Events

Artwork on display in lobby.

Join us to discover the basics of responsible handgun ownership and the joys of shooting. We will cover safety, handgun nomenclature, sight picture, sight alignment, breath control, trigger squeeze, and much more. During the live fire portion, .22 handguns and ammunition will be provided. 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.

Watch Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink transform simple rocks into artistic and functional points similar to the ones used by early humans. Learn the basics and try your hand at this age-old skill.

Bring your loved ones in to sip on drinks and nibble on dishes made with wild edible plants. Naturalist Jordi Raos will give a presentation followed by a short garden walk and craft. (Mother not required to attend!) All people attending must register as seating is limited.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2 to 6.

In partnership with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, we bring you Wildlife Photographer Noppadol Paothong. He will focus on how to take better impact photographs that tell a story and give tips and personal decisions on how to create images that go beyond just a snapshot.

Learn some birding basics, including how to use binoculars properly, and get some identification tips. We'll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds.

Join us as we explore the Nature Center grounds in search of the stuff animals leave behind. We'll start in the classroom to learn about tracks and scat before hitting the trails. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bug spray is also suggested. Ages 12-17. Registration required.

Fly in to learn how and why birds migrate to and from Missouri every spring. Conservation Kids is designed for kids ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend as families will do activities together.