Events

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (December 13 & 27).

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (Dec 13th & 27th).

Missouri trees are relatively easy to identify in the summer when they have all their leaves. As winter approaches these leaves fall off making the trees more difficult to distinguish. Attend this hands-on workshop to learn the tips and tricks to tree identification throughout the seasons.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Enrich your life by nature immersion! Enjoy learning the science of sound and how we can use nature sounds as therapy before we head outside to try it on the trail. Dress for the weather to stay warm on a 15-45 minute walk depending on how cold it is outside.

Learning to hunt deer with a handgun adds a great deal of challenge to your hunting. Using handguns also can extend your season. Do you have what it takes? Learn from our experienced instructors about wildlife identification, habits and habitats, regulations, safety, hunting strategies, equipment and game care. Attend this class to increase your success in the field.

Join us at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and learn to clean, and prepare your trout.

Staff will demonstrate some easy methods of cleaning trout, then participants will have a hands on opportunity to clean some trout themselves. We'll prepare those trout for everyone to sample using some favorite and delicious methods.

Each participant must register separately. Contact instructor for assistant with registration.

Enrich your life by nature immersion! Warm up with some complimentary coffee or tea indoors and enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of our winter bird visitors. Then, weather permitting, join the Naturalist on an optional birding hike out on the trail.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us for a novice squirrel hunting clinic. Day one will occur at Burr Oak Woods, and will include a classroom presentation over hunting basics, etiquette, ethics, regulations, firearm handling and safety, squirrel cleaning, preparation, and more. Day two will be at Lone Jack Lake Conservation Area. Directions will be given during the day one meeting so participants know where to meet on the morning of day two. During the hunt on day two, participants will be partnered up with a mentor that will stay alongside them for the duration of the day. If squirrels are harvested, a hands-on cleaning demo will occur at the conclusion of the event.

All participants must have necessary permit(s) and Hunter Education Certification to attend.