Center at Riverlands building).

Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of Missouri venomous snakes! Join Powder Valley naturalists virtually for the feeding of our captive snakes while learning more about the interesting lives of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Please register all individuals who will be watching the livestream (including children) so that we may get an accurate total for the amount of people who participated in this program.

This program will take place on the virtual meeting platform Webex. The link for the program will be sent out to registered participants one week before the program, as well as one day before the program.

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.

Birding is a fun hobby, but it can be hard to know where to start. Join a naturalist and learn about how to break in to this daunting yet rewarding activity. Hear about how to pick up this important hobby, then participate in a short hike on Tanglevine Trail where you’ll practice your bird identification skills. Meet at the frog statue in front of the nature center. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and make sure to bring plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, and water. The short hike will be approximately 1/3 mile.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Spring has sprung and so have your weeds! Get your hands dirty and learn how to ID and manage seasonal weeds in your garden. All experience levels are welcome. Enjoy a naturalist-led garden tour following the end of the session. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

This class is designed for individuals familiar to shotguns wanting to get into Trap Shooting. It will cover safety, marksmanship fundamentals for shotgun, recommended gear for trap shooting, and the rules and etiquette for trap shooting. After the classroom portion we will move to the shotgun range to practice. Shotguns and ammunition will be available for those who need it.

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

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

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.

This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We will cover safety, appropriate guns and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field, and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

Registration required (all ages) Mammals, reptiles and birds oh my! Missouri is known for its diversity of habitats and wild species. Join us for a fun Missouri animal themes trivia night where you can test your knowledge about our spectacular native animals!

SPRING WARBLER DAY

BIRDING AT BIG BUFFALO CREEK

Experience how managed woodlands support a variety of wildlife, including 25+ species of warblers!

Get ready for a fun and informative morning in the Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area! This 3,000+acre wooded watershed is an outstanding example in western Missouri where forest-woodland habitats sustain a healthy Ozark stream system. These habitats support numerous resident and migratory songbirds, many of which are facing alarming population declines.

Join us for Spring Warbler Day, a morning of birding in the Big Buffalo Creek Watershed Priority Geography. Bring your binoculars, sturdy shoes, tick spray, and a sense of adventure! Birding trails include a 1.5-mile rocky dirt trail with uneven terrain and some steep slopes.

MDC Natural History Biologists are present to guide and answer questions on birds, wildlife, natural communities, and land management.

All levels of birders welcome!

Limited to 10 Participants

Meet at Campground on Big Buffalo Creek Road

BIG BUFFALO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Thursday, May 9th

7:00am- 11am

Campground on

Big Buffalo Rd