Events

Quack, quack, quack! Waddle, swim, or fly – just get here any way you can as we discover fun facts about ducks, including how they grow and make their amazing journeys. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Nature is a gift, but it also provides some great materials for making gifts! Join us as we create a nature-inspired craft to present to a loved one during this season of giving. Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 age range AND at least one child in the 3-6 age range.

This class covers the basic equipment, materials, and techniques needed to reload ammunition and customize the loads to your firearms. We will demonstrate the process and then give you some hands-on experience reloading ammunition. All equipment and materials are provided.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie flies? Join the Shoal Creek staff and MAKO fly fishers as we start a fly-tying series designed for the beginner and expert alike.  We will be going over equipment and supplies needs as we start tying a Woolly Bugger fly. All material will be provider, but feel free to bring your own vice and tools. Space is limited so please register so we know how many to expect.

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of Arrow Rock State Park (Saline County); 2 miles – easy. Arrow Rock will be decorated for Christmas so we will also walk through the town. Meet at the 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+

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

A season with cold temperatures may seem like the right time to tuck away your hiking shoes but a winter hike can be great, if you are prepared. Join us to learn about the best ways to enjoy hiking outdoors in the winter season and a few trails to explore around southwest Missouri.

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap. Woodpeckers are some of Missouri’s most beloved bird species. Their characteristic tap-tap-tapping as they hunt for food has made them one of the most easily recognizable winter birds. Learn about these wonderful woodpeckers, their amazing adaptations, and how to identify Missouri’s seven native species in this virtual program.

Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Come learn all about native evergreens and how you can use their boughs and other amazing pieces from nature to create festive holiday decorations. It is recommended that you bring sturdy leather gloves, hand pruners, and your favorite bows and embellishments to create your own unique wreath OR a vertical/horizontal swag.

Greenery and wreath form/swag board will be provided. Limited amounts of holiday embellishments will also be on hand.

Come learn all about native evergreens and how you can use their boughs and other amazing pieces from nature to create festive holiday decorations. It is recommended that you bring sturdy leather gloves, hand pruners, and your favorite bows and embellishments to create your own unique wreath OR a vertical/horizontal swag.

Greenery and wreath form/swag board will be provided. Limited amounts of holiday embellishments will also be on hand.