Events

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Walk-in (all ages) Have you ever questioned your roll in an ecosystem? There are basic actions all citizens can take to create a ripple effect and make a significant impact on the environment. Join us in uplifting our community by leaning from the experts the benefits of recycling, negative impacts littering has on wildlife and the resources and the benefits of trees. This event is in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join a naturalist in the lobby of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for a chance to learn about and see live reptiles and amphibians.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Bass fishing is an excellent way to connect with nature and have fun in a more active way than bait fishing. Learn about popular fishing holes in southeast Missouri, artificial lures, fish forecasting, and much more. This virtual program is open to all ages and experience levels, but fishing experience is recommended to fully understand some concepts. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to fishing, largemouth bass make an interesting and fun target species, so join us and engage with nature. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

The atlatl, also known as a spear thrower, is a tool used around the world since prehistory. Pre-dating the bow and arrow by tens of thousands of years, this tool, in the hands of the Aztecs, could penetrate even Spanish armor! Join us on the front lawn of the nature center to give it a try. You may even need to help us hunt the mighty ice age bison, a long extinct ancestor of the bison today! This program does not require registration. During this open time slot participants can come and go as they please.

Come learn about pie irons for quick and fun camp cooking! We will show you how to prepare and cook some tasty vittles over a grill or campfire. Leave with recipes and knowledge to make tasty treats on your next camping trip or in your backyard. We will also discuss fire starting and fire building to keep warm on your fall outdoor outings.

Come learn about pie irons for quick and fun camp cooking! We will show you how to prepare and cook some tasty vittles over a grill or campfire. Leave with recipes and knowledge to make tasty treats on your next camping trip or in your backyard. We will also discuss fire starting and fire building to keep warm on your fall outdoor outings.

Missouri Trees

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month all year long, though you may join at any time. You will learn to use simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques to stitch quilt blocks of some of the iconic trees of southeast Missouri - such as the bald cypress and white oak; as well as lesser known trees like the cucumber magnolia and Ozark chinquapin native to the Southeast part of the state.

Each block will feature a leaf with its fruit and/or flower. At each class you will discover a new tree’s secret life history, habitat preferences, importance to wildlife and the myriad uses by people through the ages.

Classes will be held on either the third or fourth Monday of each month at 5:00 pm via WebEx.

A link will be emailed to the participants' registered email prior to the meeting time, along with the thread colors needed that month. Block templates and information cards will be sent out after the class meets.

It is encouraged to download the application ahead of time to prevent technical issues.

Beginning Handgun

(Ages 16 and up)

Our Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance, and safe storage. We start with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center. (An adult must accompany Ages 16-18)